Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, perched at a height of 1330 m, is the location where Lord Shiva placed a venom (called Halahala) originating from the sea (Samudra Manthan) in his neck. The venom is possibly responsible for Lord Shiva’s blue throat, earning him the name Neelkanth.

The sacred shrine is situated at the confluence of two rivers, Madhumati and Pankaja, between the spectacular Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot Valleys. Interiors are equally as beautiful as their vibrant exteriors.

The shikhara above the entrance door is decorated with sculptures of gods and demons depicting the story of Samudra Manthan. A divine shivling (lingam) sits in the temple’s main sanctum. Before visiting the temple, devotees are seen taking a holy bath in the temple complex’s hot spring.

There is also a banyan tree that grants wishes. Tourists who want to see the temple’s fun side should come during the Maha Shivratri festival or Shravana, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar.

The temple is approximately 32 kilometers from Rishikesh and is easily accessible by bus or taxi. If visitors have time, they can visit a cave temple located 2 kilometers uphill from the main shrine.