Rishikesh, a city in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a popular destination for devotees and thrill-seekers alike, but did you know, that just 25 kilometres outside Rishikesh, there exists a natural wonder that is hidden from the eyes of many? Jhilmil Cave, also called Jhilmil Gufa, is a living cave formed thousands of years ago in the Manikoot Parvat region.
Legend has it that the cave gets its name from a sage called Jhilmila Sadhu, who is believed to have meditated and attained Samadhi in this cave. Located just 4 kilometres from Neelkanth Mahadev temple on Manikoot Parvat, in the Kajari Van area. The cave temple is named after a sage named Jhilmila Sadhu, who meditated in the cave and is believed to have attained Samadhi.
Formed naturally millions of years ago, this cave is dedicated to the supreme devotee of Lord Shiva, Baba Gorakhnath. This cave is quite ancient and complete with ancient mysteries. There is a description in the Puranas that Baba Gorakhnath had done austerities to Lord Shiva for thousands of years by setting up Hawan in this cave. At this place, Lord Shiva and Baba Gorakhnath had discussed the archaic art of yoga together for a long time.
This cave is replete with Hindu mythological significance which makes it a haven of spirituality. Believed to be where one of Lord Shiva’s ardent disciples, Baba Gorakhnath meditated for years. Legend has it that Lord Shiva granted him an audience and held a detailed discourse on yoga in this very location.
The Pandavas from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, are said to have used this cave for meditation and they also hid here from their enemies while in exile.
The cave’s beauty lies in its unique rock formations—stalactites and stalagmites. These dripstone speleothems were formed through natural geological processes over millennia. Made from natural mineral deposits, these rock formations that hang from the roof of the cave and rise up from the floor grow, change, and continue to evolve giving Jhilmil Cave the moniker of a “living cave”.
The cave’s dynamic and unique interior landscape makes Jhilmil Cave an ever-changing natural wonder that has something new to offer each time you visit. The small opening that leads visitors into the cave adds to the thrill of the experience.
The challenging nature of the trek up to this cave ensures that this marvel of nature’s patient craftsmanship remains untouched by commercialisation and crowds of tourists.
Trekking up to Jhilmil Cave is an adventure in itself, making the journey as interesting as the destination. Do not let the lack of signboards and the rough terrain deter your spirit of exploration. The climb up can be especially treacherous in the rain when the track is slippery but the serene atmosphere and the panoramic views make the trek well worth it.
Those with a spiritual bent of mind will find the experience meditative. The Cave’s acoustics are worth commenting on. Simple sounds are amplified in this cave so find a spot in the cave and chant the word ‘Om’ and hear it echo and reverberate throughout the cave.
Enjoy the soul-stirring feeling of solitude and mindfulness in this one-of-a-kind destination that is off the beaten path.
Jhilmil Cave is not the only cave in the area. Within walking distance, visitors will find the Ganesh Gufa and Hanuman Gufa, which have naturally formed likenesses to the idols of Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman. These caves are very popular with devotees who trek up to Jhilmil Cave.
It is not uncommon to find Naga Sadhus in deep meditation or conducting rituals and group prayers. Tourists often join in for a yoga session or moments of quiet contemplation.
Those who have trekked up to take in the natural beauty of the Jhilmil Caves can explore the surrounding flora and fauna, which is especially rich and untouched given the relatively secluded area the cave is in. Birdwatching is a popular activity here as there are a variety of different species in the nearby forests.
Given its proximity to Rishikesh, most tourists choose to find accommodations there. Rishikesh offers options ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels. If you choose to stay at Jhilmil Cave or do not want to travel back after dark, you can consider staying near Ganesh Gufa.
These options are limited and not standardised. Tourists can get a bed and three meals for a few hundred rupees per person. The accommodation will be basic and you may have to bargain with the owner for the right price and facilities.
Jhilmil Cave is located approximately 25 kilometres from Rishikesh, 60 kilometres from Dehradun, and 265 kilometres from Delhi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, from where tourists can take a car or a bus to Jhilmil Cave.
The nearest train station to Jhilmil Cave is located in Rishikesh and local buses and cars are available to transport visitors to Jhilmil Cave.
You can also drive down to the cave by taking the Badrinath Highway, which is about 12 km from Rishikesh, and then travel along the 30km Neelkanth motorway. Alternatively, you can trek to the cave, which usually takes 5 to 6 hours from the Ramjhula Bridge.
It is important to note that the cave is situated in Rajaji National Park, and the surrounding area is known for the frequent movement of elephants and leopards. Therefore, tourists are advised not to trek after dark and to complete the trek before sunset.
The best time to visit Jhilmil Cave is in the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is more conducive to trekking. Avoid this destination during the monsoon months, as the terrain can be dangerous.