pilgrimage travel to rishikesh

Rishikesh Travel Guide: From Places to Visit to What to Pack

Rishikesh is a land of spirituality, adventure, and enchantment! Located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India, Rishikesh is a perfect destination for “pray” in an “Eat, Pray, Love” kind of quest. Here is the Ultimate Rishikesh Travel Guide to help you plan an awesome trip!

Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh is a spiritual hub that attracts visitors seeking inner peace and growth. But that’s not all – the city is also a hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering a plethora of exciting activities such as river rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking. Apart from that, The place holds a special place for the fans of the famous English rock band, The Beatles.

With its vibrant culture, mouth-watering cuisine, and warm hospitality, Rishikesh is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul. Read this blog to know all you need to know to plan an awesome trip to Rishikesh.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh

Things to Do in Rishikesh

How to Reach Rishikesh

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

How to get around in rishikesh, where to eat in rishikesh, where to shop in rishikesh, what to pack for rishikesh, rishikesh travel guide: best places to visit.

Rishikesh is a popular destination for spiritual seekers, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The city offers a unique blend of spiritual and outdoor experiences that make it a must-visit destination in India. From my experience, I can say that you can cover most of these popular destinations and activities in Rishikesh in 3 days .

Let me take you through some of the top places to visit in Rishikesh.

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is one of the most popular attractions in Rishikesh. It is a sacred spot where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge. The ghat is believed to be a source of spiritual energy, and people come here to take a dip in the holy waters and perform rituals and ceremonies.

Triveni Ghat has a rich history dating back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva visited this spot and left their footprints here. It is also believed that the Pandavas, the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata, took a dip in the holy waters of Triveni Ghat during their exile.

The evening aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat is a sight to behold. Hundreds of devotees gather here every evening to offer prayers to the river. The aarti is performed by priests who use incense sticks, lamps, and flowers while chanting mantras. The atmosphere is electrifying, and the sounds of the mantras and the bells fill the air.

Triveni Ghat is located in the heart of Rishikesh and is easily accessible by road. It is a 20-minute drive from the Rishikesh bus stand and can also be reached by auto-rickshaws or taxis. If you are staying near the ghat, you can also walk to the spot.

Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rishikesh. The suspension bridge spans across the River Ganges and is named after Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama in Hindu mythology. The bridge has become an iconic landmark of Rishikesh, drawing thousands of visitors every year.

According to legend, Lakshmana crossed the River Ganges on a jute rope bridge at the same spot where Lakshman Jhula stands today. The original bridge was believed to have been constructed in the early 19th century and was replaced by an iron suspension bridge in 1929.

Lakshman Jhula is a feat of engineering and architecture. The bridge is made of iron and spans across 450 feet of the Ganges River. It is 70 feet above the water level and 7 feet wide. The bridge is supported by massive iron cables and has two towers at each end.

Lakshman Jhula is not only a significant pilgrimage site but also a hub of activity and commerce. The bridge is lined with shops and stalls selling a variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the river and the surrounding hills from the bridge.

The bridge is also a gateway to many of Rishikesh’s famous ashrams and temples. The Gita Bhavan, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and Trimbakeshwar Temple are all located nearby and can be easily accessed from the bridge.

One of the most iconic landmarks of Rishikesh is the Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge that spans across the River Ganges. The bridge is an important pilgrimage site and a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors every year.

Ram Jhula is named after Lord Rama, the protagonist of the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to legend, Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana crossed the River Ganges at this spot on their way to exile. The original Ram Jhula was a jute rope bridge that was constructed in the late 19th century. It was later replaced by a stronger iron suspension bridge in 1986.

The Ram Jhula is a marvel of engineering and architecture. The bridge is made of iron and spans 450 feet across the Ganges River. It is 30 feet wide and stands 60 feet above the water level. The bridge is supported by massive iron cables and has two towers at each end.

Ram Jhula is also a gateway to many of Rishikesh’s famous ashrams and temples. The Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swarg Ashram, and Triveni Ghat are all located nearby and can be easily accessed from the bridge.

Parmarth Niketan

Parmarth Niketan is one of the most popular ashrams located in Rishikesh, India. It is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges and is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic beauty. The ashram is a spiritual haven that attracts devotees and travelers from all over the world.

Parmarth Niketan was established in 1942 by Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj, a disciple of Swami Sivananda. Initially, the ashram was a small hut that was used by Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj to meditate and practice yoga. Over the years, the ashram grew in popularity and size, and it now boasts of over 1,000 rooms that can accommodate over 3,000 people at a time.

Parmarth Niketan is known for its serene and tranquil environment that is conducive to spiritual growth and rejuvenation. The ashram offers a range of facilities to its guests, including accommodation, dining, yoga and meditation, Ayurveda, Ganga aarti, satsangs, nature walks, and various cultural programs.

Beatles Ashram

The Beatles Ashram , also known as Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram, is a must-visit destination in Rishikesh. The ashram was once the residence of the famous spiritual guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and was visited by the Beatles in the 1960s to learn transcendental meditation. You can explore the abandoned ashram and see the graffiti and artwork created by artists and fans from all over the world.

The ashram was meant to be a place where people could come to learn meditation and connect with their inner selves.

However, the ashram became famous for a different reason when The Beatles, along with their wives and other musicians, visited the ashram in 1968. The Beatles stayed at the ashram for almost two months, during which they composed some of their most famous songs, including “Dear Prudence,” “Back in the USSR,” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

In March 2018, the Ashram organized a Beatles Fest to mark the 60th anniversary of the Beatles visit to Rishikesh. 

Today, the Beatles Ashram is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to see the graffiti-covered walls and explore the ruins of the ashram.

You can take a self-guided tour of Beatles Ashram and see the rooms where The Beatles stayed, the meditation cells where they meditated, and the famous graffiti-covered walls that feature quotes from The Beatles’ songs and images of the band members.

Neer Garh Waterfall

Located at a distance of around 6 kilometers from Rishikesh, Neer Garh Waterfall is situated amidst the lush green hills of the Shivalik range. The waterfall is formed by the natural cascading of water from a height of around 25 feet, making it a spectacular sight to behold.

To reach the waterfall, you can take a taxi or hire a scooter or bike from Rishikesh. There is also a local bus service that operates from Rishikesh to the waterfall.

Once you reach the place, you need to undertake a short trek of around 1 kilometer through a forested area, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. The trek is not very strenuous, and visitors of all ages can undertake it.

Once you reach the waterfall, you are greeted by a breathtaking view of the cascading water amidst the lush green surroundings. The sound of the falling water and the cool breeze make for a relaxing and refreshing experience.

There are also a few shops near the waterfall where you can purchase refreshments and snacks.

The best time to visit Neer Garh Waterfall is during the monsoon season when the waterfall is in its full glory. The lush green surroundings and the gushing water make for a picturesque and mesmerizing sight.

Rishikesh Travel Guide: Things to Do

Rishikesh is known for its spiritual significance, scenic beauty, and adventure activities. Here are some of the activities to do in Rishikesh:

Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World, and it’s not without reason. The city’s tranquil surroundings and spiritual atmosphere make it an ideal destination for yoga and meditation enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look at the yoga and meditation scene in Rishikesh:

Courses: You can enroll in short-term or long-term yoga and meditation courses in Rishikesh. The courses are designed to cater to all levels of practitioners, from beginners to advanced. These courses cover various yoga styles, including Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga, and meditation techniques such as Vipassana and Transcendental Meditation.

Rishikesh is home to numerous yoga and meditation centers, ashrams, and retreats, where you can learn and practice various forms of yoga and meditation. Some of the popular yoga and meditation centers in Rishikesh are:

Best Hostels in Rishikesh for Yoga Enthusiasts

Parmarth Niketan: Parmarth Niketan is a renowned ashram in Rishikesh, known for its yoga and meditation programs. It offers various courses and programs, including yoga, meditation, and spiritual retreats.

Sivananda Ashram: Sivananda Ashram is a traditional yoga center, offering a comprehensive yoga program that includes asanas, pranayama, meditation, and chanting.

Phool Chatti Ashram: Phool Chatti Ashram is a serene retreat, located on the banks of the river Ganges, surrounded by lush green forests and hills. It offers various yoga and meditation programs, including hatha yoga, kundalini yoga, and meditation.

Camping in Rishikesh

Camping is a great way to disconnect from the outside world and immerse oneself in nature. There are many camping sites in Rishikesh, which offer you a unique experience. Some of the popular camping sites in Rishikesh are:

Shivpuri: Shivpuri is a small town located 16 km away from Rishikesh, and it is a popular camping site. The campsite is located on the banks of the river Ganges, surrounded by lush green forests and hills. You can enjoy adventure activities like rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Byasi: Byasi is another popular camping site located 30 km away from Rishikesh. The campsite is located on the banks of the river Ganges, and you can enjoy adventure activities like rafting, kayaking, and trekking.

Kaudiyala: Kaudiyala is a beautiful village located 38 km away from Rishikesh. The campsite is located on the banks of the river Ganges, surrounded by hills and forests. You can enjoy adventure activities like rafting, kayaking, and camping.

River Rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is famous for its river rafting experiences. You can enjoy a thrilling rafting experience, accompanied by guides.

The rapids: The Ganges River in Rishikesh offers a range of rapids, from grade II to grade IV, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The rapids are classified based on their difficulty level, with grade II being easy and grade IV being challenging.

The season: The best time to go river rafting in Rishikesh is from September to November and from March to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the water level in the river is ideal for rafting. Rafting on the Ganges is closed during July and August.

The duration: The duration of a rafting trip in Rishikesh varies from 1-2 hours to a full day, depending on the stretch chosen. The most popular stretch is the 16 km stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, which takes around 3-4 hours. This is what we chose on our trip.

The safety measures: The rafting companies provide life jackets, helmets, and experienced guides who ensure the safety of the rafters.

The cost: The cost of river rafting in Rishikesh varies depending on the stretch chosen and the duration of the trip. The prices start from around INR 600 per person for a short trip and can go up to INR 3000 per person for a full-day trip. You can book your rafting slot online to avoid last minute rush.

The experience: River rafting in Rishikesh is an exhilarating experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The cool waters of the Ganges River and the rush of the rapids provide an adrenaline rush like no other.

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

Bungee jumping is another popular adventure activity in Rishikesh. The jump is from a height of 83 meters, and you are secured with a harness and a bungee cord. The jump offers an adrenaline rush like no other and is a must-do activity for adventure enthusiasts.

Location: Bungee jumping in Rishikesh is conducted at Mohan Chatti, a village located 25 km from Rishikesh.

Safety Measures: Bungee jumping can be dangerous, and it’s essential to take all necessary safety measures. The jumpers are secured with a harness and a bungee cord, and trained professionals conduct the jump. The equipment used for bungee jumping is regularly checked and maintained to ensure the safety of the jumpers.

Cost: The cost of bungee jumping in Rishikesh is approximately INR 3700 per person. The package includes the jump, transportation to and from the jumping site, and a certificate of participation.

Age and weight limit: The minimum age limit for bungee jumping in Rishikesh is 12 years, and the minimum weight limit is 40 kg. The maximum weight limit is 110 kg.

Booking: You can book your bungee jumping package online or through tour operators in Rishikesh. It is advisable to book in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointment.

Best Budget Hotels in Rishikesh for Families

Rishikesh Travel Guide: How to Reach

Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination and a pilgrimage site in India. Located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is easily accessible from major cities in India. Here’s a closer look at how to reach Rishikesh:

The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport, which is located about 20 km from the city. Daily flights operate from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport. Once you reach the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh.

Rishikesh has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The Haridwar Junction railway station, located about 25 km from Rishikesh, is another major railway station in the region. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is well-connected to major cities in India by road. Several private and state-run buses operate from Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, and other nearby cities to Rishikesh. The road journey from Delhi to Rishikesh takes around 6-7 hours.

If you prefer to drive, Rishikesh is well-connected to major cities in India by national highways. You can hire a car or a bike in Delhi or any other nearby city and drive to Rishikesh. The roads are well-maintained, and the drive is scenic.

Shared Taxis

Shared taxis are also a popular mode of transportation to reach Rishikesh. Several shared taxi services operate from Haridwar and Dehradun to Rishikesh. They are a convenient and affordable way to travel, especially if you are traveling alone.

Blessed with a pleasant climate and natural beauty, Rishikesh can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Rishikesh is during the months of February to May and September to November. Let’s take a closer look at the best time to visit Rishikesh:

February to May

The months of February to May are considered the best time to visit Rishikesh. The weather during this time is pleasant, and the temperature ranges between 15°C to 35°C. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, camping, and trekking.

June to August

The monsoon season in Rishikesh lasts from June to August. The town receives moderate to heavy rainfall during this time, which can sometimes lead to landslides and flooding. While this is not an ideal time for outdoor activities, the lush green surroundings and waterfalls make it a great time for nature lovers and photographers.

September to November

The post-monsoon season from September to November is another great time to visit Rishikesh. The weather during this time is pleasant, and the temperature ranges between 10°C to 32°C. The river is also at its best during this time, making it perfect for water sports and adventure activities.

December to January

Winter season from December to January is another great time to visit Rishikesh. The temperature during this time ranges between 5°C to 20°C, and the town is covered in mist and fog, giving it a mystical charm. This is also the time when the Ganga Aarti is performed, and the town is lit up with beautiful lights and decorations.

Getting around in Rishikesh is easy and affordable, and there are several options available. Let’s take a closer look at how to get around in Rishikesh:

The best way to explore Rishikesh is on foot. Most of the popular attractions in the town are located within a few kilometers of each other, making it easy to walk around. Walking is also a great way to soak in the local culture and explore the narrow alleys and bazaars of the town.

Auto-Rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in Rishikesh. They are easy to find, and the fares are reasonable. You can negotiate the fare before starting your journey or use a metered rickshaw.

Taxis are available in Rishikesh and are a convenient mode of transport, especially for longer distances. You can hire a taxi for a few hours or for the entire day. You can find taxis at the bus stand, railway station, and major hotels.

Motorbikes and Scooters

If you’re looking for an adventure and want to explore the town on your own, you can rent a motorbike or scooter. There are several rental agencies in Rishikesh that offer motorbikes and scooters on rent. Make sure to wear a helmet and carry a valid driving license.

Another eco-friendly way to explore Rishikesh is on a bicycle. Several rental agencies offer bicycles on rent, and you can explore the town at your own pace. Cycling is also a great way to stay fit and explore the beautiful countryside.

Rishikesh is known for its delicious food, which ranges from traditional Indian cuisine to international dishes. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat in Rishikesh. To help you out, here’s a list of some of the best places to eat in Rishikesh :

The Sitting Elephant: This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the Ganges and the surrounding mountains. The Sitting Elephant serves delicious vegan and vegetarian food, including smoothie bowls, salads, sandwiches, and more.

Bistro Nirvana: Bistro Nirvana is a cozy cafe that offers a range of international dishes, including pasta, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. The cafe also has a selection of teas, coffee, and desserts.

Little Buddha Cafe: Situated near the Laxman Jhula bridge, Little Buddha Cafe is a popular spot for travelers. The cafe offers a range of dishes, including Indian, Tibetan, and Continental cuisine.

Devraj Coffee Corner: Devraj Coffee Corner is a cafe that offers a variety of coffee blends, as well as snacks like sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas.

Ganga View Cafe: This restaurant offers a panoramic view of the Ganges river and serves a variety of Indian and Continental cuisine. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset.

Shopping in Rishikesh ranges from traditional Indian handicrafts to modern clothing and accessories. Here’s a list of some of the best places to shop in Rishikesh:

Triveni Ghat Market: Triveni Ghat Market is located near the Triveni Ghat and offers a range of items such as clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. The market is also famous for its ayurvedic products.

Lakshman Jhula Market: Located near the Lakshman Jhula bridge, this market offers a variety of items such as clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and ayurvedic products. The market is also known for its street food, including chaat and samosas.

Rishikesh Main Market: This market is located in the heart of the town and offers a wide range of items such as clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, and spiritual items. The market also has many shops selling books on yoga and spirituality.

Swarg Ashram Market: Swarg Ashram Market is located near the Swarg Ashram and offers a range of items such as clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and spiritual items. The market also has many shops selling books on yoga and spirituality.

Himalayan Weavers: Himalayan Weavers is a cooperative of local weavers that offers a range of hand-woven textiles, including shawls, scarves, and bedspreads. The cooperative also offers tours of their weaving facilities.

To help you make the most out of your trip to Rishikesh, I have compiled a list of things you should pack.

Clothing: Rishikesh has a moderate climate throughout the year, so it is advisable to pack light and comfortable clothing. For the summer months (March to June), pack light cotton clothes such as shorts, t-shirts, and dresses. For the winter months (October to February), pack warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters, and shawls. If you plan on doing adventure activities such as river rafting or bungee jumping, pack quick-drying clothes and shoes.

Footwear: Rishikesh is a hilly area, and the roads can be uneven, so it’s best to pack comfortable and sturdy footwear such as sneakers, trekking shoes, or sandals with a good grip.

Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent : Rishikesh can get quite sunny, so pack a good quality sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the harsh sun rays. Additionally, the town is also prone to mosquitoes, so pack a good mosquito repellent to avoid insect bites.

Yoga Clothes: If you plan on attending yoga classes, pack comfortable yoga clothes such as leggings, tank tops, and yoga pants.

First Aid Kit: While Rishikesh is a safe town, it’s always advisable to pack a basic first aid kit with items such as pain relievers, antiseptics, band-aids, and any prescription medication.

Water Bottle: Rishikesh has many waterfalls, streams, and rivers, and it’s essential to stay hydrated. Pack a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day.

Rishikesh Travel Guide: Wrapping it Up

I hope you have a wonderful trip of Rishikesh and that my Rishikesh travel guide gave you all the information you needed to travel the trip. If you would like me to add any information, do let me know in the comments below.

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Delhi Travel Guide

Image Credits: Triveni Ghat , Parmarth Nikethan

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means, at no added cost to you, the affiliate marketing site pays me a small commission for every qualified purchase made though the affiliate link.

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10 thoughts on “rishikesh travel guide: from places to visit to what to pack”.

I had never even heard of Rishikesh. It looks SO beautiful! I have ALWAYS wanted to visit India. Pinning for later!

There is sooo much in Rishikesh that sounds brilliant! The nature side of things (waterfalls, giant rivers converging, hiking, camping and rafting) all sounds amaaaazing!

To add to that, I wasn’t expecting you to mention the Beatles! That is such a cool extra bit of music history!

Camping in Rishikesh looks like something I would love along with the whitewater rafting. Great blog and thank you for posting!

Very informative 👍

Rishikesh, India offers something for everyone – from relaxing yoga and meditation to more adventurous ideas. Great guide on what to do and pack.

Great piece of writing, Ashley. Keep it up.

This may sound a little strange but monsoon season sounds appealing, ha ha! I love rain. I’m always searching for relaxing destinations! Would you say that Rishikesh is crowded?

Oh, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Rishikesh in monsoon. There have been incidence of flooding in the area. Besides, rafting on the Ganges and camping, the fun activities to do in Rishikesh are closed during the monsoon period. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that on your trip to Rishikesh!

Would love to visit sometime, haven’t been yet, thanks for tips

Great work , keep it up

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The Complete Guide to Rishikesh, India: the Birthplace of Yoga

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How to Get There

Best time to visit, things to do, where to eat and drink, where to stay, things to do nearby.

Rishikesh, as the birthplace of yoga, attracts spiritual-seekers who come to meditate, do yoga, and learn about other aspects of Hinduism. The whole town is considered sacred, and it’s believed that meditation there leads to salvation. Despite the growing number of visitors, the town’s lanes and alleys retain an old-world charm, and it remains a wonderful place to relax and unwind among nature. It has a distinctively peaceful, uplifting, and international feel. Rishikesh is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, surrounded by hills on three sides, not far from Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Plan your trip with this Rishikesh travel guide.

Rishikesh is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, surrounded by hills on three sides, not far from Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

The nearest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, 35 kilometers (22 miles away). The airport is actually closer to Rishikesh than it is to Dehradun! Expect to pay 1,500 rupees (around $19) for a taxi to Rishikesh from the airport. Shubh Yatra Travels offers a reliable service. However, it's cheaper to travel to Rishikesh by road from Haridwar if you're on a budget.

As Rishikesh is at the foothills of the Himalayas, it provides a fantastic escape during the hotter months. Therefore, the best time to visit is between March and April and September to October. Temperatures soar in May. Rishikesh is best avoided during the monsoon months from July to August, as it receives heavy rainfall. Rafting is also closed during this time. Winter, from November until February, is cold but generally pleasant. So, bring woolens. Many people consider the couple of months after the monsoon to be the best time to visit, as the landscape is alive, green, and soothing.

Those interested in yoga shouldn't miss the International Yoga Festival , held in Rishikesh in March each year. The week-long festival is one of the biggest annual yoga gatherings in the world. Attendees participate in a comprehensive program of yoga classes and evening discussions with some of India's leading spiritual leaders. There are also vegetarian cooking classes and the Yoga Aid Challenge charity fundraiser.

Rishikesh is one of the most popular destinations for yoga in India. There are numerous ashrams and styles of yoga and meditation to choose from. Hence, it's crucial to investigate which best meets your needs. Check out these top Rishikesh ashrams for yoga and meditation to get an idea of what's available. The main spiritual district is known as Swarg Ashram, and you'll also find plenty of ashrams there. Plus, food stalls and shops.

Rishikesh is an ideal place to wander around and explore on foot, although auto-rickshaws are readily available for transport. Make sure you watch out for the plentiful monkeys that are quite a menace, particularly on the bridges. Unfortunately, the iconic Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge was closed in 2019 because it had become old and unsafe. There are plans to build a new glass-floored bridge next to it. Venture down to the ghats lining the river and relax amid the daily goings-on. You can also take a boat across the river near Ram Jhula as an alternative to walking across the bridge.

People gather at Parmarth Niketan ashram (in the Swag Ashram area) to experience the Ganga Aarti (worship ritual with fire) every evening.

If you're interested in learning about Indian cuisine and how to make it, don't miss the classes offered by Cooking Masala.

You may have heard that the famous English band The Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960s to learn meditation. They also wrote about 40 songs there. The ashram is located within Rajaji National Park, and it recently re-opened for tourists after three decades. Its remaining walls have been decorated with amazing graffiti artwork by artists worldwide under The Beatles Cathedral Gallery community project. The entry cost is 150 rupees for Indians and 600 rupees for foreigners. Students pay 50 rupees.

Ayurveda is popular in Rishikesh. You'll be able to feast on delicious Ayurvedic, organic, and healthy food. Head to Ayurpak (which also provides homestay accommodations and these jungle cottages ), Ramana's Organic Cafe, or Pure Soul Organic Cafe & Kitchen. In addition, Nature Care Village is a wonderful organic farm specializing in raw food, yoga, and meditation retreats. You can learn about the properties of various medicinal plants and their uses from experts there too. (Read reviews of Nature Care Village and book on Tripadvisor ). If you're keen on getting professional Ayurvedic treatment, Hemadri Ayurveda Center is recommended. Vedic Ayurved also gives some of the best Ayurvedic massages in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is a great place to shop for religious items, books, clothes, jewelry, and handicrafts. The main market areas are around Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula.

Because Rishikesh is a holy town, eggs, meat, and alcohol are difficult to find there.

However, Rishikesh does have some groovy cafes to hang out in. The Little Buddha Cafe is a delightfully laid-back tree-house cafe at Lakshman Jhula, providing views of the Ganges River and fabulous international food. Cafe de Goa , near Lakshman Jhula bridge, also looks out over the Ganges River and serves various dishes, including Continental cuisine. The 60's cafe (Beatles Cafe) in the Laxman Jhula area has a Beatles theme and music to go with it. Bistro Nirvana is recommended for its rustic setting featuring bamboo and clay furnishings. Head to The Sitting Elephant on the rooftop of Hotel EllBee or Jal & Jalebi at Hotel Ganga Kinare for upmarket and fine dining. On the other side of the river, Chatsang Cafe ("where food meets the soul") offers healthy and contemporary food with a twist.

Substantial discounts are usually possible at hotels during non-peak times, so do ask! For smaller hotels, it's best to just turn up. If you prefer to book in advance and stay somewhere reputable, here are the best Rishikesh hotels and guesthouses for all budgets. The article also contains information about the various areas in Rishikesh to help you choose where will suit you best. If you're looking for inexpensive accommodations, several groovy backpacker hostels have opened up in the area. Zostel and Bunk Stay are popular.

Shivpuri is a highly recommended side trip, especially if you're into adventure. Located 22 kilometers (14 miles) upstream, it's a place of mesmerizing natural beauty. You'll find excellent white water rafting with Grade 3 and 4 rapids. Tented accommodations with attached bathrooms, such as those provided by Camp AquaForest and Camp Ganga Riviera , add to the uniqueness of the setting in the middle of white sand beach and jungle. There's also an excellent bungee jump zone and Asia's longest zip-line on the road to Neelkanth at Mohanchatti village (about 20 minutes from Rishikesh). Mini-bus transport is provided from Rishikesh.

A side trip to Haridwar is also worthwhile to experience the very different atmosphere and evening Ganga Aarti there.

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"Yoga Capital of the World"

Rishikesh tourism.

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga River, Rishikesh is a small town in the Dehradun district, located close to Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh (also called as Hrishikesh) is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes and as the "Yoga Capital of the World". Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage town and one of the holiest places for Hindus.

Rishikesh became known worldwide in the 1960s after The Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi here. Today, the place is popular as The Beatles Ashram which beckons tourists globally. The tranquil town has long been a spiritual centre but is equally popular for the whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking and camping along the fast-flowing Holy Ganges. It also serves as the gateway to many Himalayan treks. As it lies on the holy banks of river Ganga, Rishikesh has been a hub of Sadhus (saints) with numerous ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation and Ayurveda springing up. Since it is a religious town, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited here. Rishikesh sees the most beautiful evening aarti on the banks of the river Ganga, which is not too crowded unlike its contemporaries in Varanasi , and Haridwar . The International Yoga Festival  is organised here in the first week of March which sees yoga enthusiasts from all over the globe. Rishikesh is divided into two main areas - the downtown area known as Rishikesh town which is where the popular Triveni Ghat is situated. 2 km upstream from the popular Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula is the other side of Rishikesh where most of the popular ashrams, cafes, accommodation and tourists can be found. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the first Indian cities to be given the title of "twin national heritage cities".

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• The 'Devraj Coffee Corner', also known as 'The German Bakery' (known for it being situated near the Lakshmana Jhula, overlooking the beautiful river Ganga, and beautiful decor)
• Oasis Cafe (situated near 'The German Bakery', this place offers a luxurious eating experience)
• Ramana's Organic Cafe (the name and the view of Ganga, along with the warmth offered by this place, is a great crowd puller)
• The 'Little Buddha Cafe' (a beautiful treehouse-style cafe, it happens to be one of the most popular cafes near the Lakshmana Jhula, because of its view and amazing flavors)
• Cafe Karma (if the name does not interest you, probably the relaxing atmosphere will).

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Art of Nomads

Backpacking rishikesh: an ultimate travel guide.

I have been planning a backpacking trip to Rishikesh for so long now and so decided to write about it, nothing could make me happier. Having been to Rishikesh several times before because my grandfather resides by the gorgeous river Ganga but never solo. I cannot get enough of it, So let’s dig into the article together and plan a backpacking trip to this riverside destination.

Rishikesh is an important holy pilgrimage site for Hindus, the yoga capital, and an adventurer’s paradise which is why it is a place one needs to be at least once in their lifetime. Backpacking in Rishikesh is also for the digital nomads, and peace seekers. A lively city with something or the other happening throughout the day it has so much to offer for everyone. River Ganga flows through Rishikesh which has a lot of religious importance. The river also makes opportunities for adventure sports like rafting, cliff jumping, and kayaking.

Backpacking in Rishikesh is not only popular among Indians but also well known internationally. As a result, Rishikesh got internationally popular in the 1960s when the Beatles came and resided, in search of spirituality, which is why people from all over the world come here, for the spiritual and adventure this place provides and also for learning yoga. You will find people from across the world, and staycations in such places bring up a lot of networking opportunities.

Where Is Rishikesh Located?

Rishikesh is a small town located in Uttrakhand in northern India. A lot of treks and backpacking trips begin from Rishikesh. The infamous char Dham yatra to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri starts from here. It is popularly known as “Gateway To Garhwal Himalayas” 

Rishikesh is located 250 km from the national capital, 25km from Dehradun which is the capital city of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is located at a 40 min drive from the closest railway station in Haridwar. From the above locations, Rishikesh is highly accessible and can be visited using various modes of transport.

Mythology Importance Of Rishikesh

Popularly known as the twin heritage cities of India are Rishikesh and Haridwar, they are two of the most important holy pilgrimage sites of Hindus. It has a lot of mythological stories attached to it.

A sage by the Raibhya performed a strict penance on the banks of the river Ganges. Lord Vishnu visited him in his avatar as “Hrishikesh”. He was very impressed by his devotion.

Lord Rama indulged in deep meditation because he obliterate Ravana. Lord Lakshman crossed the river using a jute rope. which was built into an iron suspension bridge in 1889, called the ‘Lakshman Jhula’ followed by another suspension bridge being built in 1986, under the name Ram Jhoola. 

Rishikesh is the place where the holy river the Ganges, ends its journey through the Shivalik ranges, and from Haridwar starts flowing through the northern plains. Goddess Ganga, inform river flows through these plains which is responsible for a lot of agricultural lands. The river is a symbol of purity and forgiveness. You will often find devotees taking a dip into the river as it is believed that she washes away all your sins, and makes you pure as her. 

There are a lot of temples established by Adi Shankaracharya, most of them being very ancient. These temples have been there for hundreds of years, and this town is often believed to be a symbol of purity. This is why nonvegetarian is strictly prohibited in these twin cities. Haridwar, which literally translated to ‘Hari’ and ‘Dwar’, meaning the gateway to heaven. This is where the Ganges lands on the northern plains.

How To Reach

One of the best things about this destination is its ease to reach. There are plenty of options available and it’s not a huge task to find transportation. I have mentioned a few easy options below:

• Via Dehradun: the closest airport to Rishikesh is located in Dehradun, the state capital. It is just 25km from Rishikesh and you can get flights directly to the airport, followed by a cab ride to Rishikesh.
• Via Delhi:  Due to the airport being a smaller one, the flights are not usually the cheapest. You can fly to Delhi airport and then travel to Rishikesh by road, using a bus, a private cab, or your own vehicle, as per convenience. Delhi is 250 km from Rishikesh. 
• Via Haridwar: Haridwar railway station is the closest railway station from Rishikesh. There are plenty of trains available to Haridwar. One can take a train and then can take a Tuktuk or a bus to Rishikesh, it takes around 40 minutes to reach our destination.

Best Time To Visit Rishikesh

Due to its breezy weather, it is ideal to visit Rishikesh throughout the year. However, I would not advise you to visit in the months of May to September, during the summer and monsoon seasons. Rishikesh has hot and humid weather and heavy rainfalls in the monsoon. Rafting and other water sports are closed during these months. If you wish to visit then, you great deals on accommodations, but adventure activities are mostly all closed during those months. 

The best time to visit Rishikesh is during the months of February to April and mid-September to mid-November. The weather is pleasant during these months, neither too cold nor too hot. You can enjoy all the various experiences this one travel destination provides.

Backpacking Hostels And Hotels In Rishikesh

Rishikesh attracts backpackers from all across the world. People finding their way to this spiritual town, have lots of options to choose from. There are great hostels, famous hostel chains, homestays, ashrams, and hotels to stay in. most of them are located in the heart of Rishikesh in Tapovan . 

Some great backpacker hostels you can check out in Rishikesh are:

• Gostops Rishikesh
• Blue Jay hostel
• Shalom Backpackers Rishikesh
• Zostel Rishikesh 
• The Hosteller Rishikesh
• Moustache Rishikesh
• Bunk Stay Hostel
• Shiv shakti hostel

All these hostels are among the top-rated hostels, and you can book them from websites like booking.com and hostelworld.com. There are so many other hostels you can choose from apart from these which are equally nice, with great views, vibe, and facilities. 

There are some great mid-budgeted hotels and resorts you can stay at with your family, or partners if you wish to stay. But what is most important about accommodation is to find something close to Lakshman Jhoola or in Tapovan. 

Things To Do In Rishikesh

Rishikesh holds a lot of titles which makes it a perfect travel destination for all kinds of people. The adventure capital, yoga capital, and the spiritual capital of the country, it is the only place on earth known for all of these things altogether. Rishikesh has so many ashrams, yoga centers, and symbolic Laksham Jhoolas that you can visit. The ghats built on the river banks are a perfect place to watch the sunrise from, making Backpacking in Rishikesh the best trip of your life.

Rishikesh has a lot of adventure sports to try. You can cover half the adventure sports in India, just in this one-stop destination. From white water rafting to bungee jumping this place has it all. Rishikesh has a lot of fo waterfalls and trekking trails for you to explore too. A true adventure lover’s paradise, one should visit this magical town at least once. 

People often come here for peace and meditation. With lots of gurus and huge ashrams for you to learn yoga, you can visit them any time of the year and come out mentally and physically much stronger than how to go.

Places To Visit  In Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus, there are plenty of ancient temples in this city, with great architecture. The positive vibe of these gorgeous temples is something that attracts most tourists. Take a temple tour, most of them are located within walking distance and you can cover all of them in a day, and there are so many temples at all corners of the town.

A few main ones that you definitely should visit:

• Kunjapuri Temple: One of the most visited temples, is this beautiful Kunjapuri Temple. It has gorgeous views, and people usually go there to enjoy the sunrise. It is the goddess Durga’s temple. Lord shiva’s first wife Sati’s corpse landed here, making it very sacred. The temple is located 25 km from the main town of Rishikesh, in the mountains overlooking the panoramic views of the Tehri Garhwal ranges.
• Trayambhakeshwar: This is a 13-storey temple dedicated to multiple gods and goddesses. If you happen to each the top floor, you will find yourself looking at the most gorgeous views of the whole town and majestic sunsets in the hills. 
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple : This temple is located at 5500ft and gives magical views of mountains. It is of a lot of importance, as this temple is dedicated to lord shiva, you are one of three main gods according to Hindu mythology.
• Geeta Bhawan:   one of the ancient temples, It has the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata carved on its walls. They have Sathsungs and prayers which are so divine. They also perform the famous Ganga aarti which they perform on the banks of the river, it is gorgeous! Geeta Bhawan also has an ashram where you stay.

Ashrams and yoga centers

Rishikesh is the best place in the world for learning or practicing yoga and meditation. while backpacking through Rishikesh, Yoga is something you have to try in case you have never done it, or do it regularly. There are plenty of ashrams and yoga centers for you to check out. Rishikesh is also famous for the international yoga festival that is conducted there. Rishikesh is famous for its yoga centers all around the world. A few well-known ones are:

• Parmarth Niketan 
• Phool Chatti Ashram
• Anand Prakash Ashram
• Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
• Yoga Niketan
• Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram
• Swami Dayananda Saraswati Ashram
• Sivananda Ashram
• Himalayan Yog Ashram

There are plenty of waterfalls in the Garhwal region, located at small drives from the main city. You can reach them following small trails. A few must-visit ones are:

• Neergarh waterfalls: they are located on Badrinath highway and you have to trek for a bit to reach 3 waterfalls. There are small tea stalls where you have small bites and have a nice bath in a clean river body.
• Garud Chatti Waterfalls: a perfect picnic spot is located just 4km from Lakshman Jhoola. The 1.5 km trail goes through lush green forests with a stream flowing by the side. 
• Patna waterfall: it is named after a small village located 6.5km away from Rishikesh called Patna village. The trail is absolutely beautiful. The falls are high in altitude and the water is deep too, making it perfect to jump into the water.

Ganga aarti 

One of the most majestic views is of the infamous Ganga aarti. During the sunsets and sunrise, there are huge Ganga aartis held on the ghats, especially Triveni made on the banks of the river. There are plenty of priests performing the pooja with a lot of Diyas lit up chanting prayers and sounds of the bells. It is such a positive vibe, with a lot of warmth. It is truly enchanting!

Ram Jhoola and lakshman Jhoola

Lakshman Jhoola and Ram Jhoola are some of the most famous features of the town. Lord Lakshman crossed the river using a jute rope.. on the same location the government constructed the current iron suspension bridge. The bridge was constructed in 1889. Ram Jhoola was constructed in 1986.

Beatles ashram

The Beatles, one of the most renowned music bands of the world, visited Rishikesh in the 1960s to learn yoga from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in his ashram. The spirituality and warmth of this town inspired them to come with “An inspiration driven from such a divine town cannot go sure, and one can only understand why did such a famous band choose this town. 

The white album, by The Beatles, went on to become the third-highest album in history, selling more than 24 million copies. Isn’t that insane!

Now the ashram isn’t in use, it is a visiting tourist spot and costs 600 rupees for a foreigner to visit. You can also make your way through the forests and visit for free! You can easily sneak in! *hush hush*

Adventure Sports To Try While Backpacking Around Rishikesh

Rishikesh also goes by the name, Adventure Capital of India . It has a lot of different adventure activities to try. Very well known for white water rafting in the river Ganga, it is on the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas. with the deep waters of river Ganga flowing through the tall cliffs, there are experiences like cliff jumping, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, kayaking, and flying fox for people with an adventurous bone. You can also go on small trails and treks starting from Rishikesh taking you through lush green forests. 

There are plenty of adventure travel companies. You can get in contact and book packages with them. When backpacking in Rishikesh, you are exposed to the best activities and experiences Even if you decide to go unplanned you can book these sports activities there and take this once-in-a-lifetime kind of opportunity. Trust just writing about it makes me so excited and thrilled!

I have mentioned a list of a few agencies to book your adventure tour:

• Adventure Nation
• Red Chilli Adventure
• White World Expeditions
• Jumpin Heights
• Snow Leopard Adventures
• Ganga Valley Adventure
• Aquaterra Adventures
• Outbound Adventure
• Mercury Himalayan Explorations
• Himalayan River Runners

Source: travelescape. in

White Water Rafting:

Rishikesh is one of the most renowned destinations for white water rafting in India. There are plenty of companies and campsites which you can opt to experience. Five grades are ranging from very easy to tough and you can choose according to your capability and excitement to do it. The prices differ for every grade and course mentioned below. The prices are very less as compared to other places where you can try rafting.

• 9km from Brahmapuri to Nim beach
• 16km from Shivpuri to Nim beach,
• 25km from Marine Drive to Nim beach
• 35km from Kodiyala to Nim beach

Camping: 

Camping near the river Ganges in the foothills of the Himalayas can be termed romantic and adventurous both at once. There are plenty of camping zones in Rishikesh where the water flow is not much and you can pitch your tents book with a camping agency to spend a few peaceful days by the river. Camping sites are a fun alternative for people staying hostels, or are on a backpacking trip to Rishikesh, as you can literally sit by the river, with the most organic backgrounds and work while booking up for all the adventures.

If you choose to book with a camping agency, they include campsites, with different adventurous activities like rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, sightseeing tours and so much more. 

If you wish to camp alone, check out Camp River Zone.

Source: weseektravel.com

Jungle Safari At Rajaji National Park

The foothill town of Rishikesh is surrounded by lush green forests, housing some of the wildest species of animals and birds. If you are lucky you can also spot tigers too. You can book your safaris online or offline from various agencies that provide these. 

Treks Beginning From Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a base camp for a lot of short and long treks based in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. 

• Chopta Tungnath

2. Char Dhaam Yatra(badrinath, kedarnath, gangotri and yamunotri)

3. Dayara Bugyal trek

4. Chandrashila trek

5. Roopkund trek

There are various trekking organizing agencies like India hikes, who organize treks to these locations.

10 lesser-known treks of Uttarakhand you must try!

Best winter treks of Uttarakhand

Parasailing And Paragliding

You can fly into the air like birds and get the best views of the mighty mountains and the spiritual town. Gods have truly blessed this city, with the best possible experiences. Because of all the lovely adventures, the city can be said to have the most thrilling extreme sports activities in India hence putting the phrase ‘Adventure Capital’ to use.

Book with hawkfly.com

Best Cafes And Restaurants To Try In Rishikesh

There are plenty of cafes and local eateries you can try. Most of them have great river views. An important thing to note when you visit Rishikesh is that it’s a holy town of Hindus. In Hindus, non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited and thereby consuming meat and alcohol are banned in the whole town. You will find only purely vegetarian places to eat. Which is not so bad after all!

There are a bunch of very cool cafes that you must visit, for the ambiance as well as food! You can find most of them in the areas near Lakshman jhula and some ram. They serve all kinds of cuisines, national and international.

• Little buddha cafe
• Beatles cafe
• Free spirit cafe
• Pumplenickery bakery
• Ramana’s organic garden cafe 

There are plenty of “Bhojanalyas” associated with ashrams and temples in Rishikesh. They serve very healthy and fresh Indian food. The temples serve prasad(offering) to god and then distributed to the devotees. The food at these Bhojanalays is so delicious. If you’re traveling from outside the country or even within, you definitely must try!

Also Read: 

How Many Days Should You Stay In Rishikesh

With the best of hostels and facilities in the town of Rishikesh, you can plan a trip ranging from a 3-day visit to even months of stays. It is an ideal location for a weekend getaway and also equally perfect for a staycation. Working as a digital nomad from the hostel, and practicing spirituality and yoga, it is perfect for backpackers, adventurers, family vacations, and college trips too. 

While backpacking in Rishikesh for longer durations, you can actually cover a lot of it easily, you can totally ride in for an unplanned trip and then plan accordingly once you reach there. while staycations it is just easier, as you can keep simulataneously planning depending upon your schedules and meetings.

Places you can visit around Rishikesh

There are a lot of places around Rishikesh which you can visit while traveling to Rishikesh. You can either go various multi-day treks which start from Rishikesh and Dehradun or go to hill stations like Mussoorie, Dharamshala, Dharam Kot. You can explore the Garhwal Himalayas, Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and also cities like Haridwar, Varanasi, Delhi, Jaipur, etc.

Rishikesh is close to lots of prime locations, and while backpacking you should either cover all the mountain ranges and Himalayas or cover all the holy heritage cities that are established along the banks of the river Ganges. Both these routes are worth exploring. while one takes you on a journey of becoming one with self, the other helps to connect with nature.

Also Read: Hampta Pass Trek–A Complete Guide

As we come to the end of this blog, it is established that Rishikesh is truly blessed by the gods. With multi titles held by the town, which are truly contrasting from one another, Rishikesh is so diverse with what it has to offer. A town that encourages peace, spirituality, health, and purity along with extreme sports, rush, thrill, and being one with nature, it also blesses us, travelers, with great experiences too. 

Set by the banks of the holy Ganga, it is one place in India, that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetimes. For the warmth of Ganga aarti, for the thrill of rafting, for learning some great teachings of life from the most learned gurus. 

Having my grandfather based out of Rishikesh going there has a lot of memories and good times! I am thinking of going on a solo backpacking trip to Rishikesh and this time is the time, to experience all the amazing adventures I missed otherwise. I can not wait for it…hope to see you all there, and I hope this travel guide for backpacking in Rishikesh will help you plan your trips.

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Rishikesh Holiday Packages : rated 4 /5 (based on 205 reviews) | Packages starting from ₹2,800/-

Rishikesh Holiday Packages

Encompassing forested hills, dense vegetations, the holy Ganges River, and numerous ashrams, Rishikesh is a blissful abode of spiritual seekers. The rumbling music of Ganges accompanied by the delicious breeze of the Himalayas amid an inspiring lush green landscape reflects the sheer charm of this place. Be prepared to find yourself in this scenic city of Uttarakhand.

15 Best Places To Visit In Rishikesh Tour Package

The Rishikesh tourism package not only provides you with the best deals but also helps you to indulge in all the adventure activities and sightseeing. Accommodate at the best hotels, attend the auspicious evening aarti, shop to your heart’s content, and relish the beauty of the Yoga Capital. Therefore, these tour packages for Rishikesh include a detailed itinerary that provides all sorts of facilities to travelers. Apart from sightseeing, and outdoor activities, these itineraries also include comfortable accommodations, and local transfers so that travelers are treated to utmost comfort. Our travel experts specially design these itineraries so that tourists can enjoy a planned, and organized vacation.

Following are the tourist’s spots, one must ensure in their Rishikesh packages

1. Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula

What’s Special: Swarg Ashram with Shivananda Ashram area.

Nearby Attractions: Sivananda Ashram, Bharat Mandir

Distance From City Center: 2.7 km

Transportation Options: Bus or private taxi.

Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula are 450 feet long iron suspended bridges, also known as ‘the swinging bridge’. Nearly 4 km away from Rishikesh railway station, these swings are famous pilgrim spots. One can also visit the Trayambakeshwar temple, Ram temple and laxman temple, located in the vicinity. Also, holiday tour packages for Rishikesh provide you guided sightseeing for the tour.

2. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

What’s Special: Dedicated to Neelkanth

Nearby Attractions: Khargosha

Timings: 5 AM to 6 PM

Distance From City Center: 25.3 km

Transportation Options: Bus, Taxi, Car

One of the most sacred Shiva shrines in India, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated at 1670 metres in Sylvan forest. The tomb inside the temple, depicts the Samudra Manthan which attracts thousands of tourists.

3. Neer Garh Waterfall

What’s Special: Scenic Beauty

Nearby Attractions: Kriya Yoga Ashram

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Distance From City Center: 7.9 km

Transportation Options: Walking, Taxi, Car

Merely two kilometres from laxman Jhula, Neer Garh Waterfall will surely entice you with its mesmerizing beauty. If you love photography, don't dare to miss this waterfall!

4. Jumpin Heights

What’s Special: Adventure Activity

Nearby Attractions: Triveni Ghat

Timings: 9:30 AM to 4 PM

Distance From City Center: 21.1 Km

Transportation Options: Cab

If you love adventure then don't forget to visit one of the most popular spots of Rishikesh, Jumpin Heights. It offers numerous activities such as bungee jumping, flying fox, giant swings and a lot more.

5. Swarg Ashram

What’s Special: Oldest Yoda Ashrams in Rishikesh

Nearby Attractions: Ran Jhula, Geeta Vhawan

Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM

Distance From City Center: 13.9 km

If you are interested in meditation then Swarg Ashram, the oldest ashram of India, can be a good stop! Its located in isolated river bank and one can admire the panoramic and mystic beauty of Rishikesh here.

6. Gita Bhawan

What’s Special: One of the ancient shrine complexes in Rishikesh

Nearby Attractions: Triveni Ghat, Neer Garh Waterfalls

Timings: 7 AM to 9 PM

Distance From City Center: 14.4 km

Transportation Options: Bus, Cab

Gita Bhawan is a huge complex located on the banks of the Ganga River in the foothills of the Himalayas. The place is also famous as Guru Shri Ram Daasji and is a famous ashram in Rishikesh. The ashram is a famous Hindu institution as it is home to sacred book Geeta. The Bhavan is visited by many people for religious purposes as well as by tourists. Each year Hindu pilgrimages come here to take a holy bath in the river Ganga.

7. Triveni Ghat

What’s Special: Sacred Ghat

Nearby Attractions: Gita Bhawan

Distance From City Center: 600 m

Another popular place to visit in Rishikesh is Triveni Ghat. It is situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganga and is the biggest ghat in Rishikesh where you can witness Maha Aarti every day in the evening. Triveni Ghat plays an important role in Hindu mythology as the place has been talked about in religious books such as Mahabharat and Ramayan. The Ghat is popular for holy dips and devotees from all over the world come here and make offerings to the river.

8. Vashishta Gufa

What’s Special: Ancient cave

Nearby Attractions: Patna Waterfalls, Shiv Gauri Pashmina World

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM

Distance From City Center: 25 km

Vashishta Gufa is an ancient cave and makes for an amazing weekend destination. Listed among the top places to visit in Rishikesh, it is a perfect blend of serene and peaceful vibes and attracts thousands of tourists from around the world.

9. Kunjapuri Temple

What’s Special: Serene surroundings and scenic views all around.

Nearby Attractions: Shri Badrinath Ji Temple, Scorpion Handicrafts

Timings: Open 24 hours

Distance From City Center: 26.5 km

A 30 minutes drive from Rishikesh, Kunjapuri Temple is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh. If you want to witness the most mesmerizing sunrise in Rishikesh, this is the place to go. Plan an early morning trek to the top of the temple and witness the amazing sunrise view that will allure you with its beauty.

10. Tera Manzil Temple

What’s Special: A peaceful environment with a soothing aura

Nearby Attractions: Lakshman Jhula Bridge, Scorpion Handicrafts

Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM

Distance From City Center: 14.3 km

Dedicated to multiple deities, Tera Manzil Temple is among the best religious places to visit in Rishikesh. Serene location, calm vibes, and splendid architecture perfectly sum ups this temple. On your trip to Rishikesh, do spend some time here for peaceful vibes.

11. Rishikund

What’s Special: Ancient pond

Nearby Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula

Distance From City Center: 900 m

Rishikund is an ancient pond, dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. With sacred water amid serene surroundings, Rishikund is located near the Raghunath Temple. The place is oozing with tranquility and is surrounded by dense vegetation of large trees.

12. Parmarth Niketan

What’s Special: Largest ashram in Rishikesh

Nearby Attractions: Ram Jhula, Madhuban Ashram

Founded by Swami Shukhdevanand Saraswati in the year 1942, Parmarth Niketan is the largest ashram in Rishikesh. One of the top yoga centers in the country, this place provides accommodation to visitors along with a plethora of rejuvenation facilities, including Ayurvedic treatments, music therapy, etc.

What’s Special: Paradise-like surroundings, encompassing lush greenery and a serene environment.

Nearby Attractions: Vashishta Gufa, Jumpin Heights

Distance From City Center: 35.2 km

Surrounded by Sal forest, Byasi is a small village located near Rishikesh. With the Ganges River flowing amidst the sprawling landscape of this village, tourists enjoy a number of adventure activities, including river rafting and camping. The village open-heartedly welcomes visitors and offers a multitude of accommodation options.

14. Kaudiyala

What’s Special: Plethora of adventure activities, including river rafting and rappelling

Nearby Attractions: Lansdowne, Pauri

Distance From City Center: 41 km

Located near Rishikesh, Kaudiyala is a small village and an ideal place for adventure lovers. Brimming with exhilarating activities such as river rafting amid the most challenging belts of the Ganges River, this place is perfect for thrill-seekers. Apart from river rafting, one can also enjoy rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, and camping.

15. Muni Ki Reti

What’s Special: Encompasses various temples, ashrams, and yoga centers

Nearby Attractions: Garhwal Adventure, Madhuban Ashram

Distance From City Center: 5.6 km

Home to a plethora of temples, ashrams, and meditation centers, Muni Ki Reti is a small town located near Rishikesh. Considered as the land of the sages, this place has a lot of ancient history attached to it. The town is a hub for those who seek solace and tranquility.

Rishikesh Trip Packages From Top Cities Of India

Explore the enchanting lands of Uttarakhand at the serene city of Rishikesh. With the holy River Ganges flowing amid the hills of Garhwal region, prepare to experience true bliss. For a remarkable trip, check out some exclusive packages such as Rishikesh Packages from Delhi .

How To Reach Rishikesh?

Rishikesh, the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas is well-connected to the major cities of India. Following are the travel options available to reach Rishikesh

The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun which is 35 kilometre away from Rishikesh. Numerous airlines such as Air India, Spice Jet, Jet Airways, and IndiGo have daily flights for Jolly Grant Airport from Delhi. The runway of the airport is being extended further and soon the airport will be connected to other states as well! The second nearest airport to Rishikesh is in New Delhi. If you are coming by air, check for our cab transfers included in the Rishikesh vacation packages.

Rishikesh railway station is connected to Haridwar but welcomes only three trains daily. However, Haridwar is well-connected to the entire peninsula and attracts travellers and pilgrims from across the world. If you are planning a Rishesh Tour and willing to travel via train, then it's recommended to deboard the train at Haridwar and take an auto rickshaw or bus to Rishikesh.

There are numerous buses for Rishikesh from Delhi and other metropolitan cities. A bus journey from Delhi will take about 5-7 hours, depending on the traffic. Its recommended to take a late night bus from Delhi which will drop you at Rishikesh by 6-7 am.

If you enjoy long drives then travelling to Rishikesh via car or taxi could be exciting for you. Departing early morning from Delhi will make you reach Rishikesh before lunchtime.

Best Time To Visit Rishikesh

The best season to visit Rishikesh is the winter season, which is ideal for rafting and other water sports activities. However, a favorable climate prevails throughout the year. If one wants to enjoy a peaceful vacation then book our Rishikesh holiday tour packages in the month of March through June. Usually, the place is deserted in these months due to the summer season. July to September would be an ideal season for all the monsoon lovers to enjoy the showers. However, river rafting in Rishikesh is closed in the monsoon season. The best time to enjoy whitewater rafting and bungee jumping is from October through May. During this period, nature lovers can also enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, jungle treks, and other activities.

Tour packages to this pilgrimage town are booked throughout the year by the travelers. The package comes along with a comprehensive Rishikesh Itinerary that explains the holidaymakers regarding their schedule of Rishikesh. These detailed tour itineraries are specially designed by our travel experts to ensure a planned, organized, and hassle-free vacation. Hence, one can travel worry-free by booking these Rishikesh packages which include such wonderful itineraries that cater to all the needs and requirements of the travelers. Rishikesh packages, thus, can be said to be great healers of the brunt of time and stress that any normal person these days has. When one needs to get away from it all, Rishikesh is the answer to every traveler's prayers. Tour packages for Rishikesh are unique in their completed ness, with nature walks, river rafting trips, short treks into the deep forests, and of course, soulful little get togethers along blazing bonfires and a chilly weather. So if you’re planning a trip to Rishikesh , then get ready to indulge into some fascinating experiences revolving around adventure, sightseeing, and solace.

Beaches or river banks, mountains or meadows, pool villas or humble home-stays, whatever you choose, our range of Uttrakhand tour packages can supply. Take a look at the link below.

Bestselling Rishikesh Tour Packages

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Packages for other cities in Uttarakhand

Duration ( in Days )

Budget Per Person ( in Rs. )

Hotel Star Rating

Showing 84 Rishikesh Tour Packages

Best-Selling Rishikesh Uttarakhand Tours For A Refreshing Getaway

₹ 3,938/- ₹ 4,332/-.

Per Person on twin sharing

• Hill station

Hotel included in package:

• Rishikesh (2D)

Upto 2 Stars

• Sightseeing

Adventure Packed Rishikesh Tour Package

₹ 3,999/- ₹ 4,395/-

• Adventure Activities

To relish the charm of Himalayas with some excitement, book this well-designed ....

Upto 3 Stars

Uttarakhand Tour Package From Haridwar

₹ 25,200/- ₹ 27,391/-.

• Har ki Pauri
• Ropeway ride
• Haridwar (1D)
• Mussoorie (3D)

Are you looking for a tour package in Uttarakhand? Then read below to know about our to....

Hotels recommended by our Travel Experts

Expert Rating

Regenta Inn On The Ganges Rishikesh

7 km from City Center

Sterling Mussoorie

1 km from City Center

Club Mahindra Mussoorie

• Top Rated Budget Property

Summit By The Ganges Rishikesh

5 km from City Center

Amritara Raga On The Ganges Rishikesh

21 km from City Center

La Hermitage Resort Lansdowne

Nature valley resort rishkesh, mj hills rishikesh, sterling nainital.

4 km from City Center

Seasons Hotels By Xperience Nainital

Adventure-Loaded Rishikesh Tour Package

₹ 10,500/- ₹ 11,667/-.

• Watersports

Rishikesh - India’s most spiritual destination, is also it's most happening! For ....

Action-Packed Mussoorie Family Package

₹ 21,000/- ₹ 23,077/-.

• Historical Sightseeing
• Mussoorie (2D)
• Rishikesh (1D)
• Haridwar (2D)

4 nights 5 days in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Mussoorie is a dream come true.This uniquel....

Exciting Rishikesh Tour Package

₹ 15,094/- ₹ 16,587/-.

• Kempty Falls

An ultimate retreat for people of all ages and travelers of all types, Rishikesh is a h....

Best-Selling Rishikesh And Haridwar Tour Packages

₹ 7,874/- ₹ 8,653/-.

• Ganga Aarti
• Triveni Ghat
• River Rafting

Book The Best Rishikesh Package For 2 Nights For A Filling Vacation

₹ 9,499/- ₹ 10,439/-.

Heaven on earth: Uttarakhand

₹ 16,000/- ₹ 17,391/-.

• Uttarakhand-Tour-FOBP

Ravishing Rishikesh Tour Package

₹ 6,825/- ₹ 7,500/-.

• Religious sites

Embark on an amazing vacation with this 2 nights and 3 days Rishikesh tour pack....

Religious Haridwar Tour Package

• Daksh Temple
• Mansa Devi Temple

Book a 2 nights 3 days Haridwar Rishikesh tour package to enjoy a hass....

Exciting Mussoorie Tour Package

₹ 44,625/- ₹ 49,038/-.

• Temple Tour
• Local sightseeing

There’s something in the air of Mussoorie which makes it so appealing and

Exciting Haridwar And Rishikesh Package

₹ 10,500/- ₹ 11,290/-.

• Water Sports

This 2 nights 3 days Haridwar and Rishikesh package offers a chance to get closer to on....

Astounding Uttarakhand Tour Package For 4 Nights 5 Days

₹ 14,700/- ₹ 15,806/-.

• George Everest hill

Book and customize this 5 day trip to Uttarakhand and be ascertained o....

Enchanting Uttarakhand Honeymoon Tour Package

₹ 14,699/- ₹ 16,153/-.

• Gita Bhawan
• Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

This romantic Uttarakhand tourism package tour is one of the best ways....

Enjoy An Enchanting Vacation In Haridwar Rishikesh

₹ 8,399/- ₹ 9,230/-.

• Religious Tour

Rishikesh, now also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, is a serene, ....

Kanatal Tour Package For 4 Night 5 Days

₹ 14,700/- ₹ 15,978/-.

• Dehradun (1D)

Kanatal is a beautiful village in India near Mussoorie. It is a magnificent place to tr....

Upto 4 Stars

Spiritual Uttarakhand Tour Package For 2 Nights 3 Days

₹ 8,400/- ₹ 9,032/-.

Book and customize this package to enjoy a mesmerizing 3 days trip to Uttarakha....

Amusing Rishikesh Mussoorie Honeymoon Tour Package

₹ 9,450/- ₹ 10,080/-.

• Best sellers
• Hill Station

As part of your Uttarakhand tour packages from TravelTriangle, a trip ....

Captivating Uttarakhand Honeymoon Packages

₹ 39,375/- ₹ 43,269/-.

• Lakshman Jhula
• Nilkantha Mahadev
• Parmarth Niketan
• Vashistha Cave
• Jim Corbett (2D)
• Kausani (2D)
• Nainital (3D)

Uttarakhand, is the perfect blend of romance, adventure and fun, the destination that a....

Exciting Auli Tour Package

₹ 23,625/- ₹ 26,250/-.

• Auli ropeway

Witness the beauty of the scenic Auli with this amazing tailor-made tour package from T....

Mesmerising Uttarakhand Tour

Situated in the lap of the Himalayan range, Uttarakhand has been an ideal tourist state....

A Stupendous Rishikesh Sightseeing Tour Package

Our Rishikesh sightseeing packages takes us through some of the most b....

Heavenly Rishikesh Honeymoon Package

₹ 13,125/- ₹ 14,423/-.

• Laxman Jhula
• Kempty Fall

Uttarakhand is known for its scenic destinations and pilgrim centers. This 2 nights 3 d....

Valley Of Flowers Tour Package For 5 Nights 6 Days

₹ 17,850/- ₹ 19,402/-.

• Valley Of Flowers
• Natural Beauty
• Ghangaria (5D)

Get thrilled for a lifetime opportunity to go on hiking and build up some blood. A perf....

Rishikesh Tour Packages by Theme

Faqs for rishikesh, how much does a tour to rishikesh cost.

The cost of a Rishikesh tour basically depends on the places you would visit, accommodation/hotel you would stay at, and how many days you would spend in the city, the price of a Rishikesh tour package can range from anywhere between INR 3,150 to INR 38,324 or more. Make sure to plan ahead and make your bookings in advance to get an idea about the estimated cost.

What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?

The best time to visit Rishikesh is from February to mid-May. The weather during this time period remains refreshing and pleasant. Also, tourists can enjoy a plethora of activities during this season, including white water rafting and camping.

Is Rishikesh worth visiting?

Rishikesh offers a range of exhilarating activities to travellers. Adventure seekers can indulge in river rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, rock climbing, and so much more. As there are a number of meditation retreats in Rishikesh, the place is also ideal for travellers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. One can also experience camping and trekking in the city. Rishikesh houses gorgeous landscapes and picturesque landmarks, which makes it a perfect getaway for nature lovers. All in all, the city offers endless possibilities to travellers and is definitely worth visiting.

What are the best Rishikesh tour packages offered by TravelTriangle?

Below listed are some of the best Rishikesh tour packages offered by us:

Adventurous Rishikesh Tour Package

Auspicious Trip To Rishikesh And Haridwar

What are some of the best hotels to accommodate in Rishikesh?

The best hotels that provide perfect accommodation services are:

• Hotel Grand Tapovan
• Dewa Retreat
• Kunwar Residency
• Aloha on the Ganges and
• 60’s Green hills

What are the places for shopping in Rishikesh?

Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula market, the Main Market is an ideal destination for shopping.

In which season rafting is closed?

Rafting is officially closed in the monsoon season due to the increase in water level in the water bodies.

When does the Kumbh Mela commence in Rishikesh?

Once every 12 years, one can witness or be a part of the Kumbh Mela.

What are the thrilling activities to enjoy in Rishikesh?

In Rishikesh, one can enjoy:

• river rafting
• bungee jumping
• mountain biking
• flying fox, and a few more adrenaline-pumping activities.

What kind of clothes should one wear in Rishikesh?

Travelers are recommended to carry flowy and full-coverage clothes on a tour of Rishikesh.

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• Places To Visit In Rishikesh

Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination

Shivpuri in Rishikesh

There is a region named Shivpuri near Rishikesh . Overseen by the majestic Himalayas and surrounded by the lush green vegetation, Shivpuri is a beautiful place to be. Because of its rugged and uneven geography, the Ganges and its tributaries exhibit some of the most herculean rapids, providing a perfect setting to try river ...

Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh

Triveni Ghat is located in Mayakund, Rishikesh Uttarakhand . This ghat is on the banks of Holy River Ganga. This ghat is used for baths by pilgrims. You will find idols of Lord Vishnu and Krishna here. Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh is the meeting point of three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It is the most honored hol...

• Ideal for families
• Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.

Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh

The Lakshman Jhula Rishikesh is one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Rishikesh . This is basically a suspension bridge which connects the two villages which go by the names of Tapovan and Jonk. The first being in the Tehri Garhwal district and the latter in Pauri Garhwal district. Because the bridge is located ...

• Ideal for friends

Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh

Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh is ideally located on the banks of Ganga and so close is the holy river to the Ashram that it seems to permeate your being with its holiness, be it your room or the private ghat at the Ashram . There are many rooms in the Ashram that gives you a soothing view of Ganga from your window. When you ...

• Things To Do In Rishikesh

Your list of the best things to do, compiled on the basis of actual traveler experiences

Camping in Rishikesh

Camping in Rishikesh is a fun-filled activity which can be best experienced in the months of September and November. The experience is safe for a group of youngsters or families. If you are looking for an exciting tour, you can visit Rishikesh. Booking a package will be a wise idea. The camping packages include all meals, a...

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh is one of the top adventure activities in Uttarakhand . It is a thrilling adventure activity which needs a lot of courage. Although there will be a safety measure for the experience, you still need to visit the place and gather all the courage to jump from a height. The experience includes a platf...

• Bungee jumping

River Rafting in Rishikesh

Best river rafting in Rishikesh can be experienced between the months of September and November. Rainy season is the time when you should avoid going for river rafting Rishikesh . Overall, late September through May is considered the ideal river rafting in Rishikesh season. Rafting charges in Rishikesh begin from as low as I...

Flying Fox in Rishikesh

Flying Fox in Rishikesh is an activity which is best experienced during the months when there is no rain. Choose an operator which follows high standards of safety. Tourists will find the best flying fox experience in Mohan chatti. It is 25 kilometers away from Rishikesh . The best thing about this experience is that anybody...

The Rishikesh travel packages has various options for wanderers, honeymooners, and families as well. One can go for the auspicious Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. the ones interested in adventure sports must look forward to Shivpuri. Enjoy the placidity of the Ganges on Laksham Jhula and Ram Jhula. For the adventure loving couple, Rishikesh has numerous water sports to offer. Travelers can opt for camping at Shivpuri which is regarded as the adventure hub of Rishikesh as, apart from camping, it is also the starting point of river rafting.

You can customize your Rishikesh trip packages and enjoy all the adventure and water-sports that it offers. You can choose from a variety of them. Rafting in Kadiyala, camping at Shivpuri, cycling, and trekking at Kuari pass, kayaking, rappelling, mountain biking, zorbing, cliff jumping, hot air ballooning and parasailing are the most prominent ones. With an endeavor to provide you with an ultimate experience that you can keep cherishing all your lifetime, the itineraries of our Rishikesh holiday packages have been created bearing in mind the varied interests of every traveler. To book a perfect package for your next trip, all you have to do is go through our exhaustive list of packages, and choose the one that suits you and your tribe best.

Rishikesh has an annual festival of yoga held in the city. Travelers from all around the world visit Rishikesh in the month of july to attend the Yoga Festival. One can indulge themselves in Yoga and Meditation practices in the annual fest. Revive and rejuvenate yourself in the land of yogis with the Rishikesh trip plan. A very renowned and sacred fair is held once in a twelve year, the Kumbh Mela. Tourists, travellers and saints take a holy dip in the river and revive their souls and mind.

Amazing Travel Stories By Our Travelers

1. ishpreet kaur: our adventurous holi celebration at rishikesh.

Duration: 1N/2D

Accommodation: Camping tent

Experience cherished: Food, rafting and pool party

Come back for: Adventurous trips

As we had a long Holi vacation, my friends and I decided to go for a short adventurous vacation. I came across TravelTriangle weekend gateway advertisement where we checked tour packages for Rishikesh. We submitted our query on the TravelTriangle website and soon we received an email from the travel expert. The itinerary shared by the travel expert matched our expectation and we booked our Rishikesh travel packages via TravelTriangle which included transportation, meals, stay and adventurous activities.

Our Rishikesh holidays commenced the moment we boarded the TravelTriangle bus from Akshardham Metro Station, New Delhi. The tour guide introduced himself to the travellers once the bus started for our destination. Soon the travellers started chatting with each other which created quite a friendly environment.

Next morning, we reached Rishikesh where we checked-in at the scenic luxury camp. We had breakfast there and got ready for our adventure activities. We took a short walk through the jungle and reached the river crossing venue. We were supposed to cross two hills, upside down over the proverbial river. After crossing the river, we were taken for another adventure activity where we crossed the tricky Burma bridge. There are a plethora of thrilling activities to indulge, so don’t wait and plan well in advance your trip, so as to reduce Rishikesh trip cost.

We exhilarated our adventurous experience there and headed back to the campsite for lunch. We were surprised with the food that appeased our taste buds in the foothills of the Himalayas!

In the evening, we assembled around the pool at our campsite and celebrated Holi. We had an amazing celebration and enjoyed the festival as one big family. After Holi celebrations, we got ready for bonfire dinner.

We checked out from our campsite next morning and headed for the venturesome River rafting. It was a 27-km long river rafting course and we enjoyed it wholly. Though, I got a little nervous in the beginning but soon I started enjoying bumping, sliding and splashing through the water of Ganges. After rafting, we started back for Delhi.

It was an adventurous expedition that lured me to revisit the place for more dauntless experiences!

Read Full Story Here

2. Harkirat Kaur: Adventurous and luxurious, our escapade to Rishikesh!

Experience cherished: Rafting, adventure activity and DJ night

Come back for: Serenic beauty

My friends and I (10 persons) wanted to start adventure trips during our free time and Rishikesh came out to be the common option selected by our group of 10 budding adventurers. As we had already traveled on weekend getaway packages offered by TravelTriangle, we checked the Rishikesh tour packages on their website where we booked our Rishikesh holidays.

We had to report Akshardham metro station at 11 pm from where we left for our adventurous holidays in Rishikesh. We reached Rishikesh next morning and checked-in to a luxurious campsite. I got fascinated by the panoramic beauty at the foothills of the Himalayas. We had breakfast there and relaxed for sometime. I felt revived, admiring the vista while listening to my favourite music.

In the afternoon, we left for our adventure activities. Our group was quite excited about these activities as adventure was the main reason that attracted us to this beautiful place. It was an exhilarating two hour trek that took us to a small divergent tributary of Ganga. We enjoyed the activities and later came back to our campsite for the DJ night. DJ night was entirely a fun-filled experience and we savored the moments spent!

Next morning, we left for river rafting after having breakfast at the campsite. Our rafting course started from Shivpuri, Rishikesh, where we were given safety tips by their expert. Rafting down the river Ganga was an amazing experience. However, I got a little scared during rapids but after sometime we all started enjoying it and eagerly waited for more rapids to come!

After completing our rafting course we headed back to Delhi. Although, it was a short adventurous break, we look forward to revisiting the place as it had too many things to explore.

3. Mansi Kashayap: Exploring the tranquil artistry of nature st Rishikesh!

Experience cherished: White water rafting

Come back for: Bungee jumping

We, a group of 6 close friends planned to go for a short vacation, away from the scorching Delhi summers. We started looking for Rishikesh holiday packages on the internet. We were looking for a package that matched our requirements along with being safe for women as it was our first ‘all girls’ trip. A friend of mine suggested TravelTriangle and shared his experience with them. We checked the Rishikesh tour packages at TravelTriangle website and mentioned our requirements. Soon our Travel expert shared an itinerary which was planned according to our expectations.

We boarded the TravelTriangle bus at Akshardham metro station and were surprised with the friendly and modest approach of our guide. We thought that our bus journey might be boring but our guide indulged all the travellers in friendly conversation and soon we ascertained being a part of one big group of travellers.

We reached Rishikesh early morning where we checked-in at the famous camping tents in the serene beauty of Uttarakhand. The place had truly majestic view with mountain range all around us. We had breakfast and relaxed for sometime. Later we went for various adventurous activities for which we walked down the woods and later crossed a tributary of Ganga. Our evening at campsite was well-planned and we enjoyed the food and music at the DJ night.

Next morning we left for river rafting and enjoyed every single minute of our river rafting course. It was an incredible weekend that boosted us to plan more such adventure trips in future!

5 Adventure Activities One Can Include In Rishikesh Packages

Rishikesh is one of the most visited places in North India. The destination is famous for the many yoga ashrams that are found here and also the several adventure activities that can be indulged in. Rishikesh is a perfect destination to head to if you are craving for a bit of adventure in your life. There are several things people can get engaged in and the top ones are mentioned below.

1. Bungy Jumping

Bungy Jumping is the most thrilling activity that one can get indulged in. There are several spots in Rishikesh where people can try this activity. Each site’s drop is different hence people can decide depending upon how much of a daredevil you are. Some of the top sights are Mohanchatti and Jumpin Heights.

Another popular activity to get indulged in Rishikesh is camping. There are many camping locations in Rishikesh and each one of them provides something different when it comes to experience. Stay in tents out in the wild and have a fun time with friends.

3. Trekking

There is no better way to explore the wilderness of Rishikesh then by trekking. There are a lot of places where one can go on their own or join a group that will take you to some of the most offbeat places in Rishikesh.

There are several hiking trails in Rishikesh that are full of some of the most beautiful landscapes and experiences. Some of the hikes are short while some are very long and intense. People can choose as per their fitness level and have a great time.

Though, the above picture seems alluring, after the recent floods people are still skeptical if they can opt Kerala for their next tour?

5. River Rafting

River rafting is one of the main reasons for adventure enthusiasts to come to Rishikesh. Often river rafting is included in the package of camping. The rafting stretch varies from 9 to 16 to 25 km and also depends upon various levels of difficulty.

Best Places To Stay In Rishikesh

Rishikesh has ample accommodation options, varying from 5-star hotels to luxury cottages, tourists are offered a wide spectrum to choose from. To enjoy the soul-soothing refreshing nature of Rishikesh, one can opt for camping along the banks of River Ganges. There are also some top-tier luxury hotels for a remarkable stay, some of them are:

1. Aloha On The Ganges

Star Category: 3-Star

Starting Price (Per Night): INR 3819* per person

Location: NH 58, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Favourably located on the banks of Ganges River, Aloha On The Ganges is an elegant property in Rishikesh. Offering an array of premium facilities, including a spa and yoga classes it is one of the most sought after stays in the city.

2. The Narayana Palace by Salvus

Starting Price (Per Night): INR 3136* per person

Location: Badrinath Road, Tapovan, near laxman jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Located near Lakshman Jhula, The Narayana Palace by Salvus is an upscale property offering a wholesome soul-soothing atmosphere. With lush green landscapes encompassing this property, one is certain to have a blissful experience in Rishikesh.

3. Divine Resort

Starting Price (Per Night): INR 5712* per person

Location: Laxman Jhula Rd, near Church, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Overlooking the Ganges River, Divine Resort offers a spectacular view of the city. With a spa and an exquisite restaurant, this resort is one of the best stays in Rishikesh.

What To Eat In Rishikesh?

The cuisine of Rishikesh is quite diverse and carries rich flavors. While a couple of meal plans might be added in the Rishikesh trip packages, many food items are still left for your to discover in the city. Following is the list of street foods you must munch while holidaying in Rishikesh

It's a deep fried snack, stuffed with mashed potatoes. Samosa is the most preferred breakfast in Rishikesh which is served with tangy tamarind and mint sauce.

As Rishikesh is frequently visited by pilgrims, a huge variety of sweets made of pure ghee is available at market places. One must surely try besan ki barfi, nariyal barfi, besan laddu and chamcham at rishikesh.

3. Poori sabzi

The traditional breakfast of north India, Poori sabzi, is no different in rishikesh. Fried bread served with spicy potatoes.

4. Pani Puri

These are crispy wheat gram pockets filled with spiced water, mashed potatoes and boiled chickpeas. Pani puri is believed to be India’s favourite street food.

5. Chole Bhature

Often eaten as a breakfast dish, Chole Bhature combined with chickpeas gives the best taste. The dish is often paired with a glass of lassi. There are several outlets sharing this delicious dish in Rishikesh.

Things to Carry on Rishikesh Trip

These are the Top Things One Should Carry to Rishikesh.

• If one decides to go for river rafting then eyeglass straps are a must.
• Carry sunblock since you would be spending a lot of the time out in the sun.
• Lip balm is another important thing to carry to Rishikesh to protect them from strong sun rays.
• Since a lot of walking would be happening, make sure you are carrying comfortable shoes.
• Another important thing to carry if you are heading to Rishikesh for river rafting is carrying a waterproof Camera.
• Lastly, always carry a First aid kit in case of emergencies.

Safety Measures To Be Taken In Rishikesh

• If planning to go for rafting, dress in comfortable outfits and do not carry
• Be a little vigilant.
• Carry mosquito repellent.

What's Special About A Holiday In Rishikesh?

When it comes to art and culture, Rishikesh has a lot stored in for the travelers. If one is fond of them, then definitely a visit to Gita Bhawan is the must. Tour package to Rishikesh also includes yoga sessions for the holiday planners. Since it's the Yoga Capital of the world one should for sure visit the Tattvaa Yoga Shala and practice yoga and meditation for wellness and fitness. The Rishikesh travel package also takes the travelers to various Rishikesh tourist attractions. These include the grand Trayambakeshwar Temple, Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev, Parmarth Niketan, Tera Manzil temple and Triveni Ghat.

Comprising such a bevy of experiences, including adventure, sightseeing of major attractions, yoga and meditation, and spiritual tours, our diligently crafted Rishikesh holiday packages have got covered every kind of traveler. So, one can have a memorable experience with their tribe on this tour irrespective of their varied interests and choices. And, to avail such a compelling trip, all they have to do is browse through our list of holiday packages designed for a Rishikesh trip , and set off for an amazing journey like never before.

Rishikesh tour packages are easily available from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore. Travellers can choose from a wide range of packages and customize it according to your needs. Don’t hold back, book your Rishikesh travel packages now, since Rishikesh has a lot to offer you.

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Rishikesh is also known as Gateway to the Himalayas. A sacred town at the convergence of rivers Ganges and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh is a naturally attractive place at the foothills of the lower Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal in India. Rishikesh is the starting point for traveling to the four Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage Destinations in Uttarakhand. The importance of this holy city lies in the fact that it serves as a gateway to other religiously important centers like Kedarnath, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is famous for its temples, yoga and meditation, rafting, and other adventure activities among tourists. The Rishikesh City is Surrounded by the three main districts namely Tehri Garhwal , Pauri Garhwal, and Haridwar in the State of Uttarakhand in North India. Rafting season starts from the month of March and ends in September.

History and Legends Of Rishikesh

According to History, It is said that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the Demon King of Lanka. Lord Rama and his brother Laxman crossed the Ganga river where Present Bridge stands today known as the name Laxman Jula. Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary ‘Kedarkhand’. According to Etymology, Hrishikesh is the name of Lord Vishnu means ‘lord of the senses”. The place got its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to ‘Raibhya Rishi’ as a result of his Tapasya as Lord Hrishikesh. Another legend says that fierce fire broke out here. Lord Shankar was angry with Lord Agni and cursed him. Then Lord Agni prayed here for the expiation of his sins. Hence it is also known as Agni Tirth – The holy place to the penance of Lord Agni or Fire God. Several ancient temples, shrines, and Ashrams can be found along the banks of the Ganges River in Rishikesh.

Place to See in Rishikesh

• Lakshman Jhula : Lakshman Jhula is one of the most sightseeing things in and around Rishikesh. The Laxman Jhula is Constructed over the Ganga River. It is Said that the Lakshman Jhula was built in 1939 after Lord Laxman crossed the Ganga river after killing Ravana. There are spectacular views from the bridge. Small Bridge Ram Jula is located beside the Laxman Jula in Rishikesh.
• Triveni Ghat : Thousands of Devotees take a holy dip bath and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed daily in the morning and evening time respectively. Triveni Ghat is a well-known bathing ghat of Rishikesh, is a confluence of three sacred rivers that are Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. According to the beliefs, a dip in the water at this ghat washes away all the sins and purifies the soul.
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple : Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the most Scared Pilgrimage Destination for Hindu Religious. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Nilkanth. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has situated about 22 km from Swarg ashram in Haridwar. Neelkanth Mahadev temple is situated at the Converges of the two holy rivers Madhumati and Pankaja and between three valleys- Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot & Manikoot. According to Hindu Myth, It is believed that this was the Scared place where Lord Shiva Drank the Poison that originated from the sea to save his devotees Life.

Rishikesh During Char Dham Yatra

Rishikesh is the starting point for Char Dham Yatra and a great place to stay or visit during your Char Dham Yatra tours Package . Many pilgrims during their Char Dham Yatra, stay at Rishikesh for some duration. It is a hilly place which has many facilities available for its tourists and pilgrims of Char Dham.

Car Rental From Rishikesh

Car Rental Services in Rishikesh is one of the most sought services by every tourist visiting Rishikesh. If you are searching for the best car rental service in Rishikesh for either visiting places in Uttarakhand or going to Delhi NCR etc. Here you will get the latest updated information about Cabs/Taxi Rental Services with rates in Rishikesh. We have some of the best car rental operators offering quality & efficient Car Hire service for pilgrimage tours in Uttarakhand.

Char Dham Distance Chart From Rishikesh

The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh. Thousands of pilgrims during their yatra visit and take night halt in Rishikesh.

Top 5 Places to Stay in Rishikesh

There are many options for accommodation in Rishikesh during Char Dham Yatra. Following is the list of top 5 hotels, resorts, guest houses in Rishikesh.

1) Divine Resort & Spa

It is one of the most popular economic resort in Rishikesh town of Uttarakhand state in India. It offers the beautiful view of sacred river Ganga and an awesome view of the sunset and enchanting sound of the flowing river Ganga. Address:- Laxman Jhula Road Near Church, Tapovan, Rishikesh 249137 India

2) Garud Chatti River Resort

This hotel is the ideal place for true nature lovers. It has great landscapes with Lush green valley, misty woods enchanted peaks, and racing river. This hotel offer a deeper connection with the Divine Deluxe cottages Hot & Cold Water Washroom with Toilet. Address:- Ratta Pani, Neelkanth Road, Rishikesh 249201 India

3) Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat

This Resort is situated at a distance of 10 km from Rishikesh town. It is surrounded by natural beauty and close to an ancient temple of Lord Shiva & National Park. Address:- Neelkanth Road Near Phool Chatti, Rishikesh 249201 India.

4) GANGA KINARE- A Riverside Boutique Hotel

This Hotel is situated snugly on the banks of sacred river Ganga. It is the only hotel in Rishikesh which is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. It has 38 contemporary river-facing rooms. Address:- 237 Virbhadra Road, Rishikesh 249201 India

5) Hotel Ishan- A Riverside Retreat by Salvus

This Beautiful Hotel is situated near the famous landmark of Rishikesh which is Lakshman Jhula close to the sacred river Ganga. It provides a Beautiful view of the holy river Ganga and Lakshman Jhula Bridge. Adddress :- Laxman Jhula Road Laxman Chowk, Rishikesh 249192 India

How to Reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads and railway stations but the place does not have any airports. Many pilgrims visit Rishikesh daily for religious purposes as well as for adventure purposes by taking the experience of White Water Rafting and Camping. You can easily travel here by using public transport as well as by driving your own vehicle.

By Air:- Rishikesh is not connected by any airports. The nearest airport from Rishikesh is Jolly Grant airport which is situated in Dehradun which is 39 km from Rishikesh.

By Train:- Rishikesh is well connected by railway station. Rishikesh railways station is the only railway station in Rishikesh. You can easily travel to Rishikesh from Delhi by using Indian railways.

By Road:- Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads from Delhi. There are many regular buses available for traveling to Rishikesh from Delhi and Haridwar . You can also drive your car to travel to Rishikesh.

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• 1 Understand
• 2.2 By train
• 2.3 By plane
• 2.4 By taxi
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.2 By rickshaw
• 3.3 By taxi
• 5.3 Astrology, Ayurveda, healing, etc.
• 5.4 Outdoor activities
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe

Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand , India . Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram. The town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga .

Along with nearby Dehradun and Haridwar , Rishikesh is a useful gateway to the Uttarakhand Himalayas. The Northern Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh.

The nearby Shivpuri , 12 km away, is the centre for many adventure sports, not to be confused with its namesake Shivpuri .

• 30.11288 78.29574 1 ISBT ( north of Rishikesh center ). ( updated Aug 2023 )

From Delhi , Rishikesh is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey may take about 5–7 hr (depending on the traffic) and costs you ₹130–350. An AC bus will cost ₹200–500. The right time to visit would be February, March, August-October. In July there is a festival called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid travelling to Rishikesh during that time.

From Dehradun ISBT, a bus to Rishikesh costs ₹95 (2023) and takes around 1¼ hr.

Getting away :

Several travel agencies scattered around Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula can book luxury buses to common destinations like Delhi (₹250-₹500), Jaipur , Pushkar and Varanasi .

Public and private buses from Rishikesh to other destinations in Uttarakhand and on the plains leave from the main bus station on the south side of Chandrabhaga bridge.

Buses to northwest destinations including Devprayag, Srinagar and Kedarnath may pass through Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, however you will be more likely to get a seat at the bus station in Rishikesh town.

There are many trains from Delhi to Haridwar . Some of the better are: Shatabadi Express, Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express, Mussoorie Express. A quiet branch line connects Haridwar to Rishikesh, but there are only about three slow trains daily. Normally, it is better to take the train to Haridwar and continue by bus (45 min, ₹20), by taxi (30 min, ₹650) or by shared auto-rickshaw (40 min, ₹25). However, travelling by train is recommended in peak seasons or during a 'mela' (fair) when bus routes are diverted in Haridwar whereas trains often run empty and the fares are low (just ₹4 for a passenger train service). You can take share rickshaws (vehicle brand name Vikram) towards Laxman Jhula (₹15) from Rishikesh station. You will have to cross Ram Jhula to reach Swargashram on the other side of the Ganges.

Passenger trains from Haridwar to Rishikesh (approximate travel time 1 hr):

• Haridwar–Rishikesh 05:20
• Haridwar–Rishikesh 10:30
• Haridwar–Rishikesh 17:25

Travel agents in Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula can book train tickets for onward journeys; much easier than going to Rishikesh railway station to buy a ticket. Some may sell you a ticket from Raiwala, a small stop between Rishikesh and Haridwar, but this station, while closer, is tiny and trains only stop for a few seconds—better to board at Haridwar.

Ordinary / Passenger Trains from Rishikesh:

• Rishikesh–Delhi 07:00
• Rishikesh–Haridwar 08:55 ₹10
• Rishikesh–Bandikui 12:20
• Rishikesh–Haridwar 15:20 ₹10
• Rishikesh–Haridwar 19:30 ₹10
• Rishikesh–Jammutawi 16:15

Rishikesh is about 15 km from Dehradun 's Jolly Grant Airport ( DED  IATA ), which offers flights from Delhi and other Indian cities.

Delhi airport to Rishikesh by taxi is a 6–7-hr journey. Prices vary from US$85 for an air-conditioned compact car to US$125 for an air-conditioned SUV (but rates are much higher if you get these services from prepaid taxi booths at the airport).

Shared taxis to destinations within Uttarakhand leave from Natraj Chowk, 1 km from the Rishikesh bus station.

The town's centre, where the bus and train stations are, is of little interest to most travellers.

Northeast are three bridges spanning the Ganges, south to north: 30.11632 78.30888 1 Janki Setu , 30.12328 78.31453 2 Ram Jhula and 30.12635 78.33005 3 Laxman Jhula (closed as of summer 2023).

The main hubs of activity and interest are 30.11855 78.31381 4 Swargashram on the eastern bank of the Ganges (the center of multiple ashrams) and 30.12903 78.3251 5 Tapovan about 5 km northeast of Rishikesh (the backpacker hotspot with dirt-cheap accommodation).

Swargashram is pretty much pedestrian only, but it's compact and walkable (as is the whole of the town).

To visit eastern bank of Ganges, you have to walk across Janki Setu or Ram Jhula , or take ferry from Ram Jhula.

By rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws (vikrams) are useful from the bus/train stations to get around:

• Janki Seti or southern Rishikesh – ₹10.
• Tapovan – ₹20 (2023), maybe ₹25 from the bus terminal

Near the bank of Ganges, share jeeps and taxis are available to drop visitors at Neelkantha temple and waterfall. Overall, it’s more than 16 km run by road to go from one side of river to another.

• 30.10612 78.30205 1 Bharat Mandir . One of the temples set up by 'Adiguru Shankaracharya' during the 12th century. This temple is a real tribute to Vishnu, the idol of which is carved from a sole piece of Saligram.  
• 30.120605 78.313539 2 Gita Bhavan . Place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji (the great thinker of his time) and popular among the Hindu Brahmin community. Twice a year people gather at this ashram to read the Ramayana together.  
• 30.086928 78.267612 3 Neelkanth Mahadev Mela . One of the most sacred temples in Rishikesh. Located on hill over Swarg Ashram at a height of 1,675 m. A religious fair is held during July–August when many disciples from different corners of India visit.  
• 30.119113 78.312209 4 Parmarth Niketan Ashram . One of the few ashrams left in India where children get the Vedas education. A must-visit in the evening for the Pooja/Aarti, at 5PM in winter and 6PM in summer.  
• 30.116483 78.313095 5 Swarg Ashram , Shri 108 Baba kali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji . Swargashram (Heavenly Abode), as the name connotes, is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxman Jhula. It is the spiritual “ground zero” of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthy and satwik living environment. It is this spot where from ages of yore the famous yogis and rishis have been doing the Tapasya. Numerous mentions of this spot occur in the holy scripture Puranas.  
• 30.12655 78.33108 6 Trayambakeshwar Temple , Laxman Jhula . It is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout.  
• 30.102861 78.299716 7 Triveni Ghat . This is a bathing ghat. Every morning and evening, thousands of visitors bathe here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It is very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.  

• Patna Waterfalls . Reaching Patna Waterfalls requires a little bit of trekking (600 metres), but you will find scenic spots at the top. There are a few tea stalls along the way.  
• Take a holy dip in the Ganges , with reputed healing powers.
• Chota Char Dham – It starts in summer and continues till the end of October. The Chota Char Dham is a Hindu pilgrimage route taking in four holy sites within Uttarakhand: Badrinath , Kedarnath , Gangotri (all sources of tributaries of the River Ganga) and Yamunotri (source of the Yamuna River).
• Check into an ashram to study yoga, meditation and Hindu philosophy; see Yoga in Rishikesh .
• Trekking to Hemkunt ( Hemkund , 4,150 m) – Officially this is a Sikh pilgrim journey, but if you are fed up with whole enlightenment circus or the overly commercialised tourism spectacle in town, this could be a great combination of inexpensive stays and great hikes.
• Shivpuri — one of the most visited places around Rishikesh, 12 km away. Named after Shiva. It is a spiritual village which is also the hub for adventure sports. One can do many adventure activities in Shivpuri like river rafting, camping, ziplining and trekking.

Rishikesh considers itself to be the yoga capital of the world. It's on offer everywhere, and most styles are represented. Yoga teacher training is offered at several places. See Yoga in Rishikesh for listings.

• Bhuwan Chandra Music School & Store , Ram Jhula, Swaargashram, near Ram Jhula Bridge , ☏ +91 9412029817 , [email protected] . Run by a sitar player Bhuwan Chandra. Travelers can learn and buy sitar, tabla, harmonium, mantra chanting, and improve vocal skills. ₹500/hr .  
• Mukeshji's Jungle Vibes , Shisham Jhari ( near Dayanand Ashram ), ☏ +91 9411312049 . Make Australian didgeridoos, African djmbes and other musical instruments under the guidance of Mukeshji, while he regales you with his hilarious stories and takes you along with him in his Himalayan journeys.  
• 30.1217 78.3068 1 Pankaj Music School , Ganga Vatika, Muni Ki Reti ( 100m left from Ram Jhula bridge, through Sivananda Memorial Arc ), ☏ +91 989 7108154 . 9AM-6PM . Extremely proferssional artist Pankaj teaches sitar, harmonium, tabla and bansuri in different styles in a slow-paced, yet intensive way. ₹200/hr . ( updated Feb 2018 )

Astrology, Ayurveda, healing, etc.

Everyone needs healing.

• Indian Palmistry Institute ( near Police Station Laxman Jhula ), ☏ +91 9358549482 , [email protected] . Centre for learning palmistry and astrology.  
• Ganga Astrology Centre ( near German Bakery, Laxman Jhula ), ☏ +91 9897483488 , [email protected] . Personal horoscopes and palm reading from Dr. Gaurav Agrawal and the astrologer B.P. Uniyal. The horoscopes can be made on a distance, using your place and date of birth. Palm reading ₹300; full chart horoscope ca ₹500 .  
• Soma Reiki centre ( Near the Swargashram taxi stand ), ☏ +91 98 97 73 26 79 , [email protected] . Run by soma a local reiki master which is in Gita Ashram.  
• 30.123729 78.329277 2 Maayaa International Healing School ( Maayaa Healing ), Near Dharam Raj Temple, Laxman Jhulla Road, Paurhi , ☏ +919373052179 , [email protected] . 9AM–8PM . Maayaa offers sound healing, reiki, chakra healing, numerology, Tarot reading, physic counselling, aromatherapy, Kundalini meditation, dowsing, chakra balancing. Also these residential courses: sound healing teacher training course, meditation teacher training course, aromatherapy course, chakra plus crystal intensive program and yoga & meditation retreats. US$75 . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 30.1236 78.329191 3 Chakra Ayurvedic Wellness ( Panchakarma Center in Rishikesh ), tapovan, rishikesh, india ( Reach tapovan sarai, rishikesh ), ☏ +916398653609 , [email protected] . 9AM–7PM . Panchakarma, Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, Yoga & Ayurveda retreat. US$15.0 . ( updated Jun 2024 )
• 30.1236 78.329191 4 Divine School of Ayurveda ( Dr. Mukesh Sharma and Dr. Vibha Sharma ), Laxman Jhula Road, Near Dharamraj Temple below Maestro Galleria, Pauri Garhwal ( Reach Dharam Raj Temple on Laxman Jhulla ), ☏ +919868980101 , [email protected] . 9AM–7PM . Panchakarma, sound healing, astrology or Jyotishshastra, Ayurveda nutrition, yoga & Ayurveda retreat. US$7.50 . ( updated Feb 2017 )

Outdoor activities

There are numerous travel agencies offering all kinds of trips and thrill adventures. It's probably just agencies that contact the tour organisiers, so ask around for the best price, it will be the same tour anyhow.

• Bungee jump – You can try bungee jump at Jumpin Heights, a jump from 83 m just above a natural river and have the time of your life—₹3,700. Similarly, there is Fox Flying available—₹2,000.
• Camping – Camping in Rishikesh on the Ganga beach offer an environment to wake up with the birds and swim in the fresh water of the river Ganges. Camping in Rishikesh is a very popular activity, don't ask why. The nearest camp is just across Goa Beach adjacent to Laxman Jhula.
• Cliff jumping – You are supposed to jump into cold water from a cliff! Of course you are wearing a life jacket and a helmet but still jumping from so high into the Ganges, which is murky so the bottom can't be seen, unlike jumping into a swimming pool where one can see the bottom and the water is static.
• Hiking – There are a lot of soft hikes in this region and good birdwatching . But this altitude is barely where you want to do any larger hiking trips, better try Hemkunt above.
• Rappelling – Climbing down with a rope is called rappelling. The group is taken to a spot where there is a cliff drop, experts with proper equipment who set up the gear first and then, one by one, everyone comes down. It's all about trusting your gear and following the instructions and then it's a lot of fun.
• Reverse Bungee Jumping – Feel the adrenaline rush as you bound up to 180 feet and back down in the adventure of reverse bungee jump in Rishikesh—₹1,500.
• Rock climbing – This is also included at some of the camps but not everyone can do it as it requires a lot of strength and skill. The group is taken to a cliff side and with proper safety gear everyone is given a chance to climb the cliff side.
• White water rafting – Rishikesh is very popular for its rafting on the River Ganga (Ganges). The area offers rapids of Grade-I to V. September–November and March-May are ideal for rafting. The rafting goes for several kilometres, and the path is interspersed with rapids, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, in order of difficulty. At the end of the trip, you have the option of jumping some 20 feet from a ledge into the water. The package usually includes an overnight camp on the banks of the river, with a brilliant and moderate trek among the hills in the morning. If one has time, courses in rafting are also offered.
• Yoga and Music Festival . Annually . Free concerts of live classical Indian music and free yoga classes with local top yoga teachers.  

As with most holy cities come tourist destinations there's a plethora of religious paraphernalia, cheap clothing aimed at foreigners, incense, bronze Shiva statues, etc. Unlike many other similar towns in India prices here are usually reasonable and you won't have to haggle hard for a good price.

Non-vegetarian food has been banned in the city for many years. North and south Indian food is widely available, and there's no shortage of multi-cuisine backpacker cafes, especially in Laxman Jhula. What excites many foreigners are the delicious Ayurvedic and health food restaurants, perfect for an after-yoga meal. Many of the main lanes are lined with wooden push carts selling in-season fruit, veggies, popcorn, nuts, warm cookies and lots else, and you'll usually be quoted a fair price. The papayas here are particularly delicious. Try the famous Chotiwali Special/Janata or Delux Thali. It used to be an unlimited affair but now due to practical constraints the quantity is limited and extra helpings are charged. There are several eateries offering jalebis, imartis, samosas, and other Indian snacks. If you haven't heard of these before, you should definitely try them.

• Chotiwala in Swarg Ashram claims to be the original, and serves up great Indian food including 5 different thalis. Meals starts from ₹100.
• Ganga Ayurvedic Food Place , ( out beyond most of the ashrams, just past VED Niketan Ashram ). Delicious food, lovingly prepared. One of the cleaner kitchens around; don't be afraid of the good salads. Also great for breakfast.
• Ganga View Restaurant ( from Laxman Jhula bridge, go to taxi stand passing the famous bell temples. After taxi stand walk another 20 meters ). 8AM–11PM . Probably the best cooks in town, these guys will serve you any food you like. Be prepared to wait 40-90 minutes as the place is extremely popular. ₹10–200 .  
• German Bakery in Tapovan ( just above entrance to Laxman Jhula bridge, Tapovan side ). Don't miss their super-popular spinach pie. Come at 10AM to get a piece.  
• Little Buddha ( Fine Nepali Food ), Laxman Jhula Rd ( in Laxman Jhula, look for a huge tree in the middle of the Laxman Jhula Rd. The restaurant is right against the tree. ). 8AM-10PM . One of the best known cafes in town. Here you can get delicious Nepali, Indian, European, and Thai food for under ₹100 per dish. Three storeys, nice Ganga view. ₹10-150 .  
• Little Italy , Swarg Ashram, ( in the Green Hotel ). Good pasta, pizza, etc. Mains from ₹30.
• Moon Dance Cafe , Ramjhula Swargashram Area ( near taxi stand ), ☏ +91 91-9897270905 . 8AM-11PM . Italian, Mexican American, Indian, Tibetan, Nepali, Israeli cuisine with all food prepared with fresh water. Great choice of delicious meals. Be prepared to wait for at least 40 minutes. ₹6-120 .  
• Mukti's Health Food , ( a few hundred metres west of Shivanand Jhula bridge, overlooking the taxi stand/parking lot ). A tiny place in a strange location, but very popular and excellent food at very reasonable prices. Homemade green pasta, Indonesian gado-gado, and homemade frozen yogurt, apple pie or chocolate cake for dessert.
• The Office . Has sweet samosas filled with mango, apple, banana and/or chocolate as well as tasty masala chai.
• Pundit g ka rajasthani restaurant ( near Triveni Ghat ). Has a very good variety of north Indian food.  
• Red Night Restaurant , ☏ +91 135 2440094 . Open air, river-facing restaurant and terrace  
• Shiva-resort , a nice place away from the bustling market of Ram-Jhula towards Neelkanth road in Jonk village. A great place to have organic food and you also can stay there in a silent and pleasant place.
• The Welcome Center , ( about a 10-15 minute walk towards Haridwar from the Shivanand Jhula bridge ). Hidden down off the road (but signposted), this is a little oasis of calm from the busy street. Great Ayurvedic food and teas. They also offer cooking classes, several types of yoga, etc. and sell natural incense, neti pots, yoga mats and the like. If you like the atmosphere, enquire about staying here as well.
• 30.123758 78.32922 1 Zorba Organic Restaurant & Cafe , Near Dharam Raj Temple ( walk form Laxman Jhula towards Dharam Raj Temple ), ☏ +91 98164 92921 , [email protected] . 8AM-10:30PM . Serves Indian, Italian, Chinese, cafe-style, Tibetan and Israeli food. Vegetarian-friendly with vegan options, to eat in or take out. Outdoor seating with view of the Ganges. No smoking, child-friendly. ( updated Feb 2017 )

Sitting around in dhabas and cafes is nearly mandatory here. In addition to the old standards like masala chai and lassis you can find a nice range of Ayurvedic teas . Some restaurants make up their own tonics to treat anything that may be ailing you.

There are two Italian-style/Seattle-style cafés focusing on coffee.

• Alcohol is banned and inappropriate, as Rishikesh is a holy city, although you can buy beer (8% alc) with your meal in one of the finer hotels.
• Tripti Restaurant is on main the Badrinath highway and is a good place to visit. It has a beautiful view and an airy restaurant area to sit and relax. The food is healthy and fresh and tasty. It is a common place for foreigners and visitors to have a calm and quite break. Sitting on the terrace is another thing that you don't want to miss at "Tripti"
• Freedom Ganga Cafe ( In Laxman Jhula, locate a tree in the middle of the road and turn down into a small lane next to an Ayurvedic doctor's office. ). 8AM-10PM . Offers strawberry smoothies, thick mango juice (ask for no ice), strawberry lassi, thick fresh pineapple juice. Drinks are served in 500 ml mugs. ₹12-200 .  

Rishikesh is filled almost entirely with budget hotels, with a few mid-range thrown in for good measure. Tapovan is popular with backpackers and has the cheapest accommodation, while Swargashram is where the majority of the ashrams are, and is a nice alternative. There is also a handful of accommodation options available in High Bank .

It's wise to book ahead in the peak tourist season, and during the Kumbh Mela in neighboring Haridwar .

Hotels in this range start at price as low as ₹100.

• Ananda Guesthouse , Swargashram ( next to Krishna Cottage ), ☏ +91 9758164982 , [email protected] . Clean and comfortable, new rooms with attached bath. Good value for the money and the owner is a great and helpful host. ₹300-400 .  
• Green Hotel , Swargashram , ☏ +91 135-2431242 . A large, popular place with a good restaurant. ₹100-1000 .  
• Hotel Hill Top , Laxman Jhula , ☏ +91 135-2434583 . Rooms over looking the river and the mountains. Double bed-room ₹600-750. Four bed-room with TV ₹1,200. .  
• Hotel Ishan , Lakshman Jhula . Decent rooms with Ganga views and balconies. From ₹200 .  
• Hotel Narayana Kunj , Swargashram , ☏ +91 135-2440922 , +91 135-2440822 . They claim to have neat and clean rooms and good service. ₹300-600 .  
• Hotel Surya Palace , Village Joink Ramjhula , ☏ +91 1352440005 . Opened 2010. Wifi. Rooms are big, clean and very comfortable. ₹350-900 .  
• Jaipur Inn , Laxman Jhula . Nice rooms, some with a view and a good restaurant on the top floor that overlooks both the Laxman Jhula and the Ganges River. Single ₹900, double ₹1000 .  
• Krishna Cottage , Swargashram ( near Chotiwala Restaurant ), ☏ +91 135-2440193 , [email protected] . Room price of US$20 per night includes 3 meals & free wireless internet. Also offers short term yoga and ayurveda courses/retreats (including Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training) and budget car and taxi rental services from Delhi airport to Rishikesh. US$20/night .  
• Laxmi Yellow Guest House , Near Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, Badrinath Road Tapovan Laxman Jhoola ( 10 minutes walk from Police Check Post Tapovan ), ☏ +91 9760506761 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Guest house with clean and comfortable rooms with attached kitchen, common kitchen and attached bathroom with 24 hours hot water, mountain view, in-house salad lounge & cafe. In-house reiki and crystal macrame workshops available. In-house salon for haircut by professional stylist. Yoga lessons, river rafting and other adventure activities are also available on request. The host is very helpful and kind and stays in the same property. The same owner also owns Yash Paying Guest House, which charges ₹400-500 for rooms and also offers them for monthly rentals. Contact info for Yash: email: [email protected], +91 9412146858, Mr.Yash, +91 9997887794 ₹250 - 400 .  
• Live Free Hostel , Laxman Jhula, Distt. Tehri Garhwal, Tapovan ( near Anand Dham ), ☏ +91 98717 99693 . Hostel with a rooftop and several terraces. Dorm, single and double rooms with all new beds and bedsheats. Staff sometimes takes tourists out on small daytours outside of town. Has Wifi. 4-bed dorms for ₹399, doubles for ₹999 . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• Lucky Hotel , Lakshman Jhula . 8-room hotel on the banks of the Ganges with a river view. A restaurant serving Indian and Chinese food is under the hotel. ₹300-1300 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Mount Valley Mama Cottage , High Bank . The friendly hostess, Mama, makes wholesome breakfasts and scrumptious thali. Nice Ganga views and a good shower.  
• Patanjali Yoga Center , Ram Jhula Taxi Stand . Iyengar Yoga lessons are available in a studio with modern equipment. Rooms ₹100 and up. .  
• Raj Resort ( Raj Resort Rishikesh ), Badrinath Road Tapovan ( 5 minute walk from Police Check Post Tapovan ), ☏ +91 135-2434165 , +91 9412917323 , [email protected] . Clean and comfortable AC/non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms, hot shower, balcony with mountain view, garden, car parking, restaurant. Yoga lessons, river rafting and other extras are also available. ₹300 - 1500 .  
• Rishikesh Sadan, the Spiritual Retreat Guesthouse ( Osho Mystery Meditation Center ), Near RTO Checkpost, Aamkhala, Tapovan, Badrinath Highway ( next to Narayana Palace ), ☏ +91 9897810055 , [email protected] . Clean and comfortable valley facing rooms near spring. ₹400-700 .  
• Sai Ganga Cottage , Tapovan Badrinath Road Laxman Jhula ( Take rickshaw from Rishikesh Market to Sai Ganga Cottage, 10 min from Rishikesh market, very close to Ram Jhula bridge and waterfall ), ☏ +91 9997015534 , [email protected] . Check-in: anytime , check-out: noon . Family operated, beautiful rooms A/C and Non A/C available, water heater, delectable restaurant, cyber cafe, rafting and trekking packages, bus, air and train ticketing services available. ₹500-2000 .  
• Sarika The sanctuary , Swargashram ( next to Shiva Resort ), ☏ +91 9897270905 , +91 8958302149 , +91 135-2440157 , [email protected] . Reported to be clean and comfortable. ₹200-300 .  
• Shiva Resort , Swargashram . Open rooms with balconies and garden. Also offers yoga lessons in the morning (7:00AM to 8:30AM ) & evening (5:30PM to 7:00PM), in-house pool, Internet cafe, Ayurvedic treatments and panchkarma centre. From ₹450-1000 .  
• Shiv Shakti Guesthouse , Laxman Jhula ( near Sant Sewa Ashram ), ☏ +91 9756697614 , [email protected] . Clean and comfortable rooms with attached bathroom. Some rooms have Ganges views and free Wi-Fi. There is also a travel point at reception. ₹300-500 .  
• Tripti Hotel , Tapovan ( Laxman Jhula ), ☏ +91 135-2430212 , +91 9897544408 , [email protected] . Clean and comfortable. The owner is a great guy and helpful host. Non-AC rooms ₹600 .  
• Vashishth Guest House , Swargashram ( Near Parmarth Niketan ), ☏ +91 135-2440029 . Clean and safe place to stay with air conditioning, television, water heater, attached bathroom facilities. ₹300 - 650 .  
• Yoga Niketan Guest House ( Near Ram Jhula. On the river, private ghat. ). Yoga classes take place in their main ashram above - a five-minute uphill walk. Clean rooms on ground and first floors have private sit out with good view of the Ganges. Basic veg meals available on request or at the Ashram for ₹200 per day. Non Ac ₹500; AC ₹990.  

Many ashrams also offer cheap lodging.

• Nirmal Ashram ( Very close to Triveni Ghat ). Mayakund, Nirmal Ashram is famous for its service to humanity. Free food, medical treatment, education to poor people are a few of the services which Nirmal Ashram provides. Free food is served to everybody who comes to the ashram.  
• Sant Seva Ashram , Laxman Jhula , ☏ +91 135-2430-465 . Budget rooms on the banks with a great view from ₹250-700. Long stays allowed. Booking can be done only 1 or 2 days in advance. Homely restaurant attached.  
• Sri Ved Niketan Ashram , Swarg Ashram ( From the Bus Stand, take the road toward Parmarth Niketan ), ☏ +91 9456710941 , [email protected] . Spacious yoga hall of the International Vishwaguru Meditation and Yoga Institute and huge and serene lush green court yard offering hatha yoga, meditation, teacher training course 200 hours and 15 days intensive course of hatha yoga, etc. Rooms ₹150-400 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Kriya Yoga Ashram , Tapovan sarai, rishikesh ( From the Bus Stand, take the road toward tapovan ). very calm environment inside with a costing of 700 rupee per person/day including food good enough for travel person they have arti and meditation hall as well which is good. Rooms ₹700-1500 . ( updated Aug 2016 )

There are two Government Tourist Lodges. Their rates range from ₹600 to ₹2000.

• Bharat Bhumi in the town.
• Sisham Jhari on the banks of the Ganges.
• Hotel Ganesha Inn , Laxman Jhula Road , ☏ +91 2442024 .  
• 30.102356 78.292447 1 Hotel Ganga View , 355 Haridwar Road ( on National Highway 58 ), ☏ +91 999720244 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Situated on the outskirts of the city with a river view. ₹1500-₹2499 .  
• High Bank Peasant's Cottage , Tapovan , ☏ +91 9837055578 , [email protected] . A small boutique family guest house, away from the hustle and bustle. Located peacefully on the edge of the reserve forest in the lower Himalayas overlooking the town. ( updated Jul 2018 )
• 30.129444 78.320628 2 Hotel Yog Tapovan , ☏ +91 9873230477 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 11:00 . 14 rooms and Wifi. ₹1000-1200 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• Hotel Prasanna Inn ( Near Dayananda Ashra ). Near the river line, in some quiet and serene surroundings. Rooftop yoga.  
• Tapovan Resort , Laxman Jhula . A newer hotel with good rooms and a garden. Also has a decent restaurant. ₹1650-1850 .  
• Vna Tapovan , Laxman Jhula Badrinath Road ( [email protected] ), ☏ +91 8449100888 , +91 8449300888 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . A quiet hotel with an informative, helpful staff. Rafting, camping, trekking and bungee jumping can be arranged. ₹1950–₹2950 .  
• Ganga Beach Resort , Shesdhara, Tapovan, Laxman Jhula Road ( 3 km from Rishikesh & on the right river bank of Ganges ), ☏ +91 135-2442018 , [email protected] . Exquisite setting on the Ganges, surrounded by forested hills.  
• Hotel Ganga Kinare ( 0135-2435243 ), 237 Virbhadra Road , ☏ +91 8447404441-2-3 , [email protected] . On the banks of the Ganges, with a private ghat (bank), this boutique hotel overlooks Rajaji National Park. A couple of rolling lawns host morning yoga sessions and spiritual lectures. Various heads of states and celebrities have stayed here. The hotel houses a riverside cafe 'Rangoli' and a multi-cuisine dining lounge. Some years before it used to be the venue of international yoga week also. ₹3000-6000 .  

A holy city it may be, but Rishikesh draws more than its fair share of criminals and con men . Don't walk around alone at night and beware of the motives of sadhus offering one-on-one tutoring. There is also a gem stone hoax going on in at least one gem store: They ask you to bring the stones to your own country to a "buyer" who doesn't exist. In general, try not getting involved with any local guide who is offering you services. They are mostly con men and goons.

Watch where you step : After sundown it is pitch dark, so bring a light.

Watch out for the sometimes brash food stealing monkeys too. They mostly "operate" on and around the foot bridges, and if you look them in the eyes they become aggressive, but rarely/never attack unless you carry food. Sadhus and police officers carry sticks to keep monkeys and cows/oxen at a distance. The brown monkeys are aggressive; the grey big languors are nicer. The greys sometimes steal food from tourists (not on the bridges), but mostly because their size scares the tourist. They don't bite you to get food.

Be alert if an ox is on your path: They are mostly harmless, but after dark they are sometimes nervous. Especially on the narrow foot bridges, you should try to read their body language before a close encounter.

Ordered by distance:

• Rajaji National Park — 20 minutes' drive. Founded in 1983, it was created by integrating three different sanctuaries: Motichur Sanctuary, Chilla Sanctuary and Rajaji Sanctuary. The park is nicely placed in green hills and foothills of the Shivalik mountain ranges.
• Haridwar — a Hindu pilgrimage site at the Ganges River,
• Dhanaulti — 84 km away, offering an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. If you want to get away from the city crowd then just head towards the Dhanaulti.
• Mussoorie — 77 km away, one of the most visited hill stations in India, surrounded by green hills and rich in flora and fauna.

The following three seem to be very far away, but they are into the mountains and Rishikesh is one of the few cities to reach them from:

• Yamunotri — 215 km away with Yamunotri temple, the major tourist attraction, at 4,421 m.
• Kedarnath — 240 km away, it's one of the four Char Dham Yatra Hindu pilgrim centers, at 3,400 m, which you need to hike at least 16 km to.
• Govindghat — 224 km away, "beyond" Kedarnath. It's the gateway to the Hemkunt pilgrimage site and the Valley of Flowers .

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Going by the etymology, the sound of the name of the place in itself acts like an ablution for souls. Pronounced as 'Hrishikesh', the word breaks into 'Hrishik' meaning senses and 'Ish' meaning Master, joining to give complete meaning as 'Master / Lord of Senses' which refers to Lord Vishnu. There are various legends rooted in mythologies are associated with the places, making traveling to it more fun and learning. And traveling to Rishikesh is also important because it is considered to be the beginning point for the Yatra of Char Dham of Uttarakhand - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

The place has now earned a tacit reputation amongst the adventure maniacs as well who love to go to any extent to feel the rush in their blood. White Water River rafting in Ganges from various points makes for a favorite sport for them. Going to another level, they can try Bungee Jumping and some other sports that might give shock of a lifetime to those who are not into 'adventure' in any way.

And as if the fame was not enough, Rishikesh has also emerged as an international destination for Yoga, rightly assuming the title of 'World Capital of Yoga' and hence the thriving population of tourists from abroad.

Pilgrims believe to escape to salvation by performing holy rituals in addition to austerities in this place. As a part of legendary Kedarkhand, the place is believed to be the one where Lord Rama did his penance for killing Ravana - a Brahmin, to wash away the sin of 'Brahmahatya'. At one point when the brothers Ram and Lakshman had to cross River Ganges, Lakshmana built a jute-rope bridge, where present day Lakshman Jhoola stands.

Best time to visit: Round the year Altitude: 372 mt. Language: Hindi, English

Attractions

Lakshman Jhula: 450 ft of Iron Bridge over the Ganges now stands where at some point of time stood the jute rope bridge made by Laxman, younger brother of Lord Ram. Many temples and ashrams are dotted nearby on the either side of the banks, making it a popular tourist magnet.

Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir: The confluence of rivers Pankaja and Madhumati is tacitly celebrated by the presence of the temple with presiding deity Lord Shiva, at an altitude of 1330 m. Surrounded by the Brahmakoot, Vishnukoot and Manikoot hills, the sanctity of God elaborates the legend of Lord Shiva drinking 'Halahal' poison that came out of churning of celestial 'Ocean of Milk' and keeping it restricted to throat making it appear blue, hence the name 'Neelkanth' - 'Blue Throat'.

Bharat Mandir: A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu has been erected in Rishikesh in 12th century by devout Hindu and Vedant scholar Adi Shankaracharya to resurrect the glory of Hinduism and accommodate the faith of its followers. Once destroyed by Tamur, it was reconstructed and recent excavation only highlights the ancient importance of the place.

Triveni Ghat: Maha Aarti is performed on this very bank of River Ganga where pilgrims can take holy bath. The cool air, the river, devotion of thousands of individuals and aarti make the ambience spiritually engaging, no matter what religion one belongs to.

Swarg Ashram: The 'Heavenly Abode' is known for being the very place where all the rishi and sages have prayed and performed penance and meditation to get a glimpse of God. Situated amidst Mother Nature, the place is a divine invitation in itself.

Getting there

By Air: Flying to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun from New Delhi and Lucknow and taking road is the fastest way to reach Rishikesh.

By Train: Haridwar (24 km) is the nearest and convenient railway station connected very well by rest of the major cities of India.

By Road: People find it common to hire a car or taxi from New Delhi but the regular bus services from different towns and cities of India.

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10 Fantastic Things To Do In Rishikesh: A Guide To This Beautiful Region

Rishikesh is a land of yoga, temples, ashrams, and adventure. This your ultimate guide to this beautiful region with a great list of things to do in Rishikesh, India.

Famous as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh, a town of spirituality and adventure has a lot to offer its guests. This beautiful spiritual site of India is situated in the Himalayan foothills beside the Holy River Ganges. The town sees a high number of Hindu pilgrims and even great number of Yogis every year.

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Things To Do In Rishikesh

Rishikesh provides an ideal respite from the chaos of other Indian cities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to India or have already explored other regions or cities like Kerala or Delhi , Rishikesh promises to be an adventure!

There are many temples and ashrams that allow you to indulge in yoga and spirituality practices to attain enlightenment. Even the famous Rock Band Beatles visited this town during the 60’s in search of peace and enlightenment.

Rishikesh is a place of spirituality and is no less behind when it comes to adventure. There is a lot to see, a lot more to explore and do during a stay in Rishikesh, India .

Visit Amazing Pilgrimage Spots For Peace

Rishikesh is considered as one of the divine and holy places in India. It is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra, a Hindu Pilgrimage tour where people visit the four holiest places in Uttarakhand, starting from Rishikesh.

You can visit the spiritual places like Parmarth Niketan, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Gita Bhawan, Swarg Ashram, Rishi Kund, Kunjapuri Devi Mandir, Raghunath Temple, Beatles Ashram, Sivananda Ashram, Lakshman Temple, and other temples in Rishikesh.

Let Adventure Fill your Soul

As much as Rishikesh is known for its spiritual practices and yoga, the town is also known as the adventure sports capital of India. River rafting and camping are the most loved and popular activities among the adrenaline junkies.

The destination offers adventurous activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping, cliff jumping, trekking, camping and bonfire, rock climbing, kayaking, rappelling, flying fox, mountain cycling, body surfing, etc. The place is dreamy and soul-filling for all the thrill-seekers.

Take a Holy Dip at Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is famous for the confluence of the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati that make it really divine. It is believed that taking a holy bath at the Triveni Ghat can relieve a person from all the sins and purify the soul. The ghat is also famous for the evening Maha Aarti.

Go On a Yoga Retreat to Balance the Body and Mind

India is the birth land of yoga and Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the globe. Yoga is India’s biggest gift to the world. The Beatles visited the place years ago for seeking spirituality and enlightenment through meditation and yoga and contributed to making transcendental practice famous across the globe.

The town is renowned for meditation and yoga practices and learning. Many yoga enthusiasts from across the globe land at the divine land of Rishikesh every year for a yoga retreat and yoga teacher training.

Ayurveda Therapy for Relaxation

Not only famous for yoga and meditation teaching; Rishikesh is a holy grail for Ayurveda practice and therapies as well. There are many ashrams and Ayurvedic centers that are renowned for Ayurvedic therapies and treatments for both rejuvenating and healing purposes.

Rishikesh is an ideal destination to find tranquillity for the body, mind, and soul. You can also visit the Ayurveda centers to learn about the science and its practices at a professional level.

Experience Blissful Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Ghat

Another thing that Rishikesh is famous for is its ‘Ghats’. Triveni and Parmarth are the most popular ones. While Triveni is known for the confluence of the three holy rivers and Maha Aarti, Parmarth is famous for Meditation and Yoga practices.

The Ghat is best known for its Ganga Aarti that offers one spectacular sight to capture forever. The aura during the Aarti is positive, pleasant, and amidst the mantra chanting, you feel calm within.

Savor Delectable Food

Food and hygiene add to the fondness of a place and Rishikesh has it all. In Rishikesh, you find vegetarian and non-alcoholic food and beverages. You can taste and enjoy sattvic, vegan and continental food in this beautiful place.

You can relish the flavors of North Indian cuisine and can try the delectable street food like moong dal chilla, lassi, samosa, and masala chai. All foodies must visit Chotiwala, a famous age-old run family business to taste fabulous food.

You also find a Chotiwala pandit all dressed up and sitting outside the food joint. Cafes like Bistro Nirvana, Ira’s Kitchen & Tea Room, The Sitting Elephant, Little Buddha Cafe, etc., are the perfect places where you can get both Indian and Continental cuisines.

Go on a Shopping Spree

The flea or local markets of Rishikesh is a must visit. Here, you can buy semi-precious stones, pearls, beads and shells, wall paintings, wooden craft work, handcrafted items, etc. The bazaar is loaded with a huge range of Indian wear, rugs, and handlooms.

You can also buy items and souvenirs from government-approved craft shops or Khadi Bhandar. Being a holy place, you find many religious and spiritual products as well as statues, incense, religious paraphernalia, clothes, etc., at affordable prices.

Relish The Serene Beauty of Rishikesh

After going through all these points you must have realized how colorful and beautiful this place is, and nature’s beauty adds more charm to it. Situated in the Himalayan foothills with the Holy River Ganges lining it, Rishikesh is surrounded by nature’s beauty and serenity. You can enjoy the scenic view while having a cup of tea and have a really soul-soothing experience.

Best Places To Visit in Rishikesh

There are many more places to explore and visit in Rishikesh. You can take a tour of this beautiful region starting from the Ghats to the temple, and the Ashrams to the markets. You can also visit places like Rajaji National Park, Ram Jhula, and Lakshman Jhula.

Rishikesh is a blend of adventure, health, and spirituality, a rare blend that is hard to find that provides complete harmony. The place offers splendid experiences and tempts to visit the divine land again and again.

Traveling To Rishikesh Soon?

Here are a few tips if you are planning a trip to Rishikesh.

Where is Rishikesh?

Rishikesh, also spelt as Hrishikesh, is a city in the Indian state Uttarakhand. It is situated on the right bank of the Ganges River.

How to get there:  You can reach Rishikesh by train, bus, private car hire or plane. Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh which is approximately 22 miles away. The next closest airport is in Delhi, which is a 5.5 hour bus or car ride. Haridwar is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh.

When to Visit Rishikesh

The best time to visit Rishikesh is from Feb- April & Sept to Oct. The summers are extremely hot and during the rainy season, the water level will be quiet high so rafting won’t be an option.

If you enjoyed this article about What to do in Rishikesh: A Guide to this Beautiful Region, you’ll also love How to Prepare for Travel to India for The First Time.

Where to stay: There are many places to stay in Rishikesh country as well as in India. There is a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury. For a luxury hotel that won’t break the bank, I recommend the Aloha On The Ganges by Leisure Hotels which is currently the  #1 hotel on Tripadvisor . For a mid-level hotel, I suggest the EllBee Ganga View. Finally, for a budget hotel, try the  Hotel Yog Vashishth. You can also check  HotelsCombined for the best Rishikesh Hotel Rates.

Rishikesh Trip Essentials

Recommended travel resources.

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• Get the Lonely Planet India Travel Guide.

• You’ll want some great walking shoes for Rishikesh. I love Keen, they are so comfortable and a great shoe for summer trips to Rishikesh. Here is a  great option for women,  and here is a  great shoe option for men.

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Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher, Writer at AssignmentBro and a Traveler in India. He provides Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India. He loves writing and reading the books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas. You can learn more about Manmohan Singh at rishikulyogshala.org

Seems like so much to do in a drop dead gorgeous place Manmohan. Doing 1 hour of deep yin yoga daily so it resonates with me as well. Yoga nut here. Yin, as I get my yan from all my walking and jogging. Rocking post dude.

Hi, Thanks for sharing this valuable information.you may also visit Nirvana Yogasthal which Provide one the best Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh and Learn the ancient science of yoga

Thanks For Sharing Such a Nice Information

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Ultimate Rishikesh Travel Guide 2022 Updated | Best Rishikesh Guide

Rishikesh Travel Guide-  Chances are that you must be aware of the spiritual town of Rishikesh even if you are a visitor, planning your India travel.

Rishikesh is located near the foot of the mighty Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is also known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal.

Table of Contents

Rishikesh – a blend of spirituality and adventure.

Adventure is worthwhile especially in Rishikesh, often claimed as the ‘ Yoga Capital ” of the World.’ A magnet for spiritual seekers, Rishikesh is a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and spirituality.

At first, only Rishikesh comes in your mind when someone talks about River Rafting and pilgrimage sites in a modern way as Yoga, and divine principles are being taught in Rishikesh for long.

Mesmerizing clouds, overlapped mountains, fast-flowing river & a series of amazing temples, it’s Uttarakhand.

WHERE EXACTLY IS RISHIKESH?

Rishikesh is a holy city located in the sacred and heavenly state of Uttarakhand in India. It is around 250km from the National Capital of India and just an hour away from Haridwar.

Rishikesh and Haridwar, both located in Uttarakhand, are called as twin national heritage cities in India.

Rishikesh, a real heaven for adventure seekers which is also known as the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, most famous among travellers for numerous reasons. The Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri) starts from Rishikesh.

ONLY BEST RISHIKESH STAYS

Finding the best stays in Rishikesh at the best price & comfortable stays is what you should look for. If you are looking for a backpacking premium hostel in Rishikesh, I would recommend checking out these great hostels and book your stay.

Check out Thira Rishikesh (Rated 9.1/10) & BackPacker Panda Rishikesh (Rated 9/10) hostel among our favorite. What’s yours?

Looking for the best resorts in Rishikesh? check out my exclusive article on choosing your best resorts in Rishikesh and then decide on selecting one for you.

HOW TO REACH RISHIKESH?

Connected through road networks, Rishikesh can be reached by air and train/bus as well. Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport) is the nearest at just 25km from the city center. Then, you can opt for regular bus service/taxi which may be the right choice from the airport to your beautiful destination, Rishikesh.

Trains are so convenient, and one can reach Rishikesh from anywhere directly via Haridwar which is linked to all the major cities in India, so it is advisable to take one of the good trains till Haridwar and head to Rishikesh by bus or taxi.

Do you love going on road trips? It is worth considering to reach Rishikesh by road and feel a supernatural breeze blows down the valley as enters into the city surroundings. Mostly, the tourists from Delhi and nearby cities prefer their cars or hired taxis for the journey as it would take not more than 6 hours to reach. Do not forget, buckle up before you drive off. Have a safe trip!

ROAD DISTANCE CHART TO RISHIKESH

• Lucknow to Rishikesh: 550km
• Jaipur to Rishikesh: 515km
• Ahmedabad to Rishikesh: 1187km
• Chandigarh to Rishikesh: 222km
• Dehradun to Rishikesh: 45km
• Agra to Rishikesh: 418kms
• Meerut to Rishikesh: 170km
• Roorkee to Rishikesh: 50km
• Nainital to Rishikesh: 250km

MAP TO DESIGN YOUR DAY IN AN ORGANIZED WAY

THE HISTORY OF THE PLACE

The history of Rishikesh is associated with Lord Rama, a primary deity of Hinduism, who performed penance at Rishikesh for killing the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. According to Legends, a great saint Raibhya Rishi did penance on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, and Lord Vishnu appeared (Lord Hrishikesha or Lord of the Senses) to him and which is why this place has been named to Rishikesh.

LAKSHMAN JHULA: AN ICONIC SYMBOL OF RISHIKESH

Lakshman Jhula is one of the most photographed spots in Uttarakhand. It is built at the point where Laxman (Lakshman), the younger brother of Lord Rama, crossed the river Ganges. Completed in 1929, it is a 137m long suspension bridge that connects the two villages of Tapovan and Jonk.

Another iron suspension bridge which is located 2km from Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula is also the most prominent landmark in Rishikesh. The bridge has been built in the year of 1986 which connects Sivananda Nagar to Swargashram.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Either March to April or October to November. Neither June to August nor December to January

Rishikesh has great magical views throughout the year. Its pleasant and breezy weather makes the town so enjoyable for every traveler although, it depends on what purpose you choose to head there. One should avoid traveling to Rishikesh from May to August due to hot & humid summers and rafting is closed because of average rainfall during the monsoon months, but you can get substantial discounts on stay everywhere in the city.

The period of late September to mid-November is the best time to travel Rishikesh. The second best time is from early March to the first week of May because of its favorable weather to enjoy rafting, camping, and other adventure sports.

SAY NO TO ALCOHOL AND MEAT

Rishikesh is a holy city, a favorite place for spiritual finders around the world, so the Government has banned alcohol within the municipal limits of Haridwar and Rishikesh. All types of meats have been prohibited in Rishikesh for long. It doesn’t mean there is a shortage of varieties of foods while a large number of North and South Indian dishes are available at every corner in the city center.

INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL BEGINS IN RISHIKESH

“Expect less and accept more. It is our own expectations and our own egos that cause frustration and disappointment in life.” – Pujya Swamiji, President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan

Many revered saints will be gracing the yoga festival with their presence, their blessings and their teachings of inspiration. In 2019, International Yoga Festival has been scheduled in the month of March as held every year so get your tickets booked in March to hold your breath for the events which will surely energize you and your journey to a greater extent.

FYI: www.internationalyogafestival.org

The annual IYF (International Yoga Festival), organized by Parmarth Niketan, is a gathering of the union. Individuals from all over the world are coming together for a shared experience of connection through yoga.

IN RISHIKESH, YOGA IS OF THE ESSENCE

You cannot always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside. Yoga is a light, once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.

Rishikesh is synonymous to Yoga in India and famous for this beautiful reason all around the world. It has one of the largest clusters of authentic ashrams in the world. Truly a life-changing experience, Yoga retreats in Rishikesh are the points of attraction for a vast throng of travellers. Rishikesh is a dreamy yoga destination that offers meditation and yoga classes, training programs and much more if you are interested in self-growth. Here is the list of some best ashrams in Rishikesh –

• Parmarth Niketan – An Abode Dedicated to the Welfare of All
• Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram & Retreats
• Omkarananda Patanjala Yoga Kendra
• Yoga Niketan Ashram
• Swami Dayananda Ashram
• Phool Chatti Ashram
• Patanjali International Yoga Foundation
• Himalayan Yog Ashram
• Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School
• Osho Gangadham
• Sadhana Mandir Ashram
• Yoganandham
• Mahatma Yoga Ashram
• Maa Yoga Ashram
• Tattvaa Yogashala

NO MORE RAFTING IN RISHIKESH

You can’t. You’re not allowed. You read that right.

The white river rafting, paragliding, and other water sports were banned in June 2018 by the Uttarakhand High Court in order to formulate a transparent policy for regulating the water activities.

The ban was imposed because of safety, and environmental concerns as the camping sites on the banks of the river pollute the environment and affect the ecology of the river.

People lose their lives every year when a raft capsizes in the river due to the absence of untrained professionals, and there were no predefined fares for water sports as well. We also think that only trained professionals should be allowed to conduct water sports and there is an urge to fix the reasonable charges for the activities in Rishikesh because the games for pleasure cannot be permitted to end in disaster.

RAFTING REOPENED UNDER STRICT GUIDELINES

Hurray! It’s time to be adventurous again. News from local newspaper in Hindi

In September 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court lifted this ban and issued a proper set of guidelines under Uttarakhand River Rafting / Kayaking (Amendment) Rules, 2018.

A copy of the notification by Government of Uttarakhand can be accessible using the link mentioned below –

(River Rafting Rule-2018 Amendment-III English)

RAFTING IS WORTHWHILE IN RISHIKESH

Thank God for making the Ganga a fast flowing river and its amazing rapids in Rishikesh so we are lucky to have a great adventure out there called Rafting / Kayaking and much more. Haha!

There is no better place than Rishikesh in India for rafting and related water sports. The predefined routes are full of exciting rapids, a gamut of options to choose and its availability throughout the year (camping) make your trip a pleasant, memorable and daring one.

Rafting starts from Rs.600 for 8 to 9km either Brahmpuri or Club House to Ram Jhula / Neembeach. The price Rs.1000 for the route of 16km which starts from Shivpuri to Ram Jhula / Neembeach. Rishikesh also offers more thrilling stretches such as Marine Drive to Ram Jhula (24km, Rs.1500), Marine Drive to Shivpuri (12skm, Rs.700), Kaudiyala to Shivpuri (22km, Rs.1500) and Kaudiyala to Ram Jhula / Neembeach (35km, Rs.2500).

CHECK YOUR RAFTING TOUR OPERATOR

As updated on 26 March 2019 by eUttaranchal , a total of 140 authorized river rafting tour operators are available in Rishikesh who ensures about safety and follows all the guidelines issued. Click on the link above to check whether your tour operator is certified or not.

BOOK RAFTING PLUS CAMPING PLUS HAPPINESS

In Rishikesh, more than a hundred tour operators offer several activities including White River Rafting, Cliff Jumping, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, Giant Swing, Kayaking, Rappelling, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Camping, Trekking, Body Surfing.

It’s very convenient if you ask your hotel reception where you’re staying, and you’ll get the information, or they would be able to book slots for any of the water activities you are interested in. Otherwise, you go walking. You can book your package from any outlet of the tour operators present almost everywhere in the city center, or book online and here is the list of top tour operators for adventure activities –

• Adventure Nation
• Red Chilli Adventure
• White World Expeditions
• Jumpin Heights
• Snow Leopard Adventures
• Ganga Valley Adventure
• Aquaterra Adventures
• Outbound Adventure
• Mercury Himalayan Explorations
• Himalayan River Runners
• Dream Life Adventure
• Sacred Explorations
• Garhwal Himalayan Explorations
• Thrill Factory
• Love For Mountains

The thrill begins at the ‘Thrill Factory’ and it doesn’t get any better. Get ready to experience the real adrenaline rush brought to you by ‘The Kingdom of Dreams’ a unique live entertainment concept that looks India by storm with their breathtaking performances which are unrivaled to date.

We suggest ‘Love For Mountains’ to a greater extent because it is truly one of the best online booking platforms for activities and tours our travellers are experiencing.

FYI: www.loveformountains.com

WHAT APARNA SAYS ABOUT RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is a journey to self-realization where people find their potential powers of soul and body. Rishikesh reveals the real vision of spirituality and peace. Rishikesh means ‘Lord of the Senses,’ so in that way, it is a soul perceiving place in the world. I lived in Rishikesh for almost two years, and glad to express my feeling about my stupendous days there. It was a period that augmented me from within and made me look at the world from a different perspective.

Despite the growing number of visitors, the town’s lanes and alleys retain an old-world charm and remains a magnificent place to relax. Whether you are an atheist or not, it does not matter for the beauty of nature at its very best in these parts of the world, will make a believer of you.

The good vibes are both relaxed and reverent and consequently attracts genuine Hindu devotees, Yogis, Western Hippies, and spiritual dilettantes.

The Ganga seems to flow like the masterpiece of a moody musician in Rishikesh. The Ganga is instinctive, pure, and ever faithful to the essence of life. That wisdom carried for each of us to drink upon the Ganga waters spring from the source of its existence, which is the source of our own.

When you are in the flow, you become one with the river. With each step of Rishikesh, people are getting closer to Hindu culture, rituals, values and beliefs. At night, when a gentle breeze from the river just across you, words cannot describe the feeling of serenity you experience.

CHOOSE B/W TRUE LOVE OR TRAVELLING TO RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is the city where people find their strength, courage, conviction & peace and left their hearts in return. This city gives you so much more than what it takes back from you. A new perspective, a massive change in the way you view things, Rishikesh offers lesser judgments, more humility and tremendous amounts of joy.

If you had to choose between true love or travelling to Rishikesh, for which thing would you visit the town – Yoga or Adventure?

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

Rishikesh makes you feel alive, and there is a lot to do in and around the city. Undoubtedly, you will enjoy things differently and if you are looking for how to plan a Rishikesh trip or design an itinerary. We at TravelEscape welcomes you on board to customize a sightseeing tour for you.

I recommend you exploring/bookmark the official website of Rishikesh for additional information you will need for your trip.

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BEFORE YOU GO

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About the author: piyush tripathi.

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48 comments.

Best description ………..

First, let’s say that the choice of the place is fantastic. The text is written super well and very clearly. Second, I love how through words the author encourages us to visit the place and, as I say, what you experienced you explained it wonderfully. I think it is perfectly correct to fight to maintain the place and improve the feeding (without meat and alcohol) which honestly, I am not in favor of them, but at the same time it is good that there are other options. I feel called to know the place and that will surely help me find peace and spirituality in my life through its nature that induces tranquility. Congratulations!

Thank you, Eli, for your honest-to-goodness words and I appreciate your views.

I’d like to add something that Rishikesh is a Hindu pilgrimage destination rather than just a tourist place. It’s a fact that Hinduism does not require a vegetarian diet but they believe that it minimizes hurting other life forms. Vegetarianism is considered SATVIC (pure), that is purifying the body and mind lifestyle in some Hindu texts. I think it would be reason to ban on those.

Very informative blog

Thanks! You motivates me.

Valuable and informative description about Rishikesh. Beautiful pictures, beautifully structured and well described Blog. ?

Thanks for reading!

Informative and full of useful stuff. Beautiful to look at….. Uplifting and inspiring.

Thanks for your words!

I enjoyed every line of the blog. It’s beautiful :) Keep up!!

Thanks Wangmo!

Hey Piyush!! Wonderful and amazing writing..its simple…from the heart…and reaches the heart!! And since i know you a little now… You were able to capture the purity of Rishikesh. This is the Rishikesh I will remember forever. And not to mention the photography. Congratulation!! Way to go.

Thank you so much, Ma’am :)

Wonderful!!

Impressive article and pics！ Thanks for the post. Keep doing the good work.

Thanks, Gaurav!

I glad to be here see this great blog,This is very interesting article. The pictures are really beautiful and the way you explained about the places to visit. Thank for share with us.

Wonderful blog!! A valuable and informative description of Haridwar. Informative and well-explained blog about Haridwar. Thanks for your awesome travel guide and photos are really amazing.

GREAT read , RCT

Very interesting and detailed blog, I would also like share my experience.

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Informative.

Are you new in Rishikesh but you don’t know Rishikesh bus timing and schedule so you can visit http://rishibus.in

Nice article.!! useful information thanks for sharing this.

Really a great on guide on rishikesh tourism, looking forward visiting Rishikesh at the end of this year for some adventure sports. I am planning for river rafting and camping there.

How’s weather during the end of december?

Thank you, Ankush!

The weather in December makes it an ideal spot for tourists looking to witness the city at its best. The temperature stays between 28 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius, which ensures that it is advisable to visit the city in the winter.

If you are planning to visit in December, then try to go in Mid December.

Nice blog, very informative it help me a lot.

I had very great experience with shaantamresort traveler must stay there.

Thanks, Harsh!

Thanks for sharing with great information About Rishikesh this blog is very helpful for me and my website.

Thanks for sharing such an informative blog about Rishikesh.

Thank you! :)

Hello Piyush

Images that you used in this post really awesome. HD Quality. I really impressed with the content and Images.

Thank you so much!

Thanks for sharing the article. you can check my content about campsites in Rishikesh.

Sure, thank you!

Great blog! It provides a valuable and informative overview of Rishikesh and offers a well-explained insight into Haridwar. Your travel guide is fantastic, and the photos are truly stunning. Thank you!

Your Rishikesh travel guide is exceptional! It brilliantly captures the essence of this spiritual haven, from the tranquil banks of the Ganges to the vibrant ashrams and adventure activities. Your comprehensive insights into local culture, cuisine, and recommended experiences offer a holistic view for travelers seeking both serenity and adventure. Thank you for crafting such an informative and engaging guide, making it easier for readers to immerse themselves in the magic of Rishikesh and create unforgettable memories.

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A Little Adventure… Rafting on the Mother Ganges River in Rishikesh

Last updated on August 24, 2023 by Shannon

Is any trip to India complete without a trip to see the sacred Mother Ganges? This famous river winds through the country, giving life to northern towns and accepting life at Varanasi, where the ghats sit on the banks of India’s holy Ganges River.

After nearly two months in India—during which I witnessed the chaos of Mumbai , the beauty of the Taj Mahal , survived a few classic Indian scams , and reveled during the Holi Festival of Colors , it was time to make the pilgrimage and find the sacred waters.

We journeyed to Rishikesh after relaxing in McLeod Ganj to learn about the Tibetan culture . With my flight to Kathmandu just a week away—I knew I was going to hit Rishikesh hard.

I spent a week in Rishikesh, with days dedicated to rafting the Ganges River (which is very clean above Varanasi), bending and twisting in a yoga class, meandering the many ashrams, and enjoying my last week of Indian cuisine.

Table of Contents

What is Rishikesh Like?

Rishikesh is a strange town unlike the other Indian towns I visited during my previous two months of backpacking from south to north. Rishikesh, a spiritual hub in India, is a tourist hotspot, but for foreigners and locals alike.

Indians travel to Rishikesh on vacation, while others see it as a pilgrimage—a chance to stay at an ashram on the holy river and soak in the divinity of temples and religions. Why?

Rishikesh is often referred to as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is renowned for its spiritual significance. It is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy River Ganges. The town is brimming full of ashrams, yoga centers, and meditation retreats, making it an ideal place for backpackers seeking spiritual experiences, self-discovery, and inner peace.

Most backpackers pop into Rishikesh to participate in yoga classes, meditation sessions, and spiritual workshops conducted by experienced instructors. My cousin and I were keen to dabble in all of that, but we also wanted a place where travel was just a little easier for a foreigner.

Rishikesh has a vibrant backpacker scene—among the best in Northern India (Goa in the south is hard to compete with)—with a mix of budget accommodations, hostels, and guesthouses catering to backpackers’ needs.

The town is dotted with cafes, restaurants, and shops offering a variety of cuisines, including vegetarian and vegan options. India has both of these anyways—I loved my months of vegetarian food—but I also wanted some flavors from home.

Rishikesh has a lively atmosphere and cultural diversity create a welcoming and inclusive environment for backpackers from around the world. It was fun because I actually recognized and said “hi” to backpackers that I had seen months earlier in Laos and Thailand while backpacking Southeast Asia .

Other reasons Rishikesh is worth a visit? It’s a great spot for adventurous river rafting expeditions on the Ganges, and it’s just stunning. Rishikesh is blessed with scenic surroundings—lush green forests, majestic mountains, and the blue flowing Ganges River.

Why is the Ganges Clean in Rishikesh?

The blue-green waters of the Ganges River greeted me when I exited the train station in Rishikesh. Most stories of the Ganges River are largely negative. And it’s not just the banter around town. Even Indian literature portrays the Ganges River as a festering gray slush with feces, filth, and the ashes of dead bodies clogging the banks of the river.

With those images embedded in my brain, seeing the heart of Rishikesh on the far side sun-glinted blue river surprised me. I crossed the rushing clean river on a large pedestrian bridge and landed in an area of town where motorbikes and push carts are the only transportation options clogging the streets.

The town has tons of places to stay, from ashrams to boutique hotels to hostels. I was on a budget so I went with the Shiv Shakti Hostel —which I recommend for others on a budget.

Rishikesh is essentially the first place that the sacred Ganges River, it’s located in the upper reaches of the Ganges, where the river is sourced from glacial meltwaters in the Himalayas that exit the mountains and enter the plains of India. Coupled with strict local regulations to limit plastic and trash entering the river, and the Ganges at Rishikesh is clean, clear, and worth a trip on the water.

The Ganges at Rishikesh gives no evidence of the grey slush to come. The Ganges’ poor reputation is well deserved once it reaches Varanasi, where riverside cremations and funeral pyres create a thick, polluted river that flows into the rest of the country.

What to Do in Rishikesh

Rishikesh has a lot to offer, but for many backpackers, it’s best known for the many types of yoga you can learn and practice. But there’s more besides yoga and rafting (more on that to come).

Attend Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

One of the most mesmerizing experiences in Rishikesh is witnessing the Ganga Aarti, a daily evening prayer ritual, at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

The ceremony takes place on the banks of the Ganges, where devotees gather to offer prayers and witness the enchanting spectacle. Devotional songs, rhythmic chants, and the rhythmic waving of lamps create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

To attend the Ganga Aarti, arrive early to secure a good spot along the riverbank and immerse yourself in the profound devotion and tranquility.

Take a (Free) Yoga Class or Join a Retreat

I eased into the yoga scene with a free meditation class offered by the Cultural Center. The class is led by a Yogi guru and assisted by a team of pubescent girls who circle the room like vultures over a kill.

The girls adjust your position and patiently shove your body deeper into the postures. The girls’ flawless execution of the deep bends and twists intimidated me, a newbie. But yoga is about honoring your own pace so I followed the flow and postures as best as possible.

The free class was an excellent way to ensure a gentle evening workout. Plus, it stretched out the kinks from all those hours of buses and trains.

That said, numerous ashrams and yoga centers offer retreats and courses catering to all levels of practitioners. Choose a yoga and meditation class or retreat that fits your skill levels and sign up for at least one session. This will allow you to experience the transformative power of these ancient practices, learn from experienced instructors, and delve deeper into your spiritual journey.

Many retreats include accommodations, meals, and a structured program that combines yoga classes, meditation sessions, philosophy discussions, and spiritual guidance.

Otherwise it’s dead simple to sign up for a single class, or a few classes during your stay. Parmarth Niketan is the largest ashram in town and it would make a good starting point for those serious about yoga.

Explore the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

For music enthusiasts and fans of the legendary band, a visit to the Beatles Ashram is a must. This abandoned ashram gained fame when the Beatles stayed there in 1968 to learn transcendental meditation.

Today, it has become a pilgrimage site for fans and offers a glimpse into the band’s journey. Roam through the graffiti-adorned buildings, meditation chambers, and lush surroundings while soaking up the artistic and historical vibes of the place. Guided tours are available to learn more about the Beatles’ association with the ashram.

Trek to Neer Garh Waterfall

It’s an easy hike to the Neer Garh Waterfall, located about 3 kilometers from Rishikesh. This picturesque waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a refreshing escape from the bustling town.

The trek to the waterfall involves traversing through rocky paths, dense forests, and crossing a few streams, adding an adventurous element to the experience. Once you reach the waterfall, you can enjoy the pristine surroundings, take a dip in the cool waters, and unwind amidst the tranquil ambiance of nature.

Eat All of the Things

Besides the rafting, yoga, and relaxed pace of it all, Rishikesh was just quietly lovely. I loved this gorgeous fruit salad and curd (you know how I love curd !) served at one of the hippy tourist restaurants. It was the tastiest of the entire trip.

The food in Rishikesh was like India put its best foot forward during my final days in the country. I had some of my favorite meals in Rishikesh—OK, that’s only partially true, I had amazing meals across the entire country! But

Day Trip to Kunjapuri Temple

Situated atop a hill at an elevation of around 1,676 meters, Kunjapuri Temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range and the surrounding valleys. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, and visiting it provides a serene and spiritual experience.

To reach the temple, hire a taxi or take a shared jeep from Rishikesh to Hindolakhal and then trek for approximately 1.5 kilometers uphill. The trek is relatively moderate and takes you through scenic landscapes and lush forests.

Time your visit to the temple for sunrise or sunset, and carry warm clothing—it can get chilly at the hilltop.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Raft the Ganges River’s Grade IV Rapids

The Ganges River at Rishikesh draws adventurists to the area since the this section of the river offers rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade IV. Guided rafting trips are easy to find in Rishikesh—book a half-day rafting trip on Viator , or they even offer overnight rafting/camping trips .

It was pretty budget-friendly to take a morning rafting trip down the river. I’m not one to pinch pennies if it’s a memorable trip—this was both memorable and affordable, so it became a must-do.

The rafting season typically runs from September to June, peaking from March to May, which is when we found ourselves in Rishikesh. No matter how you book the rafting trip, choose a reputable rafting operator, wear appropriate safety gear, and follow the instructions of the experienced guides for a memorable and thrilling rafting experience.

My cousin and I arrived early and met the four other tourists in our raft—a group of Indian twenty-somethings from Delhi who were vacationing in Rishikesh for the weekend. They were jazzed for the weekend vacation from the city and they were a lot of fun, but they were not the best paddlers.

There were times on the river when my cousin and I were the only two paddling in the boat! Two of the others, Deepak and his friend, sat at the helm chatting. Meanwhile, our guide would shout for us to paddle and they wouldn’t even listen. It got to the point where the chubbier guy was relieved of his paddling duties and instead asked to splay himself across the front of the boat to act as a weight as we went through the rapids.

That request incited the others into guffaws because he was traveling face first through the rapids. He must have swallowed bucket-loads of the Ganges River!

My cousin and I are adding to our arsenal of Hindi phrases. In addition to knowing how to say “please dance” in Hindi thanks to our time in Pushkar, we can also say “dude, paddle harder!”  It’s not the handiest of phrases (when could I possible need this in the future?!), but it’s a fun parlor trick now.

This was my first rafting trip and while my arm muscles ached that evening, I’d love to try rafting again. There’s this fun adrenaline high that comes with adventure sports like rafting, climbing , and  diving .  And while I am not an adrenaline junky, rafting is good fun!

Besides rafting—which I highly recommend—this is a hotspot for the adventurous. You can bungee jump, rappel, cliff jump, rock climb, and kayak.

Beyond the rafting and yoga, Rishikesh is a spiritual center where people come for weeks and months to live at an ashram and meditate. This wasn’t my plan for now (I saved the meditation for a ten-day Vipassana meditation course in Nepal ), so my cousin and I enjoyed exploring Rishikesh and we walked the sandy white shoreline of the Ganges River.

Fun and random anecdote: I spotted this black cow and decided to do a mini photo-shoot of the cow on the beach. He stood so tall and proud and he stood out against the white sand. 

Unfortunately, one of the nearby cows was less impressed by my presence and intentions. While I was consumed with the task of framing the perfect picture, my cousin snapped a very brief video of our scramble to avoid the charge of the huge lighter colored cow. How ridiculous is it that neither of us realized the cow was charging us until he was very close!

How to Visit Rishikesh, India

Where to Stay in Rishikesh

Shiv Shakti is the best hostel in town, and it’s in the backpacker area, Lakshman Jhula, so you will find affordable eats nearby. Although many people come for the ashrams, if you’re passing through you can still practice yoga and meditate from the many hotels. Rishikesh Valley Hotel is the eco-friendly option with wooden huts and great sustainable choice. Atali Ganga Cottages has the best views in town, and Ganga Kinare Boutique Hotel is the best all-around mid-range and convenient option.

Getting to Rishikesh

Getting to Rishikesh from McLeod Ganj was brutal. It was a taxi to a bus to an overnight train. And while that’s not uncommon for backpacking India, I had eaten questionable street veggies in Dharamsala and then spent the next 15 hours becoming reacquainted with said veggies. I don’t often get sick on the road , but when I do, it takes a toll. It was a long night. But by morning I was determined to shake off the weak achy feeling and explore this new spot.

Despite that rough trip, getting to Rishikesh is relatively straightforward, and there are multiple transportation options available depending on your starting point.

By Air : The nearest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 20 kilometers away. Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to Dehradun from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, hire a pre-paid taxi or take a shared cab to reach Rishikesh.

By Train : Rishikesh has its own railway station called Rishikesh Railway Station, but it’s small with limited connectivity. A more convenient option is to take a train to Haridwar, which is well-connected to major Indian cities. Haridwar is about 25 kilometers away from Rishikesh, and from there, you can take a taxi, shared auto-rickshaw, or bus to reach Rishikesh.

By Road : Rishikesh is well-connected by road and can be accessed by bus or private vehicle. Several state-run and private buses operate regular services to Rishikesh from major cities in North India. The road journey offers scenic views of the mountains and the Ganges River. If you prefer more flexibility, you can also hire a taxi or drive to Rishikesh, as the town is well-connected by national highways.

Once you reach Rishikesh, you can easily explore the town on foot or hire a bicycle or scooter for local transportation.

What to Read

I can’t imagine backpacking India without the newest Lonely Planet India . Although some of the hotel recommendations and restaurants become lower quality once listed (because of the influx of travelers), the transportation and activity recommendations were spot on.

I wouldn’t have explored half of the neat places without the guidebook there to recommend towns and activities off the beaten path a bit. To keep the weight down, I ripped out the sections that I no longer needed as I traveled.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Reading : The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. This was among my favorite reads so far this year. I am just finishing it up—the narrator’s voice is bizarre, but the story was compelling and it has given me a lot of insight into the Indian culture without reading like a history book. Highly recommend it, and I have a list of other country-based travel reads too . This is one of my favorite ways to learn about the places I am visiting!

Where am I really?  Tuscany, I took a bike ride through the wineries outside of Florence !

5 thoughts on “A Little Adventure… Rafting on the Mother Ganges River in Rishikesh”

This is the part of India that I am most looking forward to going to. I can’t wait, but it will be at least two months into our trip until we get there. I really want to take a yoga course there for a few weeks. Did you see any good places that offered intensive yoga instruction?

That’s a tough one Deb – I went through my journal to see if I wrote anything down to no avail. I was pretty sick at that time so I just went with a gentle class… but there were just tons of other actual classes out there. Wish I could help more! There are several ashrams too that offer some courses :-)

Wow, an amazing experience. More things to add to the bucket list :)

Had no idea the Ganges was clean at any point along its path. Good to know!

I didn’t either until I got to Rishikesh – it still took a bit of mind over matter to let the water splash on me!

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Rishikesh vs Varanasi: which of these two riverside Indian cities should you visit?

May 27, 2024 • 7 min read

We asked two travel writers to go head-to-head over which is better, Rishikesh or Varanasi Getty Images; iStock

Two Indian cities along the Ganges each have claims to fame. 

Dubbed the “yoga capital of the world” for its numerous ashrams and yoga teacher training courses, Rishikesh  is particularly popular among spiritual seekers (as well as those who are just in need of a good stretch). Follow the Ganges south and you'll find  Varanasi , one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and a place that has drawn pilgrims for thousands of years.

In case you're not able to visit both, we asked two travel writers to go head-to-head, giving the case for the city closest to their hearts.

Rishikesh welcomes all to its ashrams and temples

During her six-year stint living in India, travel journalist Margot Bigg visited Rishikesh countless times, and once spent an entire month studying yoga in the city. Rishikesh remains one of her favorite weekend destinations from Delhi to this day.

The holy city of Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges River — and its proximity to Uttarakhand’s four famous pilgrimage temples, collectively known as the Char Dham — has drawn in a steady flow of Indian travelers for many generations, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that Western visitors began coming here in great numbers.

Although the hippie trail has come and gone, one relic of the flower-power era remains: the ruins of the  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram , nicknamed the “Beatles Ashram” in honor of the time that the Fab Four spent here studying Transcendental Meditation under the tutelage of the Maharishi himself. While you used to be able to slip a few rupees to a watchperson and explore the once-ramshackle grounds on your own, the ashram has since been taken over by the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Today it operates as a proper tourist attraction, complete with signage, well-maintained passageways, a photo gallery and a small cafe.

The Beatles Ashram aside, most of Rishikesh’s historic ashrams and temples are active, thriving, and welcoming to all — including foreigners — unlike Varanasi, where temples either charge hefty fees for overseas visitors or simply ban them from entry altogether. Rishikesh is a friendly, welcoming place for seekers (and the spiritually curious), irrespective of their origin. Foreign visitors can hike up to the  Neelkanth Mahadev Temple , study the teachings of Swami Sivananda — who wrote all his tomes in English — at the Divine Life Society or join the masses at the evening aarti ceremony (the auspicious lighting of lamps or candles) on the banks of the Ganges in front of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, all without having to worry about being treated as unwelcome or inferior.

If you’re super into yoga, there’s no better place to be in India than Rishikesh. Here you’ll find all sorts of places to practice your asanas, from small schools teaching beginner-friendly classes in Hatha, Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga to challenging teacher training courses certified by the Yoga Alliance. And while some of the yoga courses in Rishikesh are undoubtedly hardcore, what’s not too intense — at least when you compare Rishikesh to more hectic spots such as Varanasi — is the experience of taking a stroll down the road. Sure, Rishikesh gets some big crowds, especially during particularly auspicious times of the year, but most stick to the main drags, meaning it’s easy to slip away and find a quiet spot to be alone with your thoughts. Plus, even in the main commercial parts of town, many of Rishikesh’s lanes and thoroughfares are only wide enough to accommodate motorbikes and pedestrians. Goodbye, incessant din of honking horns.

Rishikesh is only a couple of hundred kilometres from the Gangotri Glacier, the source of the sacred Ganges River. While there are some settlements between Rishikesh and the mouth of the river, most of the major industrial polluters are further downstream, meaning Rishikesh is considerably cleaner. In fact, the section of the river that runs through Rishikesh is clean enough to safely bathe or swim in — which definitely isn’t the case in Varanasi. It’s also a great place for whitewater rafting, and countless operators offer trips of varying lengths on the river, most of which are beginner-friendly. And while rafting is undoubtedly Rishikesh’s biggest draw for outdoorsy travelers, its location in the forest-fringed foothills of the Himalayas means that you’re never far from an opportunity for adventure, be it an invigorating forest hike or an adrenaline-filled bungee jumping experience. You certainly won’t find any of that in Varanasi.

Varanasi is a deeply spiritual sacred city

Traveling India to research Lonely Planet’s latest India guidebook, Monique Choy  saw many amazing places. But there’s no place on earth that can match Varanasi’s concentrated connection with life’s mysteries.

Varanasi at dawn: in the milky light pilgrims make their way down the steps of the ghats. They weave between chai-wallas (tea vendors), yogis, sadhus and flower sellers, and quietly enter the sacred waters to perform puja (prayers), heads bowed in private communion with Mother Ganga. This is no spray-on spirituality, and Varanasi is no tourist town designed to cater to curious Westerners. Entering the sacred river in Hinduism’s most scared city is a deeply personal and spiritual moment, and one that’s drawn pilgrims here for thousands of years. People travel to Varanasi (aka Banares) from across India to wash away their sins, cremate their loved ones, deepen their spiritual knowledge, and also to die here, hoping for moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

According to Mark Twain, "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." While almost everyone who visits Varanasi falls in love with the city, most agree it is not for the faint-hearted. Intimate rituals of life and death take place in public, and the sights, sounds and smells of the mazelike old town can be intense.

Most of Varanasi’s 84 ghats are used for bathing, but there are also several "burning ghats" where bodies are cremated.  Manikarnika Ghat , the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. The open pyres on the ghat burn day and night, cremating up to 200 people each day. Dead bodies are handled by a caste-based community of cremation workers called doms , and are carried through the tangled alleyways of the old town to the holy Ganges on a bamboo stretcher, swathed in cloth. The corpse is doused in the river prior to cremation and the ashes are scattered in the water afterwards.

Confronting the reality and ritual of death and cremation is a powerfully moving experience, as is strolling the ghats with pilgrims at a high point on their spiritual quest, or watching the nightly  ganga aarti , the moving river-worship ceremony performed by priests.

Spend a little time in Varanasi and you may take home more intangible benefits. The city is a center of education, as one local put it, it’s all about "burning and learning". The shaded campus of the  Benares Hindu University is here, and the city is a great place to learn a new skill, you can take courses in Hindu mythology, Indian astrology and photography. You can learn how to speak Hindi, how to play the sitar, or how to make a three-course Indian feast. There are also many yoga schools, including some like DarkLotus, that take yoga out of the studio and onto the ghats.

From Varanasi, you can visit the nearby city of Sarnath on a day trip – another sacred center, this one hallowed by Buddhists. It was in Sarnath that Buddha gave his first sermon in a deer park after gaining enlightenment, known as the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. Once a bustling monastic center, it was sacked by Muslim invaders in the 12th century and fell through the cracks of history. The amazing  Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins were uncovered again by British archaeologists in 1835 and now Sarnath is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from across the world.

Varanasi is the India of your imagination. While you won’t find exclusive wellness retreats, bungee-jumping or Beatlemania here, you may connect with something far more precious – few people leave Varanasi feeling unaffected by the experience.

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Rishikesh is famous as Adventure, Pilgrimage, Weekend Getaway, Yoga and Meditation, Hot Destination, Rafting, Editors Choice, Temples, Camping, Christmas and New Year, Hiking, Kayaking, Biking, Leisure, Char Dham Route, Cities, Town, Activities, Shopping, Must Do, Religious, with over 35 Places to See in Rishikesh . Nearest Airport from Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 21 kms and Nearest Railway Station is Haridwar. There are over 132 Hotels in Rishikesh .

Rishikesh Questions & FAQs

There are lot of questions while planning a journey. To ensure that your preparations run smoothly, we have the answers to the questions most frequently asked about travelling to and in Rishikesh. Rishikesh useful information for travellers with reliable local advice. Latest Rishikesh Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for your upcoming visit to Rishikesh. Get all the solutions to your query with eUttaranchal Travel Help Desk.

Rishikesh Q & A

General faqs, what is the best time to visit rishikesh.

Since Rishikesh is located in the foothills of Shivalik mountain ranges, the weather is generally pleasant throughout the year. Still, the ideal time to visit Rishikesh would be February-March and August-October as May-June is quite hot in summer.

Is it safe to travel to Rishikesh?

Being a revered pilgrimage destination, Rishikesh is quite safe to travel. The road conditions in Rishikesh largely remain unaffected during the monsoons. Local people of Rishikesh are very humble and even make sure that all the tourists are safe and sound. Lastly, common sense is always important to keep oneself out of troubles.

What kind of weather can be expected in Rishikesh?

While the summers are scorching hot, the winters are usually very chilly in Rishikesh. So, it is advisable to avoid visiting Rishikesh in May-June as hot summer stops tourists to venture out to explore the place. The best option for anyone willing to travel to Rishikesh is anytime between October and April.

Is there ATM facility available in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and is flocked with tourists and pilgrims all year round. Thus, there are numerous ATMs at various places spread across the city of Rishikesh to cater to the financial needs of the tourists and the residents alike.

Where can you indulge in rafting in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is a perfect place to indulge in adventure activities and is notably famous for white water rafting . The season for white water rafting begins during the months February up until June. And then the season restarts in September until the mid- December. Check Rafting in Rishikesh - Book Rishikesh River Rafting

There are different river rafting spots, each varies in distance and difficultly levels.

• Brahampuri  Rafting : This spot has the shortest distance of mere 9kms and has a Class II scale of difficulty. This spot could be considered easiest of the rest.
• Shivpuri  Rafting : This starting point covers a total of 14kms in the turbulent Ganges; with Class III scale of river difficultly.
• Marine drive rafting : This route covers a total of 24 kms of river rafting awesomeness. It comes under Class III scale and is considered as an intermediate difficulty level.
• Kaudiyala Rafting : This is the longest route for white water rafting in Rishikesh and stretches a full 34 kms. It is also the most treacherous and is classified under Class IV scale of river difficulty.

What adventure activities one can try in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is widely known for its thrilling white water rafting experiences. However, it offers other adventure activities as well. Kayaking, rappelling, cliff jumping, bungee jumping and flying fox are some of the other activities one can indulge in Rishikesh to pump up the adrenaline.

Is swimming allowed in river Ganges?

Is swimming allowed in river Ganges?  A: Yes, taking a dip in the holy water of river Ganges is allowed near the banks of the river at designated spots like Triveni Ghat and some others. However, it is advised not to venture deep into the water as the undercurrents can be strong and unpredictable. In addition to that, water at Rishikesh is prone to be polluted due to the amount of human activity it sees all year round. Don't use soap or other pollution-prone items while bathing in the Ganges, show your support to keep Ganga clean.

From where one can book for rafting or other adventure sports?

There are numerous service providers in Rishikesh who offers Adventure sports activities such as rafting, hiking, water repelling, climbing, flying fox, bungee jumping and much more at the reasonable price. You can book here for rafting or other sports as per your selection. Some provider also takes online booking for the same so you can also do pre-booking from their website or over the phone call.

Are there any good restaurants or cafes in Rishikesh?

Of course, yes, Rishikesh attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the globe. Apart from pilgrim town nowadays, Rishikesh emerges as a 'World capital of Yoga' and 'Adventure capital of India'. Being one of the busiest tourists places Rishikesh offers some awesome mouth liking restaurants and cafes for tourists as per their cuisine choices. We listed some of the Top Restaurants and Cafes in Rishikesh that serves truly tasty food.

How can one indulge in Yoga at Rishikesh?

Yoga in Rishikesh is popular all over the world. Yoga is an ancient science which leads to a healthy body, peaceful mind and a joyful heart. Thousands of Yoga enthusiasts from India, Australia, Canada, America and other countries of the globe flock to Rishikesh to learn about this ancient technique of well-being. No wonder, Rishikesh has been declared the “Yoga capital of the world” and hosts International Yoga Festival Rishikesh every year in the month of March.

There are different kinds of Yoga that are taught at Rishikesh. Some well-known Yoga techniques are Hatha Yoga, Nada Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Laya Yoga, Esoteric Tantra as well as different types of Pranayam. 

These techniques can be chosen depending upon your age and body strength. Several Yoga and Meditation Centers in Rishikesh teach Yoga to the students. Some famous Yoga centers are Parmarth Niketan , Omkarananda Ganga Sadan , Himalayan Yog Ashram , Swami Dayananda Ashram , Ananda Prakash Ashram etc. to name a few.

Travel (Trip Planning) FAQs

Which is the nearest airport to rishikesh.

The nearest Airport to Rishikesh is Jolly grant airport , situated some 20 kms in Dehradun. Which operates numbers of daily flights from Delhi to Jolly Grant & vice versa .

Which is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh?

The nearest railhead is Rishikesh railway station itself but for better connectivity, you can choose Haridwar Railway Station , which is 20 kms from Rishikesh. There are numerous trains connecting Haridwar junction with other major cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata etc. The frequency of trains to Haridwar is quite high as it is one of the most revered and religious places in India. Rishikesh is a branch railway station to Haridwar that operates only 1-2 trains on daily basis; therefore, Haridwar is better choice if you want to travel by train to visit Rishikesh.

Are there taxi services available in Rishikesh?

Yes, being a famous pilgrimage town for centuries, there is gamut of car rental services available in Rishikesh for tourists and pilgrims alike. One can book cabs in Rishikesh for visiting the surrounding areas like Haridwar , Dehradun , Mussoorie etc. The rates of the taxis vary depending upon the vehicle requested and the kilometers covered.

How can one reach Mussoorie from Rishikesh?

Mussoorie is at a distance of 77 kms from Rishikesh. One can easily opt for taxi services on a private basis. Various local and state-run buses provide daily services from Rishikesh to Mussoorie and vice versa. We suggest you that take Rishikesh - Dehradun - Mussoorie route for visiting Mussoorie from Rishikesh.

What are the other destinations one can visit around Rishikesh?

There are few destinations near Rishikesh which can also be visited during the stay at Rishikesh. Neelkanth Mahadev is a venerated temple situated just 30 kms from Rishikesh. Mussoorie, Dehradun and Haridwar are located 77 kms, 43 kms and 19 kms from Rishikesh, respectively.

Distance Chart of major destinations from Rishikesh?

Distance Chart of major destinations from Rishikesh:

How to Reach FAQs

How to reach rishikesh from delhi.

Rishikesh is at a distance of 232 kms from Delhi. There are various modes of transportations that are available to reach Rishikesh:

• By Road:   Rishikesh is well connected with major northern cities via motorable roads. There are various bus services available from Delhi to Rishikesh. One can opt for semi-deluxe, deluxe and AC Volvo as per their needs. In addition to that, Rishikesh is connected with Delhi by Uttaranchal State Road Transport Corporation buses on a regular basis from Kashmere Gate ISBT.
• By Rail: The nearest railhead is Rishikesh railway station itself but for better connectivity, you can also choose the Haridwar Railway Station , which is 20 kms from Rishikesh.
• By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly grant airport in Dehradun which is approximately 45 kilometres from Rishikesh, and offers daily connectivity with New Delhi.

Hotels and Accommodations FAQs

How is the accommodation facility in rishikesh.

As one of the popular tourist destination, accommodation in Rishikesh is not an issue as there are numerous hotels and guesthouses that have mushroomed in Rishikesh. We also categorized the hotels in two further categories, which are Budget Hotels in Rishikesh and Luxury Hotels in Rishikesh for the users; they can choose one best of them as per their convenience. There are also some ashrams in Rishikesh that offers some basic accommodation facilities at a very reasonable price.

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Rishikesh Highlights

• Yoga capital of India
• Rishikesh Rafting is best in India
• Various adventure activities for all ages
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• Enjoy evening Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh

Rishikesh overview

• Temperature in Jul 33 /25 °C
• Best time to visit Rishikesh Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
• Located in Dehradun, Garhwal
• Recommended stay 3 days
• Railway Station Haridwar
• Nearest Airport Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 21 kms
• Famous for Yoga, Pilgrimage, Rafting, Kayaking, Adventure Tourism, Temples, Ashrams, Weekend Getaway

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What To Do In Rishikesh: 9 Unexpectedly Awesome Things To Do In The Hippy Haven

Read This Ultimate List Of What to Do In Rishikesh.

Celebrated as the ‘yoga capital of the world’, Rishikesh is a magnet for spiritual seekers and adventure lovers. With its assortment of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes, as well as some of the best adventure sports in the country, it attracts thousands every year.

Rishikesh is also an important pilgrimage town for Hindus. Surrounded by three districts, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal and Haridwar, legend has it that Lord Rama imposed a penance on himself in Rishikesh for killing Ravana, the king of Lanka.

From yoga and meditation to rafting and bungee jumping, there are numerous answers for what to do in Rishikesh . But before I tell you about what to do in Rishikesh, you should know that Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law and also alcohol free.

What to do in Rishikesh:

1. Calm your mind and still your senses with yoga in Rishikesh

Rishikesh's stint as the world's Yoga Capital started after The Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi here in the late 1960's. After that, hundreds of yoga ashrams opened up along the Ganges teaching everything from Ashtanga Yoga and Hasya Yoga (laughter therapy) to meditation and crystal healing.

You can either go there just for practicing or take up one of the courses offered to become a certified yoga practitioner. Most ashrams run courses on an hour-based model (200 hours is the basic) for teachers and weekly or monthly-basis for general practitioners. Costs for different ashrams vary greatly and you will have to contact them individually to get quotations.

Here are some of the top ashrams to visit in Rishikesh:

Best Places To Stay In Rishikesh

Luxury: Neemrana's Glasshouse On The Ganges , Ganga Beach Reasort , Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat

Mid-Range: Camp Aspen Adventures , Camp Aqua Forest , Atulya Nakshatra Resort

Budget: Vedas Tapovan , Hotel Vyas & Nirvana Yoga , Green Land Swiss Cottage

Hostels : Zostel Rishikesh , Bonfire Hostels , Moustache Rishikesh

Homestays : Ixora Villa Studio , Ganga Vatika Boutique Hotel , An Eco Yoga Habitat

Best Packages in Rishikesh

If you are looking for an adventure escape to Rishikesh, how about staying at a river camp for three days and going rafting? Get details here.

On the other hand, if you're looking for what to do in Rishikesh on a weekend getaway from Delhi, you might want to have a look at this awesome package . Just gather your friends and head out.

Neergarh Waterfall II

Neer Gaddu Waterfall is around 4km from Laxman Jhula, and about 6km from the Rishikesh main market. From the Rishikesh Badrinath Highway, there is small hilly road to reach Neer Gaddu Waterfall.

Entry fee: ₹30 per person (₹20 per person for kids less than 12 years old )

Best time to trek: It is best to go early morning to avoid the harsh sun during afternoons.

Garud Chatti Waterfall

At a distance of 9km from Rishikesh Railway Station and 4km from Lakshman Jhula, Garud Chatti waterfall is situated at Neelkanth Road near Rishikesh. The trek route to Garud Chatti Waterfall starts from a temple dedicated to Garuda. Visitors need to trek for about 1.5km from here to reach the waterfall.

Entry is free.

Phool Chatti Waterfall

Phool Chatti waterfall is another waterfall situated on Neelkanth road, about 3km from Garud Chatti waterfall. Garud Chatti waterfall, Phool Chatti waterfall and Patna waterfall can be covered by hiring a jeep en route to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

3. Go rafting in Rishikesh

Triveni Ghat

9. witness the 'maha aarti' at triveni ghat..

Triveni Ghat is situated at the confluence of three holy rivers – Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati and it is here that the famous Ganga Aarti is performed, a mystical tradition dating back to thousands of years. It will definitely leave you with a sense of calm and make room for some quiet introspection.

Credits: Jeremy Weate

Parmarth Niketan Ashram

One of the top yoga centres in India, Parmarth Niketan has over 1000 rooms and is the biggest ashram in the area. Initially, stays of up to 15 days are permitted with two yoga classes and three meals per day included in the price. Get details here .

Omkarananda Patanjala Yoga Kendra

Omkarananda Ganga Sadan is home to the Patanjala Yoga Kendra yoga centre. Iyengar yoga classes are the specialty there. It has its own ghat where a daily aarti is performed and yoga classes are open to everyone on a pre-reservation basis. Accommodations are reasonably priced and clean. Get more details here .

Swami Dayananda Ashram

Established in the 1960s by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the ashram conducts regular residential courses with focus on Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Vedic chanting is also taught and visiting teachers conduct Iyengar and Hatha yoga retreats It has over 150 rooms with attached bathrooms.

Shree Mahesh Heritage

If your focus is more on meditation than yoga, this is the place to go to. The school offers a 300 hour meditation teacher training course as well as retreats and beginners courses. The approach is based on Vedic texts, and you'll learn about yoga, Ayurveda, life healing, and spiritual development.

2. Trek through dense forests to witness a majestic waterfall

Lakshman Jhula

Pure Soul Cafe & Organic Kitchen

Cost for two: ₹800

Ira's Kitchen and Tearoom

Cost for two: ₹200

The Sitting Elephant - A Rooftop Restaurant Overlooking River Ganga

Cost for two: ₹700

Little Buddha Cafe

P.S. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly banned in Rishikesh.

Adventurers looking for what to do in Rishikesh, trekking is a great option. After all, there’s something magical about watching a stream of water cascade over rocks, especially after sweat your way there. Here are some of the waterfall treks you can do in Rishikesh.

Being one of the most renowned river rafting destinations in north India, white water rafting in Rishikesh is a must-do for anyone wanting to take the big dip and get their adrenaline pumping. It is undoubtedly one of the most engaging things to do in Rishikesh.

Every year thousands of people head to Rishikesh (between the month of September and April) to experience the thrill of white water rafting. It is one of the few places in the country where you can witness Level IV and Level V rapids. So, all you adrenaline junkies and nature lovers, strap on your life vests and helmets in order to paddle and bounce your way over turbulent rapids because sometimes it takes a little water to rekindle the fire in your life.

Price: While most camps offer rafting as a part of the camping package, if you take a rafting-only package it will cost anywhere between ₹500 to ₹1,500 per person depending on the route you take (longer the route, higher the price)

Timings: Most camps run regular trips between 8am and 3pm depending on the availability of boats.

4. Camp on the riverside, under the stars

When's the last time you slept under the stars and cooked dinner over an open fire? Do it all in Rishikesh, with the perfect gorgeous mountain backdrop and white water river ideal for kayaking and rafting. Admire a pitch black sky dotted with bright, shining stars. You may even spot a falling star, and if not, look out for Orion, Ursa Minor, Ursa Major and other common constellations.

Price: A one-night stay starts at around ₹2,000 per person in the most basic camps and can go up to ₹10,000 for luxury camps.

Tip: Bookings need to be made in advance during peak season because camps usually get filled pretty quickly.

Which camp to choose : Here's a list of the best camps in Rishikesh for every kind of traveller.

5. Go on the Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek

Dedicated to goddess Sati (the wife of lord Shiva, before she took birth as Goddess Parvati), Kunjapuri temple is located about 27km from Rishikesh in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, India. It is the best spot in all of Rishikesh to witness the rising sun. Trek there to witness the sunrise and then return after attending the morning aarti.

How to reach there: You can board a bus or shared taxi to Hindola Khal village from the Yatra Bus Stand in Rishikesh. On reaching the village, you can board another shared taxi to reach the parking of Kunjapuri Temple or you can trek there. The starting point of this trek route is about 3km from the temple. From there you can climb up the hill to reach the temple.

Cost: The entry to the temple itself is free. You will only have to bear transportation cost, which comes out to anywhere between ₹100-150.

6. Interact with people from all over the world.

Credits: Shalu Khandelwal

With their visits here, The Beatles put Rishikesh on the world tourism map. Since then, it is common to find people from all over the world finding their own peace and meaning of life here in Rishikesh. This is also the reason why Rishikesh is one of the best places in the country to get to know of other cultures from around the world. You can just strike up a conversation with a stranger at one of the cafés or ashrams and you might end up finding a friend for life.

7. Experience the sunset on Lakshman Jhula amidst bell chimes and chants of devotees

Among the many surreal things to do in Rishikesh, watching the sunset from Lakshman Jhula is a MUST! The changing colours of the sky and the water below are a sight to behold.

It is believed that Lord Ram's younger brother Lakshmana, crossed the river Ganga, by using a jute rope bridge – where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today.

There are several ancient temples around Lakshman Jhoola, which you can visit. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Temple are most popular.

8. Go cafe hopping and eat your way through dozens of cafes in Rishikesh

Despite its small size and extreme focus on yoga and meditation, Rishikesh has a surprisingly large number of eateries that are a haven for food lovers! And new ones keep opening up every season. The beauty of eating here is that most of them are located along the Ganges, offering beautiful views of the city as you savour delectable food.

Here are some of the best places you can go to:

German Bakery

Ramana's Organic Cafe

In this fast moving world, it is a great idea to slow down for a few days and lose yourself in a place like Rishikesh.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a weekend getaway to Rishikesh from Delhi, you might want to have a look at this awesome package . Just gather your friends and head out.

Excited? Quickly share this article on Facebook or Whatsapp with your gang and plan your Rishikesh trip today.

Have you been to Rishikesh? Write your own travelogue and share your experience on what to do in Rishikesh with the world.

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Rishikesh Tourism – Best Tourist Places to Visit in Rishikesh Sightseeing Tour

Home / Blog / Rishikesh Tourism – Best Tourist Places to Visit in Rishikesh Sightseeing Tour

Here the worldly world ends in peace, the realm is spiritual and the vibe is divine. Visit the Ghats and Temples, indulge in Yoga and Meditation and enjoy the thrill of adventures in the realm of Gods- Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is one of the most important and most visited Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India. It is often referred to as ‘Yoga Capital of India’. It is a hub of spiritual seekers, nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and peace lovers. Entire vibe of Rishikesh is spiritual.

You will see sages, pilgrims, yoga practitioners in the divine Ghats and temples. Rishikesh apart from its sacred sites offers thrill and excitement to the tourists. White water rafting, Bungee jumping, canoeing, kayaking, hot air ballooning etc. would be some of the best ways to enjoy your Rishikesh Holiday Tour.

The tranquil slopes on the city’s outskirts are decked with Ashrams, yoga institutes, luxurious spa resorts that would delight your traveler spirit. It is the best place to relax your mind and body and seek peace. The state tourism department organizes a Yoga Festival in Rishikesh and tourists and fitness enthusiasts from all over the world take part in it.

It is said that the great Hindu saint Raibhya Rishi performed penance at Rishikesh on the banks of the holy river Ganges and Lord Vishnu appeared in the incarnation of Lord Hrishikesh. Which is why this place has been named Rishikesh.

It is a city; one must visit to become one with the almighty. There are numerous sacred temples on the banks of the holy river Ganges which give blissful vibes to the devotee. The Ganga Aarti in the evening on the banks of the holy river Ganga is one of a kind and it is found nowhere else. The temple bells, chanting of the priests, devotees and sages thronging at the Ghats would blow your heart away. It is one of the best tourist destinations to visit in India. The destinations here are ethereal.

Quick Important Facts About Rishikesh

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Popular Must Visit Attractions in Rishikesh

Lakshman jhula, neelkanth mahadev temple, triveni ghat, tera manzil temple, lakshman temple, vashistha cave, raghunath temple, parmarth niketan, bharat mandir.

Visit the mesmerizing suspension bridge over the holy river Ganga in Rishikesh. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Rishikesh. Prepare your lens to capture the fascinating views of Ganga River and the city of Rishikesh decked with magnificent temples.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the must visit pilgrimage tourist attractions in Rishikesh. This temple holds a great religious significance. It is one of the most famous pilgrimage places in Rishikesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that here Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the ocean during Samudra Manthan which made Lord Shiva’s throat blue in color.

Triveni Ghat is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rishikesh to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. The aarti is performed in the evening every day in the praise of the holy river of Ganga. Devotees from all over the world come here to dive deep into the world of Spirituality.

Tera Manzil Temple is also known as Trimbakeshwar Temple. This holy temple has 13 storeys, decked with various idols of Hindu gods and goddesses. It is located near Lakshman Jhula. It is one of the best holy tourist spots to visit in Rishikesh. One can see the beautiful sunset view from the top floor of Tera Manzil Temple.

Visiting Rishikesh is incomplete without visiting the holy temple of Lakshmana. It is one of the most ancient temples of Rishikesh. Ancient sculptures and the paintings on the wall of the temple are absolutely a stunning sight to behold. It is said that here Lord Lakshmana meditated to seek spiritual enlightenment.

It is an ancient cave where Sage Vashistha (one of the seven great sages) meditated. It is a very popular tourist attraction in Rishikesh for peace lovers. People come here to meditate and seek divine peace. The cave has a Shivling in it. It is one of the most blissful places to visit in Rishikesh.

Raghunath Temple in Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrimage tourist attractions. It is the most important place in Rishikesh for religious ceremonies. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and goddess Sita. Devotees from all over India come here to seek divine grace from the almighty and spiritual bliss.

Located in the banks of the holy river of Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is one of the most visited places in Rishikesh. It is one of the biggest yoga centers of India. You must witness the Ganga Aarti and Hawan that takes place in Parmarth Ghat daily in the morning and evening.

it is one of the most popular pilgrimage places to visit in Rishikesh. Bharat Mandir is dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. It is one of the oldest temples of the city. On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami every year, Shaligram is taken to nearby Mayakund for a bath and then the grand possession is organized to take back the idol of Shaligram to the temple.

Located near the sacred Raghunath Temple, Rishikund is one of the most popular tourist spots to visit in Rishikesh. The pond is built by Kubz Saint and is blessed by goddess Yamuna by filling the pond with her holy waters. The vibes of this pond are calm and ethereal. One Must visit here to feel the moments of bliss.

Top Things to Do (Activities) in Rishikesh Tour

If you are in Rishikesh or planning a trip to Rishikesh then your moments in Rishikesh will never get dull. There are numerous adventurous activities like Bungee Jumping, River Rafting, Flying Fox, Cliff jumping, Trekking, Body Surfing, Hot air ballooning, Mountain Biking etc. to get the best of Rishikesh Tour. Ashrams and Ayurvedic centers are in abundance to relax your body. Moreover, there are numerous points of tourist interest in Rishikesh, you can also indulge yourself in sightseeing. The bliss of the temples and tranquil Ganga River will always be the thing of beauty and joy forever.

• If you are a thrill seeker then River Rafting is the best adventurous activity to do in Rishikesh. It will give you the best thrilling experience of the rapid waters of the holy river Ganges.
• Bungee Jumping is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh. If you want to touch the air and play with the gravity then you must try Bungee Jumping.
• If you are in Rishikesh, you should not miss the divine Ganga Aarti in the holy Ghats of Rishikesh. Calm and peaceful vibes, chanting of priests, temple bells, ethereal aura of the divine Ganga River are the best things to experience.
• Cliff Jumping will be one of the best adventure activities in Rishikesh, if you are interested in taking a splash into the chilly waters of river Ganges.
• If you are a nature lover then there are numerous spots in Rishikesh that are decked with emerald green landscapes. Trekking is one of the best things to do to escape into the world of nature.
• If you want to finetune your spirit and relax then Ayurvedic Massage and Therapies would be one of the top things to do in Rishikesh.
• Fly high like a bird and feel the thrill of paragliding and parasailing in Rishikesh. It is a must do adventurous activity if you are in Rishikesh.
• Embrace peace and indulge in a deep meditation in caves, Yoga and Meditation centers in Rishikesh. You will get eternal peace from the chaos of the world.
• If you are a wildlife enthusiast then Rajaji National Park is the best tourist spot to visit in Rishikesh. Embrace the greenery and listen to the call of the wild.
• Temple Tour is a must in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is known for its beautiful temples, it is one of the most popular pilgrimage Tourist attractions in India.

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh for Holidays

The best time to visit Rishikesh is the summer and winter season. During summer which starts from March and ends in July, tourists will be able to enjoy numerous adventure activities. In the winter season, the weather is very pleasant for sightseeing. Winter in Rishikesh starts from October and ends in February.

Summer Season in Rishikesh-

The summer season in Rishikesh starts from March and ends in July. It is the best time to visit in Rishikesh for adventure lovers. The snow in the mountain starts melting and the water level starts to increase which is quite favorable for river rafting and other water sports. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 40°C.

Monsoon Season in Rishikesh-

Monsoon in Rishikesh starts from July and ends in September. The city experiences heavy downpours which is risky for travel. Landslides might happen. Always check the weather report before planning a trip to Rishikesh in Monsoon.

Winter Season in Rishikesh-

The winter in Rishikesh starts from October and ends in February. The temperature can drop down to 6 degree Celsius. The weather is absolutely soothing for sightseeing.

How to Reach Rishikesh?

By Air – Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to reach Rishikesh. From the airport, you can easily get a taxi or a cab to reach the desired location in Rishikesh. This airport is also well connected to Delhi by daily flights.

By Rail- Rishikesh is very well connected to all the major cities. Rishikesh Railway station is the nearest railway station where you can easily find taxis and buses to reach the desired location in Rishikesh.

By Road- Rishikesh is very well connected to Uttarakhand and the major states of north India. You can easily get Luxury and budget buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Meerut.

Where to Stay in Rishikesh?

Not only Rishikesh is popular for its pilgrimage sites but also it is known for its soul soothing hospitality. Tourists and devotees from all over the world come here to enjoy its soul soothing environment. It is one of the best destinations to visit for a weekend holiday. Be it a backpacker, couple, solo traveler or families, Rishikesh is for all. It has a plethora of places to cater to the needs of all kinds of travelers.

If you want to enjoy luxury then you can prefer riverside boutique hotels or five-star hotels in Rishikesh which offer soothing hospitality along with the drop-dead gorgeous background of river Ganges. If you are a solo traveler or backpacker then Rishikesh also has a plethora of budget hotels. It will provide you all the basic facilities that a traveler needs. Most of the budget hotels are located in the city center which will be comfortable for you to plan your trip to see the major tourist attractions.

Bon Travel India ensures the best offers on hotels and resorts of Rishikesh for a pleasant stay. We have the best collection of hotels and resorts in Rishikesh in our extensive list. To enjoy the best discounts and deals on hotel room reservation, book your hotel and Resorts in Rishikesh online with Bon Travel India.

Other Best Places to Near Rishikesh

Muni Ki Reti

Muni Ki Reti means – Sands of Sages. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit near Rishikesh. It houses magnificent temples, ashrams and yoga centers. It is believed that the Sages(saints) used to meditate here. The aura of this place is absolutely peaceful and divine.

Byasi is a small scenic village in Uttarakhand located near the banks of holy river Ganga. It is a must visit place near Rishikesh. It is located 30 kms away from the city of Rishikesh. Adventure seekers come to this place for the thrill of river rafting and camping. February to June and September to November are the best times to visit Byasi for river rafting and camping.

Located 40 kms from Rishikesh, Kaudiyala is located on Badrinath Road. It is one of the best tourist attractions to visit near Rishikesh. It is a very popular spot for white water rafting and camping. Its beautiful landscapes will compel you to capture some beautiful pictures in your lens. March to June and September to November are the best months to visit here for enjoying adventure activities.

Kunjapuri Devi Temple

Located at the height of 1676 meters on a hill, Kunjapuri Devi Temple is a very important pilgrimage place for the Hindu Devotees near Rishikesh. It is one of the most visited places near Rishikesh. Kunjapuri Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in Uttarakhand. Stunning vows of the lofty mountain peaks of Gangotri, Swarga Rohini, Bandar punch and Chaukhamba will soothe your soul.

Virbhadra Temple

Virbhadra Temple is located at Virbhadra Town at Rishikesh. It is the best pilgrimage place to visit near Rishikesh. The temple of Virbhadra is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that when Goddess Sati immolated herself for her husband’s (Lord Shiva’s) dishonor by Daksha Prajapati (her father), Lord Shiva in rage pulled out his hair and trashed it on the ground. As a result, Lord Virbhadra was born.

You must not miss this scenic spot near Rishikesh called Gumkhal. It is a land of enchanting dense forests and lush greenery. It is the best place for bird watching, nature walks and wildlife exploration. You can also capture stunning sunrise and sunset views in your lens.

Mohanchatti

Located away from the delightful chaos of Rishikesh, the quaint town of Mohanchatti is surrounded by lofty hills. It is the best weekend getaway to visit near Rishikesh. It is a paradise for adventure lovers. You must visit Jumpin Heights where adventure activities like Bungee jumping, Giant Swing, flying fox will give you the best thrilling experience.

Rishikesh Distance from major cities

• Delhi to Rishikesh – 234 kms Approx.
• Moradabad to Rishikesh- 181 kms Approx.
• Chandigarh to Rishikesh – 207 kms Approx.
• Allahabad to Rishikesh -761 kms Approx.
• Lucknow to Rishikesh- 542 kms Approx.
• Shimla to Rishikesh – 268 kms Approx.
• Jaipur to Rishikesh – 508 kms Approx.

Best Recommended Travel Tips for Rishikesh Tour

• Say no to non-veg food if you are in Rishikesh. It is a spiritual place.
• Book your online hotel in advance to avoid last minute hassles.
• Dress decently at religious places. One should wear covered clothes.
• If you are planning to do adventure activities then always register your adventure activity from an authorized tour operator who will follow all the guidelines and safety measures.
• If you want to travel to Rishikesh then avoid monsoon months.
• Follow all the government Covid -19 guidelines for your safety.

Get upto 30℅ of early bird discount on our Uttarakhand Tour Packages . Reach us for more details / bookings – +91-7668130655.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to enjoy White Water Rafting in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is very popular for White water rafting. The months of February to June and September to mid-December are best to enjoy this adventurous sport.

What are the top things to do in Rishikesh?

Some of the top things to do in Rishikesh are

• River Rafting
• Hot air ballooning
• Temple Tour
• Ganga Aarti
• Wildlife at Rajaji National Park
• Yoga and Meditation at Ashrams
• Paragliding and Parasailing
• Bungee Jumping

How to reach Rishikesh from Delhi?

By Air – Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport and is well connected to Delhi. From the airport you can easily get a cab or taxi to reach the desired place in Rishikesh.

By Road- Rishikesh has a good road connectivity. There are many buses available from Delhi by Uttaranchal state Road Transport Corporation daily from Kashmiri Gate ISBT.

By Rail- Rishikesh Railway Station and Haridwar Railway Station are the nearest Railway stations to reach Rishikesh. It is well connected to Delhi.

Is it safe to travel to Rishikesh during monsoon?

No, due to heavy downpours it is not safe to travel to Rishikesh. Landslides may happen which is risky for your journey.

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Rishikesh Temple Tour Package

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Rishikesh Temple Tour

Tour Overview

TheakenThe 3-day 2-night temple tour package of Rishikesh is perfect for those who want to immerse into the spiritual aura of this place. Rishikesh is one of the most famous spiritual sites in India, dotted with numerous temples and sacred sites. It is also an ideal destination for those who are interested in meditation and yoga. Take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga River at the Triveni Ghat and seek solitude and eternal bliss at the Vashishta Gufa. Rishikesh is also dotted with many ashrams where spiritual seekers come to meditate and learn new things. The most famous ashram that you must visit during your Rishikesh tour is the Kailash Ashram Brahma Vidya Peetham, the main destination in the city for Yoga enthusiasts. In the 1960s, The Beatles Group's visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram brought global attention to this city. The four-hundred-and-fifty-long iron suspended bridges –Ram and Laxman Jhula- enhance this tourist hub's glory. Book the 3-day, 2-night temple tour package of Rishikesh to uplift your spiritual vibes.

Tour Highlights

• Exploration of the famous sites of Rishikesh.
• Soak in the serene atmosphere of Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
• Offer your prayers at Bharat Mandir.
• Offbeat exploration of Vashishta Gufa.
• Rishikesh temple tour.
• Visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Bhootnath Temple, and the Kunjapuri Devi Temple.

Itinerary Details Expand All [+]

On the first day of the tour, you will arrive at Rishikesh and meet one of our representatives, who will transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. You'll relax in your room and spend some time appreciating the beauty of nature from your room. After some time, you will head out of your room and explore the nearby places. You'll visit the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, situated amidst the Himalayan foothills and surrounded by lush greenery. The ashram is known for its scenic location and tranquil environment, with over a thousand rooms for the devotees. The next destination covered in the tour is the Bharat Mandir, Lord Hrishikesh Narayan's ancient temple. Adi Guru Shankaracharya founded this ancient temple in the twelfth century. The main idol present here has been shaped by a piece of Saligram. After visiting the temple, you'll head to the Vashishta Gufa, an ancient cave perfect for offbeat exploration. You'll head back to your hotel in the evening and have a mouth-watering dinner. Post dinner, you'll head to your room and have a relaxing sleep.

Have a yummy breakfast, and then prepare yourself for Rishikesh temple tour. You'll visit the famous ashrams and temples in Rishikesh, renowned for their calm and blissful surrounding. The first spiritual site you'll cover is the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated inside a lush green forest and is renowned for its blissful environment. The inside tomb of the temple depicts the saga of Samudra Manthan transporting you into the ancient era. You'll then visit the Bhootnath Temple, which is situated on the hilltop. You have to undertake a trek to reach the temple, but once you reach the top, you're rewarded with breathtaking views of Rishikesh city. The next temple included in the package is the Kunjapuri Devi Temple, one of the fifty-two Shaktipeeths of Devi Shakti. It is believed that this temple is the place where the chest of Sati fell during the Sudarshan Chakra attack. Seek Kunjapuri Devi's blessings and absorb the blissful environment of the temple. You will then visit Shatrughna Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram's younger brother. The temple is not only known for its divine aura but also has a small yoga center within its premises. After the temple tour, you will return to your hotel and have a lip-smacking dinner. You'll then head to your hotel room and have a relaxing sleep.

The third day will mark the end of your spiritual tour. You'll pack your bags and complete all the check-out formalities. After this, you will depart from Rishikesh to your intended destination, relishing the joyous memories of the tour.

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Inclusion and Exclusion

• Welcome drink on Arrival at hotel (non-Alcoholic)
• Accommodation on Double sharing basis at hotels.
• Meals (Daily Breakfast )
• All hotel taxes.
• Driver T. A. D. A, Fuel Charges, Parking Fee, State Taxes
• Sightseeing as per above Itinerary by Individual Vehicle
• All taxes except 5% GST
• Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, Cameras fees etc.
• Entrance fees at any point.
• Any kind of insurance.
• Any Train, Airline’s fare, Ferry charges, Boating etc.
• Any claim or delay charges due to natural calamities, landslide, road blockage etc. Or any other things which are not mentioned in the cost included column.
• Rates are not Valid during Peak Season and festival holidays (Peak Season: During Christmas, new year, Diwali, Durga Pooja and long weekends or any event).

Things to Know

Dress code to temple.

While there is no rigid dress code for this temple, it is recommended to dress modestly.

• Men: For men the dress code is dhoti or pyjamas with upper cloth.
• Women: For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or churidar with pyjama and upper cloth

Age Limit for Darshan

• No Age limit restrictions

Instructions while visiting Temples

• Pilgrims who book for Darshan should bring the printed copy of their receipt.
• All devotees required to carry original Photo ID proof at the time of reporting
• Most temples do not allow electronic gadgets like mobile phones, cameras, etc. inside the temple.
• Darshan tickets are non-transferrable.

Guidelines for Passengers

• Please take care of all your personal belongings and luggage all throughout the trip.
• It is advisable to dress properly while visiting the temple to avoid inconvenience.
• Carry any personal medication/a small first aid kit for emergencies
• Please be patient during the sightseeing and temple visits.
• Do not litter the public areas.
• Book tickets and passes in advance to avoid any kind of mess
• Be aware of the cultural differences
• Carry a light and manageable luggage
• Keep your eating habit healthy
• Keep all your travel documents safe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1: What are the famous temples in Rishikesh?

Ans: Rishikesh has many mystical temples where you can experience spiritual bliss and serenity. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can also visit Bharat Mandir which Adiguru Shankaracharya founded back in the twelfth century. The temple houses Lord Vishnu’s idol, which is carved beautifully using a Saligram piece. Bhootnath Temple is another famous religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva and surrounded by lush greenery. Bhootnath Temple, Shatrughna Temple, Virbhadra Temple, and Tera Manzil Temple are also famous religious sites in Rishikesh.

Q 2: What can you do at Parmarth Niketan Ashram?

Ans: Parmarth Niketan is the largest ashram in Rishikesh ideal for rejuvenation and spiritual growth. Meditation sessions are organized here on a daily basis to help you experience tranquility and peace. The daily activities that you can enjoy here include yoga Nidra, hatha yoga, lecture programs, and Satsang. Parmarth Niketan houses a fourteen-foot Shiva statue situated on the banks of the River Ganges. Additionally, special spiritual and cultural programs are organized by revered saints, spiritual and social leaders, and acclaimed musicians. There are camps in which you can take part in intensive courses on pranayama, stress management, yoga, meditation, Reiki, Ayurveda, acupressure, and other ancient sciences.

Q 3: What are the must-visit offbeat destinations in Rishikesh?

Ans: Rishikesh is a haven for adventure sports and spiritual bliss. It also has some offbeat destinations that you should definitely explore. One such offbeat site is Neer Garh Waterfall, located in a serene forest setting ideal for an escape from the hustle and bustle of fast-paced city life. Another famous site is Vashishta Gufa Cave which offers a secluded spot for reflection and meditation. You can also head to Phool Chatti Ashram which provides a tranquil retreat along the River Ganges, ideal for self-discovery and yoga.

Q 4: Why should you visit Bhootnath Temple?

Ans: Bhootnath Temple is a renowned Hindu temple known for its rich history and stunning architecture. It is believed that Shiva appeared here in Bhoothnath form to protect Rishikesh from demons. The temple is seven-storied and Raja National Park surrounds it on three sides. It was erected under the reign of Raja Ajber Sen in 1527 CE in Mandi. It showcases traditional Hindu architecture with a tall spire and intricate carvings on its pillars and walls. On the first floor of this temple, there are descriptions of many stories related to Shiva engraved through pictures. Each floor of the temple has deities associated with Lord Shiva, Nandi, and Hanuman. The temple hosts various celebrations and festivals including Shivratri and Navratri.

Q 5: Why should you visit Vashishta Gufa?

Ans: Vashishta Gufa is situated on the holy river Ganges banks, near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. This ancient cave holds immense spiritual significance. It is believed that sage Vashishta, one of the Saptarishis in Hindu tradition, meditated at this place. The cave is surrounded from all sides by lush greenery and offers a tranquil environment ideal for introspection and meditation. The cave’s interior is simple, with a Shivalinga and naturally formed rock walls. Devotees visit this place to experience the blissful vibes and meditate. The Ganges flows nearby and the sound of its waters enhances its meditative atmosphere.

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Spiritual Trips: The 10 Best Spiritual Retreats In India

I ndia is a land of diverse cultures and religions, and it's home to numerous sacred destinations and spiritual retreats that are located in the middle of beautiful natural spaces. These places offer a unique blend of spiritual serenity and natural splendour. Heading straight into it, here are our 10 favourite Spiritual Retreats in India.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is often referred to as the "Yoga Capital of the World." It's a place where the holy Ganges River flows through serene forests and ashrams. Visitors can practise yoga, meditation, and participate in spiritual retreats.

Rishikesh offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts and ashrams. Choose from some popular choices like the Parmarth Niketan Ashram , Ananda in the Himalayas , and The Glasshouse on the Ganges.

How to Reach: Book a flight from Kayak to the nearest Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun . Rishikesh is also well-connected by road and rail.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 

Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a spiritual hub for Hindus. Located along the sacred Ganges River, this city is known for its ancient temples and the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony, where thousands gather to witness the ritual on the ghats.

Varanasi has a variety of hotels and guesthouses to suit different budgets. You can consider staying at places like Brijrama Palace , Suryauday Haveli , and the Taj Ganges or choose from the best hotels on Goibibo at amazing discounts. 

How to Reach: Book a flight to Varanasi's own airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport). Varanasi is also well-connected by rail and road.

Amritsar, Punjab

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Surrounded by a shimmering pool of water, the temple is a symbol of spiritual and architectural magnificence. The community kitchen, or Langar, serves free meals to anyone, emphasising the principles of equality and service.

You can easily book hotels and guesthouses near the Golden Temple with amazing deals from Goibibo. The Radisson Blu Hotel and the Hyatt Amritsar are popular choices for luxury, while the Golden Temple also offers free dormitory-style accommodation for pilgrims.

How to Reach: Hop on a flight to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar that connects the city to major Indian cities, and it's also well-connected by train and road.

Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, these twin towns are known for being the residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The region offers not only Buddhist monasteries but also serene landscapes for meditation and reflection.

Browse through TripAdvisor for options that range from budget guesthouses to upscale resorts. The Dharamshala region offers places like the Fortune Park Moksha and the Norling House inside Norbulingka Institute for a unique experience.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala, and the nearest railway station is Pathankot. It's well-connected by road.

Kedarnath and Badrinath, Uttarakhand

These are two of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, and they are set amidst the majestic Himalayas. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims trek through breathtaking mountain terrain to reach these temples.

Accommodations are limited in these high-altitude areas, primarily in the form of simple guesthouses and dharamshalas. You can book guesthouses and hotels in nearby towns like Gaurikund and Joshimath from Goibibo.

How to Reach: Access to these temples is typically via trekking routes, with the nearest airport being in Dehradun , close to major transportation hubs like Rishikesh and Haridwar.

Vipassana International Academy, Igatpuri, Maharashtra

This meditation centre offers Vipassana meditation, a technique that traces its roots to ancient India. It provides a peaceful and scenic backdrop for those seeking inner peace through silent meditation retreats. The academy provides accommodations as part of the meditation retreat. Booking information is available on their official website.

How to Reach: Igatpuri is well-connected by road and rail. Use Skyscanner to book a flight to the nearest airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.

Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of great significance for Buddhists. The tranquil gardens and the nearby Niranjana River add to the serene atmosphere.

Bodh Gaya has a variety of guesthouses, hotels, and monasteries to choose from. Some popular options include the Bodhgaya Regency Hotel , the Royal Residency, and monastic stays at various Viharas.

How to Reach: Book your flight to the nearest airport, Gaya International Airport from Kayak. You can also book a train to the nearest major railway station, Gaya Junction. 

Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir

Vaishno Devi Temple is nestled in the Trikuta Mountains and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Devotees trek through the picturesque hills to reach the temple dedicated to the Goddess Vaishno Devi.

Katra, the base town for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, offers various hotels and guesthouses. Options include The White Hotels , The Atrium on the Greens, and other budget accommodations that you can check out on Kayak. 

How to Reach: To reach the renowned Vaishno Devi temple book a flight to Jammu Airport, the nearest airport to Katra. Alternatively, if you prefer travelling by train, you can secure tickets to Jammu Tawi, which is the nearest major railway station to Katra. After arriving in Jammu, the final leg of your journey involves hiring a taxi to cover the approximately 35-kilometre distance to Katra. 

Pondicherry (Auroville), Tamil Nadu

While not a traditional spiritual destination, Pondicherry, especially Auroville, is known for its focus on spiritual growth and unity. Auroville, often referred to as the "City of Dawn," promotes the idea of human unity and sustainable living in a peaceful and natural setting.

Discover Auroville's diverse guesthouses, retreat centres, and eco-friendly accommodations with Goibibo! Plan your unique and sustainable stay in this vibrant community. 

How to Reach: Pondicherry has its own airport, Puducherry Airport, and is well-connected by road. You can also reach Pondicherry by booking a flight to Chennai via SkyScanner. 

Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Mount Abu is the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan and is home to the Dilwara Jain Temples, known for their exquisite marble carvings. The serene Nakki Lake and the cool climate make this a peaceful destination for spiritual reflection.

Mount Abu has a range of hotels and resorts. You can stay at the Mount Regency , Cama Rajputana Club Resort , or budget accommodations like Hotel Mount View.

How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Abu Road, or you can book a flight to the nearest Udaipur Airport . Mount Abu is well-connected by road.

These are just a few of the spiritual retreats in India that combine the tranquillity of nature with the profound spirituality that the country is known for. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience and an opportunity to connect with your inner self while surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.

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