Overview
About Rishikesh
Rishikesh sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills and spills out towards the plains, in the Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Known as the yoga capital of the world, it draws seekers, pilgrims and adventurers in roughly equal measure. Forested hills rise on both banks, temples and ashrams line the river, and the water runs a clear, cold green for much of the year.
The town has long been a place of spiritual retreat, and its ashrams offer yoga, meditation and Ayurveda courses for every level. Its fame went global when The Beatles stayed at an ashram here in the 1960s, and that ruined complex is now one of its most unusual sights. Every evening, ghats such as Triveni Ghat and the one at Parmarth Niketan come alive with the Ganga aarti.
Rishikesh is also north India's adventure hub. White-water rafting on the Ganga, camping on the sandy riverbanks, bungee jumping, ziplining and treks to nearby temples keep the outdoorsy busy. As a holy town, the main area is strictly vegetarian and alcohol is not served, which suits its laid-back cafe culture. Haridwar is less than an hour away, and the town is the starting point for the Char Dham routes into the mountains.
- Yoga and meditation
- Ganga aarti
- River rafting
- Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula
- Beatles Ashram
- Riverside camping
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Temples & Ghats
Triveni Ghat
The busiest ghat in Rishikesh, where pilgrims bathe in the Ganga and a grand aarti is performed at sunset with lamps floated on the water.
Parmarth Niketan
One of the largest ashrams in town, known for its evening Ganga aarti with chanting and music on its riverside ghat.
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula area
The iconic suspension bridges and their surroundings form the heart of the town, lined with temples, ashrams, cafes and shops.
Tera Manzil Temple
A tall, multi-storeyed temple near the Lakshman Jhula area with shrines to many deities on each level and good views over the river.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
A revered Shiva temple in the forested hills about 30 km away by road, especially crowded during the Shravan month.
Ashrams & Culture
Beatles Ashram
The former ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, also called Chaurasi Kutia, where The Beatles stayed. Its crumbling meditation huts are now covered in murals and graffiti.
Nature & Adventure
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
A hilltop temple above Narendra Nagar famous for its sunrise views of the Himalayan peaks on clear mornings.
Shivpuri
The stretch of the Ganga upstream of town where most rafting trips begin and riverside camps are set up on the beaches.
Neer Garh Waterfall
A series of small cascades reached by a short forest walk, a refreshing spot on a warm day.
Nearby Excursions
Rajaji National Park
A large forest reserve between Rishikesh and Haridwar, home to elephants, deer and many bird species, with jeep safaris in the open season.
Haridwar
The holy city about 25 km away, known for Har Ki Pauri and its spectacular evening aarti on the Ganga.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Rishikesh
- 1
Raft the Ganga
Choose from gentle stretches to longer runs with bigger rapids, with a licensed operator. Rafting usually pauses during the peak monsoon months.
- 2
Join a yoga or meditation class
Drop in for a single session or sign up for a longer course at one of the many ashrams and studios.
- 3
Attend the evening aarti
Watch the sunset aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan, and arrive early for a good spot.
- 4
Camp by the river
Spend a night in a riverside camp near Shivpuri, with bonfires, starry skies and the sound of the water.
- 5
Try bungee jumping or ziplining
Adventure parks in the hills near Rishikesh offer bungee jumping, giant swings and flying fox rides.
- 6
Hike to Kunjapuri for sunrise
Start before dawn to reach the temple in time for the first light over the Himalaya.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
The best time to visit Rishikesh is September to November and February to May. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
20°C to 38°C
Warm to hot days, with the rafting season in full swing. May and June can be very hot in the afternoons, but the river offers relief.
Monsoon
July to September
23°C to 33°C
Heavy rain swells the Ganga, and rafting and riverside camps generally close. Landslides can affect hill roads, though the hills turn lush.
Winter
October to February
6°C to 25°C
Pleasant, sunny days and cold nights. The International Yoga Festival takes place in March, just after this season.
Getting there
How to Reach Rishikesh
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, about 20 km from Rishikesh, is the nearest airport, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. Taxis take under an hour to reach the town.
By Rail
Yog Nagari Rishikesh station has a growing number of trains, but Haridwar Junction, about 25 km away, is still the main railhead, with frequent trains from Delhi and other cities, including fast day trains.
By Road
Rishikesh is about 240 km from Delhi via Meerut and Haridwar. Uttarakhand state and private buses run frequently from Delhi, and shared autos and taxis connect Rishikesh to Haridwar and Dehradun.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Rishikesh
Aloo puri
Puffy fried bread with spicy potato curry, the classic breakfast at stalls near the ghats.
Chhole bhature
Spicy chickpeas with fluffy fried bread, a filling lunch after a morning on the river.
Sattvic thali
Simple vegetarian meals without onion and garlic, served at ashrams and traditional eateries.
Lassi
Thick, sweet lassi served in large glasses, especially welcome on warm afternoons.
Cafe fare
The cafes around the Lakshman Jhula area serve smoothie bowls, wood-fired pizzas, Israeli and Tibetan dishes with river views.
What to Buy in Rishikesh
- Rudraksha beads and malas
- Yoga mats, clothing and accessories
- Ayurvedic and herbal products
- Books on yoga, spirituality and philosophy
Travel Tips for Rishikesh
- Rishikesh is a vegetarian town and alcohol is not served in the main area; respect local customs.
- Raft only with licensed operators and always wear a life jacket and helmet.
- Do not swim in the Ganga away from designated spots; the current is strong and cold.
- Dress modestly at ghats, temples and ashrams.
FAQs
Rishikesh Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
September to November and February to May are the best times to visit Rishikesh, with pleasant weather and rafting open. The monsoon months see heavy rain and rafting closures.
How many days are enough for Rishikesh?
Three to four days are enough for the ghats, temples, a rafting trip and a yoga session. Add a day for Haridwar or Kunjapuri.
What is Rishikesh famous for?
Rishikesh is famous for yoga and meditation, the Ganga aarti, white-water rafting, the Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula area and the Beatles Ashram.
When is rafting closed in Rishikesh?
Rafting usually closes during the peak monsoon, roughly from July to mid-September, when the river is high and fast.
How far is Rishikesh from Haridwar?
Rishikesh is about 25 km from Haridwar, under an hour by road, and the two are often visited together.
Is alcohol allowed in Rishikesh?
Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are not available in the main town area of Rishikesh because of its status as a holy city.
