Rishikesh travel guide

The yoga capital of the world – Ganga aarti, suspension bridges and white-water rafting

📍 Uttarakhand 6 places to visit Updated 1 Nov 2026

Rishikesh sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills, about 25 km above Haridwar. Ashrams, yoga schools, the evening Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan, the Beatles Ashram and rafting from Shivpuri make it one of India’s favourite spiritual and adventure towns.

History of Rishikesh

Rishikesh – the place of the rishis – has drawn sages for centuries. Legend says Lord Rama did penance here, and Lakshmana crossed the Ganga on a rope bridge where Laxman Jhula now stands.

In the 20th century ashrams such as Swarg Ashram, the Divine Life Society and Parmarth Niketan grew along the river. In 1968 The Beatles came to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram – now the “Beatles Ashram” in Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

Today Rishikesh is known worldwide for yoga, hosting the International Yoga Festival each March, and for rafting on the Ganga.

Best time to visit Rishikesh

September–November and February–April are best for yoga, aarti and rafting. Summer is hot; July–August is monsoon and rafting is closed.

Sep–Nov

Autumn · Pleasant

Rafting opens; clear skies.

Best

Dec–Jan

Winter · Cool, 5–20°C

Quiet; cold river.

Good

Feb–Apr

Spring · Mild to warm

International Yoga Festival in March.

Best

May–Jun

Summer · Hot

Busy rafting season.

Good

Jul–Aug

Monsoon · Heavy rain

Rafting closed; landslides on hill roads.

Avoid

How to reach Rishikesh

✈️

Nearest airport

Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport (DED)

About 20 km (35–45 minutes).

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Nearest railway station

Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK); Haridwar Junction (HW) for most trains

Yog Nagari in town; Haridwar about 25 km.

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Bus stand

Rishikesh ISBT – buses to Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun and the Char Dham route.

From	Distance by road	Travel time
Haridwar	About 25 km	45–60 minutes
Dehradun	About 45 km	1–1.5 hours
Delhi	About 240 km	5–6 hours
Shivpuri (rafting)	About 16 km	30 minutes
Neelkanth Mahadev	About 30 km	1 hour
Mussoorie	About 75 km	2.5 hours

Distances and times are approximate and change with traffic and weather.

Famous places to visit in Rishikesh

1Triveni Ghat & Parmarth aarti

Temple 📍 In town 🕘 Evening aarti around sunset

The evening Ganga aarti with lamps, chants and bells – Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan are the best known.

2Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula

Heritage 📍 Swarg Ashram / Tapovan 🕘 Open all day

The famous suspension bridges over the Ganga; check which are open to walkers.

3Beatles Ashram

Heritage 📍 Near Swarg Ashram 🕘 Day time · ticket

Ruins of Maharishi’s ashram with murals, meditation pods and forest walks.

4River rafting

Sports & adventure 📍 Shivpuri and upstream 🕘 Usually Sep–Jun

Graded rapids on the Ganga with licensed operators; rafting stops in the monsoon.

5Neelkanth Mahadev

Temple 📍 About 30 km 🕘 Morning to evening

A forest Shiva temple, busy during Shravan.

6Kunjapuri Temple

Viewpoint 📍 About 25 km 🕘 Sunrise

A hilltop Devi temple with sunrise views of Himalayan peaks.

Timings and entry fees change – please check locally before you go.

🚣 Rafting in Rishikesh

Season: Usually September to June
Stretches: Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, Kaudiyala
Safety: Use licensed operators; life jackets and helmets

The government sets the season and may pause rafting when the river is high.

Rishikesh itinerary

2 days in Rishikesh

Day 1

Morning yoga, then Ram Jhula and Beatles Ashram.
Evening Ganga aarti at Parmarth or Triveni Ghat.

Day 2

Morning rafting from Shivpuri.
Cafés in Tapovan.

3 days – temples & peaks

Day 1

Ghats, bridges and aarti.

Day 2

Rafting and riverside camp.

Day 3

Sunrise at Kunjapuri, then Neelkanth Mahadev.

Trip budget for Rishikesh

Item	Cost	Note
Stay (homestay / hostel / hotel)	About ₹800–5,000 / night
Food	About ₹400–900 per person / day	Vegetarian town
Rafting	About ₹600–2,000 per person	Depends on stretch
Weekend for 2 (approx.)	₹6,000–14,000	2 nights + food + rafting

Costs are rough estimates for Nov 2026.

Rishikesh vs Haridwar and Dehradun

Rishikesh or Haridwar?

Place	From Delhi	Vibe	Best for
Rishikesh	About 240 km, 5–6 h	Yoga, cafés, adventure	Rafting, retreats
Haridwar	About 220 km, 5 h	Pilgrim city	Har ki Pauri aarti
Dehradun	About 250 km, 5–6 h	Valley city	Base for Mussoorie

Where to stay in Rishikesh

Stay in Tapovan or Laxman Jhula for cafés and yoga, near Swarg Ashram or Muni Ki Reti for the aarti, or at riverside camps around Shivpuri for rafting.

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