Rishikesh is a beautiful town located at the base of the Himalayas, beside the holy Ganges River. It is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and the “Adventure Capital of India.” This peaceful town offers both calm spiritual experiences and exciting adventure activities. Whether you want to pray and find peace, enjoy thrilling adventures, spend time with your partner, or have fun with your family, Rishikesh has something special for everyone.
About
Rishikesh is a peaceful and spiritual town surrounded by green forests, mountains, rivers, valleys, old temples and colorful markets. It is very important in Hindu religion and is the starting point for the famous Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand. The name “Rishikesh” means “Lord of the Senses.” According to a legend, Lord Vishnu appeared here to sage Raibhya Rishi after his deep meditation.
Rishikesh became famous worldwide in 1968 when The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, now known as the Beatles Ashram. Since then Rishikesh has been known as a global centre for yoga, meditation and spirituality. Today people from all over the world come here — yoga lovers, spiritual seekers, adventure travellers and nature enthusiasts.
The Ganges divides the town into two parts, connected by two famous bridges — Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Rishikesh beautifully mixes old traditions with modern adventure sports, making it a perfect place for everyone.
Located in Uttarakhand in northern India, Rishikesh is often called the “Yoga Capital of the World.” With the Ganges flowing through it and the Shivalik hills behind, it attracts both spiritual seekers and adventure lovers. According to stories, Lord Ram’s brother Lakshman crossed the Ganges here and many sages meditated on its banks.
Today Rishikesh is a mix of peaceful ghats, temples, quiet ashrams, riverside cafes and thrilling adventure spots — a place where nature, spirituality and excitement come together.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
Knowing about Rishikesh’s different seasons will help you plan your trip better, based on what you want to do and when you want to visit.
1. Summer Season (March to June)
Summer is the busiest time in Rishikesh. The weather is nice, 20°C to 35°C. The snow melt from the Himalayas fills the Ganges River making it great for water sports. River rafting is super popular during this time. Clear skies and warm days are perfect for camping, trekking and sightseeing.
But since it’s peak season, tourist places are crowded and hotel prices are high. If you like crowded places and want to try water sports, summer is the best time to visit.
2. Monsoon Season (July to September)
Monsoon brings rain and makes Rishikesh green and fresh. The hills look beautiful and nature lovers will enjoy the scenery. The weather is cool and humid, 15°C to 30°C. The Ganges becomes fuller and looks powerful.
During heavy rain water sports like rafting usually stop for safety reasons. But hotel prices are low so this is a good time for budget travelers. You can still visit temples, join yoga retreats or explore indoor attractions.
3. Winter Season (October to February)
Winter makes Rishikesh peaceful and beautiful. October to November is clear and nice weather, good for all outdoor activities. December to February is cooler, 5°C to 20°C.
Winter is great for camping and enjoying bonfires at night. River rafting starts again but the water flow is moderate so it’s safe and fun. The cool weather is also perfect for yoga and meditation. Many spiritual events and yoga festivals happen during this time including the famous International Yoga Festival in March.
How to Reach in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is well connected to India's major cities through a variety of transport options: air, train, bus and road.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, roughly 16 km out from Rishikesh. You can get there pretty easily with Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo running daily flights from places like Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore. From the airport, take a pre-paid taxi or grab an app cab to get to Rishikesh which takes about 45 min - an hour depending on traffic.
By Train
Haridwar Railway Station, 25km from Rishikesh, is the main station people use to get into the city. It's linked to big cities all over India - like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Varanasi and more - with a whole bunch of express and superfast trains running daily. From there, you can hop on a local bus, a shared taxi or a private cab to get to Rishikesh in around 30–40 minutes. There is a smaller train station in Rishikesh but it has much fewer services, that's why most people end up using Haridwar.
By Bus
Getting to Rishikesh by bus is easy. They have regular buses running from Delhi's Kashmiri Gate bus station, and the journey takes around 6-7 hours to cover the 245 km between the two cities. You can choose to go with the government (UTC) buses or splash out on a private luxury coach. On top of that, there are also buses direct from nearby cities like Dehradun (45km), Haridwar (25km), Chandigarh and other places. The drive through the hills is stunning.
By Car
If you prefer to travel in style or just like to have the freedom to do as you please, you can drive to Rishikesh. The road in from Delhi via NH58 is generally in good nick & the drive takes about 5-6 hours. Alternatively you can rent a car with or without a driver from Delhi or other major cities.
Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a 450 ft long iron bridge 70 ft above the Ganges River. It connects Tapovan and Jonk. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Lakshman crossed the river here using jute ropes. The bridge has beautiful views of the river and the hills. There are many temples and ashrams on both sides, so it’s a very spiritual place.
Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula is similar to Lakshman Jhula but a bit longer. It connects Swargashram and Sivananda Nagar. From the bridge you can see great views of the Ganges. It’s surrounded by temples, yoga centers and cafes. Walking on this bridge, especially during sunset, is a very peaceful and lovely experience.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is some sort of sacred spot where people believe the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers - three real important rivers here - all meet. Every day you can find loads of people turning up just to take a dip and wash away their sins. And in the evenings, you get the most beautiful Ganga Aarti ceremony with loads of candles, prayers and devotional singing. The whole riverfront transforms into something just magical and gives you this feeling of peace that really gets to you.
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
This place really shot to fame when The Beatles turned up in 1968 to learn some meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. They used the place as a bit of a inspiration to write loads of songs - a fair few of which made it onto their famous White Album. These days you can go and see all sorts of cool graffiti, meditation domes and ancient buildings. It’s a absolute must visit for any Beatles fans, art fans and people who just love a bit of history and meditation.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Parmarth Niketan is probably one of the biggest ashrams in Rishikesh, and it’s been around since 1942. They do all sorts of yoga, meditation and ayurvedic treatments in a lovely, peaceful spot right next to the Ganges. The ashram itself has over 1,000 rooms - and loads of beautiful gardens too. The evening Ganga Aarti here is just as special as the one you can see at Triveni Ghat and is always packed with visitors - you know, just like Triveni Ghat.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
This temple to Lord Shiva is just a 32 km hop from Rishikesh, sitting high up in the hills at an impressive 1,675 meters. Its legend has it that Lord Shiva drank the ocean's poison here and that's why he earned the name Neelkanth (Blue Throated One). The temple's surrounded by a dense forest and offers some of the most breath-taking views you'll ever see. And if you're up for the challenge, you can even trek your way up to get there.
Neer Garh Waterfall
Hidden away deep in the forest is a real gem - Neer Garh Waterfall. It's made up of three smaller waterfalls tumbling down into pools that are just perfect for a refreshing dip or a relaxing soak. It takes all of 15 minutes to make the trek through the forest trails, but trust us, it's well worth it. Grab a picnic, go for a nature walk, or try some photography - this place has got it all covered.
Rajaji National Park
Coming in at a whopping 820 square kilometers, Rajaji National Park is one of the biggest wildlife areas in the region. And with tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 400 species of bird to spot, you're in for a real treat. You can join a jeep safari or take to the trails on foot - either way, you'll be spoiled for choice. And let's not forget the forests and plants - this is a nature lover's paradise.
Gita Bhavan
Gita Bhavan temple is a big, open-hearted place where pilgrims can come for some real support. They've got free or super-cheap accommodation, veggie meals to keep you going, and even free Ayurvedic medicine to sort out any ills. There's a library chock-full of holy books, meditation and spiritual talks to keep your mind on track, and a lovely calm atmosphere that's bound to appeal to anyone looking to unwind.
Shivpuri
Just 20 km from Rishikesh, Shivpuri is the place to go if you want some serious white water rafting. The 16 km route from Shivpuri down to Rishikesh is packed with rapids that'll get the adrenaline pumping - like the notorious "Roller Coaster" and the trickier "Golf Course". But if you're not up for rafting, there's still heaps to do - camping, trekking, rock climbing - all set in some of the most beautiful countryside you'll ever see.
Best Honeymoon Destination in Rishikesh
A destination that will make your honeymoon something truly unique & memorable. Unlike those dull beach or hill station honeymoons, here you get to experience both the tranquility & thrill that you can enjoy together as a couple.
Riverside Camping
Imagine spending a night or two under the stars on the banks of the mighty Ganges River. The sound of the water gently flowing is the perfect accompaniment to a delicious bonfire dinner - a match made in heaven.
Couples Yoga & Spa
Lots of resorts & ashrams in Rishikesh offer yoga classes and Ayurvedic spa treatments, designed to be enjoyed by couples together. Not to mention the relaxing atmosphere, these sessions really help to bring you even closer to each other.
Adventurous Together
Want some thrills? Then try out river rafting, bungee jumping or zip-lining - you'll have a blast together & create some truly unforgettable memories that you can cherish forever.
Sunset at Lakshman Jhula
Take a leisurely stroll on this famous bridge as the sun goes down - the views of the Ganges River & the surrounding mountains make for a simply stunning backdrop for those honeymoon photos.
Private Ghat Ceremonies
You can book a private prayer ceremony at the riverbank, seeking blessings for your new life together in a truly serene & spiritual setting.
Luxury Resorts
Many top-of-the-line resorts in Rishikesh have honeymoon packages with private cottages, river-facing rooms, candlelit dinners & other romantic gestures that will make your honeymoon all the more special.
Best Hill Station in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is not very high in the mountains (it is about 372 meters above sea level), but it is the gateway to many Himalayan hill stations and shares many features of a traditional hill destination.
Getting to Higher Ground: From Rishikesh, its pretty easy to pop over to nearby hill stations like Mussoorie, about 77 km away or so, or Auli and Chopta too, as well as finding some great mountain trek options.
Panoramic Views of the Foothills: And when you visit the town, you get to take in the really beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills - and on a clear day you can even make out the peaks up in the snow in the distance.
Cool Breeze in the Off Season: Come winter or spring and Rishikesh has got some lovely cool mountain air that really does feel like a breath of fresh air - a welcome relief from the sizzling heat of the plains.
Nature in Full Bloom: Then there's the natural beauty, with the town surrounded by great forests, hills and the Ganges River - giving it all the natural charm of a hill station, even though it isn't exactly at the top of the world.
Adventure Capital: Like so many hill stations, Rishikesh is pretty much the go-to-place for trekking, camping and other fun outdoorsy stuff, with loads of trails leading off to nearby mountains and other great spots.
Quiet Time: And last but by no means least, there are loads of ashrams and meditation centres in Rishikesh, making it the perfect place to unwind and take it easy - just like in all those other hill towns.
Things to Do in Rishikesh
River Rafting
River rafting is the most well-known adventure activity to attempt in Rishikesh - the Ganges River offers a whole range of rapids - anything from a gentle glide (Grade I) to some seriously challenging stuff (Grade IV).
Popular rafting routes include:
Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km): Hands down the most popular and just about the most exciting route you can try
Marine Drive to Rishikesh (24 km): Longer and tougher than the first one - this route is better suited to experienced rafters
Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km): A short n easy route that's perfect for those who are just starting out
A crew of pro guides will make sure you've got all the safety gear you need and will give you a run-down on what you're in for before you begin the adventure.
Bungee Jumping
Rishikesh has got a bungee jumping platform that's the highest in India - 83 meters up at Mohan Chatti. The guys running the show are all experts who've been trained up in New Zealand and make sure the whole shebang is done in line with international safety codes. If you're into the more hair-raising activities, this is the one for you - the views are just stunning and you'll get an experience you'll never forget.
Flying Fox (Zip Lining)
Then there's the zip line - 1km of it that lets you fly across the valley at a speed of up to 160 km/h with the Ganges and the surrounding mountains whizzing past underneath. The view from up high is just breathtaking - you really feel like you're on top of the world
Cliff Jumping
A lot of the time, during your rafting trip, the guides will stop at places where you can jump off cliffs into the Ganges - the heights are 10-25 feet and can be a great little add on to your rafting experience - lots of fun and really exhilarating.
Yoga and Meditation
Rishikesh has got the reputation as the Yoga Capital of the World. Loads of ashrams and yoga schools run courses, weekend workshops and training programs for yoga teachers. Some of the most well known places are Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Yoga Niketan. And if you get up early to watch the sun rise, do a bit of yoga by the Ganges - you can't help but feel a bit more at peace with the world.
Trekking
There are loads of beautiful treks in the area:
Kunjapuri Temple Trek: If you get up early, the views of the Himalayas from the top are just stunning
Neer Garh Waterfall Trek: A nice little forest walk that ends up with some lovely waterfalls at the end
Patna Waterfall Trek: A 3 km jungle trek that takes you to some nice waterfalls
Chandrashila Summit: This one's a bit of a multi-day trek to one of the highest peaks near Rishikesh
Temple Hopping
Rishikesh is just chock-full of temples - old & new - each with its own little story and charm to it. Fact is, visiting them could easily take up a whole day - they're so many of them.
Catch the Evening Ganga Aarti
You'll want to make sure to get to the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan in the evening. The priests go about performing their rituals with candles while the crowd sings - it's a real spiritual and peaceful experience.
Café Hops
If you head up around Lakshman Jhula and Tapovan you'll find loads of nice little cafes with tasty veggie food & smoothies, and oh the views of the river are just lovely. Plus it's a great place to bump into other travelers that you might not have met otherwise.
Ayurvedic Treatments
After all that adventure & sightseeing you can wind down with a traditional Ayurvedic massage or therapy session - they really do help to calm the mind & body.
Food to Eat in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a holy city where you won't find any booze or meat dishes on the menu, but don't imagine that means the food is dull - the city has a great mix of traditional North Indian grub and international eats that everyone will enjoy.
Must-Try Local Dishes:
· Aloo Puri: The bread you get here is super soft and puffed, and it comes with a spicy potato curry - a local fave for breakfast.
· Chole Bhature: It's a North Indian classic: spicy chickpeas served with a big ol' plate of fried bread.
· Kachori: Deep fried snack that's basically just a crispy little package of lentils or peas - served with a tangy chutney to cut the richness.
· Masala Chai: Indian tea that's made with milk and all sorts of spices - you'll find it everywhere, from street stalls to cafes.
· Lassi: Thick yogurt drink that comes in all sorts of flavors - sweet, salty, fruity and more. Try the Pappu Lassi near Ram Jhula - it's a local fave.
· Malai Kofta: It's basically just a plate of soft veg and paneer balls swimming in a rich creamy tomato sauce - sounds weird but trust us, it's amazing.
· Rajma Chawal: Super comforting home-style dish: red kidney beans in a curry sauce served over some fluffy rice.
· Uttarakhand Specials: That's just a fancy way of saying local dishes - try some regional flavors like Bhatt ki Churkani (black soybean curry), Jhangora (barnyard millet dish), or a sweet treat called Bal Mithai (that's a sort of fudge).
Best Places for Shopping
Lakshman Jhula Market
Strung out on either side of that world famous bridge, the Lakshman Jhula Market is a whirlwind of spiritual shops, selling all sorts of things to take home. You'll find stuff like:
Those little beads people wear round their necks or wrists - you know, the ones that look like seeds\
All sorts of statues of deities - the ones from that other major world religion, the one from India\
Tibetan singing bowls - you know, those bowls that sound so mystical when you hit them with a stick\
Yoga gear - the sort of thing you need to be a proper yogi
It's all very much a spiritual vibe though - lots of shops selling bits and bobs you can use in prayers or just be some sort of hippy nonsense
Ram Jhula Market
Lakshman Jhula's got it's own little sister in Ram Jhula Market which is not so bad for being less busy and all. It's got a lot of the same sorts of things but with a few added extras including:
Any of the hundreds of colours of fancy dress the Indian women wear - the sort you see in movies
Fake and silver jewellery - the sort of thing you can spend hours looking at in a shop
Local spices and herbal teas - if you go for that sort of thing
bits and bobs to make up into perfumes or smell nice or whatever floats your boat
Rishikesh Main Market
Rishikesh's main street is where the locals do most of their shopping - its got pretty much everything including:
Pickles - and not the dodgy jar from Tesco either, the Indian sort that tastes like someone just threw all their cupboard contents at each other\
fruit juices and lots of sugar in a jar - you know, the sort that's a bit like cough syrup\
warm woolly shawls the sort of thing you wear on the bus while you're on holiday\
leather bags - not your sort of leather bag i suppose
Sudha Chandran Mahal
This place is a sort of specialist shop at the Rishikesh Mall selling what they say are the genuine article: rudraksha beads, sandalwood bits & bobs and all sorts of semi precious stones - they claim to know what theyre talking about too
Garhwal Wool and Craft Shop
if you like the old fashioned sort of stuff, the sort that only your grandmother would buy, then Garhwal wool and craft might be the place for you - theyve got a lot of Handmade woolen shawls, warm blankets and the like - as long as you dont mind putting your money into the pockets of some poor bloke from the hills.
Temples to Visit in Rishikesh
Bharat Mandir
Built in 12th century, Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The main idol of Lord Vishnu is made from a single Saligram stone. Inside the temple you can see old statues, coins and other ancient things found during excavation. Its intricate stone carvings and history makes it a must visit place.
Trimbakeshwar Temple
This 13 floor temple has each floor dedicated to different Hindu gods. From top you can see the amazing view of Rishikesh. It gets very crowded during Shivratri.
Mansa Devi Temple (Haridwar)
Located in Haridwar but near Rishikesh, this temple is situated on Bilwa Parvat hill. Devotees come to pray to Goddess Mansa Devi who is believed to fulfill wishes. You can reach the temple by cable car or by trekking up the hill.
Raghunath Temple
Situated in the main area of Rishikesh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It’s beautiful and peaceful. Morning and evening aartis are very spiritual.
Shatrughan Temple
Near Lakshman Jhula, this old temple is dedicated to Lord Shatrughan, brother of Lord Rama. It’s less crowded so you can have a calm and quiet darshan.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
One of the 52 Shakti Peeths, this temple is situated on a hill at 1,676 meters. The sunrise trek to Kunjapuri is very popular — from top you can see the stunning view of Himalayas, including Gangotri, Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba.
Water Sports in Rishikesh
White Water Rafting
Rafting is the most popular activity in Rishikesh. It has different routes and levels:
· Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (Grade I-II): 9 km, easy, good for families (1.5–2 hours)
· Shivpuri to Rishikesh (Grade II-III): 16 km, most popular (2–3 hours)
· Marine Drive to Rishikesh (Grade III-IV): 24 km, for experienced rafters (4–5 hours)
Best Time: March to June and September to November.
Kayaking
You can try kayaking here — from beginner classes to advanced river expeditions. Trainers will teach you how to roll, handle rapids and stay safe on the water.
Cliff Jumping
Many rafting trips include cliff jumping. You can jump from rocks (10–25 feet high) into deep parts of the river. Guides will check the water and make sure it’s safe before you jump.
Body Surfing
This is fun activity where you float through small rapids wearing a life jacket and helmet. It’s an awesome way to get close to the river.
River Crossing
In this activity you use ropes and pulleys to cross the Ganges. It’s safe, fun and gives you amazing views while testing your balance and courage.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
In calm sections of the river you can try paddleboarding. It’s great exercise and a peaceful way to enjoy the Ganga.
Adventure Activities to Do
Bungee Jumping
Rishikesh beats the rest as far as bungee jumping in India goes, and thats thanks to Jumpin Heights, its highest platform a whopping 83 meters high. They've got the safety standards down pat, following all the same rules that apply in New Zealand and using top-notch imported gear to keep everyone safe. And, of course, your jump will be video recorded for you to relive the rush afterwards. That'll set you back anywhere from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000 per jump.
Giant Swing
Also at Jumpin Heights, get ready to take the leap of faith on the Giant Swing. You'll free fall from 83 meters before swinging wildly out over the valley. Do it solo or with a friend (or two) for the ultimate adrenaline rush - its perfect for couples and groups alike.
Flying Fox (Zip Line)
Zip through the air at screaming speeds of up to 160 km/h on this one-kilometer-long zip line that gives you the most breathtaking views of the Ganges River and nearby mountains. Plenty of operators around the place offer different lengths and speeds, so you can choose your own level of adventure.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling
You can give rock climbing a go - either on the natural or artificial rocks around Rishikesh. The instructors will teach the basics, including all the safety procedures you need to know. You can climb as high as 20 feet for a gentle intro or really push yourself and take on the 50-foot challenge.
Mountain Biking
Hit the trails with a mountain biking trip through some of the most scenic villages, forests and hill roads around Rishikesh. You can choose a leisurely ride with some great views or really put yourself to the test with some tough uphill climbs - easy option or not, your fitness level will still get a great workout.
Camping
Riverside camping in Rishikesh is a real favourite - and its easy to see why. You can camp in a simple tent or splash out on a luxury camp with its own private bathroom. Evening activities usually revolve around a roaring bonfire, some music and stargazing - or searching for shooting stars - as the night falls. Best camping spots are around Shivpuri, Marine Drive and Byasi.
Trekking Expeditions
Rishikesh is the portal to the Himalayas and the starting point for so many epic treks:
· Nag Tibba Trek (2-3 days): Great for winter trekking and its snow covered trails.
· Har Ki Dun Trek (7-8 days): A valley trek with some truly breathtaking views.
· Valley of Flowers (6-7 days): A UNESCO World Heritage site and a real treat for flower enthusiasts.
· Roopkund Trek (8-9 days): Famous for its mysterious lake with ancient skeletons - really a once in a lifetime experience.
Paragliding
Not quite as famous as in Bir Billing, but some operators in Rishikesh do offer tandem paragliding - that means flying with a trained pilot - in good weather and it gives you a bird's eye view of the Ganges and Himalayas.
Paintball
Now, paintball in Rishikesh is pretty popular, with both indoor and outdoor options where groups can really let loose and have some fun team battles going on. Some adventure camps even include paintball in their packages.
Burma Bridge and Commando Net
For a bit of a laugh with your friends, you could try crossing rope bridges and climbing nets on the Burma Bridge and Commando Net. Really great for corporate trips and school camps.
