Uttarakhand
Rishikesh Travel Guide
Yoga capital on the Ganga, with ghats, ashrams and river rafting.
- Best months Feb–May, Sept–Nov
- Ideal trip length 2–4 days
Rishikesh sits on the Ganga where the river leaves the Himalayan foothills, and it is known as a centre for yoga, meditation and river adventure. Ashrams, suspension bridges, evening aarti on the ghats and white-water rafting give it a mix of spiritual and active travel. Plan two to four days, and combine it with nearby Haridwar if you can.
Best time to visit
Recommended
September to November and February to May are the best seasons, with pleasant weather and good rafting conditions. June can be hot, and the July to August monsoon brings heavy rain; rafting is usually restricted during the rainy months. Winters are cool and calm.
How to reach
Jolly Grant Airport (DED) near Dehradun is the nearest airport, about an hour's drive away, with flights from Delhi and several other cities.
Rishikesh has a railway station with limited services, and Haridwar Junction, a short drive away, is the main railhead with trains from across India.
Rishikesh is connected by highway to Delhi via Haridwar, and buses and taxis run regularly from Delhi, Dehradun and Haridwar. It is also the gateway to the Char Dham routes.
Where to stay
Laxman Jhula and Tapovan are popular for cafes, ashrams and backpacker stays. Ashram stays offer yoga and meditation programmes, and riverside camps upstream suit rafting trips. Rishikesh is a holy town, and the main areas are largely vegetarian with no alcohol or non-vegetarian food served.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Triveni Ghat and Ganga Aarti
An evening ceremony with lamps, chanting and offerings on the river bank, open to all and best attended with some time to spare.
- 2
Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula
Rishikesh's well-known suspension bridges across the Ganga, with shops, cafes and temples nearby. Laxman Jhula was closed to walkers for safety reasons and a replacement bridge was planned, so check the current status.
- 3
River rafting
Stretches of the Ganga above Rishikesh offer rafting through rapids of different grades, run by registered operators in the dry season.
- 4
Yoga and meditation
Rishikesh has many ashrams and studios offering classes for beginners and long courses for practitioners.
- 5
Beatles Ashram
The ruined ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, known for its connection to the Beatles and now a space for art and walks in the forest.
- 6
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
A temple on a hill above Rishikesh, reached by road and a short climb, popular with pilgrims.
Food to try
Food in the main town is vegetarian. Look for aloo puri, kachori, thali meals and fresh juices, and international cafes serving vegetarian pasta, smoothie bowls and baked goods.
Travel tips
- Choose rafting operators that provide life jackets, helmets and trained guides, and avoid rafting during high water and heavy rain.
- Dress modestly near ashrams, temples and ghats.
- Keep valuables safe on the bridges and ghats, and avoid feeding monkeys.
- Check the schedule for the evening aarti, and arrive early to get a good spot.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Rishikesh?
Two days cover the ghats, bridges and a rafting trip. Take three or four days if you want yoga classes, a nearby trek or a visit to Haridwar.
Is Rishikesh good for beginners at rafting?
Yes. The lower stretches have milder rapids suitable for first-timers. Choose a registered operator and follow the guide's instructions.
Can I drink alcohol or eat non-vegetarian food in Rishikesh?
The main town and ashram areas are largely vegetarian and alcohol-free. Rules and availability vary outside the central area, so check locally.
Official sources
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.