Rishikesh Travel Guide
Rafting, yoga and the Char Dham road-head — the one base that works in every month.
- Altitude
- 372 m
- Best season
- Sep – Jun
- From Dehradun
- 45 km
- Category
- Year round
Why visit Rishikesh
- India's white-water rafting capital — the Ganga from Shivpuri to Rishikesh runs Grade 3–4 rapids
- The yoga and meditation hub that drew the Beatles in 1968 and has never stopped drawing seekers
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan — one of the most photographically striking rituals in the Himalayan foothills
- The practical gateway for Char Dham — every pilgrimage itinerary from the north starts or ends here
- Bungee jumping (83 m), giant swing and zip-lining at Mohanchatti — the best adventure cluster in North India
- Year-round destination — rafting from September to June, yoga camps all year, trekking bases 45 km north
Rishikesh is Uttarakhand's most versatile base — white-water rafting on the Ganga (September to June), the yoga scene around Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, and the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
It is also the practical road-head for the Char Dham, which makes it a natural first or last night on almost every itinerary we run.
Explore around
Places near Rishikesh
Suspension bridge over the Ganga; the ashram and market area is Rishikesh's most photographed kilometre
Wider bridge with Parmarth Niketan on the far bank — the aarti here is larger than Triveni Ghat
1,330 m hilltop temple of Shiva — 17 km trek or jeep; beautiful forested approach
The rafting campsite zone — most multi-day rafting packages include a night camp here
Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi and the combined evening aarti — easy half-day trip from Rishikesh
What to do
Activities at Rishikesh
White-water rafting
The Ganga offers several sections: Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km, beginner), Shivpuri to NIM Beach (16 km, intermediate) and Marine Drive to NIM Beach (26 km, advanced with Grade 4 rapids including The Wall and Roller Coaster). Season runs September to June.
Bungee jumping
Jumping Heights at Mohanchatti operates an 83 m bungee — the highest in India. Giant swing (55 m) and flying fox (500 m) at the same venue. Booking required; minimum 50 kg body weight.
Yoga & meditation
Hundreds of centres range from Parmarth Niketan's free morning yoga to week-long residential courses at Sivananda Ashram and Yoga Niketan. International Yoga Festival in March draws teachers from across the world.
Ganga Aarti
Parmarth Niketan (Ram Jhula) and Triveni Ghat both hold large evening aartis at sunset — the Parmarth one is larger and more elaborate. Arrive 30 minutes early for a riverfront spot.
Trekking base
Rishikesh → Neelkanth Mahadev is the classic day trek (17 km, through forest). Longer trails to Kunjapuri (20 km round-trip) and the Rajaji National Park buffer offer further options.
Before you go
Rishikesh travel tips
- Rafting is closed during July–August monsoon when the Ganga is in spate — do not book for this period
- The Laxman Jhula pedestrian bridge was closed in 2019 due to structural concerns; use the Ram Jhula or the newer vehicular bridge instead
- Rishikesh town (Triveni Ghat area) is a different part of the city from Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula — they are 3–5 km apart; budget time or take an autorickshaw
- Many ashrams and courses require advance registration — book yoga retreats weeks ahead for February–April and September–October
- Alcohol is technically banned in Rishikesh town — a state excise rule that restaurants follow strictly; stock up in Haridwar or Dehradun if needed
- Hotel prices spike 3× during the International Yoga Festival (usually first week of March)
Getting there
How to reach Rishikesh
Jolly Grant Airport (17 km from Ram Jhula area). Taxi to Rishikesh takes 30–45 minutes. Connected to Delhi (multiple daily flights), Mumbai and other metros.
Rishikesh railway station is on a branch line — slow and limited trains. Haridwar (25 km) is far better connected. Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Haridwar, then taxi/bus to Rishikesh.
Delhi → Meerut → Haridwar → Rishikesh (250 km, 5–6 hrs). Buses from ISBT Delhi to Rishikesh run frequently; most stop at both the main bus stand and Ram Jhula.
Where to stay in Rishikesh
- Budget: Ashram dorms at Sivananda, Yoga Niketan and Parmarth Niketan for those coming for yoga; basic guesthouses around Ram Jhula for backpackers
- Mid-range: The Glasshouse on the Ganges (6 km upstream), Zostel Rishikesh (good for solo travellers), Aloha on the Ganges
- Camp stays at Shivpuri and Byasi popular with rafting groups — most rafting operators include a night camp in their packages
- Peak season (March, September–November) — book 4–6 weeks ahead; Yoga Festival week (March) needs 2–3 months
Food & dining
- Rishikesh is overwhelmingly vegetarian; most restaurants near the ghats are alcohol-free
- Little Buddha Cafe (Ram Jhula), Chotiwala (Swarg Ashram area) and Madras Cafe serve reliable meals from breakfast to dinner
- Israeli, Italian and German cafes cluster around Laxman Jhula area — popular with long-stay yoga tourists
- Local specialities: singodi (leaf-wrapped sweet), aloo ke gutke and rhododendron juice from the seasonal stalls
Background
History of Rishikesh
Rishikesh — literally "Lord of the Senses" in Sanskrit — appears in the Skanda Purana as the forest where the sage Raibhya performed penance and Lord Vishnu appeared before him as Hrishikesh. For centuries it was a forest hermitage of rishi-munis, accessible only on foot through the Siwalik ranges.
The town's modern form emerged under British administration in the 19th century when the Siwalik pass became a manageable road route. The suspension bridges — Ram Jhula in 1939 and Laxman Jhula in 1929 — connected the ashram bank to the market town and established the two-part geography that defines Rishikesh today.
The Beatles' visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now the Beatles Ashram or Chaurasi Kutia) in early 1968 placed Rishikesh on the global consciousness map permanently. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr composed much of the White Album during their stay; the ashram ruins are now a Heritage Zone open to visitors.
Plan your trip
Suggested Rishikesh itinerary
- Day 1Arrive by afternoon. Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan. Dinner on the riverside.
- Day 2Morning yoga class (Parmarth Niketan offers free open sessions). Afternoon white-water rafting on Shivpuri–NIM Beach (16 km). Evening at leisure on Ram Jhula.
- Day 3Bungee jump at Jumping Heights (morning slot). Afternoon: Beatles Ashram walk (1 km from Laxman Jhula). Depart or continue to Char Dham route.
Common questions
Rishikesh FAQ
- Is white-water rafting safe in Rishikesh?
- Yes, when done with licensed operators during the September–June season. All gear is provided. Grade 3–4 rapids require no prior experience but basic swimming ability is advisable.
- What is the best month to visit Rishikesh?
- September–November (post-monsoon, clear skies, rafting open) and February–April (yoga season, pleasant weather). Avoid July–August when rafting closes and crowds are thinner.
- Can I visit Haridwar from Rishikesh?
- Yes — 25 km, 45 minutes by shared taxi or bus. Easy half-day trip. Most Rishikesh visitors combine it with the Har Ki Pauri aarti at sunset.
- Do I need to book bungee jumping in advance?
- Yes. Jumping Heights operates on time-slots and fills up during peak season. Book online at least 2–3 days ahead for October–November and March.
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