Welcome to Rishikesh - Where Adventure Meets Spirituality

Perched at the foothills of the Himalayas where the Ganga descends from the mountains into the plains, Rishikesh is unlike any other place in India. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, this sacred town in Uttarakhand offers a rare combination of spiritual peace, adrenaline-pumping adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Whether you are a backpacker, a yoga enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or a devotee - Rishikesh has something extraordinary to offer.

Top Places to Visit in Rishikesh

1. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

These two iconic suspension bridges over the Ganga are the heart of Rishikesh. Laxman Jhula (built in 1929) and Ram Jhula (also called Shivananda Jhula) offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding hills. The narrow bridges filled with pilgrims, sadhus, and tourists create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

2. Triveni Ghat

The main bathing ghat of Rishikesh is where three sacred rivers are said to meet - the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The evening Ganga aarti here is one of the most spiritual experiences in India. Hundreds of oil lamps (diyas) float on the river as priests perform the aarti to the sound of bells and chanting.

Aarti timings: Every evening around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

3. Parmarth Niketan Ashram

The largest ashram in Rishikesh sits on the banks of the Ganga and is home to over 1,000 rooms for guests. The daily sunrise yoga sessions and the magnificent evening Ganga aarti at this ashram draw visitors from across the world. Free yoga classes are available for guests.

4. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

In 1968, The Beatles came to Rishikesh to study Transcendental Meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The ashram, now abandoned and overgrown, has become one of the most unusual tourist attractions in India. The walls are covered in graffiti tributes to The Beatles, and the jungle reclaiming the old meditation pods makes for an eerie and beautiful experience.

Entry fee: Rs. 150 for Indians, Rs. 600 for foreigners

5. Rajaji National Park

Just 10 km from Rishikesh, Rajaji National Park spans over 820 sq km and is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. Jeep safaris are available from September to June.

Adventure Activities in Rishikesh

White-Water Rafting

Rishikesh is the white-water rafting capital of India. The Ganga offers several grades of rapids depending on the season and your experience level.

  • Brahmpuri to Rishikesh (9 km): Grade 1 to 2, ideal for beginners - Rs. 600 to 800 per person
  • Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km): Grade 2 to 3, most popular route - Rs. 800 to 1,200 per person
  • Marine Drive to Rishikesh (26 km): Grade 3 to 4, for experienced rafters - Rs. 1,200 to 1,800 per person

Best season for rafting: September to November and February to May

Bungee Jumping

Jumpin Heights near Mohan Chatti offers India's highest fixed platform bungee jump at 83 metres. It is operated by New Zealand-trained professionals and has an excellent safety record.

Price: Rs. 3,550 per jump | Must be booked in advance online

Flying Fox and Giant Swing

Also at Jumpin Heights, the Flying Fox (a 1 km zip line) and the Giant Swing (a canyon swing with a 55-metre free fall) are equally thrilling alternatives to bungee jumping.

Cliff Jumping and Kayaking

Several operators around Shivpuri and Byasi offer cliff jumping into the Ganga from heights of 5 to 25 metres. Kayaking courses are also available for beginners and intermediate paddlers.

Yoga and Wellness in Rishikesh

Rishikesh hosts hundreds of yoga schools offering everything from drop-in morning classes to month-long residential teacher training courses (TTC). Some well-regarded schools include:

  • Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre - classical Hatha yoga tradition
  • Rishikesh Yog Peeth - Yoga Alliance certified TTC programs
  • Yoga Niketan - traditional ashram with river views

Drop-in yoga classes cost Rs. 300 to 600 per session. Full TTC courses (200 hours) cost Rs. 25,000 to 50,000 for one month.

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

  • February to April: Perfect weather for rafting and sightseeing
  • September to November: Post-monsoon, Ganga is at its most beautiful and powerful - best for rafting
  • December to January: Cold but peaceful, ideal for yoga retreats
  • May to June: Hot but manageable, fewer crowds
  • July to August: Monsoon season - rafting is closed, Ganga floods, some roads may be blocked

How to Reach Rishikesh

  • By Road from Delhi: 240 km via NH-58, about 5 to 6 hours. Volvo buses available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate (Rs. 400 to 600)
  • By Rail: Haridwar is the nearest major railway station (24 km). From Haridwar take a shared auto or taxi to Rishikesh
  • By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is 35 km away with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore

Where to Stay in Rishikesh

  • Budget (Rs. 500 to 1,500/night): Ashram guesthouses in Laxman Jhula area, hostels on Tapovan Road
  • Mid-range (Rs. 2,000 to 5,000/night): Guesthouses with Ganga views in Swarg Ashram area
  • Luxury (Rs. 8,000+/night): Ananda in the Himalayas, Aloha on the Ganges, The Glasshouse on the Ganges

Budget Estimate for Rishikesh (4 nights)

  • Budget traveller: Rs. 5,000 to 8,000 per person
  • Mid-range: Rs. 15,000 to 25,000 per person
  • Luxury retreat: Rs. 40,000 and above per person

AskYatri Community Tips for Rishikesh

  • Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are officially banned in Rishikesh - do not expect to find them
  • Dress modestly near ghats and ashrams - respect is key
  • Avoid swimming in the Ganga without a life jacket - the currents are extremely powerful
  • Book rafting and bungee jumping at least 2 days in advance during peak season
  • Carry cash - many small ashrams and street vendors do not accept cards
  • The best Ganga aarti is at Parmarth Niketan, not Triveni Ghat - arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot