The little town of Rishikesh, serves as an entrance to the Garhwal Himalayas, and is located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand. It is considered the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and has significant religious and spiritual significance. Legend has it that saints and sages are said to have meditated here in search of enlightenment and peace. The dense Sal forests and the holy Ganga river flowing through Rishikesh make the town peaceful and refreshing.
Some of the places to visit in Rishikesh include the suspension bridges of Ram and Lakshman Jhula, which connect temples, markets, and ashrams of on both sides. You can see the 13-story Trimbakeshwar Temple and the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, within the dense jungle that surrounds the Nar-Narayan mountain range. In the evening, you can witness the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat which is a spiritual ceremony including prayer, fire lamps, and chants.
For those seeking adventure sport in Rishikesh can go bungee jumping from India's highest point, try white water rafting on swift-moving river rapids, cliff jump, kayak, and body surf. Those who love nature can hike to the Neer Garh and Patna waterfalls or set up camp by the Ganga river. Thus, gather your belongings and head to Rishikesh city for the ideal holiday amidst adventure, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery.
By Car– You can drive to Rishikesh from Delhi, Haridwar, via Delhi - Panipat Expy, NH 709 AD and NH334 which takes about 4 hours 20 minutes. There are UPSRTC buses that depart from Delhi's Kashmiri Gate ISBT for Rishikesh and offer both regular and luxury services. You can board regular buses from Haridwar to reach Rishikesh in about 40 minutes via NH-34 by covering a distance of around 25 km.
By Rail– Haridwar Railway Station is the closest train station to Rishikesh which is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. You can thus reach Haridwar by boarding trains like the Mussoorie Express and Vande Bharat. Once you reach the station, you can take a taxi or regular buses to reach Rishikesg in about 40 minutes, by covering a distance of around 25 km.
By Air– The easiest and fastest way to get to Rishikesh is to fly to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (DED), which is around 15 km away. You can thus board connecting or direct flights offered by airline carriers like Indigo and Air India to reach from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Chandigarh. This journey takes about 50 minutes to 6 hours depending on layovers. Once you can reach the airport, you can continue your onward journey to Rishikesh City via a bus or taxi.
The best time to visit Rishikesh is all year round, as each season offers something unique.
Summer in Rishikesh
Monsoon in Rishikesh
Autumn in Rishikesh
Winter in Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula: The Lakshman Jhula which is a 450-foot iron suspension bridge constructed across the Ganges River is one of the most popular places to visit in Rishikesh. It was built in 1929 to mark the place where Lord Lakshman used jute ropes to cross the river. Here, walking across this bridge gives you a chance to see the Ganga River and the temple of Triyambakeshwar
Ram Jhula: Constructed in 1986, the 750-foot Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge that overlooks the Ganga River in Rishikesh. People on foot and bikes use it to get from Sivananda Ashram to Swargashram. You can see the Ganga, shop for clothes and gems, go to ashrams in Rishikesh, and try boating near the bridge.
Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is a holy spot on the banks of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Rishikesh. You can join the Ganga Aarti at sunset after taking a holy dip here. In addition to the Maha Aarti, you can light oil diyas, chant bhajans, ring bells, play drums, and offer prayers. Once the aarti is over, you can also take a boat journey to explore the neighboring temples of Geeta and Lakshmi Narayan.
Shivpuri: Shivpuri, a popular location for Ganga white-water rafting, is only 17 kilometers from Rishikesh. On this 16 km stretch to Lakshman Jhula, you can raft through moderate-level Grade-III and III+ rapids like the Roller Coaster and Return to Sender. Additionally, you can indulge in beach camping, nature walks, and other adventure sports in Rishikesh like kayaking, and rappelling. To round off the trip you can see the temples of Siddheshwar and Mahua Shiva which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rafting in Rishikesh: You can go rafting in Rishikesh on the Ganga River along four main sections. The 9 km Brahmpuri to Laxman Jhula section is a good place for beginners to start. If you want more excitement, explore the 16-kilometer Shivpuri stretch with seven rapids. If you are a skilled rafter, you can take on the demanding 35-kilometre Kaudiyala full-day adventure or the 26-kilometer Marine Drive course.
Bungee Jumping Rishikesh: You can try bungee jumping in Rishikesh at Mohanchatti, which has an 83-meter platform. You can enjoy a thrilling free fall while taking in beautiful views of the rocky cliffs, green forests and the Ganges river. You'll get a safety brief and high-quality gear before your jump, and a medal and badge to remember the experience.
Giant Swing in Rishikesh: Take a thrilling 5-minute plunge on India's highest giant swing in Rishikesh, and enjoy the thrill of freefall coupled with a huge swaying swing. You can choose between single, double, or triple rides to get the most thrills with friends or by yourself. With professional guides, safety gear, and stunning views of Shivpuri and the Ganges, you can feel assured.
Paragliding Rishikesh: From Thano (5,250 ft) or Shivpuri (1,500 ft), you can go on a 7–25-minute tandem paragliding in Rishikesh. You can fly above the Ganga River, Shivalik hills, jungles, and villages with trained pilots during this adventure. After riding in a vehicle to the takeoff location, you can put on safety gear, fly with a GoPro, and land in open fields.
Zipline in Rishikesh: Ziplining a length of 800 meters over the Ganges in Rishikesh and seeing the Himalayas around is one of the unmissable activities to do in Rishikesh. Hanging 70 meters above river level, you can travel up to 160 km/h across a 400-meter stretch. After the thrilling ride, you can be pulled back by a recovery system. On completing the activity you can relax while watching your ziplining videos and photos to remember it all.
Chotiwala Restaurant: Chotiwala is one of the oldest places in Rishikesh City where you can get hearty North Indian thalis if you're hungry for comfort food. When you come here, you can also try Garhwali food like Kafuli and Aloo ke Gutke.
Shri Balaji Restaurant: Shri Balaji is the best place to go if you want to try South Indian food. It is run by cooks from Chennai and serves crispy dosas, soft uttapams, and tasty chutneys that make every bite taste heavenly.
Chidiya Ghar: Chidiya Ghar in Roseate Ganges is a fine dining spot to have dinner in the mountains if you want a peaceful and lovely evening. In the laid-back atmosphere here you can enjoy Garhwali-Kumaoni thalis and Himalayan views.
Rishikesh Freedom Cafe: Freedom Cafe is one of the best places to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee by the Ganga river. With live music to set the scene, this place offers you a great view of the Ganga, soft pancakes, and frothy cold coffee.
Little Buddha Cafe: Try the treehouse-style dining at Little Buddha Cafe if you like your food with a view. On this restaurant's top floor, you can enjoy veggie platters, pizzas, and Buddha sandwiches while enjoying the refreshing river breeze.
Riverside Camps: You can rent a Scooty in Rishikesh to reach Shivpuri Riverside camps that offer meals, and adjacent restroom tents. Rafting, beach games, bonfire nights, and a 5- to 10-minute stroll to the river are some of the things that you can indulge in.
Shivpuri’s Nature Vault: If you want to try camping in Rishikesh then Shivpuri’s Nature Vault Dome Camp in the middle of nature offers you opulent domes with a pool. You can do things like rafting, yoga, badminton, and campfires, which are great for a mix of relaxation and excitement.
Aspen Camp: With a multi-cuisine restaurant, a pool, and luxurious tents and cottages, the Aspen camp is situated in the Ghattu Ghat village. Rafting in Rishikesh, yoga, and other outdoor adventures like waterfall treks and cliff jumping are among the things you can try here.
Camp Hideaway: This riverbank camp, which is one of the places to visit near Rishikesh that provides a quiet camping experience with meals, sports, jungle treks, and bonfire nights. Located around 37 kilometers away on the Neelkanth Temple Road, this camp offers you stay in more than 15 alpine tents and 10 A.C. cottages.
Riverstone Camp: Situated around 28 kilometers from Rishikesh in Mohanchatti, it has family cabins, Swiss tents, and air-conditioned cottages. Once you rent a bike in Rishikesh and reach this camp you can indulge in nature walks, rafting, and trekking while you're here.
Rishikesh's celebrations and events make the town happy, lively, and full of music. Thus, do take advantage of your trip by going to one of these fun events and festivals!
Events
Located on the banks of the Ganges, Triveni Ghat is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Rishikesh. It’s best known for its serene riverfront, where pilgrims gather for early morning dips and evening aartis. The Triveni Ghat marks the convergence of three sacred rivers Ganges(Ganga), the Yamuna, and the Saraswati, which is believed to wash away all sins and bring peace.
Whether you’re just passing through or spending the evening by the river, this ghat offers a glimpse into the soul of Rishikesh in the most authentic way. The sound of temple bells, devotional songs, and the sight of floating diyas make a soothing experience.
1. Ganga arti at Triveni Ghat: Seeing the Ganga arti at Triveni Ghat is a must do here. Every evening, between 6 to 7, river Ganga is worshipped in an auspicious way. Big lighted diyas are prepared and the pandits stand in line to do the arti. It’s a beautiful treat for the eyes.
2. River Rafting: For the adventure lovers, going river rafting is really exciting. The 36 kms stretch from
Kaudiyala to Laxman Jhula is specially kept for River Rafting. The charges for river rafting keeps varying but it will be within Rs. 400 to Rs. 1300.
3. Parasailing and paragliding: Other adventurous sports are parasailing and paragliding. These should be avoided during the monsoon as it remains cloudy. You will be tied to an open parachute which is dragged by a boat below. You can fly.
4. Trekking: If you love to trek, Rishikesh is definitely your place. You can go trekking to the mountains with so much natural beauty. The best trekking routes are Kunjapuri trek and waterfall trek.
5. Rock climbing: It is pretty difficult in the beginning but once you have known the techniques, you will be addicted to it.
6. Mountain biking: The hilly areas around Rishikesh are perfect for mountain biking. If you love cycling, go for it. There are many companies which can lend you a bike and you are good to go.
7. Flying fox: In flying fox sport, you, along with two others will be harnessed to a rope about 7 meters above the ground. You will be sliding forward at a speed of about 150 km/hour. This has both age and weight limits. You must be above 12 years of age and your weight must be between 20 to 130 kgs.
8. Body surfing: You can try this while doing river rafting in Rishikesh. Let yourself free on the water and enjoy.
9. Cliff jumping: This is one of the famous sports that can be done here as Rishikesh lies in the foothills of Himalayas which has a number of cliffs of various heights along with Ganga on the side. You can jump off the cliff and drive in to the holy water of Ganga.
10. Kayaking: You can go kayaking after being trained by the experts. You will be given a boat and you are all set to go.
11. Hot air ballooning: This is the best activity you can try in Rishikesh with your family as this has no age limitations. It is easy too. Hire one balloon and roam in the sky.
12. Camping: Those who are looking for a refuge from busy chaotic life, Camping in the laps of Ganges can save you. There are pre-established camps in Rishikesh which will make you feel relaxed and close to nature.
13. Ayurvedic massage centres: You can get the best ayurvedic massages at Ayurvedic Bhavan and Himadri Ayurveda which will give you a “me-time” and inner peace.
14. Yoga and meditation: Rishikesh is the home of yoga and meditation. To improve mental health, you must give it a try.
Book Now - Rishikesh Tour Packages From Delhi