Rishikesh
Rishikesh sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills and enters the plains. For centuries it has been a place of pilgrimage and meditation, and today it is known worldwide as the Yoga Capital of the World, with hundreds of ashrams and yoga schools lining both banks of the river.
It is just as famous for adventure. The rapids upstream of town make it India’s most popular white-water rafting destination, and the hills around it hold waterfalls, temples and viewpoints. Rishikesh is about 6 hours from Delhi by road and 25 km from Haridwar.
Best time
September to November, February to May
Altitude
~370 m above sea level
Ideal trip
2 to 3 days
Nearest airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~20 km)
Why visit Rishikesh?
Few places combine peace and thrill the way Rishikesh does — a sunrise yoga class, an afternoon on the rapids and an evening aarti by the river, all in one day.
Yoga and meditation with experienced teachers
The moving evening Ganga Aarti
Some of India’s best white-water rafting
Riverside camping at Shivpuri
The Beatles Ashram and its murals
Easy weekend trip from Delhi
Top places to visit
Laxman Jhula
The iconic iron suspension bridge, built in 1929, with the 13-storey Trayambakeshwar temple beside it. The bridge has been closed to traffic since 2020 for safety reasons, but the riverside area is still the heart of Rishikesh.
Ram Jhula
A suspension bridge a little downstream that links the town to the ashrams of Swargashram, with great views of the river.
Triveni Ghat
The busiest ghat in Rishikesh, where pilgrims bathe in the Ganga and a grand aarti with fire lamps is held every evening.
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The former ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, where the Beatles stayed in 1968. Its meditation huts and walls are now covered with murals. It lies within Rajaji National Park and has an entry fee.
Shivpuri
About 16 km upstream, Shivpuri is the most popular starting point for rafting, with sandy beaches and riverside camps.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
A hilltop temple about 25 km away, known for its sunrise views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
An important Shiva temple in the forested hills about 30 km by road from Rishikesh, visited by huge crowds during the Shravan month.
Parmarth Niketan
One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, known for its sunset Ganga Aarti and as the host of the annual International Yoga Festival.
Adventure activities
Rishikesh is India’s adventure-sports hub for river and air activities. The rafting season runs roughly from September to June.
Popular treks
Food to try
Rishikesh is a vegetarian town, but its cafés serve everything from simple Indian breakfasts to healthy, international menus.
Best time to visit
Spring & Summer
February to June
- Rafting season in full swing
- International Yoga Festival in March
- May and June can touch 40°C
Monsoon
July to August
- Rafting suspended
- Green hills and full waterfalls
- Kanwar Yatra crowds in July–August
Winter
September to January
- Pleasant days, cold nights
- Rafting reopens from September
- Best time for yoga retreats
Spiritual & Adventure Culture
Rishikesh is a unique blend of ancient spirituality and modern adventure tourism. It is a centre for yoga, meditation and Hindu philosophy, while also drawing rafters and adventure lovers from around the world.
Yoga schools, ashrams and meditation centres
Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan
Ancient temples along the Ganga
A vegetarian, alcohol-free town
International Yoga Festival every March
The Beatles’ 1968 stay at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram
Best Things to Do
Spiritual Experiences
Yoga classes, meditation, Ganga Aarti, temple visits, and ashram stays
River Rafting
Rapids on the Ganga from Shivpuri, Marine Drive or Kaudiyala
Adventure Sports
Bungee jumping, giant swing, flying fox, kayaking and riverside camping
Iconic Landmarks
Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat and the Beatles Ashram
Photo Gallery
Travel Tips
Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are banned within the city — eat at the many vegetarian cafés.
Reach Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan about 30 minutes early for a good spot at the evening aarti.
Book rafting only with licensed operators; rafting is suspended during the monsoon (roughly July–August).
The Ganga is fast and cold — swim only where it is permitted and safe.
Dress modestly at temples, ghats and ashrams.
Summer afternoons (May–June) get very hot — plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
When is rafting closed in Rishikesh?
Where can I watch the Ganga Aarti?
How far is Rishikesh from Delhi?
Is alcohol allowed in Rishikesh?
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Photos via Wikimedia Commons: आशीष_भटनागर (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Paradise Chronicle (CC BY-SA 4.0) · ArmouredCyborg (CC BY-SA 4.0) · SnehaShrivastava (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Vipulkgupta (CC BY-SA 3.0) · आशीष_भटनागर (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Athulvis (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Sumita Roy Dutta (CC BY-SA 4.0)