Explore Rishikesh

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Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. The river is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams (centers for spiritual studies) line the eastern bank around Swarg Ashram, a traffic-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian enclave upstream from Rishikesh town. ― Google

🕉️ Rishikesh Travel Guide

Known for: Spiritual retreats, yoga, the Ganges River, adventure sports, and Himalayan views
Location: Uttarakhand, India — on the banks of the River Ganga, near the foothills of the Himalayas

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

  • February to mid-May (Spring/Summer):
    ✅ Ideal for yoga, river rafting, and trekking
    ✅ Warm days, cool nights

  • September to November (Autumn):
    ✅ Post-monsoon freshness, great for white-water rafting
    ✅ Fewer crowds and clear skies

  • December to January (Winter):
    ❄️ Cold, especially at night — quiet and spiritual

  • June to August (Monsoon):
    🌧️ Heavy rain; not ideal for outdoor adventure, but lush and quiet

🛣️ How to Get There:

  • ✈️ By Air:

    • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) – 21 km from Rishikesh

    • Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru

  • 🚆 By Train:

    • Nearest major station: Haridwar (25 km away) — well connected to Delhi, Varanasi, and Kolkata

    • Local taxis or buses available from Haridwar to Rishikesh

  • 🚗 By Road:

    • 6–7 hours from Delhi via NH334

    • Regular buses and shared taxis available

🌟 Top Attractions:

🕉️ Triveni Ghat:

  • Sacred confluence of three rivers

  • Don’t miss the Ganga Aarti in the evening — lamps, chants, and soulful music

🌉 Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula:

  • Iconic suspension bridges over the Ganges

  • Flanked by ashrams, temples, and cafes

🛕 Parmarth Niketan Ashram:

  • Renowned spiritual retreat center and yoga school

  • Offers daily Ganga Aarti, meditation, and wellness programs

🕍 The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia):

  • Where The Beatles stayed in 1968

  • Now a graffiti-filled meditation retreat in Rajaji Tiger Reserve

🏞️ Neer Garh Waterfall:

  • Scenic waterfall ~3 km from Lakshman Jhula

  • Great for light hiking and nature photography

🏕️ Shivpuri:

  • Starting point for river rafting and camping

  • Surrounded by forest and river beaches

🎨 Activities to Do:

  • 🧘 Join a yoga or meditation retreat (1-day to multi-week options)

  • 🌊 White-water rafting (best in Oct–May)

  • 🧗 Try bungee jumping, zip-lining, rock climbing, or kayaking

  • 🥾 Trek to nearby spots like Kunjapuri Temple, Patna Waterfalls, or Neer Garh

  • ☕ Relax in scenic Ganga-facing cafés with live music and views

🏨 Accommodation:

Ashrams (Spiritual stays):

  • Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan

Boutique & Mid-range hotels:

  • Yog Niketan by Sanskriti, Aloha on the Ganges, Divine Resort

Budget & Backpacker stays:

  • Live Free Hostel, Shiv Shakti Hostel, Zostel Rishikesh

Riverside camping:

  • Camp AquaForest, Camp Aspen, Pebbles Resort (includes meals + activities)

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Local & Spiritual Cuisine:

  • Sattvic food (pure vegetarian, no onion/garlic)

  • Try Kadhi-Chawal, Aloo Poori, Chole Bhature, Kachori, Lassi

Popular Cafés:

  • Little Buddha Café – Treehouse-style, river views

  • 60’s Café Delmar (The Beatles Café) – Retro vibes

  • Freedom Café, Pure Soul Café, Ramana’s Organic Café

🧑‍🎓 Local Culture:

  • One of the holiest cities in India — alcohol and non-veg food are banned

  • Hosts International Yoga Festival every March

  • A hub for Ayurveda, Gita discourses, kirtan, and peaceful living

  • No loud nightlife — evenings are serene and spiritual

⚠️ Travel Tips:

  • 🧢 Dress modestly, especially around temples and ashrams

  • 🏞️ Wear proper shoes if hiking or doing outdoor activities

  • 🧘 Many ashrams have fixed routines — check before booking

  • 🎒 Keep essentials handy — many places are walk-only zones

  • 📵 Internet may be spotty in hilly/camping areas