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Rishikesh

Yoga capital · Ganga aarti, rapids and Himalayan calm

Rishikesh sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalaya for the plains — an ancient pilgrimage town of ashrams and ghats that became the world's yoga capital after the Beatles stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in 1968. Today it pairs deep ritual life with rafting, cliff jumping and Himalayan trek trailheads.

Best time

September to November and February to May. Rafting closes during the monsoon (July–August).

Ideal length

2–3 days for aarti, adventure and one temple hike

Typical budget

₹1,500–3,000 per person per day; hostels and ashram stays go lower

How to reach

Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (35 km), Rishikesh/Haridwar railway stations, 6 hours by road from Delhi.

What to see

  • Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti

    Every evening at dusk — arrive 30 minutes early

  • Parmarth Niketan

    Riverside aarti with chanting by ashram students

  • Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula

    Suspension bridges over the Ganga, best at first light

  • Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

    Graffiti-covered meditation domes in the forest

  • Ganga white-water rafting

    Shivpuri to Rishikesh, Grade II–III rapids

  • Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

    Hill temple 32 km up, cool morning drive

What to eat

  • Sattvic thalis — the town is vegetarian and alcohol-free
  • Chotiwala's classic thali near Ram Jhula
  • German Bakery-style cafés above Laxman Jhula for river views
  • Fresh Himalayan fruit juice and herbal chai at the ghats

Heritage & culture

  • Morning yoga and pranayama classes at riverside ashrams
  • International Yoga Festival each March
  • Kanwar Yatra in Shravan (July–August) — the town fills with pilgrims

Good to know

  • Dress modestly near ghats and temples; shoes come off at ashram entrances.
  • Book rafting through a government-registered operator with life jacket and helmet.
  • The right bank (Tapovan) is quieter and cheaper than the main market side.

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