Complete Guide to Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Rishikesh sits at 356 metres where the Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. It is simultaneously one of India's holiest pilgrimage towns and its premier adventure sports hub — a rare combination that draws millions of visitors every year.
| Place | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Triveni Ghat | Sacred ghat / aarti | Evening Ganga Aarti at sunset — unmissable |
| Laxman Jhula | Suspension bridge | Iconic 450-foot bridge over the Ganges |
| Ram Jhula | Suspension bridge | Connects Sivananda Ashram area; temple row |
| Beatles Ashram | Heritage / art | Where the Beatles meditated in 1968; street art murals |
| Neelkanth Mahadev | Temple / trek | 32 km; Shiva temple in the forest; popular pilgrimage |
| Rajaji National Park | Wildlife / safari | Elephants, tigers, leopards; 15 km from Rishikesh |
| Rafting Shivpuri / Brahmpuri | River rafting | Grade II–IV rapids; 16–26 km stretches |
| Bungee Jumping (Mohan Chatti) | Bungee / adventure | India's highest fixed bungee at 83m |
| Parmarth Niketan | Ashram / spirituality | Famous for daily Ganga Aarti and yoga retreats |
| Kunjapuri Temple | Shakti temple / sunrise | 1,676m; best sunrise over the Himalayas from Rishikesh |
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
- February – May: Ideal for rafting, trekking and sightseeing; 15–35°C
- September – November: Post-monsoon; clean river; excellent rafting; pleasant weather
- December – January: Cool (5–15°C); peaceful; International Yoga Festival in March
- July – August: Rafting suspended due to high water levels; but Char Dham pilgrimage traffic
How to Reach Rishikesh
- By Road: Delhi → Rishikesh (240 km, ~5 hrs) via NH-58; frequent buses (₹300–₹500)
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station — limited trains; Haridwar Junction (25 km) is better connected
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (35 km) — daily flights from Delhi (45 min)
- From Haridwar: 25 km by road (40 min); shared autos and taxis available
Budget and Hotels in Rishikesh
| Category | Options | Price/night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Ashram | Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram stay | ₹300–₹1,000 |
| Mid-range | Zostel Rishikesh, Hotel Surya | ₹1,500–₹4,000 |
| Luxury / Camps | Camp Crossfire, Aloha on the Ganges | ₹5,000–₹15,000 |
2-night trip cost per person: ₹3,000–₹10,000 including travel from Delhi, rafting and stay.
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are banned within Rishikesh town — respect local rules
- Book rafting + camp packages directly with operators at Shivpuri (16 km upstream) for best value
- Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat (7 PM) — arrive 30 min early for a front-row spot
- Wear water shoes or closed footwear for the Laxman Jhula–Ram Jhula walking circuit
- The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) charges ₹150 entry — visit in the morning for the best light
FAQ: Rafting season is October–June. Avoid July–August when the river is in flood. Best beginner stretch: Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km, ~2 hrs).