Rishikesh

Known as the Yoga Capital of World, Rishikesh is a quaint and serene city located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Dehradun district of the state of Uttarakhand. It is nestled along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga River and is known for its spirituality, meditation centers, ancient temples, adventure activities, cafes, and the holy river Ganga. Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage town and one of the holiest places for Hindus.

Rishikesh has always been the spiritual town and home to sadhus and ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, and meditation but is also famous for adventure activities like rafting, mountain biking, bungee jumping, and camping. But the city grew in popularity when the famous band Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi here, which is now named as the Beatles ashram. Since it is a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is prohibited here. Rishikesh is also known for its Ganga Aarti which happens at several Ganga Ghats at dusk. The place is not too crowded and the atmosphere during this time is worth experiencing once in a lifetime.

• Ganga Aarti: Ganga Aarti is one of the holiest rituals performed in Rishikesh Ganga Ghat at the time of dusk. The most famous Ganga aarti to witness are performed at Parmarth Niketan Ghat and Triveni Ghat. The river gets lit up with dainty floating diyas and the smoke of the hawans wafts the air. The sound of the bells, the chanting of the mantras and the overall atmosphere of the place is a surreal experience.
• River Rafting: River rafting in Rishikesh is hands down one of the best experiences one can delight in. From very strong to low rapids, rafting in Rishikesh is for everyone from beginner to professional level experience. There are certified operators with first-class safety arrangements and there are customized packages for camping with rafting too.
• Bungee Jumping:Another famous adventure activity to do in Rishikesh, bungee jumping involves jumping off from a tall bridge of height with your one leg tied to a rope. The person flies freely in the air before being restrained and pulled up.
• Cliff Jumping: It is also a popular adventure activity in Rishikesh which involves jumping from a 30-40 feet high cliff in cold water. The most popular cliff jumping site in Rishikesh is the lower part of the Brahmaputra Stretch.
• Camping: Camping along the banks of the Ganga is another popular activity which attracts many travelers. Several camping sites are set up on the banks and the beaches serve as great spots for some sports and other fun activities like bonfire, dancing, volleyball, etc.

• Laxman Jhula: A suspension bridge over the Ganges River, which is one of the most iconic landmarks of Rishikesh. It is named after Lord Rama's brother, Laxman, and is believed to be more than 80 years old. It offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding hills.
• Ram Jhula: An iconic landmark of Rishikesh, Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge across river Ganga which connects Shivananda Nagar to Swarga Ashram. The bridge offers a bird’s eye view of the sacred river and the serene foothills of the Himalayas.
• Triveni Ghat: A popular bathing spot on the banks of the Ganges, which is believed to be a confluence of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It is considered a sacred place for Hindus, who come here to take a dip in the holy waters.
• Neer Garh Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall located in the outskirts of Rishikesh, which requires a short trek through the forest to reach. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular picnic spot.
• Parmarth Niketan: A spiritual ashram located on the banks of the Ganges, which offers yoga and meditation classes, as well as various cultural and spiritual activities. It is known for its beautiful evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, which is attended by hundreds of devotees every day.
• Beatles Ashram: An abandoned ashram that was famously visited by the Beatles in the 1960s and is now a popular tourist attraction. It is covered in colorful graffiti and street art and offers stunning views of the Ganges River.
• Rajaji National Park: A national park located on the outskirts of Rishikesh, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. It offers various activities such as jungle safari and bird watching.
• Shivpuri: A small town located a few kilometers from Rishikesh, which is known for its adventure activities like river rafting, camping, and hiking. It offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.
• Trimbakeshwar Temple: A ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is located on the banks of the Ganges and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is believed to be one of the most important temples in Rishikesh and is known for its beautiful architecture.
• Swarg Ashram: A spiritual center located on the banks of the Ganges, which is home to various ashrams and temples. It is known for its serene ambiance and is a popular destination for those seeking peace and tranquility.
• Tera Manzil Temple: A unique temple in Rishikesh, which has 13 floors and is dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. It offers stunning views of the Ganges River and is a must-visit for those interested in Hindu mythology and architecture.
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is one of the holy sites dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located around 7km from Swarg Ashram. It is a popular shiva temple and is visited by devotees from across the country.

• Chaat: Chaat is a popular street food snack in India, and Rishikesh is no exception. You can find a variety of chaat options in Rishikesh, including aloo chaat, papdi chaat, and dahi bhalla.
• Kachori: Kachori is a fried pastry filled with spiced lentils, potatoes, or peas. In Rishikesh, you can find both sweet and savory versions of kachori.
• Samosa: Samosas are another popular street food snack in India. They are deep-fried pastry triangles filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. You can find vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in Rishikesh.
• Lassi: Lassi is a popular drink made with yogurt, water, and sugar. In Rishikesh, you can find both sweet and salty lassi, and some shops even offer fruit-flavored lassi.
• Chole Bhature: Chole Bhature is a popular Punjabi dish that has become a staple street food in Rishikesh. It consists of spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried bread called bhature.
• Momos: Momos are a type of dumpling that originated in Tibet but have become popular street food in many parts of India, including Rishikesh. You can find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in Rishikesh.
• Kulfi: Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream made with thickened milk and flavored with cardamom, saffron, or pistachios. In Rishikesh, you can find a variety of kulfi flavors, including mango, rose, and pistachio.
• Pakoras: Pakoras are deep-fried fritters made with vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and spinach.
• Parathas: Parathas are a type of flatbread made with wheat flour and stuffed with various fillings such as potatoes, cheese, or vegetables.
• Rajma Chawal: Rajma Chawal is a popular dish made with kidney beans and rice, often served with raita (a yogurt-based side dish).
• Aloo Poori: Aloo Poori is a North Indian breakfast dish made with deep-fried bread (poori) and spicy potatoes (aloo).

• Sitting Elephant: Perched along the side of river Ganga, Sitting Elephant is known for its chic interioras well as lip-smacking food, which is Indian, Chinese, and International. The bamboo walls give a rustic vibe to the place and the soothing sound of the river is a symphony to the ears which makes the experience even more delightful.
• Oasis Restaurant and German Bakery: Situated close to Laxman Jhula, the restaurant offers admirable views of the river while you enjoy your food. There is a wide variety of food to choose from such as Chinese, Russian, Indian, European.
• Flavors Restaurant: A great restaurant known for its hospitable staff, mouth watering food and soothing ambiance. Quality and quantity are both served plenty here and cuisines such as North Indian and Continental are available.
• Latitude: One of the fine dining restaurants serving cuisines such as Indian and Chinese, Latitude is a great family as well couple friendly restaurant located inside the resort Aloha on the Ganges and is secluded from the busy town area.
• Jal and Jalebi: A cozy seating area with a breathtaking view of the river and the hills will make your experience wonderful and the menu is also delicious which gets updated every now and then. The restaurant has a romantic vibe and serves Chinese, Asian, and American cuisine.
• The Big Fiddler: The restaurant is known for its hygiene and good quality food. It is one of the few restaurants in Rishikesh where non-veg food is also served. The ambiance is great, and the food is delicious.

• Freedom Ganga Cafe: Freedom Ganga Cafe is a rooftop restaurant and bar located near the Triveni Ghat area. It offers a beautiful view of the Ganges River and serves a range of food and drinks.
• 60's Cafe Delmar: 60's Cafe Delmar is a small cafe located near the Laxman Jhula area. It has a hippie vibe and plays 60s and 70s music. The cafe serves a range of snacks, desserts, and beverages.
• Beatles Cafe: This popular cafe pays homage to the Beatles, who visited Rishikesh in the late 1960s. They have a rooftop seating area where you can enjoy a beer or a cocktail while taking in the view of the Ganges.
• The Sitting Elephant: This restaurant and lounge is located near Laxman Jhula and offers a range of cocktails, mocktails, and snacks. They also have live music performances on some evenings.

• Ram Jhula Market: Ram Jhula Market is located near the Ram Jhula bridge and is popular among tourists and locals alike. The market offers a variety of items, including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
• Laxman Jhula Market: Laxman Jhula Market is located near the Laxman Jhula bridge and is one of the oldest and most popular markets in Rishikesh. The market offers a variety of items, including clothing, jewelry, Ayurvedic products, and souvenirs.
• Triveni Ghat Market: Triveni Ghat Market is located near the Triveni Ghat, a famous bathing spot on the banks of the Ganges River. The market offers a variety of items, including clothing, handicrafts, and religious items.
• Muni Ki Reti Market: Muni Ki Reti Market is in the heart of Rishikesh and is known for its handmade goods, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
• Tibetan Market: Tibetan Market is located near the Triveni Ghat and offers a variety of Tibetan handicrafts, including jewelry, rugs, and clothing.

• Swami Vivekananda Museum: Located in the Ramakrishna Mission ashram, this museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, a famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader.
• Neer Garh Waterfall Gallery: This gallery is located near the Neer Garh Waterfall and features the work of local artists. Visitors can admire paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
• Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram: This ashram was once the home of the famous spiritual leader Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who is best known for introducing Transcendental Meditation to the world. Today, the abandoned ashram has been turned into an art installation featuring graffiti and murals by artists from around the world.
• Rishikesh Art & Cultural Heritage Museum: This museum is in the old part of Rishikesh and showcases the cultural heritage of the region through a variety of exhibits, including traditional costumes, musical instruments, and artwork.
• Shri Bharat Mandir: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and contains a small museum with displays of traditional Indian art and artifacts.

• International Yoga Festival: This is a popular festival that takes place in Rishikesh every year in March. It is a week-long event that celebrates the ancient practice of yoga and attracts yoga enthusiasts from all over the world.
• Ganga Dussehra: This is a festival that is celebrated in Rishikesh every year in June. It is a ten-day festival that celebrates the descent of the Ganges River to earth and attracts devotees from all over the country.
• Neelkanth Mahadev Mela: This is a popular fair that takes place in Rishikesh every year in August. It is a three-day event that celebrates the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and attracts devotees from all over the country.
• Beatles Festival: This is a festival that takes place in Rishikesh every year in February. It is a three-day event that celebrates the legacy of the Beatles and their visit to Rishikesh in 1968.
• International Kite Festival: This is a festival that takes place in Rishikesh every year in January. It is a two-day event that celebrates the art of kite flying and attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the world.

• Pacific Mall Rishikesh: This is the largest mall in Rishikesh and is located on the outskirts of the city. It features a variety of stores, including clothing, footwear, jewelry, electronics, and household items. The mall also has a food court and a cinema.
• City Centre Rishikesh: This shopping complex is in the heart of the city and features a mix of local and national retailers. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
• Sargam Plaza: Located on the Haridwar-Rishikesh Highway, Sargam Plaza is a shopping center that features a variety of stores selling clothing, footwear, and electronics. It also has a food court and a cinema.
• Anand Plaza: This is a popular shopping destination for locals in Rishikesh. It features a variety of stores selling clothing, footwear, and accessories.
• Gole Market: This is an open-air market located in the center of Rishikesh. It is a popular destination for shopping for clothes, jewelry, and other items at affordable prices.

• Ganga Kinare Wala
• Beatles Café and Shop
• Raghavendra General Store
• Shiva Ganga Handloom
• Good Earth Book Shop

• Zostel Rishikesh: Prices start from around INR 500 per night for a dorm bed.
• Bunk Stay Rishikesh: Prices start from around INR 800 per night for a private room.
• Moustache Rishikesh: Prices start from around INR 1,000 per night for a private room.
• Hotel Ganga Kinare: Prices start from around INR 3,000 per night for a standard room.
• Aloha on the Ganges: Prices start from around INR 4,500 per night for a standard room.
• Divine Resort: Prices start from around INR 3,500 per night for a standard room.
• Ananda in the Himalayas: Prices start from around INR 30,000 per night for a standard room.
• Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa: Prices start from around INR 15,000 per night for a standard room.
• Raga on the Ganges: Prices start from around INR 8,000 per night for a standard room.

• Rajaji National Park: This is a popular national park located about 20km from Rishikesh. It is home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, elephants, leopards, and deer. Visitors can enjoy a jungle safari and explore nature.
• Parmarth Niketan Garden: This is a stunning garden located in Parmarth Niketan ashram in Rishikesh. It is a serene and peaceful place where visitors can relax or meditate while the sounds of the bells from the temples chime in the distance.
• Swarg Ashram Garden: This is a small garden area nested inside the Swarg Ashram in Rishikesh. It is a well-maintained garden where visitors can sit and relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Rishikesh is a year-round destination but if you love adventure sports and outdoor activities, then the best time to visit would be from September to November and March to May, when the weather is pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities. It is not favorable to visit Rishikesh during summer months as the temperature becomes too hot to go out and explore.

• By Air: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located about 35 km away. There are regular flights from major cities in India, such as Delhi and Mumbai, to Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh.
• By Train: Rishikesh has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The train journey to Rishikesh is scenic and offers a glimpse of the beautiful Himalayan landscape. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh.
• By Road: Rishikesh is well-connected to major cities in North India by road. There are regular bus services from Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, and other cities to Rishikesh. You can also hire a taxi or drive to Rishikesh from Delhi, which is about 240 km away.