Spiritual

RishikeshTravel guide

Yoga Capital on the Ganges' Banks

Rishikesh, UttarakhandUpdated 19 October 2026

Known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World,' Rishikesh lies where the Ganges exits the Himalayas, hosting ashrams, temples, and the iconic Lakshman Jhula bridge, with the river Ganges as its spiritual spine.

Attend evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat for a mesmerizing fire ritual. Take a yoga course at Parmarth Niketan or Sivananda Ashram. Try white-water rafting on the Ganges (seasonal) or bungee jumping at Jumpin Heights.

Top things to do in Rishikesh

1
Rafting from Shivpuri
The popular 16 km stretch of the Ganga back to Rishikesh, run from roughly September to June.
2
Evening Ganga Aarti
The nightly ceremony of lamps and chanting at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat.
3
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The ruined ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968, now full of murals.
4
Neer Garh Waterfall
A short hike to a series of waterfalls and pools near Tapovan.
5
Sunrise at Kunjapuri Temple
A hilltop temple about 25 km away with Himalayan views at dawn.
6
A yoga class
Drop-in and longer courses at schools around Tapovan and Laxman Jhula.

Before you go

Rishikesh is vegetarian and alcohol-free in its main areas.
Lakshman Jhula is closed for safety; cross the river at Ram Jhula.
Rafting stops in monsoon (roughly July and August).
Dress modestly at the ghats and ashrams.

Where to stay

Tapovan and Laxman Jhula: Cafes, yoga schools and guesthouses; lively.
Swarg Ashram and Ram Jhula: Close to the ashrams and the evening aarti; quieter at night.
Shivpuri: Riverside rafting camps about 16 km upstream.

What to eat in Rishikesh

Aloo Ke Gutke
Veg
Pan-fried potatoes tempered with local spices and coriander
Best enjoyed with steamed rice at local dhabas
Phaanu
Veg
Slow-cooked lentil stew made from soaked dal, served with rice
Order as a thali for lunch at hill-side eateries
Kafuli
Veg
Thick spinach and fenugreek gravy cooked in iron kadhai
Serve with steaming rice; ask for less oil if preferred
Bal Mithai
Veg
Brown chocolate-like fudge coated with white sugar balls
Buy from sweet shops as a post-meal treat
Singhori
Veg
Sweet khoya filling wrapped in maida and steamed in leaf
Try fresh from morning sweet vendors
Galande
Veg or non-veg
Stuffed flatbread with spiced lentils or jaggery filling
Eat hot with ghee; ask for dal or jaggery version

Written by AI. If you have allergies or eat strictly veg, check with the cook.

Health & safety in Rishikesh

Emergency (police, fire, medical)112 Ambulance (most states)108

Hospitals near Rishikesh on Google Maps ↗

Save your stay's address offline, and in an emergency call 112 first.

Published by Team Spotplans. Written with AI from public travel sources, not submitted by a creator. Check opening times and prices before you go. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.

Plan a trip to Rishikesh

When to go

Best Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov

September to November and March to April for pleasant weather; avoid peak summer (May-June) heat and monsoon (July-August) river turbulence.

What it costs

₹1,000-1,600/day

₹1,000-1,600/day for budget ashram stay (often includes meals), food, local transport; yoga courses extra (₹500-1,500/day). Auto-rickshaws for town travel.

How to get there

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant (DED), Dehradun, 20 km (45 min taxi). Nearest rail: Haridwar (HW), 25 km (45 min bus/taxi). Regular buses from Delhi (6-7 hr).

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