As the Ganges River flows gently through the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh welcomes travelers with a blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, it’s a place where meditation meets mountains, temples meet treks, and adventure seekers share the same space as spiritual seekers.
Whether you’re attending a yoga retreat, crossing the famous suspension bridges, or braving the rapids of white-water rafting, Rishikesh has something for everyone. It’s not just a city—it’s an experience where every turn has a story to tell.
Rishikesh Tourism Guide: How to Reach the Yoga Capital of the World 🚗✈️🚉
Reaching Rishikesh is easy and well-connected by road, rail, and air.
1. By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 15 km from Rishikesh).
- Flights: Regular services from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other metro cities.
- Travel from Airport: Prepaid taxis and shared cabs are available; takes 30 minutes.
Tip: If you’re traveling in a group, book a shared cab—it’s cheaper than solo taxis.
2. By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar (25 km away).
- Trains: Frequent trains from Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow.
- Travel from Haridwar: Local buses and autos are easily available, costing around ₹50–₹150 per person. You can prefer taxi as well which costs around ₹1000–₹1200.
Example: Many budget travelers prefer taking the overnight train from Delhi to Haridwar and then a short bus ride to Rishikesh—it saves both time and hotel costs for one night.
3. By Road
- From Delhi: ~240 km (6–7 hours) via NH334.
- From Dehradun: ~45 km (1–1.5 hours).
- Options: State-run buses (₹350–₹500), private Volvos, or self-drive cars.
Tip: Start early morning from Delhi (around 5 AM) to avoid traffic jams near Meerut and Haridwar.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Rishikesh
1. Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula
The iconic suspension bridges over the Ganges—perfect for photography and evening walks.
Tip: Don’t miss the view of Ganga Aarti from the bridge—it feels magical.
2. Triveni Ghat
The most famous ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti. Watching hundreds of diyas floating on the river is a memory for life.
3. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
One of the largest ashrams offering yoga classes, meditation, and cultural programs.
4. Neer Garh Waterfall
A short trek (2-3 km) leading to a refreshing waterfall. Great spot for nature lovers.
Practical Example: Carry an extra pair of clothes—many travelers can’t resist jumping into the cold water after the trek!
5. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
A graffiti-filled ashram where The Beatles once stayed in the 1960s. A must-visit for music and art lovers.
6. Adventure Activities
- River Rafting: Starts from ₹600 per person and goes upto ₹3500 per person depends upon the stretch of the rafting.
- Bungee Jumping: India’s highest (83 m) near Mohan Chatti, ~₹3,500 per jump.
- Camping & Riverside Bonfire: Ideal for groups and families.
7. Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek
A short 3–4 km trek leading to a stunning sunrise view over the Himalayas.
Rishikesh 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 🗓️
Day 1: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat Aarti
Day 2: Neer Garh Waterfall, Beatles Ashram, Parmarth Niketan
Day 3: Adventure day – Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Camping and if you want to extend the trip then “Mussoorie- The Queen of Hills” is just 70 Kms and 2 hours drive away from Rishikesh.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh in 2025 🌸❄️🍁☀️
- Summer (March–June): Ideal for rafting, trekking, and yoga retreats.
- Monsoon (July–September): Green landscapes but rafting mostly closed due to high water levels.
- Winter (October–February): Cool weather, perfect for yoga and peaceful stays.
Tip: If you’re mainly going for rafting, plan your trip between late September and early June.
Where to Stay in Rishikesh: Hotels & Ashrams for Every Budget 🏨
| Category | Price Range (₹/night) | Details |
| Budget | ₹600 – ₹1,500 | Hostels & homestays like Live Free Hostel and The hostellers Rishikesh Ganges (ideal for backpackers). |
| Mid-Range (3-Star) | ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 | Comfortable hotels like Perfectstayz Premium or Holy River Hotel, often with river-view rooms. |
| Luxury (4–5 Star/Resorts) | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000+ | Premium stays like Aloha on the Ganges. |
Tip: If your priority is peace, book hotels across the river (Tapovan area)—they’re less crowded but still close to attractions.
Estimated Cost of a Rishikesh Trip (per person for 3 Days)
- Travel (Delhi to Rishikesh, round trip): ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 (bus/train), ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 (cab).
- Accommodation:
- Budget: ₹1,200 – ₹3,000
- Mid-range: ₹6,000 – ₹12,000
- Luxury: ₹30,000+
- Food: ₹500 – ₹1,000 per day (₹1,500 – ₹3,000 total).
- Activities:
- Rafting: ₹500 – ₹1,500
- Bungee Jumping: ₹3,500
- Ashram/Retreat: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 per day (optional).
👉 Total (Approx. 3 Days):
- Budget: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
- Mid-Range: ₹12,000 – ₹18,000
- Luxury: ₹40,000+
Essential Travel Tips for Rishikesh
- Alcohol and non-veg food are banned in main Rishikesh town—plan your meals accordingly.
- Carry comfortable walking shoes—most attractions require walking/trekking.
- Weekends can get crowded with tourists from Delhi—if possible, plan a weekday trip.
- If doing adventure sports, always choose licensed operators for safety.
Final Words
Rishikesh isn’t just about yoga or rafting—it’s a place where the calm of the river meets the thrill of adventure. Whether you’re sipping chai by the Ganges, meditating at an ashram, or screaming with joy during a rafting rapid, Rishikesh will stay with you long after you leave.