Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, India packs a lot into a small area. Here are the experiences that deliver the most, from must-see landmarks to the quieter choices that make a trip memorable.
Rishikesh is a town in the foothills of the Himalayas where the Ganges leaves the mountains, widely known as a center for yoga, meditation and adventure sports. It is a spiritual destination for pilgrims and a popular stop for travelers who want rafting, trekking and wellness.
1. Watch the Ganga Aarti
Each evening, priests perform a fire ceremony on the riverbank at Triveni Ghat or at ashrams like Parmarth Niketan, with chanting and lamps floating on the Ganges.
2. Cross Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula
These two pedestrian suspension bridges link the river banks and are surrounded by cafes, shops and temples.
3. Try white-water rafting
Rafting trips on the Ganges run through rapids of varying difficulty, with beginner and advanced stretches, usually outside the monsoon.
4. Take a yoga or meditation class
Many ashrams and studios offer drop-in classes and longer retreats for beginners and experienced practitioners.
5. Visit Chaurasi Kutia, the Beatles Ashram
The former ashram, in a forest, has quiet ruins and street art, and a connection to the Beatles’ 1968 visit.
6. Hike to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
A well-known Shiva temple in the hills above the town, reached by road or a longer trek, with views of the valley.
7. Watch the sunrise at Kunjapuri Devi Temple
A temple on a hilltop known for early-morning views of the Himalayan peaks on clear days.
8. Visit Haridwar
About 25 kilometers south, this holy city has riverside ghats and a large evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Rishikesh Quick Facts
- Location: Uttarakhand, India.
- Type of place: Himalayan yoga town on the Ganges.
- Best time to visit: Visit from September to November or from February to April, when days are mild and clear. March is a popular month for yoga events, while summers are hot and the monsoon from July to September brings heavy rain and may restrict river activities.
- Suggested time: 3 to 5 days, or 2 days if you are short on time.
- Busiest: October to March, especially during the yoga festival. Quietest: the monsoon from July to September.
What to Eat in Rishikesh
The riverside area has many vegetarian restaurants and cafes serving Indian dishes, wholesome bowls, and international food. Try thali, dal, paratha and fresh lassi, and look for street snacks in the markets.
Getting Around
The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 20 to 30 kilometers away, with flights from Delhi and other cities. Trains run to Haridwar and Rishikesh stations, and Delhi is around five to six hours by road. Within town, auto-rickshaws, shared taxis and walking are common.
Money-Saving Tips
Rishikesh is inexpensive, with budget guesthouses, cafes and yoga classes at low rates. Rafting and trekking are priced per person, and some ashrams offer simple stays for modest donations or fees.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Visiting in monsoon and finding rafting closed and roads disrupted.
- Dressing too casually in temples and ashrams.
- Expecting nightlife or alcohol near the river, where it is restricted.
- Not booking a yoga retreat or ashram stay in advance during the festival period.
Best Time to Do These Things
Visit from September to November or from February to April, when days are mild and clear. March is a popular month for yoga events, while summers are hot and the monsoon from July to September brings heavy rain and may restrict river activities. The town is divided into a busy lower area and quieter hillside neighborhoods, and the area near the Ganges is a no-alcohol, vegetarian zone, so plan meals and lodging accordingly.
Top-Rated Tours in Rishikesh
These are the best-reviewed options currently listed for Rishikesh, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator. Prices are starting prices and change with date and group size.
- Half Day Rafting in Rishikesh – 26 Km. — rated 5.0 from 323 reviews, from $22.
How to Fit It All In
Most visitors need 3 to 5 days to cover the highlights without rushing, and 2 days is enough for the essentials. Our Rishikesh trip-length guide shows how to split the days, and the best time to visit page helps you choose the season. The town is divided into a busy lower area and quieter hillside neighborhoods, and the area near the Ganges is a no-alcohol, vegetarian zone, so plan meals and lodging accordingly.
Plan Your Trip
More Rishikesh planning help: best tours and experiences in Rishikesh, best time to visit, things to do, where to stay and how many days you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one thing to do in Rishikesh?
Watch the Ganga Aarti tops most lists. Each evening, priests perform a fire ceremony on the riverbank at Triveni Ghat or at ashrams like Parmarth Niketan, with chanting and lamps floating on the Ganges..
What can I do in Rishikesh in one day?
Take a yoga or meditation class at an ashram, then have breakfast at a riverside cafe.
Is it worth booking a guided tour in Rishikesh?
Tours save time on logistics and often include entry or transport. Listed tours start around $16 with a typical price near $22. The most-reviewed option we list is Half Day Rafting in Rishikesh – 26 Km., rated 5.0 from 323 reviews and starting around $22.
Are there good day trips from Rishikesh?
Watch the sunrise at Kunjapuri Devi Temple and Visit Haridwar are popular add-ons. See our trip-length guide for how to fit them in.
Plan Your Tours in Rishikesh
Ready to book? See our full roundup of the best tours and experiences in Rishikesh for guided options, skip-the-line tickets, and day trips.
