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Discover Rishikesh

Where Adventure Meets Spirituality

Welcome to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh offers an enchanting blend of adventure and spirituality. Known as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and the "Gateway to the Himalayas," this picturesque city attracts travelers seeking thrilling experiences and spiritual enlightenment alike.

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie looking for heart-pounding activities or a spiritual seeker in search of inner peace, Rishikesh offers something for everyone. From white water rafting and bungee jumping to yoga retreats and meditation sessions in ancient ashrams, your time in this magical city will be nothing short of transformative.

Uttarakhand, India
Himalayan Foothills
Ganges River

Quick Facts

  • Best Time to Visit:

    October to February & March to May

  • Weather:

    8°C to 34°C in winter, 14°C to 39°C in summer

  • Nearest Airport:

    Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (20 km)

  • Nearest Railway Station:

    Rishikesh Railway Station

  • Languages:

    Hindi, Garhwali, English

Explore Activities in Rishikesh

Adventure Sports

Rishikesh is a paradise for adrenaline junkies, offering a wide range of thrilling activities that make the most of its stunning natural setting. From rushing rapids to heart-stopping free falls, there's something to get every adventurer's pulse racing.

River Rafting in Rishikesh

River Rafting

Most Popular

Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Ganges with rapids ranging from grade I to grade IV. Choose from various stretches (16km, 24km, or 36km) based on your experience level.

Starting from ₹600 Learn More
Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

Bungee Jumping

Extreme

Take the ultimate leap of faith from India's highest bungee jumping platform at 83 meters. Located 15km from Laxman Jhula in a stunning natural setting with forest views and a shallow river below.

Starting from ₹3,500 Learn More
Paragliding in Rishikesh

Paragliding

Scenic

Soar high above the Himalayan foothills and enjoy breathtaking views of the Ganges valley. Both tandem flights with experienced pilots and training courses are available for beginners.

Starting from ₹2,000 Learn More

Cliff Jumping

Take the plunge from heights of 20-30 feet into the refreshing Ganges waters.

Rock Climbing

Scale natural rock formations with routes for beginners to experienced climbers.

Mountain Biking

Navigate thrilling trails through forests and mountain paths.

Flying Fox

Zip across the Ganges on a 400-meter cable for a bird's eye view.

Adventure Package Deals

Package Activities Included Duration Price
Weekend Thrill Rafting (24km) + Camping + Cliff Jumping 2 Days/1 Night ₹2,499/person
Ultimate Adventure Rafting + Bungee Jumping + Flying Fox + Camping 3 Days/2 Nights ₹7,999/person
Day Adventure Rafting (16km) + Cliff Jumping 6-7 Hours ₹999/person

Spiritual Activities

Known as the "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh offers countless opportunities for spiritual growth and inner peace. Experience ancient practices in the land where yoga has flourished for thousands of years.

Yoga Classes in Rishikesh

Yoga Classes & Retreats

Join daily yoga classes or immersive retreats at world-renowned ashrams and yoga schools. Options range from beginner to advanced levels, with various styles including Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Kundalini yoga.

Starting from ₹500/class Learn More
Ashrams in Rishikesh

Ashram Experiences

Stay in traditional ashrams like Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, or Phool Chatti for an authentic spiritual experience. Most ashrams offer daily meditation, yoga, and vegetarian meals as part of the stay.

₹500-1,500/night Learn More
Meditation in Rishikesh

Meditation & Pranayama

Learn ancient breathing techniques and meditation practices from experienced teachers. Many centers offer specialized workshops in Vipassana, mindfulness, and other meditation techniques.

Starting from ₹400/session Learn More

Sacred Places to Visit

Triveni Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony each evening with beautiful rituals, chants, and floating lamps.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated 32km from Rishikesh at an elevation of 1,330 meters.

Parmarth Niketan

One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, famous for its daily sunset Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

The abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968, now featuring meditation huts and artistic graffiti.

Outdoor Experiences

Surrounded by lush forests and nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh is the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of Uttarakhand through trekking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Camping in Rishikesh

Riverside Camping

Camp under the stars along the banks of the Ganges in comfortable tents. Most camps offer bonfire experiences, outdoor games, and adventure activities like rappelling and flying fox.

₹1,200-3,000/night Learn More
Trekking in Rishikesh

Himalayan Trekking

Explore scenic trails like Kunjapuri Sunrise Trek, Neelkanth Temple Trek, and Neer Garh Waterfall Trek. Difficulty levels range from easy to moderate, suitable for beginners to experienced hikers.

Starting from ₹800 Learn More
Wildlife in Rishikesh

Wildlife Experiences

Visit nearby Rajaji National Park for wildlife safaris to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species. The park is just 20km from Rishikesh and offers both jeep and elephant safaris.

Starting from ₹1,500 Learn More

Popular Trekking Routes

Trek Name Difficulty Duration Highlights
Kunjapuri Sunrise Trek Easy 4-5 hours Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, sunrise views
Neer Garh Waterfall Trek Easy 2-3 hours Two-tier waterfall, swimming opportunity
Patna Waterfall Trek Moderate 5-6 hours Dense forest trails, pristine waterfall

Food & Cafes

Rishikesh offers a delightful culinary scene with everything from traditional Indian cuisine to international fare. The city is known for its vegetarian food and charming cafes with river views.

Cafes in Rishikesh

Popular Cafes

Rishikesh is home to many charming cafes offering everything from healthy smoothie bowls to international cuisine. Many feature stunning views of the Ganges and mountains.

  • Little Buddha Cafe
  • Cafe Dream
  • Freedom Cafe
  • The Beatles Cafe
Local Food in Rishikesh

Local Cuisine

Don't miss trying authentic Garhwali cuisine and local specialties. Being a spiritual center, Rishikesh is predominantly vegetarian with a focus on fresh, wholesome food.

  • Aloo Puri
  • Garhwali Thali
  • Mandua Roti
  • Jhangora Ki Kheer
Street Food in Rishikesh

Street Food

Explore the vibrant street food scene around Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. From chaat to momos, there's plenty to satisfy your taste buds.

  • Chole Bhature
  • Samosa Chaat
  • Momos
  • Golgappa (Pani Puri)

Restaurant Recommendations

For Authentic Local Food

  • Chotiwala

    Famous for traditional North Indian thalis and the iconic Chotiwala mascot.

  • Ganga Beach Restaurant

    Riverside dining with authentic Garhwali cuisine and spectacular views.

For International Cuisine

  • Cafe Karma

    Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with vegan options.

  • The Sitting Elephant

    Wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and global cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Local Attractions

Beyond adventure and spirituality, Rishikesh offers numerous attractions that showcase the region's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels.

Triveni Ghat

Iconic Landmarks

  • Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula

    Iconic suspension bridges spanning the Ganges, offering panoramic views and vibrant market areas.

  • Triveni Ghat

    Sacred bathing spot where three holy rivers meet. Visit during evening aarti for a spiritual experience.

  • 13-Story Temple

    Impressive 13-floor temple at Parmarth Niketan Ashram featuring different deities on each floor.

Rishikesh Markets

Shopping & Markets

Rishikesh offers a variety of shopping experiences from spiritual souvenirs to handcrafted items. The markets around Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are particularly popular.

  • Spiritual items (mala beads, incense, statues)
  • Yoga gear and clothing
  • Ayurvedic herbs and medicines
  • Handcrafted jewelry and souvenirs

Day Trips from Rishikesh

Haridwar (25 km)

Holy city known for Har Ki Pauri and its spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Travel time: 1 hour

Mussoorie (78 km)

Popular hill station with beautiful views, colonial architecture, and pleasant weather.

Travel time: 3 hours

Dehradun (43 km)

Capital city with attractions like Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara, and Forest Research Institute.

Travel time: 1.5 hours

Practical Information

Plan your trip to Rishikesh with these essential details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Best Time to Visit

  • October to February (Winter)

    Ideal for outdoor activities with temperatures between 8°C to 34°C.

  • March to May (Spring)

    Pleasant weather with temperatures between 14°C to 39°C. Good for river rafting.

  • June to September (Monsoon)

    Heavy rainfall makes some activities risky. Rafting is often suspended.

How to Reach

  • By Air:

    Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (20 km) is the nearest airport.

  • By Train:

    Rishikesh Railway Station connects to major cities. Haridwar Station (25 km) has better connectivity.

  • By Bus:

    Regular bus services from Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun and other cities in North India.

Local Transportation

  • Walking:

    Most attractions in the central area are within walking distance.

  • Auto-rickshaws:

    Available throughout the city. Negotiate price before boarding.

  • Bike Rental:

    Scooters and bikes available for rent at ₹300-500 per day.

Accommodation Options

Rishikesh offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

  • Ashrams: ₹500-1,500 per night (including meals and yoga classes)
  • Riverside Camps: ₹1,200-3,000 per night
  • Hostels: ₹300-800 per night
  • Hotels: ₹1,000-10,000+ per night
  • Luxury Resorts: ₹5,000-15,000+ per night

Essential Tips

  • Respect local customs

    Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and ashrams.

  • Book adventure activities in advance

    Especially during peak season (October-November and March-April).

  • Rishikesh is alcohol-free

    Being a holy city, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are prohibited.

  • Carry cash

    While major establishments accept cards, smaller shops and cafes may only accept cash.

Featured Packages

Explore our curated packages that combine the best activities Rishikesh has to offer.

POPULAR CHOICE

Adventure Escape

3 Days / 2 Nights

  • White Water Rafting (24km stretch)
  • Bungee Jumping Experience
  • Riverside Camping with Bonfire
  • Flying Fox & Cliff Jumping
  • All Meals Included
₹7,999 /person
Book Now
WELLNESS RETREAT

Spiritual Journey

4 Days / 3 Nights

  • Daily Yoga & Meditation Sessions
  • Ashram Stay Experience
  • Temple Tours & Aarti Ceremonies
  • Ayurvedic Spa Treatment
  • Vegetarian Sattvic Meals
₹9,499 /person
Book Now
BEST VALUE

Complete Rishikesh

5 Days / 4 Nights

  • White Water Rafting Adventure
  • Yoga & Meditation Sessions
  • Kunjapuri Trek with Sunrise View
  • Luxury Resort Accommodation
  • All Meals & Local Transfers
₹14,999 /person
Book Now

What Our Travelers Say

"The white water rafting experience was incredible! Our guide was knowledgeable and safety-conscious. The thrill of navigating the rapids combined with the stunning scenery made for an unforgettable adventure."

Priya Sharma

Delhi, India

"My week at the yoga retreat in Rishikesh was transformative. The peaceful environment, skilled instructors, and like-minded community helped me deepen my practice and find inner calm. I'll definitely be returning."

Michael Brown

London, UK

"The bungee jumping experience was terrifying but exhilarating! The staff were professional and made me feel safe. The camping by the river was magical with delicious food and great company around the bonfire."

Ravi Patel

Mumbai, India

Ready for Your Rishikesh Adventure?

Contact us to create a customized itinerary that suits your preferences, budget, and schedule.