Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh, also called the “Yoga Capital of the World,” is a peaceful town in North India. Known for its spiritual vibes, Rishikesh is filled with ancient temples, beautiful ashrams, and the sacred Ganges River flowing through. It was a 2-day trip where we covered almost all the main attractions, and my husband and I also had the most amazing experience of white river rafting. If you’re also planning for Rishikesh trip and want to know the places to visit, here is our complete guide.
Is Rishikesh Safe to Travel?
No doubt that Rishikesh is one of the most beautiful and peaceful heritage sites in India. But is it safe to travel alone? Rishikesh is quite safe whether you are traveling alone, in a group, or with family. People here are mostly dependent on tourism and make you feel special with their helpful and welcoming atmosphere. However, during the monsoon season, be cautious when swimming or taking a dip at the Ganga ghats to avoid any accidents or risk of drowning while enjoying your time here.
What is the Best Way to Travel to Rishikesh?
If you’re in Delhi or nearby areas, you can easily plan a trip from Delhi to Rishikesh by road. The drive takes around 5-6 hours, with beautiful views along the way. If you prefer public transport, there are plenty of night trains from New Delhi to Rishikesh, which also take about 6 hours—perfect if you want to arrive early and explore. If you’re traveling from another city, you can take a flight or train to Delhi and then continue your journey from there. It’s a great start to an exciting adventure in Rishikesh!
Places To Visit in Rishikesh
Laxman Jhula
A must-see hanging bridge in Rishikesh is 450 feet long and 70 feet above the river. Built-in 1939, it is an important attraction, as it is believed that Lord Laxman crossed the Ganga River here on a jute rope. You can only walk on the bridge, as bikes and other vehicles are not allowed. It offers picturesque views of the Ganges and the surrounding Himalayan foothills. This scenic tourist spot in Rishikesh lets you hear the enchanting sounds of mantras and shlokas from nearby temples. We took many beautiful photos here. Also, be careful of monkeys, as they can snatch things.
Ram Jhula
Situated around 2 km from Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula is an architectural marvel in Rishikesh. Like its sibling, Laxman Jhula, this bridge is a popular landmark in the religious city, serving as a walkover gateway to famous temples, ashrams, and other spiritual sites. It is open from morning till evening for visitors, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Ganga River below. The bridge is also a popular filming location. There are many shops and cafés nearby where you can enjoy a meal or pick up local goods as a memento.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is one of the most popular ghats of Rishikesh for Ganga Aarti. This sacred ghat is the common point of confluence for three rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It is a place to visit if you, too, are in search of tranquility and inner peace like me. For me, attending the Ganga Aarti here was a life-changing moment. I was completely lost in spirituality and felt so moved that I had goosebumps and even tears in my eyes. The best part about visiting the ghats in Rishikesh is that they are very clean and well-maintained. The chanting of aarti and shlokas fills you with peace, whether you are religious or not.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
We all have heard the story from the Samudra Manthan, where Lord Shiva drank the Halahala venom during the ocean churning. As per Hindu mythology, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is the place where the whole incident happened. After visiting Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, we took a taxi to reach Lord Shiva’s most popular temple in Rishikesh. There is also a freshwater spring nearby where devotees can take a holy plunge. It’s a wonderfully tranquil experience, ideal for achieving spiritual calm.
Beatles Ashram(Chaurasi Kutia)
Rishikesh is known for its holy temples, ghats, and peaceful ashrams. Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutia, is one of the must-see ashrams in Rishikesh. Nestled by the Ganges, this ashram blends music with meditation—a place where the legendary Beatles came in 1968 to study under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Today, it stands as a unique experience for music lovers and spiritual seekers alike.
As we walked through the graffiti-adorned cottages and explored the meditation huts, we could almost feel the creative energy that inspired so many Beatles songs on albums like The White Album and Abbey Road. The ashram, open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM, offers a tranquil space for meditation and a chance to seek peace and inspiration.
Neer Garh Waterfall
It’s worth an experience that you can have with full of scenic views, rocky trek and a dip in the freezing water. We spent nearly 2.5-3 hours walking 500 meters to the waterfall, having a dip in cold freezing water, followed by a maggie with a hot cup of tea at a local vendor beside the waterfall. The trek is quite easy though rocky but elderly people or children less than 10 years are not recommended to trek. We stayed in between many places while trekking to capture the surroundings full of greenery and scenic view.
Patna Waterfall
It was a worthy visit that we had for Patna waterfall away from the dusty city roads and loud noise. You need to walk 500 meters to see this misty waterfall which is created by hundreds of tiny water droplets coming from the mountain. It was creating a mist that you can enjoy with the cool breeze flowing through. Below the waterfall, you will have crystal clear freezing water where you can even have a bath. We left in the early morning as we wanted to avoid the crowd. You can also plan to visit later in the afternoon if you are unable to manage your time in the morning which is the best time to visit.
Rajaji National Park
This is one of the unique Jungle safari experiences that we had on our trip to Rishikesh. The jungle is not dense but is full of deer, peacocks, Nilguy, etc. However, it is known for its leopard habitation. We started our safari early in the morning in an open Jeep because afternoons are quite hot and we were lucky enough to see a leopard near a water body having rest at a visible walkable distance. It was kind of a thrilling moment for us.
Top Things to Do in Rishikesh
Visit Ghats for the Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti is performed every morning and evening at Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat. At 5:30, we reached Triveni Ghat for the Ganga Aarti, and believe me, it was an incredible feeling to witness it. The chanting of mantras and shlokas, the lighted diyas, and the ringing bells—all created a magical atmosphere that filled us with peace and strength. At Triveni Ghat, the aarti is held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the evening which is one of the must-have things to do in Rishikesh. In the end, many diyas floated on the Ganges, spreading a sense of positivity. We sat calmly, folded our hands, and joined in with the bhajans and prayers.
River Rafting on the Ganges
Besides the Ganga Aarti, Rishikesh is very popular for white river rafting. For adventurers, a tour here can’t miss river rafting on the Ganges. The river offers challenging rapids ranging from Grade I to IV, making it suitable for everyone. The longest stretch is from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, passing through the exotic Himalayan foothills and famous for its thrilling rapids. Besides the Ganga Aarti, Rishikesh is very popular for white river rafting. For adventurers, a tour here can’t miss river rafting on the Ganges.
Bungee Jumping
Since childhood, I had added bungee jumping to my bucket list, and this was the day and place to fulfill it. Rishikesh bungee jumping is an exhilarating experience. Leaping off from over 200 feet at one of India’s highest launching points for extreme sports easily ranks as one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, making it thrilling to face your fears here.
Yoga and Meditation Classes
Rishikesh is a hub for yoga and meditation, where travelers from around the globe come to seek physical, mental, and spiritual peace and well-being. Rishikesh boasts countless yoga ashrams that offer daily yoga and meditation sessions, pranayama practices, and the opportunity to connect with nature. Just being there, and practicing with like-minded people, gave us such a peaceful and grounding experience.
Camping by the Ganges
Stay near the riverbank and get an all-in-one opportunity to experience nature ways. it is common to find some camps having the provision of tents and meals together with services such as Fireside and star gazing. It’s a perfect opportunity to relax, spend time outdoors, and have some quality time with friends.
Adventure Sports at Shivpuri
If you are confused about activities to do in Rishikesh, head to Shivpuri. Shivpuri is just a short drive from Rishikesh and is a well-known adventure destination. Apart from white river rafting, you can try water rafting, zip lining, and trekking. Most adventure camps are geared towards youth, where you can book several activities in a bundle.
Flying Fox
In Rishikesh, we tried the Flying Fox—a thrilling zipline experience that reaches speeds of up to 160 km/h, hovering 7 meters above the river. My brother, scared of heights, chose to skip it, but I took the plunge! After the ride, we enjoyed watching the photos and videos, and I proudly collected my “Dare to Jump” certificate.
Try Local Cuisine
Rishikesh has many restaurants which offer you different types of foods, be it Indian or continental. From street food stalls serving chaat and samosas to cafes with global fare, there’s something for every palate. Do not go without an opportunity to stay in a restaurant that offers a view of the River Ganges. We visited Chotiwala for authentic North Indian dishes, and it was worth the hype.
Wildlife Safari in Rajaji National Park
Those interested in wildlife can travel about 20 kilometers from Rishikesh to visit Rajaji National Park for a one-day trip. They can visit a jeep safari or set off for a nature walk to see elephants, deer, and different types of birds. It is, indeed, an excellent chance to be close to nature and take photos of the animals available there.
Café Hopping
Rishikesh has seen a rapid growth of cafes, and most of them have simply amazing views and atmosphere. Some of the eating joints include the Little Buddha Café and The Beatles Café, where foreigners enjoy herbal blends of Indian and continental food, and Fruit Shakes, and Special Teas. There are message boards saying things such as these cafés are good for people who just want to chill out, do their homework, or just sit around talking with their friends.
Explore Local Markets
Wander through the colorful markets that are seen around Laxman Jhoola and Ram Jhoola. Shop for unique accessories such as jewelry and clothing, ornaments, and spiritual and/or yoga activewear. Negotiation is also an entertaining thing, and it is possible to buy something unusual as a souvenir.
Attend a Music Festival or Concert
Some of the familiar events like music festivals, spiritual gatherings and cultural programs are held in Rishikesh. An excellent place to look for gigs that include live music, dancing, or yoga and wellness festivals. If you’re traveling solo and want to make friends from other groups, these events are great for socializing.