Rishikesh is the world’s yoga capital, a land of spirituality and divinity. Devotees and travelers from around the globe come to this holy site in India to find peace. The destination is also famous as one of India’s hottest white river rafting spots, while trekkers love the Himalayan treks here.
Nestled along the banks of the sacred river Ganga, this city has much more to offer. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a thrill enthusiast, it has something for all. Delhi’s proximity to this charming town makes it a hot spot for road trip activities from Delhi to Rishikesh. And why not? The Delhi to Rishikesh distance is comfortably accessible, with 2-3 days to experience the beauty and explore it thoroughly. The Delhi to Rishikesh route has scenic landscapes, charming hill towns, and lush greenery. Whether you’re drawn to the serene ashrams, the adventure of white river rafting, or the captivating Ganga Aarti, this road trip promises an experience that satisfies both the soul and the senses.
Delhi to Rishikesh Distance
Once you have decided to travel to Rishikesh from Delhi by road, choose the easiest route for some off-beat experience. Delhi to Rishikesh distance by car is around 233 km and takes nearly 5 hours. However, travel time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
Some fantastic pit stations along the road will make your drive less chaotic. One is Haridwar, around 20 kilometers from Rishikesh and a fantastic area to stop. You may take a sacred bath in the Ganga or explore the famed temples and ashrams. After spending the day in Haridwar, you may start your journey early the next morning and arrive in Rishikesh in about 40 minutes. The route from Haridwar to Rishikesh is picturesque, with calm surroundings.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
Though spiritual monuments and temples in Rishikesh are available year-round for devotees, visiting during good weather adds a unique flavor to your trip.
When planning your vacation, make sure to consider the weather.
Rishikesh, located in the Himalayan foothills, endures sweltering summers and heavy monsoons. For the best experience, consider traveling between February and May in the spring or September and November in the fall, when the weather becomes pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. The worst time to visit Rishikesh is in May and June, when temperatures may be severe.
How to Reach Rishikesh From Delhi?
By Train
The nearest railway station is Haridwar, around 20 km from Rishikesh, or Virbhadra, which is around 6 km. You can board from Delhi Junction or Hazrat Nizamuddin station. Trains frequency is quite good with an average travel time of 6 hours. Vande Bharat Express is the fastest train that runs on this route.
By Bus
Both private and government buses run directly from Delhi to Rishikesh. The travel time is approximately 6 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. You can board the bus from Kashimere Gate or Anand Vihar. You can travel by Normal non AC bus or AC Volvo bus, which are frequent with nominal charges.
By Car
Car is the most preferred way to travel from Delhi to Rishikesh because of excellent road conditions and under 5 hours of clubbed picture-perfect locations, making your drive perfect. The highway NH344 passes through 3 major cities: Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Haridwar. The overall journey distance is 233 km, out of which a significant part is covered under the expressway, making your drive enjoyable with a speed limit of 120 km/hr.
The optimum distance from Delhi to Rishikesh by car, coupled with the excellent road conditions, makes traveling by road the most preferred choice of commute. The highway between the two cities passes through the interesting locales of Meerut, Muzaffarnagar as well as the holy city of Haridwar.
Popular Routes from Delhi to Rishikesh
Route 1:
Delhi to Rishikesh via NH 334 Delhi — Meerut — Muzaffarnagar — Roorkee — Haridwar — Rishikesh
Distance: 233 km
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Key Features: Shortest route, excellent road conditions, scenic drive
Road Conditions: Well-maintained, occasional tolls, moderate traffic
Popular Spots that you will encounter along this route
Meerut
While starting your journey from Delhi to Rishikesh, after driving about 82 km, you’ll reach the Delhi–Meerut Expressway, which takes around 50 minutes. This stretch offers some excellent stopover options, where you can visit the Augharnath Mandir, Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Basilica of Our Lady of Graces, Gandhi Bagh, Shahid Smarak, and Bhole Ki Jhaal. You’ll also find popular dhabas along the expressway, perfect for a refreshing break.
Kaliyar Sharif at Roorkee
Kaliyar Sharif, located just a few kilometers before Haridwar at Roorkee, is an ideal stopover. The holy place is known for its serene atmosphere and spiritual importance. Kaliyar Sharif, easily accessible from Roorkee, is an excellent place to take a break. People from all religions will undoubtedly find tranquility and a heavenly connection here.
Haridwar
Being one of the holiest sites in India, Haridwar is famous for its Ganga Aarti. Before heading to Rishikesh, this renowned pilgrimage destination can be a perfect place to stop. In the evening, sitting at Har Ki Pauri and living in the moment is truly unforgettable. If you are someone seeking calm, you may find that visiting the ashrams and temples here can change your life. There are also yoga and meditation Centres that offer healing for mental and emotional health. Furthermore, don’t forget to shop at local markets and enjoy delicious street cuisine here for an authentic experience.
Route 2:
Delhi to Rishikesh via NH 9 Delhi — Hapur — Chandpur —Najibabad — Haridwar — Rishikesh
Distance: 295 km
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Key Features: Alternative longer route
Road Conditions: Good roads, weekend traffic possible
Popular spots that you will encounter along this route:
Garhmukteshwar, Hapur
Garhmukteshwar, a holy city in Uttar Pradesh, is a convenient stopover when traveling from Delhi to Rishikesh via NH 9. You can witness stunning views of the Ganges River from the ghats. You can spend hours here and take a holy dip and experience the vibrant bathing fair and Dussehra festivals. You can also plan a visit to Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple here.
Sultana Daku Ka Qila, Najibabad
An abandoned and ruined fort in Najibabad, now a playground for local children, sits quietly with a fascinating history. Once the site of the notorious Sultana Daku’s raids, who would notify the king before robbing the fort, this spot offers an intriguing stop for history enthusiasts. Perfect for a quick exploration and photo ops during your journey.
Things to do in Rishikesh: Top Tourist Attractions
1. Ganga arti, Rishikesh
Your journey to Rishikesh is incomplete without attending the Ganga Aarti. Bhajans are sung, drums beat rhythmically, bells ring, and diyas are offered to the Ganga as part of the aarti performance. Beware, you may have emotional moments or get goosebumps during the aarti. This is truly one of those incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that should not be missed. The Ganga Aarti, also known as Maha Aarti, is famous worldwide and is performed at three ghats: Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, and Shatrughan Ghat near Ram Jhula. The Maha Aarti at Parmarth Niketan is held twice a day, from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM in the evening, while in Triveni Ghat, it happens every evening between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you’re hoping to see the Ganga Aarti, it happens at Shatrughan Ghat in the evening from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
2. White River rafting
One of the most thrilling experiences in Rishikesh is white-water rafting on the Ganges River. The best time for rafting is from March to June or from mid-September to November when the weather is ideal, and the river is perfect for adventure. As you navigate through the rapids, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. There are around 13 rapids in the Garhwal region, each graded by difficulty, making rafting suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
3. Ram Jhula
Another famous site in Rishikesh is Ram Jhula. The Jhula is a 450-foot-long suspension bridis named after Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hindu mythology. The primary users of this famous bridge are bicyclists and pedestrians. Views of the Ganges River, bordered by hills, temples, and ashrams, are beautiful from this location. There are many stores, restaurants, and spiritual institutes in the vicinity of Ram Jhula, where you can eat and shop. Please plan to visit Ram Jhula in the evening, when it will be beautiful and alluring, with the river running in the background and peaceful surroundings.
4. Laxman Jhula
Laxman Jhula is an iconic bridge about two kilometers from Ram Jhula. It stretches 450 feet across the Ganges River and rises 70 feet above the water. Visiting here will help you discover Rishikesh’s history, spiritual value, and beauty. Walking on it, you can see amazing views of the river and the hills around it. It’s a peaceful place where you can feel calm and learn more about the culture and spirit of Rishikesh. The bridge is also great for photography, offering a surreal view of the Ganges along with the bridge itself.
Also Read: Things to do in Rishikesh
5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Rishikesh is home to several spiritual sites & temples. Neelkanth Mahadev temple is the most famous temple of Rishikesh of lord shiva. According to Hindu mythology, a deadly poison also emerged during the Samudra Manthan, when the gods and demons were churning the ocean to extract the elixir of immortality (amrit). This poison was dangerous for the earth, so Lord Shiva drank it to save the world. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison. The temple’s architecture is a blend of stunning historical elements.
6. Bungee jumping
Are you up for a Thrilling adventure? As a spiritual hub, Rishikesh offers no shortage of opportunities to embrace exhilarating experiences. Located around 52 km outside of Rishikesh, at Mohan Chutti, you’ll find the highest bungee jumping point in the country. I know that this heart-pounding activity requires real guts, but just imagine the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape as you jump and the adrenaline rush you’ll feel while prioritizing your safety! Make sure to arrive early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the sun’s heat.
7. Patna Waterfalls
Patna waterfall, seen from a long distance, is due to its height. The water cascades in multiple tiers to create a mist around it, which you will surely love. You can feel the small water droplets in the air that can be felt but can’t touch. This mesmerizing water is not meant for older people or kids. The best to visit in the fall is July, August, and September, which is the peak rainy season for the area.
8. Neer Garh Waterfall
Another nature’s natural wonder to visit during your Delhi to Rishikesh road trip is Neer Garh Waterfall. This picturesque waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs from approximately 25 meters. This waterfall is ideal for a picnic or day outing, with beautiful surrounding that become more scenic during monsoon season. The best months to visit the waterfall are July, August, and September. The entry fee to Neer Garh Waterfall is just INR 30 per person. Visiting waterfalls in Rishikesh can be a truly heavenly experience for nature enthusiasts.