Rishikesh!
india-guide.in
india-guide.in
Population
100,000
Best Time
September to November, March to April
Time Needed
3-4 days minimum
Currency
Rupee (₹)
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Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is renowned as the 'Yoga Capital of the World'. The holy Ganges River flows through it, making it a significant spiritual hub. It's also a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts.
Rishikesh offers a unique blend of spirituality and adventure. The yoga and meditation retreats are a major draw, as is the thrilling white-water rafting on the Ganges. However, the town can get crowded, especially during peak season, and the constant chants and temple bells might not be for everyone. Also, be prepared for persistent religious solicitations.
To experience the best of Rishikesh, plan for at least 3-4 days. This allows time for exploring ashrams, trying adventure activities, and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. Getting around is easy with auto-rickshaws and taxis, but be prepared to bargain.
September to November
20-30 degrees C
Pleasant and sunny with clear skies. The monsoon rains have subsided, and the air is fresh.
Why Visit:
Ideal weather for outdoor activities like rafting, trekking, and yoga. The Ganges is calmer and cleaner after the monsoon. This is also the time for various festivals and events.
Tip: Peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. Book accommodation and activities in advance.
March to April
25-35 degrees C
Warm and sunny during the day, cooler in the evenings. The weather is generally dry and comfortable.
Why Visit:
Good weather for outdoor activities before the summer heat sets in. Fewer crowds than the September-November period, making it a more peaceful experience.
Tip: The Ganges may be slightly warmer, affecting the rafting experience. Some ashrams might have specific schedules.
May to June
35-45 degrees C
Extremely hot and dry. The heat can be unbearable, making outdoor activities difficult.
Why Avoid:
Avoid due to the intense heat, which can make exploring uncomfortable. The Ganges water levels are also lower, affecting rafting conditions.
Note: Some businesses might close during the hottest part of the day. If you must visit, stay hydrated and seek shade.
Lakshman Jhula is an iconic iron suspension bridge across the Ganges. It connects Tapovan to Jonk. Legend says that Lord Lakshmana crossed the Ganges ...
Read more arrow_forwardRam Jhula is another suspension bridge across the Ganges, located a few kilometers downstream from Lakshman Jhula. It connects Shivananda Ashram to Sw...
Read more arrow_forwardTriveni Ghat is a sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Ganges. It's believed to be the confluence of three holy rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswat...
Read more arrow_forwardNeelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located about 32 km from Rishikesh. It's situated on a hill and offers scenic view...
Read more arrow_forwardThe Beatles Ashram, officially known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, is a former meditation center where the Beatles stayed in 1968. It gained fame a...
Read more arrow_forwardGita Bhavan is a large complex on the banks of the Ganges. It houses a temple, a library, and accommodation for pilgrims....
Read more arrow_forwardRishikesh is famous for its white-water rafting on the Ganges. Several stretches of the river offer different levels of ...
Read more arrow_forwardRishikesh is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World,' and there are numerous ashrams and yoga schools offering retreats...
Read more arrow_forwardRishikesh offers bungee jumping from a platform high above the Ganges River. It's a thrilling experience that will test ...
Read more arrow_forwardThe Flying Fox activity in Rishikesh involves gliding along a cable suspended high above the ground. You are harnessed a...
Read more arrow_forward1 hour | Free
The Ganga Aarti is a Hindu ritual of worshiping the Ganges River. It's a beautiful and spiritual cer...
Read more arrow_forward1-2 hours | ₹300-500 per class
Attending a yoga class in Rishikesh is a great way to experience the city's spiritual atmosphere. Yo...
Read more arrow_forward2-3 hours | Free (donations accepted)
Visiting an ashram is a way to immerse yourself in the spiritual culture of Rishikesh. Ashrams are c...
Read more arrow_forward3-4 hours | ₹1000-1500 per class
Taking an Indian cooking class is a fun way to learn about the local cuisine. You'll learn how to pr...
Read more arrow_forward1-2 hours | Free
Kirtan is a form of devotional singing that is popular in Hinduism. It involves chanting mantras and...
Read more arrow_forward30-60 minutes | Free to ₹500
Participate in a guided meditation session. This is a great way to calm the mind and find inner peac...
Read more arrow_forward
A popular North Indian dish of spicy chickpeas and fried bread (try at any local restaurant).
Multi-Cuisine
📍 Tapovan
A rooftop restaurant with great views and a relaxed atmosphere. Good quality food and service. Known for its curries and pizzas.
₹800-1200 for two
Indian, Continental
📍 Near Lakshman Jhula
Located right on the banks of the Ganges, offering beautiful views. A good place to relax and enjoy a meal. Their pizza is surprisingly good.
₹700-1000 for two
💰 Budget: ₹50-150 per person
⚠️ Tips: Be cautious of hygiene. Choose stalls with fresh ingredients. Best to visit in the evenings.
More restaurants & dishes from Rishikesh
Tapovan is a popular area with many yoga schools, cafes, and guesthouses. It's a good base for exploring the area and is generally quieter than the main town. However, it can feel a bit touristy.
Best For: Yoga enthusiasts, budget travelers
This area is close to many attractions and has a lively atmosphere. It's a good choice if you want to be in the heart of the action. Expect noise and crowds.
Best For: First-time visitors, those who want to be close to attractions
₹400-800/night
📍 Tapovan
A popular hostel with a social atmosphere and clean dorms. They offer activities and tours.
₹400-800/night
📍 Near Lakshman Jhula
A budget-friendly hostel with comfortable dorms and private rooms. It's close to many attractions.
₹500-900/night
₹2000-4000/night
📍 Tapovan
A comfortable hotel with well-appointed rooms and a riverside location. It offers a peaceful and relaxing stay.
₹2000-4000/night
📍 Near Lakshman Jhula
A popular hotel with great views of the Ganges River. It features comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
₹3000-5000/night
₹15000+/night
📍 Singthali
A luxurious resort with stunning views and world-class amenities. It offers a spa, swimming pool, and multiple restaurants.
₹15000+/night
📍 Shivpuri
A luxurious resort nestled in the Himalayan foothills. It features elegant rooms, a spa, and a restaurant with stunning views.
₹12000+/night
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 20km from city
Haridwar Junction (HW)
Main railway station, 25km from Rishikesh. Many trains connect to major cities.
Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH)
Smaller station, limited connectivity.
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
Note: Trains more comfortable
💰 ₹50-200 per ride
Best for: Short distances, exploring the town.
Bargain before you get in. Confirm the destination and price.
💰 ₹300-500 per day
Best for: Exploring the surrounding areas, visiting temples.
Wear a helmet. Check the scooter condition before renting. Carry your driver's license.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and ashrams. Avoid revealing clothing. Light cotton clothing is best for the warm weather.
Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1000, Mid: ₹2500, Luxury: ₹5000+
ATMs: ATMs are readily available in Rishikesh.
Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for smaller establishments and street vendors. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.
Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.
Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water. Avoid tap water.
Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from questionable vendors. Be cautious of spicy food if you're not used to it.
Common Issues: Altitude sickness is possible. Bring necessary medications.
SIM Cards: Airtel and Vodafone offer good coverage. You'll need your passport and visa for purchase.
WiFi: WiFi is available at most hotels and cafes.
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Hindi phrases is helpful.
Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-50
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