Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Whether you’re here for a day or a month, find yoga, music, walks, dinners, art, and community around you in Rishikesh.

Explore Rishikesh

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Things to Do in Rishikesh

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Yoga & Meditation

Rishikesh is the Yoga Capital of the World - join daily classes at Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram & The Yoga Institute on the Ganges. Styles include Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa & Kundalini. From drop-in sessions (₹200-500) to Yoga Alliance certified 200-hour teacher training courses with accommodation.

1 hour to 4 weeksEasy

White Water Rafting

Rishikesh rafting on River Ganges - India's best white water destination with Grade I-IV rapids. Choose 9km Brahmapuri (beginners), 16km Shivpuri (most popular), or 26km Marine Drive (full adventure). Packages include cliff jumping, body surfing, beach camping & professional UTDB-certified guides. Price ₹400-1800.

Read more2-6 hours

Rishikesh rafting on River Ganges - India's best white water destination with Grade I-IV rapids. Choose 9km Brahmapuri (beginners), 16km Shivpuri (most popular), or 26km Marine Drive (full adventure). Packages include cliff jumping, body surfing, beach camping & professional UTDB-certified guides. Price ₹400-1800.

2-6 hoursModerate📅 September to June

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti - Rishikesh's most sacred evening ritual at sunset on the Ganges. Priests perform synchronized fire prayers with brass lamps, conch shells, bells & Sanskrit chanting. Hundreds gather daily at 6PM (winter) / 7PM (summer). Float diyas on the river for blessings. Free entry, deeply spiritual experience.

Read more45-60 minutes

Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti - Rishikesh's most sacred evening ritual at sunset on the Ganges. Priests perform synchronized fire prayers with brass lamps, conch shells, bells & Sanskrit chanting. Hundreds gather daily at 6PM (winter) / 7PM (summer). Float diyas on the river for blessings. Free entry, deeply spiritual experience.

45-60 minutesEasy📅 Year-round

Bungee Jumping

India's highest bungee jump at 83 meters - Jumping Heights, Mohan Chatti, 15km from Rishikesh. NZQA certified with New Zealand-trained crew. Also offers Giant Swing (83m) & Flying Fox (1km zipline). Cost ₹3,550 per jump. Book 2-3 days ahead for weekends. Rishikesh adventure sports landmark operating since 2010.

Read more2-3 hours

India's highest bungee jump at 83 meters - Jumping Heights, Mohan Chatti, 15km from Rishikesh. NZQA certified with New Zealand-trained crew. Also offers Giant Swing (83m) & Flying Fox (1km zipline). Cost ₹3,550 per jump. Book 2-3 days ahead for weekends. Rishikesh adventure sports landmark operating since 2010.

2-3 hoursChallenging📅 Year-round

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968, learning Transcendental Meditation and writing 48 songs. Now an abandoned heritage site with meditation caves, dome structures & vibrant psychedelic street art murals. Located inside Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Rishikesh's most photographed & Instagrammed location. Entry ₹150.

Read more1.5-2 hours

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968, learning Transcendental Meditation and writing 48 songs. Now an abandoned heritage site with meditation caves, dome structures & vibrant psychedelic street art murals. Located inside Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Rishikesh's most photographed & Instagrammed location. Entry ₹150.

1.5-2 hoursEasy📅 October to March

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecHovera month
Peak SeasonSeptember - November
Spring SeasonFebruary - May
Monsoon SeasonJuly - August
Winter SeasonDecember - January
Peak Season

Post-monsoon perfection - clear skies, lush green landscapes, Ganges at optimal levels for rafting. Temperatures 20-30°C. International Yoga Festival in March draws global visitors. Book accommodations in advance.

Spring Season

Ideal for adventure sports and yoga retreats. March hosts the famous International Yoga Festival. April-May gets warm (up to 40°C) but mornings and evenings remain pleasant. Rafting conditions are excellent.

Monsoon Season

Heavy rainfall, occasional landslides on mountain roads. River rafting banned due to dangerous water levels. Not recommended for outdoor activities. Some yoga ashrams offer discounted retreats during this period.

Winter Season

Cold mornings (5-10°C) but sunny afternoons. Perfect for meditation retreats and peaceful exploration. Fewer tourists mean better deals. Rafting available but water is cold - wetsuits recommended.

Rishikesh enjoys pleasant weather most of the year. Peak tourist season is September-November and February-May when temperatures are comfortable and outdoor activities are ideal. Monsoon (July-August) sees heavy rainfall and rafting is suspended.

Know Before You Go

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Common Questions

What is Rishikesh famous for?

Rishikesh is world-famous as the Yoga Capital of the World and a major Hindu pilgrimage site on the Ganges. It gained global recognition when the Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in 1968. Today it's India's top destination for yoga retreats, white water rafting, bungee jumping, and spiritual experiences.

What is the best time to visit Rishikesh for rafting?

The best time for rafting in Rishikesh is September to June. Post-monsoon months (September-November) offer the most thrilling rapids with high water levels. February to May has calmer waters ideal for beginners. Rafting is banned during monsoon (July-August) due to dangerous flood conditions.

How far is Rishikesh from Delhi and how to reach?

Rishikesh is 240 km from Delhi, taking 5-6 hours by car via NH58. Nearest railway station is Haridwar (21 km) with frequent trains from Delhi. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (35 km) has daily flights. Volvo buses from Delhi ISBT take 6-7 hours and cost ₹500-800.

How much does bungee jumping cost in Rishikesh?

Bungee jumping at Jumping Heights Rishikesh costs ₹3,550 per person for India's highest 83-meter jump. Combo packages with Giant Swing (₹3,550) and Flying Fox (₹2,000) offer discounts. Online booking is recommended as slots fill fast, especially on weekends. Price includes safety gear and certificate.

Is Rishikesh safe for solo travelers and women?

Yes, Rishikesh is one of India's safest destinations for solo and female travelers. The spiritual atmosphere, low crime rate, and tourist-friendly locals make it very welcoming. Stick to well-lit areas near Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Most ashrams and hostels have female-only dorms.

What is the Rishikesh rafting price for different stretches?

Rishikesh rafting prices: 9 km Brahmapuri stretch ₹400-600 (beginner-friendly), 16 km Shivpuri stretch ₹700-1,000 (most popular, Grade III rapids), 26 km Marine Drive stretch ₹1,200-1,800 (full adventure with camping). Prices include life jacket, helmet, paddle, and professional guide.

What is the Ganga Aarti timing in Rishikesh?

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat happens daily at 6:00 PM in winter and 7:00 PM in summer. Parmarth Niketan Ashram hosts a grander ceremony at the same times with 100+ priests. Arrive 30 minutes early for front-row seats. The ritual lasts 45-60 minutes with fire offerings, chanting, and floating diyas.

Can beginners do yoga in Rishikesh?

Absolutely. Rishikesh welcomes all levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Drop-in classes cost ₹200-500 per session. Popular beginner-friendly ashrams include Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, and Rishikesh Yog Peeth. Many offer 3-day to 4-week beginner courses with accommodation included.

Is alcohol banned in Rishikesh?

Yes, Rishikesh is a holy city where alcohol and non-vegetarian food are officially prohibited within municipal limits. This applies to restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, areas outside city limits towards Dehradun may serve alcohol. Most travelers appreciate the peaceful, substance-free environment.

How many days are enough for Rishikesh trip?

3-4 days is ideal for Rishikesh. Day 1: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, cafes. Day 2: Rafting or adventure sports. Day 3: Morning yoga, Ganga Aarti, shopping. Day 4: Waterfall trek or Haridwar day trip. Add more days for yoga courses or meditation retreats.