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Rishikesh Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

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Also Refered As:

Hrishikesh

"Yoga Capital of the World"

Rishikesh Tourism

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga River, Rishikesh is a small town in the Dehradun district, located close to Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh (also called as Hrishikesh) is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes and as the "Yoga Capital of the World". Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage town and one of the holiest places for Hindus.

Rishikesh became known worldwide in the 1960s after The Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi here. Today, the place is popular as The Beatles Ashram which beckons tourists globally. The tranquil town has long been a spiritual centre but is equally popular for the whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking and camping along the fast-flowing Holy Ganges. It also serves as the gateway to many Himalayan treks.

As it lies on the holy banks of river Ganga, Rishikesh has been a hub of Sadhus (saints) with numerous ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation and Ayurveda springing up. Since it is a religious town, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited here. Rishikesh sees the most beautiful evening aarti on the banks of the river Ganga, which is not too crowded unlike its contemporaries in Varanasi, and Haridwar. The International Yoga Festival is organised here in the first week of March which sees yoga enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Rishikesh is divided into two main areas - the downtown area known as Rishikesh town which is where the popular Triveni Ghat is situated. 2 km upstream from the popular Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula is the other side of Rishikesh where most of the popular ashrams, cafes, accommodation and tourists can be found. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the first Indian cities to be given the title of "twin national heritage cities".

Top Hotels In Rishikesh

More on Rishikesh Travel

Yoga in Rishikesh

Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is known worldwide for all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. The numerous temples, the holy ghats, and the serene ambience of Rishikesh provide a natural calmness to the body and soul. The land of yogis, Rishikesh is popular for the several yoga ashrams present in the city. Visited by numerous people worldwide, the yoga camps in Rishikesh are known to rejuvenate the tourists and help them break free from the stress of daily life. From the evening aarti in the Triveni Ghat to the simple culture of the ashrams, exploring Rishikesh is a treat to the mind and a trip to the inner self.

Read more About Top Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh

Adventure Sports In Rishikesh

Rishikesh has gained popularity over the last few years as an ideal place for adventure. The city offers a myriad of adventure sports ranging from river rafting to bungee jumping, cliff jumping, firefox, waterfall trekking, kayaking, swing, to rock climbing. The availability and rates of these activities vary with seasons and is often a thrilling, life-changing experience for tourists. 

More than 100 operators provide full and half-day rafting trips in Rishikesh while some also offer multi-day rafting trips with camping along the Ganges river. Most companies also offer all-inclusive Himalayan treks to nearby places.

Read more about Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

History of Rishikesh

There are several myths and stories associated with Rishikesh, the oldest of them being a sage Raibhya Rishi, performing penance on the banks of the river Ganga. Impressed by his penance, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him in the form of Hrishikesh. Hence, the spot was named after him.

Another and probably a more famous legend is of Lord Lakshmana crossing the river Ganga on a bridge made of a rope. This bridge is known as the "Lakshmana Jhula". The original bridge made of jute was destroyed in 1924 because of a flood. Later, this bridge was rebuilt, and today stands as a great tourist attraction. The fact that the river Ganga, on whose banks Rishikesh is situated, flows from the Himalayas, makes it a holy river in the eyes of the sages. 

Restaurants and Local Food in Rishikesh

Non vegetarian food and alocohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh. You would mostly find North Indian cuisine here. However, South Indian, Italian, Nepali, Thai and Chinese cuisine are also available at some of the places. The city fosters a parallel vibrant culture that revolves around authentic Continental cuisine and some cafes.

Another standout in Rishikesh is the Ayurvedic food. Many outlets offer a variety of food items and teas as well as a complete ambience with elements of Yoga and Ayurveda. Other than these, the street food of Rishikesh comprises lip-smacking treasure such as Jalebi, Imarti, Samosas, Popcorn as well as fresh and seasonal local fruits. Also, order a 'Thali' for enjoying the best of what the city offers, all in one place.

Cafes in Rishikesh
The best part about Rishikesh is that the cafes that it is home to reflect the very culture that it stands for. Overlooking the beautiful temples and the river Ganga, there are some cafes in Rishikesh which prove to be true to the culture of this place, with some sadhus also thronging these places and telling their stories. The food served in these cafes is mostly vegetarian. A number of them have become extremely popular like
  • The 'Devraj Coffee Corner', also known as 'The German Bakery' (known for it being situated near the Lakshmana Jhula, overlooking the beautiful river Ganga, and beautiful decor)
  • Oasis Cafe (situated near 'The German Bakery', this place offers a luxurious eating experience)
  • Ramana's Organic Cafe (the name and the view of Ganga, along with the warmth offered by this place, is a great crowd puller)
  • The 'Little Buddha Cafe' (a beautiful treehouse-style cafe, it happens to be one of the most popular cafes near the Lakshmana Jhula, because of its view and amazing flavors)
  • Cafe Karma (if the name does not interest you, probably the relaxing atmosphere will).
Here is a complete list of the Cafes in Rishikesh


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Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

Rishikesh Photos

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Trayambakeshwar Temple Popularly Known as Terah Manzil Temple
Lakshman Jula - Suspension Bridge Accorss Ganga River
Rishikesh City Located on the Foot Hills of Himalayas

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photos

FAQs on Rishikesh

What is the best way to reach Rishikesh?

The Jolly Grant airport is the closest airport at Dehradun, 35 km from Rishikesh. Taxis and cabs ply between these two places. Alternately, you can take a train to the Rishikesh Railway Station. Buses are also available to Rishikesh from Delhi and other cities/towns in Uttaranchal.
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What is famous about Rishikesh?

Serene, relaxing and beautiful environment.

What is not so good about Rishikesh?

Strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free.

Who should visit Rishikesh?

Rishikesh has things to offer to all generations. The city is a perfect blend of beauty, spiritualism, and adventure and attracts tourists not only from India but from all over the world.

What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?

The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September to June when the weather is conducive for white water rafting, which is the highlight of Rishikesh. However, summers months from April to June could get a little hot. It is also a favourite time because the yoga festival falls in March. Rishikesh is best visited during the winter season too, with a mild cold and crisp in the air making this pristine gateway of Himalayas be at it's best.
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What is the local food in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is a purely vegetarian place by law. One would mostly find North Indian cuisine here. However, South Indian, Italian, Nepali, Thai and Chinese cuisine are also available at some of the places. The city fosters a parallel vibrant culture that revolves around authentic Continental cuisine and some cafes.

Another standout in the area is the Ayurvedic food. The outlets that have these health foods offer a variety of food items and teas as well as a complete ambience with elements of Yoga and Ayurveda. Other than these, the street also offers some equally lip-smacking treasure such as Jalebi, Imarti, Samosas, Popcorn as well as fresh and seasonal local fruits. Also, order a 'Thali' for enjoying the best of what the city offers, all in one place.

Cafes in Rishikesh
The best part about Rishikesh is that the cafes that it is home to reflect the very culture that it stands for. Overlooking the beautiful temples and the river Ganga, there are some cafes in Rishikesh which prove to be true to the culture of this place, with some sadhus also thronging these places and telling their stories. The food served in these cafes is mostly vegetarian. A number of them have become extremely popular like - the 'Devraj Coffee Corner', also known as 'The German Bakery' (known for it being situated near the Lakshmana Jhula, overlooking the beautiful river Ganga, and beautiful decor); Oasis Cafe (situated near 'The German Bakery', this place offers a luxurious eating experience); Ramana's Organic Cafe (the name and the view of Ganga, along with the warmth offered by this place, is a great crowd puller); the 'Little Buddha Cafe' (a beautiful treehouse-style cafe, it happens to be one of the most popular cafes near the Lakshmana Jhula, because of its view and amazing flavors); and, Cafe Karma (if the name does not interest you, probably the relaxing atmosphere will). These cafes are defining the kind of culture that new generation craves for at pocket-friendly prices. A trippy atmosphere, along with some great food, and relaxation by the divine sound that the holy river Ganga makes.

Here is a complete list of the Cafes in Rishikesh


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How much does a package cost for Rishikesh?

The packages for Rishikesh start at INR 6396 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the top hotels in Rishikesh?

There are 409 in Rishikesh which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Rishikesh are Hotel The Great Ganga, S.S.D. Guest House, OYO 22463 Hotel Ananya Palace, Ambika Resorts, Camp Auqa Ganga Rishikesh, Camp Ganga Waves. You can see all the hotels in Rishikesh here

What are the things to do in Rishikesh?

The top things to do in Rishikesh are Rafting in Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Cliff Jumping, Flying Fox, Camping. You can see all the places to visit in Rishikesh here

What are the places near Rishikesh?

The top places near to Rishikesh are Mussoorie which is 44 km from Rishikesh, Haridwar which is located 18 km from Rishikesh, Dehradun which is located 34 km from Rishikesh, Lansdowne which is located 49 km from Rishikesh, Shimla which is located 154 km from Rishikesh

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Popular Questions And Answers on Rishikesh

Q. What about January?

Holidify

5 years ago
January falls in the half of winters in Rishikesh. It is the best time in Rishikesh to enjoy the natural beauty and engage in adventure activities, especially rock climbing.
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Q. Is rafting going on in August?

Kumar Kislay

5 years ago
It is ideal to go rafting in Rishikesh in the months of February to June, and again from Mid September to Mid December. I would advise against August because of the risk of flash floods and heavy rai (Read More)ns. If you decide to go during the dry season, you will be able to enjoy the various adventure activities more freely, and you can also camp along the river.
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Q. What are the charges and timings for river rafting?

Shashwat Kant

5 years ago
Rafting usually begins in the first half of the day. You could avoid the weekends during the peak season, as it gets really crowded, owing to Rishikesh's popularity and proximity to Delhi. You might (Read More)go through an operator for the trip, and they include food, camping, rafting, and in some cases, even rappeling and rock climbing. The operators have packages for all kinds of budgets, starting at as low as Rs. 1500 per person for 16 KM rafting and a one night two days stay. Trust an operator with credibility and safety experience.
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Rishikesh Reviews

Your rating

Harpreet Kaur

4 years ago
Rishikesh looks awesome in every season there are many places to explore. "Text Hidden" "Link Hidden"

Mr Arun

on Geeta Bhawan 2 years ago
Room booking ashram sabhi typing ke rooms available hai

Kanhaiya Soni

on Adventure Activities in Rishikesh 5 years ago
Whats is cost for these activities?
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