Rishikesh, is a city near Dehradun in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India. It lies on the right bank of the Ganges River and is a well-known pilgrimage town for Hindus. Many ancient sages and saints have meditated here, seeking higher knowledge. The banks of the river are lined with numerous temples and ashrams. Rishikesh is often called the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and the “Yoga Capital of the World.” Since 1999, the city has hosted the annual International Yoga Festival during the first week of March. The city is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free.
Historically, Rishikesh was part of the legendary “Kedarkhand” mentioned in the Skanda Purana. According to legends, Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. His brother, Lakshmana, is said to have crossed the Ganges using two jute ropes at the spot where the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge now stands. Although the original Lakshman Jhula collapsed in 2020, a stronger glass bridge is being built in its place. The old iron-rope bridge, built in 1889, was washed away in 1924 and replaced by the current bridge in 1927. Another famous bridge, the Ram Jhula, was built in 1986.
Rishikesh is located at an elevation of 340 meters (1,120 feet) above sea level in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The Ganges River flows for 249 kilometers (155 miles) through the narrow Himalayan valleys before emerging at Rishikesh and continuing onto the plains at Haridwar. Despite the overall pollution of the Ganges, the water in Rishikesh remains relatively clean, as most pollution occurs downstream in Uttar Pradesh.
Rishikesh offers a range of exciting activities and scenic spots. You can enjoy thrilling rafting adventures, visit the iconic Lakshman Jhula bridge, and experience the serene Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Cliff jumping and camping by the Ganges add to the adventure, making Rishikesh a must-visit destination.
Rafting in Rishikesh is one of the best experiences you can have in India. The natural beauty and professional guidance make it a fantastic adventure. There are certified operators who ensure safety and offer customized packages for camping and rafting. They take care of food, water, and rafting arrangements, making your trip stress-free. Rishikesh gets quite crowded during peak season, so plan accordingly.
Lakshman Jhula is a famous hanging bridge across the Ganges River, connecting Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in Pauri Garhwal district. Located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, the iron bridge is 450 feet long and 70 feet high. Although it is closed permanently for safety reasons, a new glass bridge is being built nearby. Pedestrians can still use the bridge, but bikes are not allowed. The bridge is a popular tourist spot because it is believed that Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, crossed the Ganges here.
Triveni Ghat is the largest ghat in Rishikesh, located on the banks of the holy Ganges River. Every evening, the ‘Maha Aarti’ is performed here. The ghat holds significant importance in Hindu mythology and is mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is also considered the cremation ground of Lord Krishna. Devotees take holy dips and offer milk to the river, while also feeding the fish.
Rishikesh is an ideal spot for camping and rafting, thanks to the majestic Himalayas, the clear waters of the Ganges, and the beautiful surrounding forests. The town offers world-class camping experiences with numerous services available for camping and rafting.
Rishikesh offers a range of accommodation options, from warmly decorated riverside retreats with balconies and free Wi-Fi to budget-friendly inns with simple rooms and 24/7 room service. You can find polished rooms with city or river views, as well as basic dorms with shared bathrooms and private rooms with en suite facilities.
Warmly decorated rooms, some with balconies, offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus minifridges.
₹5,489
3 Star Hotel
The straightforward rooms come with Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms sleep up to 4 people; some add sitting areas, and/or tea and coffeemaking facilities.
₹2,350
3 Star Hotel
Polished rooms and suites feature city or river views, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities.
₹6,489
4 Star Hotel
The basic mixed-gender or female-only dorms feature lockers, Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms, plus bunk beds with reading lights.
₹2,124
2 Star Hotel
Near the railway station, Rishikesh offers a variety of accommodations from modern hotels with suites and studios to relaxed rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi and tea-making facilities. Options include historic areas with river views and budget-friendly hostels with simple dorms and private rooms.
Modern hotel offering relaxed suites & studios, plus a cafe, a business centre & meeting rooms.
₹1,452
3 Star Hotel
Relaxed rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities.
₹2,409
3 Star Hotel
Historic area by the Ganges River with Laxman Jhula bridge & the 13-story Trayambakeshwar Temple.
₹2,679
3 Star Hotel
The simple rooms and dorms offer free Wi-Fi. Mixed dorms with lockers sleep up to 6.
₹650
3 Star Hotel
Rishikesh boasts a variety of dining options, from quaint hillside cafes offering multicuisine dishes to unique restaurants known for their distinct flavors. You can enjoy a mix of South Indian, Rajasthani, traditional Uttarakhandi, Bengali, and Punjabi food, along with places that elevate the dining experience with the finest gastronomic delights.
A quaint cafe tucked in the hills, offering a wide variety of multicuisine food.
₹200–600
A quaint cafe tucked in the hills, offering a wide variety of multicuisine food.
₹200–400
The only restaurant in rishikesh serving south indian, rajasthani ,traditional uttarakhandi ,bengali and punjabi food under one roof.
₹200–400
Elevating the dining experience, we pride ourselves on offering the finest gastronomic delights, earning the title of the best food destination in Rishikesh.
₹400–600
Rishikesh is accessible by air, train, and road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, 35 km away, while the closest major railway station is in Haridwar, 25 km away. Several buses run daily from Delhi and nearby pilgrimage sites to Rishikesh, with options ranging from regular to luxury services.
The nearest major railway station to Rishikesh is Haridwar Railway Station, 25 km away. It connects directly to cities like Kolkata, Lucknow, Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai.
The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km away. You can easily hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach Rishikesh.
There are several buses from Delhi to Rishikesh, including regular, deluxe, and luxury options. Buses also frequently come from nearby pilgrimage sites like Haridwar.
There are no local buses in Rishikesh, but you can visit nearby places like Haridwar, Lakshman Jhula, and Swarg Ashram using the buses that come from Delhi to Rishikesh.
Starting at only 2₹/Per KM
Starting at only 9₹/KM
The auto rickshaws in Rishikesh, known as vikrams or tempos, are larger than typical Indian autos and have fixed routes. They can seat eight people and are open-sided, similar to a traditional rickshaw.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 10.Rs
Rishikesh offers a variety of car and bike rental services. You can easily rent a bike or car to explore the area, with options ranging from economy vehicles to luxury automobiles.
Starting at only ₹1499.
Rishikesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas, is a city known for its spiritual energy and natural beauty. It is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site and the starting point of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Many people come here seeking peace and enlightenment. But Rishikesh is not just about spirituality; it’s also a hub for adventure sports and cultural activities. This unique blend of tranquility and excitement attracts visitors all year round.
Choosing the best time to visit Rishikesh depends on what you want from your trip. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual journey, a fun adventure, or simply to enjoy nature, it’s important to consider the city’s different seasons. Winters are cool and refreshing, summers can be very hot, and the monsoon season brings lush, green landscapes. Each season offers a unique experience, so think about your preferences and tolerance for different weather conditions when planning your visit.
For adventure seekers, the best time for white water rafting is from September to June and in November. If you’re interested in the International Yoga Festival, plan to visit in the first week of March. The period from February to early May is also a great time to visit, with pleasant weather for sightseeing. However, it’s best to avoid Rishikesh in the peak summer months of May and June, as the temperatures can get extremely high, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
The Distance of Rishikesh to Mumbai is (1,671.1 km) via NE 4.
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The Distance of Rishikesh to Delhi is (245.9 km) via NH334.
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The Distance of Rishikesh to Bangalore is (2,415.1 km) via NH 52.
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The Distance of Rishikesh to Chennai is (2,394.4 km) via NH 44.
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Rishikesh, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, is a city famous for its spiritual energy and natural beauty. Known as a Hindu pilgrimage site, it’s also the starting point of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. While many seek peace and enlightenment here, Rishikesh is also a hub for adventure sports and cultural activities, drawing visitors throughout the year.
The best time to visit Rishikesh depends on what you want from your trip. If you’re looking for a spiritual journey, a fun adventure, or just to enjoy nature, it’s important to consider the city’s different seasons. Winters are cool and refreshing, summers can get very hot, and the monsoon season brings lush, green landscapes. Each season offers a unique experience, so think about your preferences and tolerance for different weather conditions when planning your visit.
For adventure seekers, the best time for white water rafting is from September to June and in November. If you’re interested in the International Yoga Festival, plan to visit in the first week of March. The period from February to early May is also great, with pleasant weather for sightseeing. However, it’s best to avoid Rishikesh in the peak summer months of May and June, as the temperatures can get extremely high, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
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Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India’s Uttarakhand state.
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