- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Rishikesh
Rishikesh, a pilgrimage site since ancient times, boasts the 7th-century Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge. The centuries-old Trayambakeshwar Temple (Tera Manzil), a multi-story architectural marvel reflecting traditional Himalayan temple design, makes it clear what is Rishikesh famous for historically.
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills where the Ganga River emerges, Rishikesh offers white-water rafting on Class II-III rapids. Evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan is among the top attractions in Rishikesh. For a quieter view, try the Triveni Ghat Aarti for a tranquil spiritual experience.
Visiting Rishikesh means experiencing its unique sattvic, vegetarian cuisine. Beyond standard thalis, discover authentic local Garhwali dishes like 'Kandali ka Saag' (stinging nettle greens) or 'Jhangora ki Kheer' (barnyard millet pudding) at smaller, family-run eateries.
- RishikeshIndia
- RishikeshIndia
- RishikeshIndia
- RishikeshIndia
Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-JunPleasant weather, increasing tourists
- Jul-SepMonsoon, heavy rainfall, fewer tourists
- Oct-FebCool temperatures, peak tourist season
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightClothing
- #RainGear
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with trekking & yoga retreats
- Indian Rupee (₹)
- Hindi & Garhwali
- English commonly spoken in tourism areas
- #LaxmanJhula
- #RamJhula
- #TriveniGhat
- #NeerGarhWaterfall
- #ParmarthNiketan
- #BeatlesAshram
- Rafting on the Ganges
- Yoga session by the river
- Attend Ganga Aarti ceremony
- Trekking in nearby hills
- Try local street food
Recommended Hotels in Rishikesh by Experience
Things to do in Rishikesh
Discover
Rishikesh offers stunning sights such as the iconic Laxman Jhula, serene Triveni Ghat, and breathtaking views from the Neer Garh Waterfall. This vibrant city is perfect for exploring Rishikesh attractions and natural beauty.
Experience
Join exciting activities like river rafting on the Ganges, yoga retreats, and hiking through lush trails. Engage in Rishikesh cultural activities, including traditional music concerts and spiritual workshops for a complete experience.
Laxman Jhula
Iconic bridge offering stunning river views.
Triveni Ghat
Sacred ghat for evening aarti ceremony.
Neer Garh Waterfall
Scenic waterfall ideal for trekking and relaxing.
Parmarth Niketan
Renowned ashram for spiritual education.
Ganga River Rafting
Thrilling adventure through scenic rapids.
The Beatles Ashram
Historic site with murals and meditation spaces.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Rishikesh, fly into Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, 35 km away. A taxi from Rishikesh airport to city center costs around ₹1200-1500. For budget travel, take a train to Rishikesh station or Haridwar Junction; local buses also connect.
Getting Around
For public transport in Rishikesh, auto-rickshaws are prevalent, charging ₹50-100 for short rides. Shared jeeps operate fixed routes between Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Most spiritual sites are walkable. Avoid formal passes.
Local Essentials
Driving in Rishikesh is challenging due to narrow roads and pedestrians; rely on local transport. Carry small denominations for market purchases. Always confirm auto-rickshaw fares before starting. For river views, walk along the Ganga aarti ghats.
Where to Stay in Rishikesh
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food Rishikesh has to offer like chole bhature, paneer tikka, and lassi. Dining often involves leisurely meals with friends and family, along with an emerging café culture to enjoy the serene surroundings.
Enjoy
For where to eat in Rishikesh, visit The Sitting Elephant for its vibrant atmosphere and healthy options. Booking is recommended. The Royal Cafe is popular for its local flavors in a cozy space. Enjoy coffee with a view at Little Buddha Cafe, a top choice.
Chotiwala
Famous for vegetarian Indian dishes.
The Sitting Elephant
Offers international cuisine with a relaxed vibe.
VARR
Known for its temple-like design and traditional food.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Witness the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, explore the spiritual essence during Navratri and Diwali, experiencing divine music and ancient customs. These events connect you to Uttarakhand's historical soul.
Enjoy
While exploring Rishikesh, attend the International Yoga Festival, discover pop-up art installations and indie music gigs, especially during spring. These things to do offer a contemporary perspective on Rishikesh attractions.
Ganga Aarti
Daily evening ritual at Triveni Ghat with prayers, music, and lights.
International Yoga Festival
Annual March event for global yogis.
Holi
Festival of Colors in March with music and food.
Diwali
Festival of Lights in October/November.
Navratri
Nine-day festival in fall with songs and dances.
World Music Festival
Showcases diverse global and local musical talent in February.
Yoga by the Ganges - nothing quite like it
The yoga scene here is the real deal. Classes near Swarg Ashram are everywhere and actually good quality. The river right there makes it all feel so calm. Totally worth the trip.
White water rafting was an absolute blast
Did the rafting stretch from Shivpuri and it was such a rush! The rapids are proper fun without being too scary. The guides really know what they are doing and keep things safe. Great mix of adventure and scenery along the way.
Peaceful, spiritual, and genuinely beautiful
Came looking for some quiet and found exactly that. The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in the evening is something else - watching the priests with the lamps while the river flows by felt very special. The whole place has a calm energy that is hard to describe. Food is simple but really good.
Great base for trekking in the Himalayas
Used Rishikesh as a starting point for some trekking nearby and it worked out perfectly. Easy to sort gear, guides, and transport all from town. Laxman Jhula area has a lot of guesthouses and good food options. The mountains are right there waiting for you.
A solo trip that actually delivered
Traveled solo and felt completely safe and welcome the whole time. Met loads of other travelers along the way. The cafes around Laxman Jhula serve amazing masala chai and the thali meals are filling and cheap. People are friendly without being pushy.
Loved the spiritual side of this place
Not a deeply religious person but the energy here gets to you. Ashrams are open and welcoming, the Ganga is gorgeous, and the whole town feels different from anywhere else I have been. Tried an ashtanga class and loved it. December is a great time to visit - cool but not cold.