📍 Location
Rishikesh lies on the banks of the Ganga River in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, near Haridwar and Dehradun.
🚗 How to Reach Rishikesh
✈️ By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) – 21 km away
- Connectivity: Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other metros
🚆 By Train:
- Nearest Railhead: Haridwar Junction (25 km) or Rishikesh Railway Station (limited trains)
- Good Options: Shatabdi Express (to Haridwar), then take a taxi or bus
🚌 By Road:
- From Delhi: 6–7 hours via NH 334
- Frequent Volvo buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate
🏞️ Top Things to Do in Rishikesh
🧘♀️ 1. Spiritual & Wellness
- Parmarth Niketan: Largest ashram with yoga, meditation, and Ganga Aarti
- Sivananda Ashram & Swarg Ashram: Peaceful retreats for yogic living
- International Yoga Festival: Held every March
🚣 2. Adventure Activities
- River Rafting (Grade I–IV) – Shivpuri to Rishikesh stretch
- Bungee Jumping – At Mohan Chatti (India’s highest, 83 m)
- Camping, Rock Climbing, Ziplining
🌉 3. Sightseeing
- Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula – Iconic suspension bridges
- Triveni Ghat – For Ganga Aarti at sunset
- Beatles Ashram – Graffiti-covered ruins where The Beatles stayed in 1968
- Neer Garh Waterfall – Short hike and scenic views
🛍️ Local Markets & Souvenirs
- Rishikesh Main Bazaar – Spiritual books, rudraksha beads, handicrafts
- Laxman Jhula Market – Yoga gear, gemstones, musical instruments
- Don’t forget to try herbal teas and organic oils
🍛 Food to Try
- Satvik vegetarian meals only (alcohol and meat are banned within city limits)
- Try:
- Chotiwala Restaurant (iconic)
- The Beatles Café
- Little Buddha Café
- Ayurvedic food & thalis at local ashrams
🏨 Where to Stay
- 💰 Budget: Zostel, Live Free Hostel, Skyard Rishikesh
- 💼 Mid-Range: Yog Niketan, Green Hills Cottage
- 🧘 Ashrams: Parmarth Niketan, Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram
- 🌟 Luxury: Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa (nearby Shivpuri), Aloha on the Ganges
☀️ Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Pleasant weather, rafting season begins
- July–September: Monsoon – lush but slippery (avoid rafting)
- April–June: Warm but good for adventure lovers
⚠️ Travel Tips
- 🚫 Avoid alcohol and smoking in public areas
- 🩺 Carry basic meds (altitude not an issue, but weather varies)
- 🧘 Pre-book yoga classes or rafting in peak season
- 📱 Good mobile coverage (Jio, Airtel), Wi-Fi in most stays
