Uttarakhand
Rishikesh
The World Capital of Yoga, on the banks of the Ganges
Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
About Rishikesh
Rishikesh sits where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas and enters the plains, and has grown from a pilgrimage town into a global yoga and adventure-sports hub — ashrams, suspension bridges and white-water rafting all share the same short stretch of riverbank.
- The evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
- Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges
- White-water rafting on the Ganges
- Yoga and meditation ashrams
Things to do
Experiences in Rishikesh
Attend the Ganga Aarti
An evening river-worship ceremony at Triveni Ghat, with lamps set afloat on the water.
Raft the Ganges
Rapids graded for both beginners and experienced rafters, depending on season.
Walk Laxman Jhula
A pedestrian suspension bridge with views over the river and surrounding ashrams.
When to go
Best time to visit
September-November and March-May.
Practical
Travel tips
Rishikesh is dry and vegetarian throughout — plan accordingly if that’s a consideration.
Questions
Rishikesh: common questions
Yes — ashrams here cater to complete beginners through advanced practitioners, with short retreats as well as multi-week courses.
Plan my trip
Planning a trip to Rishikesh?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply with an itemized plan you can change.