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A panorama of Rishikesh on the banks of Ganges River, India

Things to do in  Rishikesh

Go with the flow

In the wooded foothills of the Himalayas, split in two by the sacred Ganges River, the city of Rishikesh has long attracted travelers in search of outdoor adventure—or inner peace. Dubbed the “yoga capital of the world,” Rishikesh draws in plenty of spiritual seekers, while the rapids of the Ganges River make it a great place for a rafting adventure. Other things to do in Rishikesh include visiting the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram (known as “the Beatles Ashram”) and attending the evening aarti (fire ceremony) held every day on the banks of the Ganges.

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When to visit

Rishikesh is a year-round destination with cool winters (bring a sweatshirt or light coat) and hot summers that run from March to May. The June–September monsoon season is cooler but can get rainy. If you come in July, you may end up getting stuck in big crowds of people participating in the Kanwar Yatra, an annual religious pilgrimage that traverses Rishikesh. If you’re traveling to Rishikesh to do yoga, consider visiting in March when the annual International Yoga Festival takes place.

Getting around

Rishikesh is pretty easy to get around on foot, and as many of its narrow lanes are only accessible to pedestrians or motorbikes, most visitors opt to park at their hotel or in a public parking lot and rely on their own two feet for getting around. The bulk of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in the city are located near either the Lakshman Jhula or Ram Jhula bridges, and regular shared Jeep service connects the two areas.

Traveler tips

Rishikesh has a lot of monkeys, many of which will happily congregate near main thoroughfares and bridges in hopes of getting some scraps of food. It’s smart to keep snacks packed away while you’re in areas with a large presence of primates, and never walk around eating in front of them. Always maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding monkeys with your hands for both your safety and theirs.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the best adventure activities to do in Rishikesh?
A:

The most popular adventure activities in Rishikesh include bungee jumping, hiking, and whitewater rafting. Rafting is the most famous of them all, and many people visit Rishikesh specifically to experience the area’s rapids. Options range from short beginner-friendly jaunts down the Ganges to multi-day trips that usually involve riverside camping.

Q:How can I reach Rishikesh from Delhi?
A:

The easiest way to reach Rishikesh from Delhi is to either join a tour that includes door-to-door transportation or book a taxi. You can also take the Shatabdi Express train from New Delhi Railway Station to Haridwar, then take a shared auto-rickshaw or taxi the rest of the way.

Q:What are the local cuisines of Rishikesh and where can I try them?
A:

Rishikesh isn’t particularly well known for its culinary traditions, and although it is in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, most restaurants serve regular North Indian and international cuisine rather than Garhwali specialties. The most famous place to eat in Rishikesh is at Chotiwala in the Swargashram part of town.

Q:Is Rishikesh safe for solo travelers?
A:

Yes, Rishikesh is safe for solo travelers, and lots of people visit the city independently. Alcohol is not permitted in local restaurants, which means you won’t find much of a nightlife scene, but walking around after dark is perfectly fine, especially in main areas, and there aren’t many street dogs around town.

Q:What are the top attractions near Rishikesh?
A:

The top attractions near Rishikesh include the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple—a forest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva—and Haridwar, a holy city just downstream from Rishikesh that’s known for its numerous temples and holy bathing ghats. The wildlife of Jim Corbett National Park is just a short drive away, too!

Q:What are the best ashrams for yoga and meditation in Rishikesh?
A:

It depends entirely on what interests you and what feels right to you. Some of the more popular options include the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, which hosts an evening aarti (fire ceremony) on the banks of the Ganges, and the Divine Life Society, which follows the teachings of the famous sage Swami Sivananda.

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