Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat
Every evening at sunset, priests perform aarti on the river's edge with large brass lamps. The crowd, the chanting, and the reflection on the Ganga are genuinely moving. Arrive 20 minutes early for a spot near the water.
Rishikesh
Where the Ganga runs cold and clear, and everyone arrives searching for something.
372m above sea level
Altitude
372m
Best time
October–November for clear skies and cool weather
Overview
About Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the last big town before the Himalayas begin in earnest, and it carries all the energy that implies. You'll find yoga ashrams next to white-water rafting operators, Beatles fans visiting the abandoned Chaurasi Kutia, and families doing Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat as the sun drops behind the hills. It's chaotic, genuinely spiritual, and completely alive.
The two suspension bridges — Laxman Jhula and the rebuilt Ram Jhula — are the visual anchors of the town. The narrow lanes on the eastern bank are lined with chai stalls, bookshops, and restaurants serving everything from thali to Israeli hummus. Spend at least a morning just walking these lanes before you cross to the rafting side.
Most Pahadi Express packages start from Rishikesh. Taxis for Joshimath, Badrinath, and Govindghat all depart from here. The bus stand is at Haridwar Road; private taxi pickup is arranged to your hotel. If you're doing the Char Dham circuit, Rishikesh is where you'll return at the end.
Highlights
What to see and do
White-water rafting
Grade II to IV rapids on the Ganga, depending on the season and how far up you start. The 16 km stretch from Shivpuri is the most popular — count on 2.5 hours on the water. Pahadi Express can arrange this as an add-on.
The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's abandoned ashram where the Beatles spent six weeks in 1968 and wrote much of the White Album. Now a heritage site inside Rajaji National Park, the crumbling meditation domes are covered in street art.
Neer Garh waterfall
A 45-minute hike through forest from the Laxman Jhula area leads to a two-tier waterfall. Go early before the tourist rush — the forest trail alone is worth it.
Laxman Jhula lanes
The lanes on the eastern bank between Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are Rishikesh's real character. Chai shops, used-book stalls, temple bells, and sadhus — give yourself two hours to wander without a plan.
Best time to visit
October–November for clear skies and cool weather. March–May before summer heat. White-water rafting season runs September to June. Avoid deep monsoon (July–August) for rafting, though the aarti and town remain beautiful.
How to reach
Train to Haridwar (25 km away, then taxi or bus). Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (35 km, ~₹800–1,200 taxi). Direct buses from Delhi ISBT to Rishikesh ISBT (6–7 hrs). By road from Delhi: 250 km via NH-58.
Packages
Trips that include Rishikesh
Badrinath yatraFills fast
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath. Temple darshan, Tapt Kund, Mana village walk.
₹14,5005 days · May–Oct
Valley of Flowers trekMonsoon only
Trek to the UNESCO valley — 500+ wildflower species in bloom. Hemkund Sahib side trip included.
₹16,9006 days · Jul–Sep
Rishikesh weekenderWeekend
Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, white-water rafting, Beatles ashram, Neer waterfall hike.
₹6,9003 days · Every Fri
Char Dham circuitFull circuit
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. All four dhams in one trip. Helicopter option for Kedarnath.
₹32,00010 days · May–Jun
Joshimath + Auli explorerPopular
Shankaracharya math, Auli meadows, Gorson Bugyal trek, Tapovan hot springs. Works any season.
₹13,5005 days · Year-round
Nearby
Stops along the corridor
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How to reach Rishikesh from Delhi?+
You can drive from Delhi to Rishikesh (240 km, about 6 hours via NH-58). Alternatively, take a train to Haridwar (5–6 hours by Shatabdi) and a 25 km taxi to Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (35 km). Pahadi Express offers Delhi-to-Rishikesh taxi service starting at ₹6,500.
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?+
October–November for clear skies and cool weather. March–May before summer heat sets in. White-water rafting season runs September to June. Avoid deep monsoon (July–August) for rafting, though the Ganga aarti and town remain beautiful year-round.
Is Rishikesh safe for solo travellers?+
Yes, Rishikesh is one of the safest towns in Uttarakhand for solo travellers, including women. The town is well-lit along the main ghats and bridges, and the yoga/backpacker community means there are always other travellers around. Exercise normal precautions at night on quieter lanes.
What are the top things to do in Rishikesh?+
Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, white-water rafting (16 km Shivpuri stretch), visiting the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), Neer Garh waterfall hike, yoga and meditation classes, walking the Laxman Jhula lanes, and bungee jumping at Mohan Chatti. Rishikesh is also the starting point for Badrinath, Valley of Flowers, and Char Dham trips.
Can I do rafting in Rishikesh in winter?+
Rafting season runs from late September to June. During winter months (December–February) the water is cold but the rapids are active and crowds are minimal. Wetsuits are provided by operators. Rafting closes during monsoon (July–August) when water levels are dangerously high.