This sacred town in the Himalayan foothills draws spiritual seekers to its riverside ashrams and yoga centers, where the Ganges flows past ancient temples and meditation spots.
In the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh stretches along both banks of the Ganges River. You can start your day with a sunrise meditation at Parmarth Niketan ashram, watch holy men perform fire ceremonies at Triveni Ghat, or navigate Grade III rapids in the rushing waters. The Beatles wrote songs here in 1968 at the Maharishi's ashram, and today you'll walk past yoga schools, incense-filled temples, and cafes serving fresh vegetarian food.
When to Visit Rishikesh
Visit between September and November or February to April when daytime temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F), ideal for walking and river activities. July and August bring heavy monsoon rains that often close rafting operations and hiking trails. The International Yoga Festival in March fills the city with workshops and performances.
Finding Your Way Around
The Ganges divides Rishikesh into two areas, linked by Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula pedestrian bridges. Most yoga centers and temples cluster in Swarg Ashram on the eastern bank. The western bank near Lakshman Jhula buzzes with market stalls selling prayer beads, Sanskrit texts, and cotton clothing.
Yoga and Meditation
Parmarth Niketan runs daily Hatha and Ashtanga classes, while Anand Prakash teaches Kundalini yoga. Many ashrams schedule meditation at sunrise and sunset. Teacher training programs run from 200-hour basic certification to 500-hour advanced courses. Beginners can join drop-in classes at most centers, with instruction in English.
Adventure Activities
Rapids on the Ganges range from calm Grade I sections to challenging Grade IV white water. Local companies run 16-kilometer rafting trips from Marine Drive to Rishikesh. Jump from India's highest bungee platform (83 meters) or glide across the valley on a 1-kilometer zipline. Walking trails lead to Neer Garh Waterfall, a 3-tier cascade reached after a 1.5-kilometer hike.
Religious Life
At Triveni Ghat each evening at 6 PM, priests light oil lamps and ring brass bells during the Ganga Aarti ceremony. The 13-story Trayambakeshwar Temple rises above the riverbank, with shrines dedicated to Hindu deities on each level. Following local customs, all restaurants serve vegetarian food only, and the city prohibits alcohol sales.
The Beatles Legacy
The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where The Beatles stayed in 1968, sits abandoned in the forest. Walk through meditation domes covered in Beatles lyrics and paintings. The band wrote 48 songs here, including "Dear Prudence" and "Mother Nature's Son," now part of the White Album.
Getting There
Fly to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, 35 kilometers from Rishikesh, with daily connections to Delhi and Mumbai. Trains stop at Haridwar station, 25 kilometers away. Taxis and buses run regularly between these points and Rishikesh. The road journey from Delhi takes 6-7 hours depending on traffic.
