Rishikesh
Discover Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram. The town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga. Along with nearby Dehradun and Haridwar, Rishikesh is a useful gateway to the Uttarakhand Himalayas. The Northern Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh.
What to Experience in Rishikesh
A view of a bridge over a river
Trayambakeshwar Temple situated near Lakshman Jhula, Trayambakeshwar temple is one of the most prominent holy shrines among Lord Shiva devotees. This famous Shiva temple in Rishikesh is a 13-storied building with many deities inside.
Rishikesh Uttarakhand
just click this one as i am a devotee of lord shiva
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. The first river you paddle runs through the rest of your life. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft.
a couple of men standing in front of a fire
Ganga aarti at Triveni ghat in Rishikesh
a view of a bridge over a body of water
This picture is of the holy river Ganga clicked on mobile
River Ganges.
Taste of Rishikesh...
Non-vegetarian food has been banned in the city for many years. North and south Indian food is widely available, and there's no shortage of multi-cuisine backpacker cafes, especially in Laxman Jhula. What excites many foreigners are the delicious Ayurvedic and health food restaurants, perfect for an after-yoga meal. Many of the main lanes are lined with wooden push carts selling in-season fruit, veggies, popcorn, nuts, warm cookies and lots else, and you'll usually be quoted a fair price. The pa
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Rishikesh.
As with most holy cities come tourist destinations there's a plethora of religious paraphernalia, cheap clothing aimed at foreigners, incense, bronze Shiva statues, etc. Unlike many other similar towns in India prices here are usually reasonable and you won't have to haggle hard for a good price. Non-vegetarian food has been banned in the city for many years. North and south Indian food is widely available, and there's no shortage of multi-cuisine backpacker cafes, especially in Laxman Jhula. What excites many foreigners are the delicious Ayurvedic and health food restaurants, perfect for an a
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsFrom Delhi, Rishikesh is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey may take about 5–7 hr (depending on the traffic) and costs you ₹130–350. An AC bus will cost ₹200–500. The right time to visit would be February, March, August-October. In July there is a festival called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid travelling to Rishikesh during that time. From Dehradun ISBT, a bus to Rishikesh co...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The town's centre, where the bus and train stations are, is of little interest to most travellers. Northeast are three bridges spanning the Ganges, south to north: 30.1163278.308881 Janki Setu, 30.1232878.314532 Ram Jhula and 30.1263578.330053 Laxman Jhula (closed as of summer 2023). The main hubs of activity and interest are 30.1185578.313814 Swargashram on the eastern bank of the Ganges (the center of multiple ashrams) and 30.1290378.32515 Tapovan about 5 km northeast of Rishikesh (the backpac
Where to Stay
Rishikesh is filled almost entirely with budget hotels, with a few mid-range thrown in for good measure. Tapovan is popular with backpackers and has the cheapest accommodation, while Swargashram is where the majority of the ashrams are, and is a nice alternative. There is also a handful of accommodation options available in High Bank. It's wise to book ahead in the peak tourist season, and during the Kumbh Mela in neighboring Haridwar. Hotels in this range start at price as low as ₹100. There ar
Money & Budget
As with most holy cities come tourist destinations there's a plethora of religious paraphernalia, cheap clothing aimed at foreigners, incense, bronze Shiva statues, etc. Unlike many other similar towns in India prices here are usually reasonable and you won't have to haggle hard for a good price. Non-vegetarian food has been banned in the city for many years. North and south Indian food is widely
Safety Information
Safety Overview
A holy city it may be, but Rishikesh draws more than its fair share of criminals and con men. Don't walk around alone at night and beware of the motives of sadhus offering one-on-one tutoring. There is also a gem stone hoax going on in at least one gem store: They ask you to bring the stones to your own country to a "buyer" who doesn't exist. In general, try not getting involved with any local guide who is offering you services. They are mostly con men and goons. Watch where you step: After sundown it is pitch dark, so bring a light. Watch out for the sometimes brash food stealing monkeys too.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Rishikesh
A view of a bridge over a river
Trayambakeshwar Temple situated near Lakshman Jhula, Trayambakeshwar temple is one of the most prominent holy shrines among Lord Shiva devotees. This famous Shiva temple in Rishikesh is a 13-storied building with many deities inside.
Rishikesh Uttarakhand
just click this one as i am a devotee of lord shiva
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. The first river you paddle runs through the rest of your life. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft.
a couple of men standing in front of a fire
Ganga aarti at Triveni ghat in Rishikesh
a view of a bridge over a body of water
This picture is of the holy river Ganga clicked on mobile
River Ganges.
A view of a bridge over a river
Trayambakeshwar Temple situated near Lakshman Jhula, Trayambakeshwar temple is one of the most prominent holy shrines among Lord Shiva devotees. This famous Shiva temple in Rishikesh is a 13-storied building with many deities inside.
Rishikesh Uttarakhand