Rishikesh guide: rafting, things to do and where to stay
By Ganesh ·
The best things to do in Rishikesh. Rafting from Shivpuri, the Ganga aarti, Ram Jhula, the Beatles Ashram, yoga, Neelkanth and bungee jumping, with rafting prices, a 2-day plan and the best time to go.
The short answer: the best things to do in Rishikesh are white-water rafting on the Ganga (Shivpuri to Rishikesh is the classic stretch), the evening Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan, walking across Ram Jhula, visiting the Beatles Ashram, a yoga class, a day trip to Neelkanth Mahadev, sunrise at Kunjapuri, the Neer Garh waterfall and, for the brave, a bungee jump. Two days is enough for the highlights; add a third for camping or a yoga retreat.
Updated for 2026. Prices, timings and seasonal rules are approximate. Check before you book.
Rishikesh at a glance
Rishikesh sits on the Ganga in Uttarakhand, where the river leaves the Himalayan foothills, about 25 km upstream of Haridwar. It is a pilgrimage town, the gateway to the Char Dham, and the self-styled yoga capital of the world, and, at the same time, India's adventure-sports hub. The town is vegetarian and alcohol-free by local rule, which surprises many first-time visitors.
Things to do in Rishikesh
River rafting
Rafting runs on stretches of different lengths upstream of town. Shorter runs suit beginners and families; longer ones have more rapids.
- Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (about 9 km): gentle, 1–1.5 hours, good for first-timers.
- Shivpuri to Rishikesh (about 16 km): the most popular, with named rapids such as "Roller Coaster" and "Golf Course", plus cliff jumping where allowed.
- Marine Drive or Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (about 25–35 km): longer, for confident swimmers.
The rafting season usually runs from around September–October to June; it is suspended in the monsoon. Book with operators licensed by the state, check that life jackets and helmets are provided, and keep in mind minimum age rules (often 14+ for longer stretches).
Ganga aarti
Every evening around sunset, priests perform the aarti with fire lamps and chants. Parmarth Niketan's aarti (near Ram Jhula) is the best known and has seating on the ghat; Triveni Ghat's is larger and more local. Arrive 30–45 minutes early.
Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula
These iconic suspension bridges link the two banks. Ram Jhula is open to pedestrians. Laxman Jhula was closed for safety in 2019, and a new bridge (Bajrang Setu) has been built beside it. Check what is open when you visit. The lanes around both bridges are full of cafés, ashrams and shops.
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The ruined ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, where the Beatles stayed in 1968, is now covered in murals and graffiti. It lies inside the Rajaji Tiger Reserve and has an entry fee; allow 1–2 hours.
Yoga and meditation
Drop-in classes cost little and are everywhere; many ashrams also run multi-day courses. The International Yoga Festival takes place every March. Choose a school with reviews you trust and ask about the teacher's background.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
A Shiva temple about 30 km away by a winding hill road (or a long forest trek). It is very crowded during the Shravan month (July–August) when Kanwar pilgrims arrive.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
A hilltop temple about 25 km away, known for sunrise views of Himalayan peaks on clear mornings. Go before dawn.
Neer Garh waterfall
A short uphill walk from the Badrinath road near Laxman Jhula leads to a series of pools and falls. Small entry fee.
Bungee jumping, giant swing and flying fox
Jumps from fixed platforms near Mohan Chatti, about 20 km from town, are among the highest in India. Book ahead in peak season and follow the weight and age limits.
Camping at Shivpuri
Beach and riverside camps with tents, bonfires and rafting packages, popular with groups from Delhi. Camping rules on riverbanks change; choose registered camps.
How to reach Rishikesh
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is about 20–25 km away, around 45 minutes by taxi.
- By train: Rishikesh has its own station, but Haridwar Junction (about 25 km) has far more trains from across India, including fast day trains from Delhi.
- By road from Delhi: about 240 km, 6–7 hours. Overnight Volvo and state buses run from Delhi's ISBT Kashmere Gate.
- Getting around: shared autos and e-rickshaws run along the main roads; many lanes near the river are walk-only.
Best time to visit Rishikesh
September to November and February to May are the best times: rafting is open and the weather is comfortable. Search interest peaks from April to June, when Delhi's school holidays bring big weekend crowds. December–January is chilly but clear. July–August is monsoon: the river is high, rafting stops and landslides are common on hill roads, and Kanwar Yatra crowds fill the area in Shravan.
Sample 2-day Rishikesh itinerary
- Day 1: a morning yoga class, rafting from Shivpuri before lunch, café lunch near Laxman Jhula, the Beatles Ashram in the afternoon, and the Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
- Day 2: sunrise at Kunjapuri, Neer Garh waterfall on the way back, Neelkanth Mahadev in the afternoon (or a bungee jump instead), and an evening at Triveni Ghat.
How much does a Rishikesh trip cost?
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm or simple guesthouse (per night) | ₹500–₹1,500 |
| Mid-range hotel or riverside resort (per night) | ₹2,500–₹8,000 |
| Riverside camp with meals (per person) | ₹1,500–₹3,500 |
| Rafting, short to long stretches (per person) | roughly ₹500–₹2,500 |
| Bungee jump | roughly ₹3,500–₹5,000 |
| Drop-in yoga class | ₹300–₹800 |
| Meals per person per day | ₹400–₹1,000 |
A 2-day trip from Delhi by bus, staying in a mid-range hotel and rafting once, typically costs ₹5,000–₹10,000 per person.
Practical tips
- Rishikesh is vegetarian and alcohol-free, respect it.
- The Ganga is cold and fast even when it looks calm; do not swim outside supervised spots.
- Weekends from April to June are packed; come midweek if you can.
- Dress modestly at ghats and temples.
- If you are heading on to the Char Dham, register first on the official Uttarakhand portal.
Plan it on Sancharees
Add Rishikesh, Shivpuri and Neelkanth to a Sancharees trip, keep your rafting and hotel bookings in one place, and share the plan with your group, or extend it into a Char Dham route.
FAQ
How many days are enough for Rishikesh?
Two days covers rafting, the aarti and the main sights; stay longer for yoga or camping.
When is rafting closed in Rishikesh?
Usually during the monsoon, roughly July to mid-September, when the river runs high. Exact dates are set by the state each year.
Is Rishikesh safe for solo female travellers?
It is one of India's most popular solo destinations. Usual precautions apply: stay in well-reviewed places and avoid isolated riverbanks after dark.
Rishikesh or Haridwar: where should I stay?
Stay in Rishikesh for adventure, yoga and cafés; Haridwar suits a short pilgrimage visit and the Har Ki Pauri aarti. They are only 25 km apart.
Photo: The Ganges at Rishikesh - 1 by Emőke Dénes, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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