Rishikesh
Save23 hand-picked places in 8 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓9 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Iconic iron suspension footbridge over the Ganges.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Watch out for motorbikes and monkeys
- Cafes and shops line both banks
- Best views at sunset
📷 Photos
- 2
Large suspension bridge linking Sivananda Nagar and Swarg Ashram.
4 tips
- Beautiful at sunrise
- Motorbikes cross it, stay alert
- Ashrams and cafes nearby
- Free to cross
📷 Photos
- 3
Main bathing ghat with a nightly Ganga aarti.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Remove shoes at the ghat
- Leave valuables at your hotel
📷 Photos
- 4
Ruined ashram where the Beatles studied meditation in 1968, now covered in murals.
- Tip: Go early
3 tips
- Entry ticket required
- Wear shoes with grip
- Allow about 90 minutes
📷 Photos
- 5
Large riverside ashram known for its evening Ganga aarti.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: At night
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Attend the evening aarti
- Yoga classes available
📷 Photos
- 6
Hilltop Shiva temple in the forest above Rishikesh.
- Tip: Dress code
3 tips
- Cab or shared jeep needed
- Queues are long on festival days
- Leave bags outside
📷 Photos
- 7
Starting point for white-water rafting on the Ganges.
4 tips
- Rafting season runs roughly September to June
- Choose a licensed operator
- Wear quick-dry clothes
- Check water levels
📷 Photos
- 8
Hilltop temple with sunrise views of the Himalayas.
4 tips
- Go before sunrise for the view
- Cab up to the base
- Short climb at the end
- Bring a jacket
📷 Photos
- 9
Forest waterfall reached by a short hike from Laxman Jhula.
4 tips
- Wear shoes with grip
- Avoid after heavy rain
- Small entry fee
- Bring water
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Rishikesh tips
Transportation
- Use shared tempos and e-rickshaws: Shared vikrams and e-rickshaws run between Rishikesh town, Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula cheaply.
- Walk the riverside: Many ashrams, cafes and ghats along the Ganges are best explored on foot.
- Reach via Dehradun or Haridwar: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and Haridwar railway station are the main entry points.
Security
- Respect the river currents: The Ganges is fast and cold; swim only in calm, designated spots.
- Beware of monkeys: Monkeys around the bridges can snatch food and bags, so keep items secure.
- Choose licensed rafting operators: Book rafting with reputable, licensed companies with safety gear.
Saving
- Stay in ashrams: Some ashrams offer simple rooms and yoga classes at affordable prices.
- Eat thalis: Local restaurants serve vegetarian thalis that are filling and cheap.
- Attend free aarti: The evening Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan is free to attend.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for hot summers: April to June is hot, so bring breathable cotton clothing.
- Prepare for monsoon: July to September brings heavy rain; rafting is usually suspended.
- Bring warm clothes in winter: December to February nights are cold, so pack a warm jacket.
Cultural
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially at temples and ghats.
- Respect the vegetarian rule: Rishikesh is largely vegetarian and alcohol-free.
- Remove shoes at temples: Always take off shoes before entering temples and ashrams.
Local Hacks
- Visit the Beatles Ashram: The ruins where the Beatles stayed are now decorated with murals.
- Go early for yoga classes: Popular classes fill up, so arrive early.
- Hike to Neer Garh waterfall: This waterfall is a short trip from Laxman Jhula.
1-day itineraries in Rishikesh
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.