While authentic but also accessible and convenient for tourists, Rishikesh is perfect for experiencing a holy city without having to go on an extreme rural adventure.
Planning a trip? While it is intuitive and easy to find your way around it, some light research can be helpful.
After coming back yearly to Rishikesh since 2017, here is my complete guide with everything you need to know before arriving.
How to get there
Rishikesh is well-connected to other cities. The nearest international airport is New Delhi. Here are the different ways to get to Rishikesh
By Taxi: Nowadays rishikesh is even easier to get to. Since the building of a highway that connects Delhi to Rishikesh in around 5 hours only by taxi – there is no excuse to miss this special place.
By Air: land in Dehradun airport that is located only 16 kilometers from the city. From there take a registered taxi from the main taxi stand. prices are fixed and written down so make sure you don’t pay.
By Train: the nearest railway station is located in the city of haridwar, 2 kilometers from rishikesh. From there taxi and local buses are available.
By Bus: there are a few bus stands in Rishikesh itself,
Transporting around the city is usually done by rickshaw, although you can rent a scooter and be independent if you are experienced and confident driving in India.
The best time to visit
Between October to March is the classic time to visit, but you will find tourists coming all year round.
From october onwards the whole area starts cooling down with nights dropping to 7 degrees celsius by january which is the coldest month in the region.
You can expect cool mornings and evenings throughout the high season that is as mentioned October – March.
The rest of the year is hot, rainy, and humid, but there are many water bodies including the Ganga river to dip and cool yourself down.
Where to stay and city structure
The Rishikesh area is crossed by the Ganga river. Both sides of the river are active, while one side (let’s call it the main side) is connected to highways and airports making it an strategic starting point for many travelers.
The other side of the river is more peaceful than the main side which can get busy and noisy, especially on national holiday weekends.
The river can be crossed by foot through the two main bridges – ram and laxmn jula (jula means a bridge).
Both bridges take just a few minutes to cross and are open for walkers and bikers only, so cars will need to take a small detour to arrive at the other side of the bridge.
Lakshman Jula Bridge is often under construction, In that case there are boats who cross the river in a 5-minute fun ride for about 20 rupees (0.30 UDS cents).
Most tourists stay in the tapovan area, which is located on the “main” side of the river. In tapovan you will find the main tourists base with nice cafes and continental cuisine restaurants, all with beautiful views of the river.
As it can get busy and noisy in tapovan, some visitors turn to more quiet and peaceful areas like the other side of the bridge or the “swiss cottages” right above tapovan.
My personal accommodation recommendations
My favorite hotel in Rishikesh is “Rishikesh Valley Ecovillage”.
With wooden huts surrounded by private waterfalls, this place is amazing.
it is located 3 kilometers uphill from the Lakshman Jula bridge so if you prefer to stay in the central area and walk around easily anywhere, then I recommend staying in the tapovan area.
A video that captions some of my time in Rishikesh ecovillage:
Hide in rishikesh is located right on the lakshman jula bridge with options of different accommodation from dorms to private suites. They also have a yoga space.
The view from Rishikesh Valley Ecovillage
Best things to do in Rishikesh
My number one advice about this destination is to walk around and explore. This area is so culturally active that your way anywhere you’re trying to get is already an attraction by itself.
Take the iconic walk between the 2 famous bridges. Cross the river through Lakshman Jhula Bridge from the main side and walk towards Ram Jula. This 2-kilometer walk really covers the essence of Rishikesh, offering the best people watching and picking up the local vibe. There are many cafes, benches, and markets on the way. I recommend starting your walk around 4 PM and ending it with the daily aarti ceremony as detailed below.
Watch Ganga Aarti Ceremony
The Ganga Aarti is a Hindu ritual of offering fire to the ganga river, which is considered a goddess in Hinduism. Parmarth Niketan ashram hosts the biggest one around every sunset, in a beautiful part of the area.
Visit the Beatles Ashram
The ashram, where the Beatles stayed in 1968, is now an abandoned site covered in beautiful graffiti and surrounded by lush greenery. It’s located about 1.5 km from Laxman Jhula bridge and can be reached on foot or by a taxi ride. The walk involves some uneven terrain, so wear closed shoes.
Attend a Music Performance
Around the tapovan area there are many music concerts in the evenings. I recommend finding a classic Indian music show but you will be able to find different ones, Devi music ashram hosts indian music shows weekly for example. These event locations often change and the best way to track them is either by coming through posters hanging on walls in main streets or looking them up through local apps- i usually use “book my show” or “party hunt”.
Try a Yoga Class
While in the “yoga capital of the world”, i recommend attending a yoga/meditation class. Look out for posters and ask other travelers for recommendations for a walk in no commitment class. I personally have been going back to the same teacher- ashish sharma. He is famous and you can easily find his classes around yoganjali guest house.
Ashish Sharmas Yoga Class in Rishikesh
Food in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is blessed with many organic “healthy” cafes that serve high quality salads, smoothies’ and espresso coffee (these are not always easy to find in India).
I recommend “little buddha cafe” for western food, the atmosphere there is nice with the river view.
For Indian food, my top favorite is sankalp for authentic south indian food (amazing mysore cheese dosa).
Eggs, meat, fish, and alcohol are officially not allowed since rishikesh is a holy city, but if you look well you will find them in tapovan area.
Shopping
Rishikesh is underrated for its shopping in my opinion. Here are my recommendations:
Clothes: Check out fabindia in tapovan, one of my favourite brands in india. This whole street has similar nice shops.
Natural Medicines, Supplements, and Skin Care: These style of shops are very popular in rishikesh and you can see them everywhere, but i found the biggest selection around swarg ashram area, near the ram jula bridge.
Yoga Props and Sound Bowls: Also common everywhere but again the biggest selection around swarg ashram.
Don’t Buy: the copper water bottles you see everywhere. Mine got rusted after one week and it was a complete waste.
What Makes Rishikesh a Holy City
Rishikesh is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, which are considered sacred in Hinduism (the main religion of india).
The city lies by The Ganges, or Ganga river, that is considered the most sacred river in Hinduism. It is believed that bathing in the Ganges at Rishikesh can cleanse one of sins and bring spiritual purification.
The city also holds hindu Mythological Significance and The presence of numerous ancient temples, making Rishikesh a significant pilgrimage site.
Under these circumstances rishikesh is officially a meat,eggs and alcohol free city. Unofficially in the tourist areas like tapovan you will be able to find these goods.
General Tips for Rishikesh
- Carry comfortable walking shoes and easy-to-remove sandals for temple visits and walks along the riverside (notice the signs requesting to remove shoes)
- ATMs often run out of money. Carry some dollars or euros to exchange if needed.
- Stay updated about upcoming festivals. Celebrations get big!
- Dress modestly, it’s a holy city in a conservative country.
- Watch out for the monkeys on the bridges, and don’t cross it with food in your hands.
