Rishikesh Travel Guide: Yoga, Ganga Aarti & Rafting

Heading to the yoga capital of the world? Rishikesh is Uttarakhand's spiritual and adventure hub — a place of Ganga aartis and ashrams by day and white-water rafting and cliff-side cafes by evening. Here's everything you need to plan a Rishikesh trip.

The spiritual side

Cross the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges, sit for the evening Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat, and visit the Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram) with its painted domes.

Yoga & wellness

Rishikesh is world-famous for yoga and meditation, from drop-in classes to multi-week teacher-training retreats. The International Yoga Festival draws practitioners here each March.

Adventure

The Ganga's rapids make Rishikesh India's white-water rafting capital (best September–June). You'll also find bungee jumping, giant swings, ziplining and cliff jumping around Shivpuri and Mohanchatti.

Nearby escapes

Trek to the Neer Garh waterfall, or continue up to Kunjapuri temple for sunrise Himalayan views. Haridwar and its grand Har Ki Pauri aarti are less than an hour away.

Practical tips

Good to know: Rishikesh is a holy city — it's largely vegetarian and alcohol-free. Dress modestly at temples and ghats.

Best time & planning

Visit September–November or February–May for the best weather and rafting; summers are hot and the monsoon halts rafting. See our best time to visit Uttarakhand guide, fit it into the 7-day Uttarakhand itinerary, and explore our Uttarakhand tour packages.