Our Review
Rishikesh is a holy city with historic cultural significance, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and on the riverbank of the holy Ganga. The city is renowned as the yoga capital of the world. From all over the world, people come here year-round to enjoy the exciting opportunities and its divine stillness.
In April, the weather in the city can be quite refreshing, making it a perfect time for those who enjoy taking photos. You will find numerous ashrams here where you can indulge in deep meditation and explore your inner self, offering a profound spiritual experience.
Rishikesh is named after one of the names of Lord Vishnu, Hrishikesh, which means “lord of the senses”. It is really the best place to soothe your senses and practice mindfulness.
Your heart can never be filled with the city, there is always something new to explore in Rishikesh. The surroundings are energetic, and the humble crowds accept you so quickly that you never have a feeling of being an outsider in Rishikesh.
April, the spring season’s month, filled the air with the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the fresh and clean weather made everything charming. The month had a soft, cozy feel that made you want to slow down, take deep breaths, and go through the days at a relaxed pace, which makes it the best time to visit Rishikesh.
Cozy and Chilly Weather: The Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
Rishikesh experiences mild, pleasant weather in April, and the town feels relaxed. The temperature generally ranges from 18°C in the morning to 32°C in the afternoon. The city’s weather is usually dry and sunny, with minimal rainfall, which means that your plans are unlikely to be disrupted by the weather.
Why Visit Rishikesh in April?
Rishikesh witnesses fewer crowds this month compared to the peak seasons. Many attraction sights are generally quieter this month, with pleasant, fresh weather and a clear sky, which creates a scenic atmosphere. It is an ideal month for solo travellers, photographers and writers.
The city had a magical atmosphere this month, with lush green vegetation, the soothing aroma of freshly bloomed flowers, and a bright ambience. Peak summer hasn’t fully arrived, and water levels are rising as glaciers melt. It’s an ideal season for an excursion, as the month experiences little to no rain and mild temperatures, making it suitable to wander during the day, which can be pretty tricky in the peak summer season. River rafting is safe and exciting, offering the most beautiful sunrise and sunset views during this time.
Adventure Activities In Rishikesh During April
For camping enthusiasts, consider trying riverside camping during the spring season. You will find the sky fresh and clean; it feels heavenly below the stars, with a clear sky, and every detail of nature is clearly perceptible.
- Trekking. There are decent trek options available in Rishikesh, where you get a chance to observe diverse flora and fauna. These include the Neer Garh waterfalls, the Phool Chatti waterfall trek, the Jhilmil Gufa trek, and the Kunjapuri trek. Each trek carries a different experience and feel.
- White water rafting from Kaudiyala to Nim beach, which is a 28 km rafting route, takes around 3-4 hours to complete. It’s a thrilling experience that will shake your nerves. It is a great adrenaline rush for adventure enthusiasts. You can also try other water sports, such as canoeing and kayaking.
- Rock climbing and rappelling are available here. Please try only if you are physically fit. Still, it is a great pleasure when you reach the peak, as you get a chance to witness Rishikesh from a high altitude, surrounded by stunning mountains and valleys, the serene River Ganga, and various attractions.
- Cliff jumping offers a chance to dive into the water from the edge of the cliff. Your fall will be 2-3 meters, one of the breathtaking experiences in Rishikesh. Also, you can try mountain biking, the giant swing, and the flying fox. It’s endless opportunities in adventure sports that make it a perfect place for thrill seekers. Rishikesh offers one of the highest bungee jumping spots in India, situated at Mohan Chatti, which is nearly 80 meters above the ground.
Yoga and Spiritual Experience in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a vibrant spiritual hub, with numerous temples and celebrations throughout the town that resonate across the area. Every experience in Rishikesh is heartfelt. The fascinating divine spiritual experience you can take in various temples. There are many temples where you can immerse yourself in an Enlightening spiritual experience.
- Bharat Mandir is the most ancient temple in the city, and it holds significant religious importance for the local community.
- 13 Manzil Temple, also known as Trimbekeshwar Temple, overlooks the charming Laxman Jhula. Its 13 stories feature several carvings, making it look enchanting.
- Neelkanth Mandir, situated at the top of a hill approximately 926 meters in height, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a mesmerising view of the serene Ganga, surrounded by a lush green environment.
Rishikesh is home to numerous ashrams, many of which offer staying facilities for visitors and are set amidst lush greenery, providing a peaceful setting that promotes a yogic and Ayurvedic lifestyle. These ashrams also offer light, sattvic meals, and you can engage in a variety of yoga and meditative practices. Many enlightened sages reside in Rishikesh, sharing their teachings with disciples and helping people explore the meaning of life. Living in these ashrams can firmly touch your soul and inspire deep reflections on your life’s purpose, leaving a lasting impact.
Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh During April
- Shivpuri, a peaceful town situated 16-20 km from Rishikesh, is a top choice for nature lovers, renowned for its Shiva temples and adventure sports. You can try various sports, such as white-water rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing, but the place is best known for its rafting. The town has a meditative atmosphere with its cold breeze and the sound of the river flowing, making it an ideal spot for a digital detox.
- Triveni Ghat offers a divine experience and mesmerising views, providing an excellent opportunity to witness the enchanting Ganga Arti alongside a large crowd and enjoy the iconic ceremony, where everyone’s vibrations seem to sync automatically.
- Laxman Jhula, the bridge with mythological significance, is said to be located at the same spot where Lakshman crossed the Ganga with the help of jute ropes. Numerous ashrams and a market surround the bridge area. It is an ideal place to witness sunsets and sunrises.
- Neergarh waterfall. The Neergarh waterfall is a captivating attraction that features a lush green environment, small streams, and a stunning pool at the base of the waterfall.
Festivals and Events in April in Rishikesh
- Akshay Tritya. Akshay Tritiya is considered an auspicious day that brings wealth and purity into one’s life. The Bharat Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and considered the oldest temple in the area, is a highlight of the day in Rishikesh. People in the region believe that performing 108 parikramas (circumambulations) around the temple will fulfill their heart’s wishes. Additionally, Akshay Tritiya marks the official commencement of the Char Dham Yatra, during which devotees travel to the Char Dham.
- Baisakhi – Baisakhi festival, a spring harvest festival, is also the khalsa new year. Thousands of pilgrims or devotees gather around Triveni Ghat or at the riverside, making a holy dip in the Ganga. In itself, the moment has a power to seize your day, and in some ashrams, traditional folk songs are even held, including Giddha and Bhangra, on this occasion.
- Hanuman Jayanti: Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in Rishikesh with great enthusiasm. The festivities take place at various ashrams, especially at Shivannand and Parmarth Niketan. Devotees gather at Triveni Ghat for the Ganga Aarti and recite the Hanuman Chalisa together. The atmosphere in the city is filled with joy during this occasion. Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula are must-visit sites during the celebrations.
Famous Food in Rishikesh
Rishikesh offers a diverse range of food choices, from street food to satvic meals. It’s a paradise for street food lovers. Hot and sizzling local food has been served at every corner of the city. Aloo puri, kachori, pakodas, samosa, lassi, and jalebi are staple foods here. You can enjoy Pahari dishes in Rishikesh, such as kafali, chainsu, and fana, which are worth exploring and add a new experience to your taste buds. Many local fruits are available this month, including kafal and hisalu, which can be found at street vendors.
Rishikesh is also filled with beautiful cafes featuring awesome decor, which offer a diverse range of cuisines, and some provide a panoramic view of the Ganga River. You can find a wide variety of food in Rishikesh, from Mexican to South Indian cuisine. Try a light and sattvic meal at various ashrams, which gives an overall feel of spiritual life.
Travel tips for Rishikesh
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen on sunny days.
- Having hiking or sports shoes with a tight grip will be helpful for adventure activities.
- The weather is moderate, so don’t forget to pack lighter, cotton clothing in your bag.
- Also, bringing general medicines can be helpful, as minor illnesses may occur due to changes in the weather.
How To Reach Rishikesh
- Via Flight: There is no airport in Rishikesh; the nearest airport is Jollygrant Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 34 km away. After landing, buses and taxis are available to Rishikesh. All major cities offer flights to Dehradun.
- By Train: Haridwar has excellent train connections to major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow. It is just 25 kilometers from Rishikesh to Haridwar Junction Station. From there, you can take a bus or a cab, which will take about an hour to reach Rishikesh. Although Rishikesh has its own train station, it offers limited daily train services, which tend to operate at a slow pace. As a result, most visitors prefer to travel to Haridwar Junction instead.
- By Road: The roads are in good condition, and the town is well-connected to Delhi and other nearby cities. The roads are nice to drive on if you’re driving your own car. You may also take a bus that departs from Kashmiri Gate in Delhi daily. It usually takes between 6 and 7 hours to get from Delhi to Rishikesh.
Conclusion
April Rishikesh is the best combination of nature, adventure, and spirituality. The weather is calm and pleasant and is perfect for exploring, doing activities, or taking yoga teacher training and meditation classes in a peaceful place. Rishikesh has a lot to offer like you can have an exciting river rafting or trekking experience, and at the same time, you can visit the old temples and the famous ashrams. The vibrant festivals, delicious food, and friendly, hospitable people are the few things that add up to the magic of this city. If you want to be rejuvenated through some adventure, relaxation, or a spiritual journey, then a trip to Rishikesh in April will definitely make it happen.
