Rishikesh Travel Guide

From serene mountains to holy rivers to pristine riverbanks, Rishikesh is a unique blend of adventure and spirituality. Surrounded by a unique divine aura, dip into the sacred waters of the Ganga or stroll down the spiritual lanes of the Beatles' Ashram, and you are sure to find the peace you’ve been looking for so far. You may even take the road less travelled and find some hidden gems in the heart of the Himalayas.

The Beatles Ashram is one of the most famous places to visit in Rishikesh, and almost everyone who plans a tour to Rishikesh has this on their bucket list. Interestingly, the temple has been there for a long time, but it has only recently come into the limelight after the famous band the Beatles visited. In fact, the temple is not a restored or renovated one like many other famous Asian temples. The temple gained fame after the Beatles' visit, during which they claimed to have written one of their best pieces after a peaceful meditation session. This is not surprising, considering the serene atmosphere that can be experienced upon visiting. Only a few things have changed, like some recently added urban murals that are exceptionally photogenic and touristy.

One of the most divine experiences you can have in Rishikesh, aside from indulging in meditation and yoga sessions, is witnessing the magnificent evening aarti at Triveni Ghat. This is undoubtedly something you don’t wanna miss out on. In fact, we are sure you’ll come back every evening. The Ghat is packed with hundreds of locals and tourists every evening, who flock together to watch the mesmerising ‘Sandhyaarti’. The ambience that you see cannot be found elsewhere in India. Experiencing an Aarti at Triveni Ghat is on the bucket list of many travellers who come to India wanting to explore the local culture. You can also take part in it by offering some flowers or ‘diya’ to the holy Ganga.

A trip to Rishikesh is never complete without a wholesome yoga session, which is considered a vital aspect of spirituality. You can find a peaceful spot by the riverbank to enjoy some alone time practising yoga. You can also join a class with fellow yogic practitioners and learn the art more accurately from an experienced trainer; such schools are readily available. But if you plan on it, it’s best to get associated with some accredited schools that can help you get a valuable yoga training certificate while you enjoy your vacation. And if you really enjoy one class, many schools offer yoga teacher training courses, which can be even more valuable.

River rafting through the pristine waters of Rishikesh, which flow through the foothills of the Himalayas, is truly worth experiencing once. There are two kinds of river rafting experiences that you can look for - one which is a bit more fast-paced and adventurous, and the other that is more slow-paced so that you can enjoy nature, flowing steadily through the cool breeze. Although it depends on the person, soft rafting is recommended chiefly because the water current is less intense and unlikely to cause any fatalities; overall, it is a fantastic experience. Most hotels and resorts offer rafting packages.

Getting to experience a blissful sunrise in the spiritual capital of India cannot be anything less than a blessing! Most hotels and resorts have arrangements to access the temple, which is located at a higher altitude, featuring a concrete platform where people gather to catch the sunrise before 4 AM. If the sky is clear, you are bound to get some gorgeous glimpses of the sunrise. Afterwards, you can climb down and visit the temple for a quick prayer and indulge in some authentic Indian food on your way back.

Another hidden gem of Rishikesh, although not so hidden anymore, the place is nothing short of mesmerising. The trio of waterfalls is situated on the road leading down from the Kunjapuri Devi Temple and is a sight to behold. You can either trek to the location from the temple or easily catch a ride from the city. Entry to the waterfall is free, and it takes approximately 1.5 hours to trek there from the city. If you want to rent a scooty, it costs an average of 300 INR a day.

Owing to the fantastic weather and lower incidences of natural disasters compared to other Himalayan tourist destinations in India, Rishikesh is a perfect tourist destination all year round. You get to experience different seasons, weather, and natural beauties in various months of the year. While the winters are chilly, the summers are pleasant and comfortable.