Often dubbed as the Yoga Capital of the World and the hottest white river rafting site in India, Rishikesh offers an array of activities that engage spiritual and adventure seekers alike. With a footfall of millions of domestic and international visitors every year, the pilgrimage town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern India. It holds a deep unparalleled spiritual beauty and serenity.
About Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination as the Hindu Char Dham pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath begins from here. Apart from being the ideal destination for pilgrims, it is also called the ‘Yoga Capital of the World.’ For the adventurous, it is a popular destination to begin various trekking expeditions and activities in the Himalayan peaks.
Location
Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, surrounded by the Himalayan Shivalik Ranges on the banks of the River Ganga. Nestled at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, the mountain town offers delightful views of the Himalayan landscape.
Weather
Embark on an adventure in summer or winter, based on your interests and preferences. Traveling from March to May is not ideal as it can be very hot and humid for exploration. Winter is usually at its peak from October to February. You may want to avoid traveling to Uttarakhand during monsoon due to heavy rainfall, and high chances of landslides and cloud bursts.
History
Rishikesh means ‘lord of the senses’, and that is another name of Lord Vishnu, who appeared as ‘Raibhya Rishi,’ under a mango tree. It is a legend that when a fierce fire broke out here, Lord Shiva was angry with Lord Agni and put a curse on him. This is why the town stands tall as one of the Holy Destinations for Hindus. The city is home to many religious sites, including ancient temples. Even to this day, a large number of saints and sages visit the town and never leave for years to come.
Geography
The Ganga flows for 250 km, gushing through the Himalayan valley before entering Rishikesh. It has an average elevation of 1,120 ft above sea level. The town is located in the Tehri Garhwal region of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. From the pine-covered valleys to the roaring Ganges, the town is a treat for all senses.
Things to do in Rishikesh
Over the years, Rishikesh has become a hotspot for tourists and travellers of all kinds. Apart from tourists on a pilgrimage or taking a dip in the Ganges, there are also those looking for other activities like yoga and mountaineering. Channel the traveller in you by exploring some of the curated places and activities for you.
Fun activities in Rishikesh
- Bungee Jumping: Jumpin Heights features India’s highest bungee jumping here, with a height of 83 meters.
- Parasailing: Get a bird’s-eye view of the valley 1500 ft above the ground of breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Kayaking: The Ganges makes it one of the best places to kayak in the country.
- River Rafting: As the rafting capital of India, Rishikesh is home to various trained experts to help you explore out-of-the-world adventures.
Offbeat activities in Rishikesh
- Rishikund Hot Water Springs: Near the Raghunath Temple lies the beautiful and ancient hot water springs. It is believed that Lord Rama came and took a dip in these springs while he was in exile.
- Neer Garh/ Neer Gaddu Waterfall: Located around 5 kilometers from Lakshman Jhula, this waterfall is one-of-a-kind. The short hike is worth the effort!
- Jhilmil Gufa: Located at Manikoot Parvat is a set of 3 caves about 4 kilometers from the Neelkanth Temple. It is an hour’s hike through the dense jungle.
Places to visit in Rishikesh
Explore these popular tourist attractions:
- Ram Jhula: A 450-foot bridge that offers a panoramic view of river Ganga and connects the Sivananda Ashram with Swargashram.
- Lakshman Jhula: Believed to be the site where Lord Lakshman, brother of Lord Ram, crossed the river Ganga.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: The famous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by dense forests of the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges.
- Karnaprayag: Karnaprayag is believed by many to be the place where Karna of the Mahabharata was to have worshiped the Sun God.
- Triveni Ghat: It is the confluence of the 3 holy rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, where several pilgrims believe that taking a dip has the power to wash away your sins and purify your soul.
Places to visit nearby
Visit the following places to explore other popular destinations around the vicinity for a memorable experience.
- Rajaji Tiger Reserve is an Indian national park and tiger reserve that encompasses the Shivaliks, near the foothills of the Himalayas, located 19 km away.
- Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerged. The water is crystal clear and surrounded by lush green forests, which is about 20 km away
- Byasi is known for its adventurous water sports like river rafting and camping which is less than 30 km away from Rishikesh.
How to Plan a Trip to Rishikesh
The most suitable way to plan a trip is to choose the best route, mode of transport, and more. Here are some dominant transport modes to reach the town.
How to reach
By road
Rishikesh is a well-connected tourist destination by the NH 7 route from Dehradun (45 km), Chandigarh (209 km), Delhi (258 km), and Shimla (269 km). You can book a cab from dehradun to rishikesh with Savaari’s car rental app or any of the other cities and enjoy your journey to the Valley of the Gods. If you are traveling from Dehradun to Rishikesh, read this informative travel guide for a well-planned journey.
By train
Yog Nagari Rishikesh railway station (6 km) is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh and is well connected with the rest of the country. You can book a taxi service in rishikesh to explore this destination.
By air
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is only 20 kilometers away and should hardly take you 30 minutes to reach Rishikesh from there. There are regular flights for which the Dehradun Airport is the main transfer location. Upon arrival, you can book a cab to rishikesh from dehradun airport .
Best time to visit
Between September and April, Rishikesh can satisfy every individual’s yearnings, varying from religious to spiritual, cultural to historical, and recreational to adventurous; there are attractions for every individual’s needs and wants.
