India · Region
Rishikesh
Rishikesh sits where the Ganges rushes out of the Himalayan foothills, drawing pilgrims, yoga students, and rafters to its ashrams, temples, and riverside ghats. Known as the "Gateway to the Himalayas," it blends spiritual ritual — evening Ganga Aarti, meditation courses — with adventure sports like white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
Top attractions
attraction Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Rishikesh Travel Guide (4.6★)
Parmarth Niketan Ashram sits on Main Market Road in Swarg Ashram, on the eastern bank near Ram Jhula, and it's open daily from 8am to 10pm. 4.6★ (23,950 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Rajaji Tiger Reserve: Rishikesh Travel Guide (4.3★)
Rajaji Tiger Reserve near Rishikesh is a 820-square-kilometre forest straddling the Shivalik foothills, best visited on an early-morning or late-afternoon jeep safari through the Chilla or Motichur gates. 4.3★ (23,879 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Hidden gems
hidden gem Lakshman Jhula: Rishikesh Travel Guide (4.5★)
Lakshman Jhula is the iron suspension bridge over the Ganges at Tapovan and Jonk, about 5 km upstream of central Rishikesh. 4.5★ (6,677 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Triveni Ghat: Rishikesh Travel Guide (4.6★)
Triveni Ghat is Rishikesh's main bathing and cremation-free ghat on the Ganges, best known for its nightly Ganga Aarti fire ceremony at dusk. 4.6★ (63,241 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Rishikesh
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Where to stay in Rishikesh
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Frequently asked questions about Rishikesh
How do I get to Rishikesh?
Rishikesh has no airport of its own — the nearest is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (DED), roughly 20-25 km away with regular flights to Delhi and other major cities. For rail, Haridwar Junction is the main railhead with frequent long-distance trains from across India, though Rishikesh does have its own smaller station (RKSH/Yog Nagari Rishikesh); from either the airport or Haridwar, travellers continue on by taxi or bus (~30-50 minutes). Many visitors also arrive by direct bus from Delhi's ISBT Kashmiri Gate, a journey of roughly 6-8 hours by road.
How many days should I spend in Rishikesh?
Plan on ~2-3 days to cover the main ghats, temples, and Ganga Aarti, or ~4-5 days if adding a yoga course, rafting trip, or side excursions into the surrounding Himalayan foothills.
What is Rishikesh known for?
Rishikesh sits where the Ganges rushes out of the Himalayan foothills, drawing pilgrims, yoga students, and rafters to its ashrams, temples, and riverside ghats. Known as the "Gateway to the Himalayas," it blends spiritual ritual — evening Ganga Aarti, meditation courses — with adventure sports like white-water rafting and bungee jumping.