Top Places to visit in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a town located in Uttarakhand also known as gateway to himalayas. It is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges and is renowned as a hub for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Rishikesh is famous for its plethora of yoga and meditation retreats, ashrams, and spiritual centers that attract people from all over the world seeking inner peace and spiritual growth. The town is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas, offering a range of adventure activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, trekking, and camping.

Airport located in Dehradun known as Jolly Grant Airport which is 21 km away from Rishikesh. The town also has a railway station that connects it to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. People can also hire taxis . If travelling via dehradun then prople can rent self drive cars in dehradun to visit rishikesh.

Once in Rishikesh, there is no shortage of things to do. Visitors can attend the Ganga Aarti, a daily prayer offering to the River Ganges, and witness the sight of hundreds of lamps floating on the river. They can also visit the Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles came to stay and meditate in the 1960s, and explore the abandoned ashram's stunning graffiti art. For adventure enthusiasts, there are opportunities for white water rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking to nearby waterfalls and hilltops.

Rishikesh is also known for its vibrant and colorful markets, where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants offering a range of cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options, and visitors can savor local delicacies such as chaat, chole bhature, and lassi.

Overall, Rishikesh is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and wanting to experience a blend of spirituality, adventure, and culture in the lap of nature.

Things to do in Rishikesh:

Attend the Ganga Aarti: The Ganga Aarti is a daily prayer ceremony that takes place in the evening at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It involves chanting, ringing of bells, and lighting of lamps that are floated on the River Ganges. The ceremony is a beautiful and serene experience that leaves visitors with a feeling of inner peace and spirituality.

Visit the Beatles Ashram: The Beatles Ashram, also known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, is an abandoned ashram that was once the meditation center of the Beatles in the 1960s. It is now a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning graffiti art and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the ashram's ruins and marvel at the intricate artwork.

Go white water rafting: Rishikesh is known as the white water rafting capital of India, and the Ganges River offers a range of rapids suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. There are several adventure tour operators that offer white water rafting experiences that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Trek to Neer Garh Waterfall: The Neer Garh Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located about 6 km from Rishikesh. Visitors can take a trek to the waterfall, which takes about an hour, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. The waterfall is a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing in the cool waters.

Explore the local markets: Rishikesh is known for its vibrant and colorful markets, where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing. The markets are a great place to soak up the local culture and sample some of the local delicacies such as chaat, chole bhature, and lassi.

Visit the Rajaji National Park: The Rajaji National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located about 20 km from Rishikesh. It is home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer. Visitors can take a jeep safari, go bird watching, or enjoy a nature walk to explore the park's stunning natural beauty.

Take a yoga class: Rishikesh is renowned as a hub for yoga and meditation, and visitors can take a yoga class at one of the many yoga and meditation centers in the town. The classes are suitable for all levels, and the serene and peaceful surroundings provide the perfect environment for a calming and rejuvenating yoga practice.

Go bungee jumping: For adventure seekers, Rishikesh offers the opportunity to go bungee jumping from a height of 83 meters. The jump takes place from a bridge over the River Ganges and is sure to give you an adrenaline rush like no other.

Visit the Triveni Ghat: The Triveni Ghat is a popular bathing ghat located in the heart of Rishikesh. It is believed to be the confluence of three rivers - Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati - and is a sacred spot for Hindus. Visitors can take a holy dip in ganga river and see the evening aarti ceremony.

Roadtrip to Devprayag: Devprayag is also known as Sangam where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river merges with each other. To see the majistic place people can do roadtrip by hiring self drive car rental from dehradun. Vendors delivers car to Rishikesh also.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Rishikesh. The town's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure activities make it a perfect destination for a memorable vacation.