Rishikesh Itinerary: Tourist Attractions, Do, Stay and Reach

Rishikesh is a holy city located in the religious state of Uttarakhand in India. Geographically, it is a city located between Haridwar and Dehradun. Situated on the right bank of the river Ganges, this city is full of temples and ashrams. It is a holy pilgrimage city for Hindus, where ancient sages used to meditate in search of spiritual knowledge. Some also call Rishikesh by other addresses due to special achievements in various fields, such as –

Adventure Capital of India
Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas
Yoga Capital of the World / Yog Nagari
Hrishikesh, i.e.- Lord of Senses. ‘Hrishik’ means senses
Kubjamraka – This name is found in Skanda Purana

Rishikesh is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. The weather here is suitable for visiting throughout the year. Once you visit Rishikesh, you will not be able to forget this wonderful city for the rest of your life.

Table of Content

Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh
What to Do in Rishikesh
Where to Stay in Rishikesh
1. Camps in Rishikesh
How to Reach Rishikesh

Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh

Located in the beautiful Himalayan foothills next to the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh is a great place for tourists. You will find many ashrams along the river where you can learn yoga and meditation, which offers a calm and peaceful experience. There are also old and fascinating temples, such as the Bharat Mandir and the uniquely designed Trimbakeshwar Temple, which reflect the rich religious history of the region.

The famous suspension bridges, Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, are not just for crossing the river; they also give you beautiful views of the flowing Ganges and the surrounding green hills. Apart from its spiritual side, Rishikesh is also great for adventure, with exciting river rafting and trekking opportunities in the surrounding nature.

This mix of peaceful ashrams, iconic temples, interesting bridges, and thrilling activities makes Rishikesh an attractive destination for all kinds of travelers looking for peace or adventure. You can explore the spiritual heart of India or enjoy the natural beauty and thrilling activities the region has to offer.

Bridges on Ganges in Rishikesh

The swings or bridges in Rishikesh have been a tourist attraction for years. The most famous of these is the Laxman Jhula, which swings over the Ganges and offers a panoramic view of the Ganges and its surrounding areas. Ram Jhula offers a view bathed in soft sunlight that everyone enjoys. Firmly linking the banks of the flowing river, these iconic swings offer a timeless experience in a peaceful manner.

1. Lakshman Jhula

A famous iron suspension bridge that connects Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal district to Jonk in Pauri Garhwal district. The current iron suspension bridge was completed in 1929 and opened to traffic on April 11, 1930. It replaced an older 284-foot jute rope bridge built in 1889, which was washed away in the floods of 1924.It’s believed that Lord Lakshmana crossed the Ganges here on jute ropes. Note that this bridge was closed to all traffic in 2019 due to safety concerns, and a new bridge, Bajrang Setu (a glass-floored bridge), is under construction as its replacement.

2. Ram Jhula

Another well-known iron suspension bridge located a couple of kilometers downstream from Lakshman Jhula. It connects Sivananda Ashram with Swargashram. This bridge is wider and usually busier, allowing pedestrians and two-wheelers. This suspension bridge was built later, inaugurated in 1986. Locals often refer to it as Shivananda Jhula.

3. Janki Setu (Janki Jhula)

A newer pedestrian-only suspension bridge that connects the areas near Janki Chatti. It provides another crossing over the Ganges and offers good views. This is the newest of the main bridges and was inaugurated on November 20, 2020. It’s a three-lane pedestrian suspension bridge.

4. Bajrang Setu

This is a new glass-floored bridge being constructed next to Lakshman Jhula as its replacement.

So, when you hear about a “Jhula” in Rishikesh, it’s almost certainly referring to one of the suspension bridges over the Ganges, known for their slight swaying motion.

Temples in the City

Rishikesh is a holy place situated along the banks of the river Ganges, where gods and goddesses are worshipped peacefully. While Rishikesh has temples devoted to numerous deities, Lord Shiva is considered the most famous. There are numerous temples dedicated to him, including the well-known Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

Along the river, devotees continuously offer prayers, visiting sites ranging from the tall and uniquely structured thirteen-story Trayambakeshwar Temple to the ancient Bharat Mandir. Bharat Mandir is named after Lord Rama’s brother Bharat and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is considered to be the oldest temple in Rishikesh, so it has special historical significance.

Some others are –

NeelKanth Mahadev Temple
Tera Manzil Temple
Hanuman Temple

Ashrams for inner peace

By Ganga’s banks, ashrams stand, for seekers far and near. Yoga’s wisdom, gently planned, dispelling doubt and fear. Meditation’s quiet call, in halls of tranquil peace, Where spiritual lessons fall, and inner journeys increase. Rishikesh is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and is home to numerous ashrams. These spiritual retreats offer yoga, meditation, and a serene environment along the Ganges. Some famous ashrams include Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, and the Beatles Ashram.

Beatles Ashram
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Swargashram Trust
Geeta Bhawan
Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society)

What to Do in Rishikesh

Rishikesh offers a diverse range of activities catering to spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. People come here to attend various events in Rishikesh. Apart from these, Rishikesh is famous for its religious places like temples, ashrams, yoga and meditation centers and Ganga Aarti etc. Along with this, adventure activities like bungee jumping, river rafting in the Ganges and many other unique experiences are also available here. Here are some popular things to do:

Spiritual Activities

Visit Ashrams: Explore numerous ashrams like Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, and the Beatles Ashram to learn about yoga, meditation, and spiritual teachings. Some offer courses and retreats.
Attend Ganga Aarti: Witness the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan, a spiritual experience with chanting, music, and lamps offered to the river. (Read complete article on “Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh”)
Temple Visits: Explore ancient temples such as Bharat Mandir, Trayambakeshwar Temple (Tera Manzil), and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Meditation and Yoga: Rishikesh is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ so taking a yoga class or finding a peaceful spot for meditation is highly recommended. The ‘Annual International Yoga Festival’ in Rishikesh is primarily organized by Parmarth Niketan Ashram, with the support of Incredible India and the Ministry of Tourism. The festival is held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, which is located in Swargashram, Rishikesh, on the banks of the holy Ganges River and in the lap of the Himalayas.

Adventure Activities

River Rafting on Ganges, Rishikesh

River Rafting: Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Ganges, with various rapids suitable for different experience levels. Popular stretches include Shivpuri to Rishikesh.
Bungee Jumping & Giant Swing: For adrenaline junkies, try bungee jumping from significant heights or the giant swing for an exhilarating experience.
Trekking: Explore the scenic trails around Rishikesh, such as treks to waterfalls (Neer Garh), temples (Kunjapuri), or through the surrounding hills.
Ziplining (Flying Fox): Soar across the landscape on a zipline for a unique perspective of the area.
Other Adventures: You can also find opportunities for rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, paragliding, and even reverse bungee.

Other Activities

Walk Across the Bridges: Stroll across the iconic Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges, enjoying the views and the bustling atmosphere around them.
Explore Cafes: Rishikesh has a vibrant cafe culture with many offering healthy and international cuisine.
Visit Waterfalls: Take a trip to nearby waterfalls like Neer Garh Waterfall for a refreshing break.
Wildlife at Rajaji National Park: If you have time, explore the Rajaji National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna.

Whether you are looking for spiritual enlightenment or adventure, Rishikesh has plenty of activities for you, like yoga, meditation, adventure sports, attending Ganga Aarti, trekking, shopping, etc.

Where to Stay in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a relatively affordable city and the cost of living here is much lower than other big cities in India. However, it also depends on your expectations and lifestyle choices. If you don’t know where to stay in this city, I recommend staying in Tapovan. This place is the center of the yoga city, close to the main ashrams, Ganga Ghat and the surrounding hills.

If you are planning to visit Rishikesh for the first time, let us tell you that people consider it a holy land and an important pilgrimage site of the country, and therefore they completely prohibit alcohol and non-vegetarian food here.

Camps in Rishikesh

Rishikesh offers a fantastic range of camping experiences, from budget-friendly riverside options to luxurious stays with modern amenities. Here are some of the best types and popular camps:

Types of Camps:

Riverside Camps: Located along the banks of the Ganges, these offer scenic views and easy access to the river. Popular areas for these include Shivpuri, Byasi, and near Neelkanth Road.
Luxury Camps: These provide comfortable accommodations like spacious tents or cottages with amenities such as attached bathrooms, electricity, and sometimes even air conditioning. Examples include Camp Brook and Aspen Camp.
Adventure Camps: Focused on activities like river rafting, trekking, and other adventure sports. Many camps combine accommodation with these activities.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Camp:

Location: Decide if you prefer to be right by the river, in a more secluded jungle setting, or closer to the town.
Amenities: Check for facilities like attached bathrooms, electricity, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and the inclusion of meals.
Activities: If you’re interested in rafting, trekking, or other activities, look for camps that offer these.
Reviews: Read recent reviews to get an idea of other travelers’ experiences.

How to reach Rishikesh

The distance between Dehradun and Rishikesh is 43 kilometres by road and 34 kilometres by air. There are the following means to reach here –

Rail – Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station (Station Code: YNRK) is a railway station that provides rail service to Rishikesh. But it does not connect to major Indian cities except Haridwar. So, the nearest major railway station, Haridwar, connects to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Meerut, and Varanasi through an extensive network of trains.
Road – This holy city is connected to the state capital Dehradun, 43 km from the city. There are many private and shared taxi service providers that offer their services to and from Rishikesh. Adequate transport facilities are available from here to Dehradun, Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi etc. as a large number of people come and go from these cities also.
Airways – The nearest airports are Dehradun Airport (15 km) and New Delhi International Airport (240 km).

Best time to visit – The best time to visit Rishikesh is between October and February when the weather is pleasant.

It is the most preferred Tourist place in Uttarakhand and the crown of Uttarakhand Tourism. Here I have tried to explain all the important topics related to the city in brief. Read our other articles for more information. If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family for a meaningful trip to Rishikesh.

[Local Culture and Cuisine, Getting Around Rishikesh]

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