About Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a sacred town in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the holy Ganga, 24 km north of Haridwar. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World and the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas," Rishikesh has been a centre of pilgrimage, meditation, yoga, and spiritual learning for thousands of years. Sages and saints from across India have traditionally retreated here for tapasya (austerity) and self-realisation.
Triveni Ghat
The main ghat of Rishikesh, Triveni Ghat is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are believed to converge. The evening Maha Aarti here is a powerful spiritual experience with hundreds of devotees participating in the lamp-lighting ceremony.
Ram Jhula & Lakshman Jhula
Two iconic suspension bridges over the Ganga, Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, are landmarks of Rishikesh. Lakshman Jhula (built 1929) was where Lakshmana is believed to have crossed the Ganga on a jute rope. Both bridges connect temples and ashrams on both banks and offer stunning views of the river and mountains.
Temples of Rishikesh
Key temples include Trayambakeshwar Temple near Lakshman Jhula (dedicated to Shiva with 13-storeys), Bharat Mandir (the oldest temple in Rishikesh, founded by Adi Shankaracharya), Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (15 km from Rishikesh in dense forest, where Shiva drank the cosmic poison), and Kunjapuri Devi Temple offering sunrise views of Himalayas.
Ashrams & Yoga
Rishikesh has over 100 ashrams and yoga centres. The Parmarth Niketan Ashram hosts the largest Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh. The Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society, founded 1936) is one of the oldest yoga institutions. The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutiya), where John Lennon and the Beatles visited in 1968, is now an art-filled heritage walk.
Adventure Activities
Rishikesh is the adventure capital of India: white water rafting on the Ganga (Grade 1–5 rapids), bungee jumping from a 83-m cliff, river camping, cliff jumping, rock climbing, and trekking to Rajaji National Park, Neer Garh Waterfall, and beyond.
Char Dham Gateway
Rishikesh is the last major town before the mountains and the starting point for the Char Dham Yatra — pilgrimages to Gangotri (source of Ganga), Yamunotri (source of Yamuna), Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November. Monsoon (July–August) brings rough Ganga waters. International Yoga Festival (March) draws yoga practitioners from 100+ countries.
How to Reach
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), 35 km away. Haridwar Railway Station (24 km) is the nearest major railway station. Regular buses and taxis connect from Delhi (250 km), Haridwar, and Dehradun.
