Rishikesh
Rishikesh, a holy city for the Hindus is situated in the Garhwal administrative division in the Tehri Garhwal region in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand. In the foothills of the Himalayas, the beautiful Shivalik range surrounds it on three sides with the pristine river Ganga flowing through the city.
A centre for yoga, spirituality and meditation with the culmination of the western ambience, lush greenery, adventure activities, vogue cafes, snazzy hostels and delicacies from northern India and Punjab make it an ideal place for everyone.
Tapovan, Rishikesh
Tapovan, Rishikesh is a small town next to/in Rishikesh along the banks of river Ganga known for its narrow laned streets with bustling cafes, Yoga Ashrams, snazzy hostels, laid-back lifestyle and upscale resorts. People from India and abroad visit Rishikesh for practising yoga and live the hostel life. Some of them fall in love with this place and stay there for months and years.
Some teach yoga, some live the hippie lifestyle while others live in Ashrams and practice yoga and spirituality.
Young and old, black and white, Brahmin and Kshatriya, Hindu and Christian. All kinds of people visit Rishikesh and assimilate into the culture and practices here.
I'd recommend you to live in Tapovan, Rishikesh.Places to visit and things to do
Sunrise at the Ganga ghats and Ganga aarti
Visit the ashrams
Visit the temples
The 3 suspension bridges/Jhulas
The 3 + 2 waterfalls
Beaches
Adventure sports
Cafe hunt and hostel in Tapovan
Walk through Rishikesh and Tapovan
Practice yoga or learn for a few weeks if not months
Itinerary
Places to visit nearby
Places to visit and things to do
1. Sunrise at the Ganga ghats and Ganga aarti
● Visit the Ganga ghats early in the morning for watching the sunrise and late in the evening for the Ganga Aarti and feel the calmness and the bliss that comes with it.
The best location for the Ganga aarti would be Parmarth Niketan Ashram or the Triveni ghat between 5 and 7 pm every day. If you have time for just one, make sure to visit the Triveni ghat.This would take at least 30 minutes to a few hours.
● Eat Chai with bread from the local vendors, try out different Indian delicacies from the small shops and you won’t be disappointed. You could buy a souvenir to take back home for friends and family.
● Sit next to the Ganga ghats or take a walk or take a dip in the holy river Ganga. Please note that swimming in the river is not allowed. Given the uncertain nature of the tides and rapids in the river, it is advised not to venture out without a professional.
2. Visit the ashrams
● Ashrams provide a place to immerse oneself in the 'Sadhana' which is a practice or learning, especially a religious one.
● These can also provide accommodation for free for long-term devotees and for short-term stays on a paid basis.
● The knowledge shared by Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati ji in the evening Satsang at Parmarth Niketan at 7 pm every day is priceless.
Visit ashrams like the renowned Pararth Niketan which also hosts the International yoga festival in the month of March and the 100 days celebration heading into the international yoga day on the 21st of June in the yoga capital of the world is not be missed.The Beatles ashram/Chaurasi Kutiya, Madhuban Ashram and Sivananda Ashram must be experienced in the aforementioned order.Keep 2-3 hours handy for an Ashram visit.3. Visit the temples
● One can see a small temple in every nook and corner of Rishikesh.
● Temples with hawans and aartis (Holy rituals in Hinduism) can be witnessed at the Ganga ghats at dusk and dawn predominantly.
A. Kunjapuri Devi Temple - Infamous as the Kunjapuri sunrise trek. It is recommended to rent a scooter and drive up to the temple and witness the gorgeous sunrise with the Himalayas in the background or trek up to the viewpoint.
- As there are no buses available, one could also book a cab (the white jeeps that can be found near muni ki reti) with a bunch of people(it can get expensive for a single-person booking) to reach the spot.
- Dedicate 3-4 hours to this. (27km from Rishikesh)
B. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple - Situated in a dense forest and is worth a visit.
- Take your own scooter or ask a street vendor near ram jhula for the location where busses arrive and hop on them to reach the temple.
- 3-4 hours for this. (23km from Rishikesh)
- Neelkanth waterfall and Taliyal waterfall are situated close by and can be visited as well.C. Trayambakeshwar Temple - Visit it for the architecture and a breathtaking view of the river Ganga cascading down the mountains.
- 10 minutes walk from the Lakshman Jhula.
D. Bhoothnath Temple - provides a magnificent view of Rishikesh and the neighbouring towns.
- A 10-minute walk from the Parmarth Niketan.
E. Lakshman Temple - A temple that acts as a great viewpoint too.
- Situated near the Lakshman Jhula.4. The 3 suspension bridges/Jhulas
● All are situated within walking distance from one another and from the main city markets.
● These are suspension bridges across the river
Ram jhula, Lakshman jhula, Janki jhula.The ghats and beaches under the bridge are worth a visit and the marks near Ram and Janki jhula should definitely be explored.Janki jhula does not provide a view as the pedestrian pathway is in the middle (away from the edges).
5. The 3 + 2 waterfalls
● Visit these majestic waterfalls depending on the proximity of the location and the time available.
Neer waterfall, Patna waterfall and the secret waterfallThe secret waterfall is a tiny one but the hike up the hill through the streets of Tapovan makes it worthwhile.The best mode of transport is a shared cab if not a scooter or a hike depending on the distance.Can visit the Neelkanth waterfall and Taliyal waterfall which are close to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.6. Beaches
● Relax on the beaches when the sun is not overhead.
● These are great picnic spots too and you can exchange a hello with the rafts passing by.
Goa beach, Neem beach and Ganga beach are all within walking distance from Tapovan but a rickshaw/auto is required till Tapovan if you're coming from the farther end of Rishikesh.Note that the autos do not go beyond Tapovan. So you must walk.7. Adventure sports
● For all adrenaline junkies like me, you're at the right destination.
● Rishikesh provides a ton of adventure sports and activities like white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, bungee jumping, rock climbing, camping and a lot more.
Jumping heights in Mohan Chatti, Rishikesh offers the best experience of bungee jumping as it is situated in the mountains and provides breathtaking views.It is to be noted that they are always booked and one needs to book a slot well in advance.● Pre-book with a tour company and you will get the assurance of an organised tour and a wonderful experience. They’ve got you covered. Though, the transportation needs to be arranged on your own.
Some find it thrilling to explore the last-minute options which can be done given the sheer amount of shops selling adventure activities in Rishikesh, Tapovan and in Muni Ki Reti (near Janki jhula) predominantly.White water rafting is definitely worth it. In case of an offline booking, visit a few shops and settle for the best deal.
8. Cafe hunt and hostel in Tapovan
● "Western cafe and hostel vibes" is synonymous with Tapovan.
● Be it with friends and family or just by yourself cafes are worth a visit.
● Cafes are in abundance in Tapovan and their location in the mountains with mesmerising views makes them even more special. Be prepared to spend the equivalent of a fine dining restaurant.
Visit Dada's thali in Tapovan for an authentic, affordable meal.Hostels are the best places to live to meet new people and socialize.I recommend you live in a hostel and you wouldn't need to visit a cafe or a resort!9. Walk through Rishikesh and Tapovan
● These places are walkable and the views are stunning. From the beautiful landscape to the markets and street stalls. From the narrow and steep lanes in Tapovan to the bustling city centre of Rishikesh. It has something to offer to everyone.
● Go to most nearby places on foot and you'll love it.
The city is walkable and I would recommend you to walk, walk and walk (Provided, you're spending at least 3 days there).
10. Practice yoga or learn for a few weeks if not months
● Historically, river banks and hills in the vicinity of the town were used by saints for yoga and meditation.
● With the Beatles band sojourning in Rishikesh in 1968, Rishikesh and grown to become the yoga capital of the world.
Renowned ashrams and internationally recognised yoga centres are plentiful here.One can join them for a few days up to a few weeks and deluge oneself with the benefits of yoga.Immerse yourself in yoga by the holy river Ganga and get energised for the day.● The international yoga festival is hosted at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in March every year and marks the 100-day countdown to international yoga day.
Itinerary
1. 1-day Rishikesh itinerary
● Early morning (5:30-6:00) - Kunjapuri temple and sunrise viewpoint / Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram
● Late morning (8:00-9:00) - Walk across Ram jhula to Parmarth Niketan, Beatles Ashram and explore the Ganga ghats
● Noon (12:00) - Go river rafting (3-4 hours) / try out an adventure activity / Cafe hunt / Visit temples or ashrams nearby
● Evening (17:00-19:00) - Witness the Ganga aarti
● Late evening (19:00-20:00) - Post Ganga aarti event at Parmarth Niketan / Restaurant hunt / sit at the Ganga ghats
● Night (22:00) - End your day early with some events at the hostel.
2. 3-4 day Rishikesh itinerary
You can relax a bit more this time.D1
● Early morning (5:30-6:00) - Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram
● Late morning (8:00-9:00) - Explore Rishikesh, Ram jhula and Janaki jhula areas on foot
● Late morning (10:00-11:00) - Visit Bhaoothnath Temple and Beatles Ashram
● Afternoon (13:00-14:00) - Take the bus or drive to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
● Evening (17:00) - Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan
● Late evening (19:00) - Explore Parmarth Niketan / walk around the markets nearby.
D2
● Early morning (5:30-6:00) - Kunjapuri sunrise trek/drive
● Late morning (9:00-11:00) - White water rafting
● Afternoon (14:00-15:00) - Camping in Shivpuri
● Spend the entire day and the next morning in the camps
D3
● Morning (8:00-9:00) - Return from the camp
● Late morning (10:00-11:00) - Visit one of the waterfalls
● Evening (16:00-17:00) - Relax at a beach or Ghat / Explore Tapovan on foot
● Evening (17:00-18:00) - Ganga aarti at Triveni ghat and explore the markets around
D4
● Morning (7:00-8:00) - Explore the temples nearby
● Late morning (10:00-11:00) - Try an adventure activity / Explore Shivpuri / Visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the waterfalls nearby
● Evening (17:00-18:00) - Relax by the river at a beach or ghat / Explore ashrams, cafes
● Late Evening (20:00) - Call it a day
3. 1 week to 1 month
You have plenty of time now. You can visit most of the places I've mentioned and relax a lot more.Remember to rent a scooter or a bike.If you're here for a few weeks, make sure to join a yoga course at a yoga centre or an Ashram.Places to visit nearby
● The following places near Rishikesh can be covered in a day or two.
Shivpuri is a gorgeous valley near Rishikesh and is worth a visit. It is advised to go there in a rented vehicle. This would help you save a lot on transportation.
Dehradun, Haridwar or the chote char dham are the four pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand viz. Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri can be visited by the government buses from the Rishikesh bus stand.
They operate early in the morning and in the evening.
If you have a tight budget, go with the non-AC government buses instead of the AC government buses or private ones.
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