Mumbai: Nestled in the Himalayas with the serene Ganga flowing through it, Rishikesh is a prominent tourist and pilgrimage destination in Northern India, attracting visitors worldwide in search of peace. Known as the ‘Yoga capital of the world,’ Rishikesh is bustling with people eager to learn yoga and meditation. The town boasts numerous ashrams, some internationally recognised as centres for philosophical studies, yoga, and other traditional Indian wellness practices. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board hosts the annual International Yog Festival (IYF) here, drawing thousands of yoga enthusiasts.
Rishikesh is steeped in legend, mentioned in the ancient text Skanda Purana and the epic Ramayana, where it is said Lord Rama and his brothers performed penance after defeating Ravana.
Rishikesh weather
Rishikesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills of northern India, features a predominantly humid subtropical climate. Temperatures in Rishikesh gradually rise from an average high of 19°C in January to a peak of 36°C in the summer months, particularly from May to June. Similarly, average lows start at 6°C in January, peaking at around 24°C in June and July.
According to the annual weather averages for Rishikesh, November and February emerge as ideal months for a holiday. During these months, the temperature typically hovers around a comfortable 17°C. This moderate temperature provides pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing, making it an excellent time to explore the scenic beauty and cultural attractions of Rishikesh without the extremes of summer heat or winter chill.
Rishikesh places to visit
Lakshman Jhula (Getty images)
Beatles Ashram: Situated within the Swargashram vicinity, tucked away in a forested area, lies the former ashram of Guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, famously dubbed as Chaurasi Kutia and Beatles Ashram. In February 1968, members of the iconic English rock band visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram (now known as the Beatles Ashram) to learn transcendental meditation. During their stay, they composed nearly 48 songs, many of which are featured on the White Album and a few on Abbey Road. John Lennon even recorded ‘The Happy Rishikesh Song’ following his visit. Other international artists like Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Paul Horn, Donovan, and Gyp Mills also visited the ashram for meditation and contemplation. Visitors can stroll amidst the remnants of the ashram, adorned with vibrant graffiti depicting the band members, immersing themselves in the serene ambience of the surroundings.
Swargashram: Swargashram, located on the Eastern bank of the Ganga, is a collection of ashrams highly regarded for their spiritual teachings and yoga courses. Popular among tourists, these ashrams provide opportunities for individuals to delve into yoga and spiritual studies.
Triveni Ghat: Triveni, positioned at the centre of town, stands as the most renowned ghat where countless pilgrims partake in a sacred dip before they visit Rishikesh’s temples. One of the most captivating spectacles at Triveni is the evening aarti.
Bharat Mandir: Adjacent to the Triveni Ghat lies Bharat Mandir, one of Rishikesh’s oldest shrines, reportedly constructed by the sage Adi Shankaracharya. This historic temple venerates Lord Vishnu, whose image is intricately carved from a single black stone, renowned as Saligram.
Parmarth Niketan: One of Rishikesh’s most expansive and renowned ashrams for its annual yoga festival. Founded in 1942 by Swami Sukhdevanand Ji Maharaj, it sits serenely on the banks of the River Ganga, offering an ideal setting for yoga and meditation practices.
Lakshman Jhula: Constructed in 1939, the Lakshman Jhula spans 137 meters across the river, soaring 21 meters above the water. Legend has it that this spot is where Lord Lakshmana, from the epic Ramayana, crossed the Ganges using jute ropes. Embark on a captivating 3-kilometre walk from Lakshman Jhula to Ram Jhula, flanked by charming shops offering an array of enticing knick-knacks.
Narendra Nagar: This charming village, nestled in the Tehri Garhwal district is merely 20 km away from Rishikesh. Positioned at an altitude of 1,326 m, its pleasant weather allures visitors year-round. Despite its lesser-known status, anticipate tranquillity and serenity. The village provides sweeping vistas of the Ganga and the Doon Valley.
Byasi: Situated along the banks of the River Ganga, this quaint village serves as a hub for rafting and water sports adventures, conveniently located only 30 km from Rishikesh. The road leading from Rishikesh to Byasi is well-paved, winding its way up the mountains and providing breathtaking vistas of the Ganga and the surrounding hills.
Must try activities in Rishikesh:
Bungee Jumping: Mohanchatti in Rishikesh is the destination for bungee jumping enthusiasts. Here, you can leap from heights reaching up to 83 meters and engage in other thrilling activities such as flying foxes, mountain swings, and paragliding.
Yoga: Yoga aficionados often engage in practice and meditation along the serene ghats of the River Ganga. This tranquil city boasts a plethora of options for yoga enthusiasts, with both ashrams and luxurious resorts providing yoga sessions and courses to cater to every level of practitioner. Explore the variety of Yoga Centres available here.
Trekking: Rishikesh offers several trekking and hiking trails. The Waterfall Trek is one such route that is extremely popular with well-marked paths and offers stunning natural views. The Kunjapuri trek is another trail that offers mesmeric views of snow-covered peaks.
Rishikesh rafting
Rishikesh rafting (Getty images)
You can embark on a thrilling river rafting adventure in Rishikesh, exploring the scenic beauty along the Ganga. For this, you need to head to Kaudiyala, a picturesque hour-long drive from Rishikesh. Alternatively, you can opt to stay overnight in Kaudiyala. Begin your rafting journey from Kaudiyala to Shivpuri, covering an exhilarating 18-km stretch. Encounter thrilling rapids such as Three Blind Mice, The Wall, and Crossfire en route to Shivpuri. Afterwards, enjoy the tranquil riverside scenery before returning to Kaudiyala, approximately 30 minutes away.
Kaudiyala is about 40 km from Rishikesh by road, accessible by a one-hour taxi ride. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh (41 km), while Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport (55 km).
Next, you can resume your rafting adventure from Shivpuri, navigating through a 16-km stretch with exciting rapids like Initiation, Roller Coaster, and Double Trouble. Take the opportunity to experience body surfing along the way. Upon reaching Shivpuri, unwind on the sparkling sandy beaches by the Ganga. Conclude your trip here and disembark, or continue floating past temples, ashrams, and ghats, extending your time on the river before heading back to your final destination.
This entire 2 nights and 3 days will approximately cost you Rs. 2,500 (per person) and can be booked through tour operators and their details are mentioned on the Uttarakhand Tourism website.
Hotels in Rishikesh
1. Anand Kashi by the Ganges, Rishikesh – IHCL Seleqtions
Anand Kashi by the Ganges, Rishikesh – IHCL Seleqtions
Situated on an eastward bend of the Ganga, this boutique hotel embodies traditional Garhwali architecture, fostering an immersive experience with nature’s elements. Guests can indulge in various activities such as taking a dip in the waters by the private beach, swimming in the infinity pool overlooking the Ganga, and unwinding at the Amrit Kashi spa.
Witness the captivating Ganga Aarti performed by resident priests, while youngsters engage in stone painting and indoor board games. The all-day restaurant offers global cuisines using organic produce from the property’s orchards. Enjoy sundowners at the rooftop bar and relish a special meal at the Ganga deck, boasting breathtaking views of the river and valley.
Anand Kashi stands out as one of the few pet-friendly hotels in Rishikesh, accommodating furry friends with prior requests. Room rates start from Rs 15,725.
2. The Ganges by Taroh Stays: It provides a cosy haven along a serene stretch of the Ganga. Situated just a few steps from the riverbank, the property boasts an accessible terrace offering picturesque river views.
Guests can enjoy the services of a caretaker who is available to prepare simple meals, or they can utilise the open kitchen to cook their meals. The rooms feature wooden furnishings and warm lighting, creating a welcoming ambience.
The ground floor includes a lounge area, while the first floor houses a lobby and dining area. Please note that parking for cars is available 100 meters away from the property at the start of the residential lane. Room rates start from Rs 3,500 during peak season.
3. Neemrana’s Glasshouse on The Ganges: Nestled amidst a forested landscape, cobbled pathways meander through the property, leading to rooms offering breathtaking views of the mountains or the river below, about 100 meters away. Wander along natural trails to reach the Ganges itself, where guests can indulge in quiet picnics, witness a Ganga aarti, or partake in morning yoga sessions arranged by the staff.
For adventurous souls, white water rafting and birding treks can be organised, while swings and board games provide entertainment for younger guests. Guests can savor trans-Himalayan cuisine here. Room rates start from Rs 13,000.
4. Aloha on the Ganges: Nestled amidst forested hills and situated along the banks of the River Ganga, Aloha on the Ganges provides a tranquil retreat. Located just a kilometre from Laxman Jhula, this boutique hotel offers rooms with views of the garden, hills, or the Ganga. The upper floors feature one and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes and living areas.
Guests can savour high tea in the al fresco restaurant overlooking the river, and indulge in Indian and international cuisine at Latitude, their main restaurant. The hotel boasts a pool with river views and a spa for ultimate relaxation. Daily yoga, meditation sessions, and nature walks further enhance the serene atmosphere. Their room rates start from Rs 34,500.
Rishikesh resorts
1. The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas: The property with beautiful rooms and scenic views houses a spa offering an array of relaxation and pampering treatments, from ayurvedic massages to Balinese therapies.
Their all-day dining restaurant serves a Garhwali thali showcasing local ingredients additionally, there is a poolside grill barbecue restaurant and lounge for snacks and malt beverages. Their room rates start from Rs 34,500.
2. Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa
Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa
Opened in 2019, Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa gracefully descends 300 feet down the hillside to the serene banks of the Ganga, offering guests an immersive communion with nature. Situated in Singthali village, approximately 35 km from the city centre, the architecture of the resort draws inspiration from Garhwali techniques and local materials.
Rooms and suites boast breathtaking views of the river and the Himalayas, while villas offer private pools or sit-out areas. Dining options include an all-day restaurant, a pizza bar, and a restaurant showcasing Himalayan specialities from Kashmir, Himachal, Garhwal, Kumaon, and Nepal.
Spanning 1,858 square meters, the wellness sanctuary features the Jiva Spa and a yoga pavilion. Guests can request the hotel to organise aarti ceremonies on their private beach, as well as adventurous treks and nature trails. Room rates start from Rs 39,000.
Rishikesh to Haridwar
Rishikesh to Haridwar distance is just 23.5 km which can be travelled within 40 minutes by road. You can travel by your car or can get cabs or state buses.
Delhi to Rishikesh
Delhi to Rishikesh’s driving distance is 258.9 km and can be travelled by road in approx 4 hours and 39 minutes.
Jolly Grant Airport/ Dehradun Airport stands as the closest airport to Rishikesh, merely 21 kilometres away. Travellers can readily find taxis at the airport for transportation to Rishikesh. Jolly Grant Airport maintains regular daily flights to and from Delhi, ensuring convenient connectivity. Rishikesh enjoys excellent accessibility via well-maintained roads connecting it to Jolly Grant Airport.
Rishikesh enjoys excellent connectivity via well-maintained motorable roads linking it to major destinations in Uttarakhand and the northern states of India. Both luxury and regular bus services to Rishikesh are readily accessible from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Meerut.
Rishikesh boasts extensive railway connectivity with key destinations across India, ensuring frequent train services to Rishikesh Railway Station.
Places to visit in Rishikesh, weather, hotels: Embark on a serene journey to Rishikesh, where the tranquil waters of the Ganges flow amidst lush greenery and majestic mountains. Discover the ideal weather for your visit, find the perfect accommodation from luxurious resorts to cosy hotels, and explore the must-visit attractions such as the iconic Lakshman Jhula, the tranquil Triveni Ghat, and the serene ashrams along the riverbanks. Dive into adventure with white water rafting, embark on nature trails, or simply unwind with yoga and meditation sessions. Experience the spiritual essence of Rishikesh while immersing yourself in its natural beauty and tranquility. Travel Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
