Cradled where the Ganges first leaves the Himalaya, Rishikesh has drawn sages, seekers, and adventurers for centuries. From ashram bells at dawn to river rapids after lunch, the town offers a rare union of serenity and thrill. The Beatles wrote here; modern yogis return again and again for the same quiet focus—and the same big views.

Expect fragrance of incense and Himalayan pine on morning walks, saffron-robed sadhus at the ghats, and nightly lamps floating down the river during Ganga Aarti. Between yoga classes, you’ll wander suspension bridges, sip masala chai on breezy terraces, and detour to waterfalls and hilltop temples.

Practicals: Rishikesh is largely vegetarian and alcohol-free, with cafés concentrated in Tapovan and Swarg Ashram. Rafting typically runs September–June and pauses during peak monsoon; pack layers for crisp winter mornings. Travel in and out is easiest via Dehradun Airport or trains to Haridwar, with short taxis onward.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is often called the “yoga capital of the world,” but its appeal is broader: temple bells, emerald water, forested hills, and a mellow café culture that keeps you lingering. Use Tapovan and High Bank for views and cafés, Swarg Ashram for quiet riverside walks, and Shivpuri for nature lodges and rafting bases.

• Top sights: Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat (Ganga Aarti), Ram Jhula, historic Lakshman Jhula (currently under restoration—use Ram Jhula or Janki Setu to cross), “Beatles Ashram” murals, Neer Garh Waterfall, Kunjapuri Temple sunrise, Vashishta Cave, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
• Signature experiences: sunrise yoga, white-water rafting (Grade II–III), bungee and giant swing at Jumpin Heights, Ayurvedic therapies, sunset aarti, riverside café hopping.
• Local flavor: all-veg thalis, wood-fired pizza (yes, really), Himalayan herbal teas, and soulful kirtan after dark.

Where to stay: Browse river-view hotels, boutique yoga retreats, and nature lodges in Tapovan, Swarg Ashram, High Bank, and Shivpuri on VRBO and Hotels.com. Look for river-facing rooms near Ram Jhula for easy Aarti access, or nature-centric resorts up in Shivpuri for quiet nights and birdsong.

Getting there: Fly into Dehradun (DED), a ~55-minute hop from Delhi, then 35–45 minutes by taxi to Rishikesh (~$15–25). Search flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Trains run 4.5–6 hours from New Delhi to Haridwar or Dehradun; add 1–1.5 hours by taxi onward. Check options via Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Riverfront Orientation, and Aarti

Morning: Travel to Rishikesh. Flying via Delhi? If you land early and have a long layover in the capital, consider a curated city sampler before your onward flight/train: Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day. You’ll hit Jama Masjid, India Gate, and more with a private guide.

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs on the riverside path between Swarg Ashram and Ram Jhula. Pop into Devraj Coffee Corner (the “German Bakery”) for cappuccinos and cardamom cake with views of the Ganges and passing pilgrims.

Evening: Attend the serene Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan (arrive 30 minutes early). Dinner nearby at Jal & Jalebi (riverside vegetarian Indian—try the Kumaoni bhatt ki churkani) or The Sitting Elephant rooftop for North Indian classics and twinkling bridge views.

Day 2: Yoga, Beatles Ashram, and Ayurvedic Unwind

Morning: Sunrise yoga drop-in at Parmarth Niketan or Sivananda Ashram. Breakfast at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen (smoothie bowls, buckwheat pancakes, Himalayan herbal tea). Stroll to the “Beatles Ashram” inside Rajaji Tiger Reserve—wander mural-filled meditation cells and the old lecture hall.

Afternoon: Thali lunch at Chotiwala (go for the ghee-laden North Indian option; it’s an institution). Book a 90-minute Abhyanga massage and Shirodhara at a reputable Ayurvedic clinic; ask for steam therapy if it’s chilly.

Evening: Cross Ram Jhula at sunset and linger along the ghats. Dinner at Bistro Nirvana (tandoor platters, dal tadka, and warm breads) or A Tavola Con Te for wood-fired pizza and Italian salads when you need a change of pace.

Day 3: White-Water Rafting and Tapovan Cafés

Morning: Raft the classic Shivpuri–Rishikesh run (16 km; Grade II–III; 2.5–3.5 hours). Go with a licensed outfitter, wear your PFD/helmet, and secure valuables. Monsoon note: rafting often pauses roughly mid-July to early September.

Afternoon: Dry off and refuel at Ganga Beach Café (riverside sandwiches, Tibetan momos, fresh juices). Nap or browse cotton kurtas, Rudraksha beads, and copper diyas in the lanes above Ram Jhula.

Evening: Sunset tea at Honey Hut (try the lemon-ginger-honey) or Little Buddha Café for open-air seating over the river. Dinner at Jal & Jalebi for regional specialties or Ira’s Kitchen & Tearoom for homestyle Indian with vegan-friendly plates.

Day 4: Kunjapuri Sunrise, Neer Garh Waterfall, and a Cooking Class

Morning: Pre-dawn drive to Kunjapuri Temple for sunrise over the high Himalaya—on clear days you’ll glimpse snow peaks beyond the valley. Return via a short ridge walk if you’d like. Post-hike breakfast at The 60’s Cafe (Beatles-themed) in Tapovan.

Afternoon: Short hike to Neer Garh Waterfall; bring sandals for streams and a light towel. Lunch at Pumpernickel German Bakery (eggs, multigrain breads, lemon tarts) or Mango Tree Garden for Indian mains in a leafy courtyard.

Evening: Join an Indian home-style cooking class—learn fluffy rotis, dal tadka, and palak paneer you can recreate at home. Wind down with live kirtan at an ashram or a silent riverside sit. Late dinner at Bistro Nirvana or Tip Top Restaurant for North Indian gravies and lassi.

Day 5: Choose Your Adventure—Bungy & Swing or Sacred Caves

Morning: Adrenaline track: Head to Jumpin Heights near Mohan Chatti for India’s pioneering bungy (approx. 83–107 m depending on platform), giant swing, or flying fox. Typical weight limits 40–110 kg; closed-toe shoes required. Book early and carry ID.

Afternoon: Culture track alternative: Drive upstream to Vashishta Cave, a tranquil meditation grotto by the river. Picnic on the pebble beach, then visit the small ashram above for a quiet tea.

Evening: Reunite in town for the larger Triveni Ghat Aarti (arrive by 5:30–6:00 pm; it’s busier but spectacular). Dinner at The Sitting Elephant or Royal Café for riverside ambience. For dessert, seek out hot gulab jamun or kesar kulfi from a sweet shop near the ghat.

Day 6: Haridwar Day Trip—Temples, Bazaars, and Aarti

Morning: Drive or taxi ~45–60 minutes to Haridwar. Wander Har Ki Pauri ghats and old bazaars (ayurvedic powders, brassware, prayer beads). Take the cable car to Mansa Devi Temple for sweeping river views.

Afternoon: Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri (butter-soft paneer, stuffed parathas) or Mohan Ji Puri Wale (puri-chole and kheer). Visit Daksha Mahadev Temple and the quieter ghats north of the center.

Evening: Stay for Har Ki Pauri’s famed evening Aarti—thousands of flames reflected on swift water—then return to Rishikesh for a light late supper at Pure Soul Café or Ira’s Kitchen. Note: plan a private taxi back to avoid late-night bus waits.

Day 7: Last Looks, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: Easy stroll along the riverside path; browse for final souvenirs near Ram Jhula (handloom stoles, copper water bottles). Brunch at Two Crows Café (excellent coffee and pancakes) or Ganga View Café for parathas with a view.

Afternoon: Depart for Dehradun Airport (35–45 minutes) or Haridwar/Dehradun railheads for onward trains. Check schedules and fares on Trip.com Trains and flights via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you’re continuing to Delhi this evening and have a full extra day tomorrow, consider a bucket-list add-on:

Optional add-on (from Delhi): Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train—ride the Gatimaan Express, visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and return the same day.

Evening: Final tea on the ghats if time allows. Bid the river om shanti and head out with a gentler breath than the one you arrived with.

Dining short list to bookmark:

• Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen: wholesome bowls, juices, and mountain views.
• The Sitting Elephant: rooftop North Indian with bridge-and-river panorama.
• Bistro Nirvana: reliable grills, curries, and fresh tandoor breads.
• Devraj Coffee Corner (German Bakery): classic coffee-and-cake stop at the bridge.
• Chotiwala: old-school veg thalis; go hungry.
• Little Buddha Café: loungy, leafy terrace over the Ganges.
• Jal & Jalebi: elevated regional veg, romantic riverside setting.

Logistics tips: Rishikesh is walkable; use e-rickshaws and taxis for hills and out-of-town spots. Dress modestly for temples/ashrams. Carry a light scarf, refillable bottle (many cafés offer filtered water), and sturdy sandals for ghats and waterfalls.

In one week you’ve touched Rishikesh’s essentials: dawn bells, mountain light, a living river, and playful rapids. Whether you came for yoga, adventure, or quiet, this itinerary leaves room for all three—and a reason to return when the seasons change.