Rishikesh sits where the Ganges (Ganga) spills out of the Himalayas—a holy city where saffron-robed sadhus share riverbanks with rafters, and temple bells chime over yoga studios. Known globally since the Beatles’ 1968 retreat, the town has long been a gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and India’s Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.

Today, Rishikesh is equal parts spiritual retreat and outdoor playground. Mornings start with sun salutations, afternoons with forest hikes or river runs, and evenings with the hypnotic flame-lit Ganga Aarti. The vibe is refreshingly vegetarian, caffeine-forward (excellent coffee houses), and largely alcohol-free on the east bank—ideal for a regenerative week.

Practical notes: rafting season typically runs mid-September to June (conditions permitting), with monsoon restrictions. Dress modestly at ghats and ashrams. The historic Lakshman Jhula bridge is under reconstruction as of 2025; use Ram Jhula and Janaki Setu footbridges to cross the river. Cash is handy for temples and markets, but UPI/cards are widely accepted.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a tapestry of river ghats, suspension bridges, ashrams, street sweets, and cliffy sal forests. Base yourself near Tapovan, Swarg Ashram, or Muni-ki-Reti for easy access to cafes, yoga classes, and the riverfront.

Top highlights include the Beatles Ashram’s open-air graffiti galleries, the resonant Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan, sunrise views from Kunjapuri Temple, and Grade II–III rapids between Marine Drive, Shivpuri, and Brahmpuri. On the adventure side, Jumpin Heights offers India’s pioneering fixed-platform bungee and giant swing in a jungle gorge.

Where to stay: boutique riverside hotels such as GANGA KINARE, Divine Resort & Spa, EllBee Ganga View, Dewa Retreat, and Aloha on the Ganges are favorites. Wellness-forward retreats include Veda5 and Ananda in the Himalayas (for pre-booked day spa experiences). Browse places on VRBO and Hotels.com by neighborhood (Tapovan for cafes/rafting, Swarg Ashram for ashrams/ghats).

• How to get there (from Delhi): Fly to Dehradun (DED) in ~55 minutes, then 45–60 minutes by taxi to Rishikesh. Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. One-way fares are often $30–90; airport taxis INR 1,000–1,800.
• By train: New Delhi to Haridwar (4.5–6 hours) with onward taxi (45–60 minutes) to Rishikesh. Check schedules on Trip.com Trains. AC seats ~INR 800–1,500.

Day 1: Arrival, Riverfront Walk, and Aarti

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. If you’re in Tapovan, stretch your legs with a gentle walk to Ram Jhula and along the ghats. Pause for masala chai and river views at Little Buddha Café (treehouse vibe, global vegetarian) or Ganga View Café near Muni-ki-Reti.

Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat—arrive 30 minutes early for front steps and bring a light shawl. For dinner, try The Sitting Elephant (rooftop at GANGA KINARE; North Indian thalis, smoky dal makhani) or Chotiwala (Swarg Ashram; old-school vegetarian with rich ghee flavors). Early night to acclimatize.

Day 2: Classic Rishikesh—Yoga, Bridges, and the Beatles Ashram

Morning: Drop into an open class at Parmarth Niketan or Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram (multi-level hatha/flow). Breakfast at Ira’s Kitchen & Tea Room (homestyle parathas, shakshuka, strong coffee) or Pure Soul Café (smoothie bowls, millet pancakes).

Afternoon: Explore the graffiti-splashed Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia). Give yourself 1.5–2 hours to wander the meditation pods and murals; entry for foreigners is typically ~INR 600. Lunch at 60’s Beatles Café (Ganga-facing, veggie burgers, Israeli plates) or Ayurpak (simple Garhwali dishes like kafuli and chainsoo).

Evening: Cross Ram Jhula at sunset; browse ashram bookshops for yoga texts and rudraksha beads. Attend evening Aarti at Parmarth Niketan for a more intimate, devotional vibe. Dinner at Bistro Nirvana (wood-fired pizzas, Himalayan brown rice bowls) or Dosa Plaza (South Indian comfort).

Day 3: White-Water Rafting and Ayurvedic Reset

Morning: Go rafting on the classic Shivpuri–Rishikesh run (16 km; Grade II–III; 2–3 hours on water). Most operators include transfers and safety gear; typical cost INR 800–1,500 per person depending on distance/season. Pack quick-dry layers and secure footwear.

Afternoon: Refuel at Pumpernickel German Bakery (flaky croissants, chocolate truffle cake) or Café De Goa in Tapovan. Then book an Ayurvedic Abhyanga + Shirodhara at Veda5 or Ayuskama Ayurveda (60–90 minutes; INR 2,000–5,000). Reservations recommended.

Evening: Satsang or kirtan is often hosted at ashrams—check boards at Swarg Ashram. For dinner, Pure Soul Café’s quinoa khichdi and beetroot hummus hit the post-river brief, or try Ganga Beach Café for comforting dal fry and tandoori rotis with river breeze.

Day 4: Kunjapuri Sunrise + Garhwali Cooking Class

Morning: Sunrise excursion to Kunjapuri Temple (drive ~1 hour before dawn; 300+ steps to the shrine). On clear days you’ll see snow peaks of the Greater Himalaya. Carry a warm layer and a thermos; simple chai stalls set up near the steps.

Afternoon: Join a Garhwali cooking class—Cooking Masala is a traveler favorite for hands-on lessons in aloo ke gutke, pahadi raita, mandua (finger millet) rotis, and jhangora kheer. You’ll eat what you make; allow ~3 hours.

Evening: Stroll the Swarg Ashram market for yoga wear, copper lotas, and malas. Dinner at The Ganga View (EllBee rooftop; kadhai paneer, tandoori platters) or Jal & Jalebi (Divine Resort; river-lit ambiance and North Indian grills).

Day 5: Bungee Day in the Jungle Gorge

Morning: Head to Jumpin Heights (Mohan Chatti; pre-book). The 83 m bungee and giant swing are the draws; allow half a day including transfers and safety briefing. Prices typically INR 3,700–5,000 per activity; pay for video if you want the memento.

Afternoon: Picnic at a sandy Ganga beach upriver (avoid swimming in strong currents; stick to the shallows where locals do). Alternatively, visit Neer Garh Waterfall for a short forest walk and a cool plunge; entry ~INR 50–100.

Evening: Treat yourself to a thali at Soul Kitchen (seasonal, wholesome) or head back to Chotiwala for nostalgia. For dessert, try hot jalebis and rabri from a halwai near Triveni Bazaar—crispy, syrupy perfection.

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

Morning: Drive to Haridwar (45–60 minutes). Ride the ropeway to Mansa Devi or Chandi Devi temples for city and river views. Dress conservatively and keep small bills for puja offerings.

Afternoon: Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri (famed for chole bhature, paneer dishes) or Mohan Ji Puri Wale for a classic aloo-puri plate. Wander Bara Bazaar for incense, brass lamps, and sweets (try khurma and pedas).

Evening: Experience the powerful Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti—fiery lamps, mantras, and thousands of diyas drifting downstream. Return to Rishikesh for a light dinner at Ira’s Kitchen or a soup-and-salad combo at Bistro Nirvana.

Day 7: Slow Morning, Last Sips, and Departure

Morning: Ease into your final day with yoga nidra or a restorative class. Brunch-hop: start with pour-over coffee and avocado toast at Honey Hut or Café Karma, then a final plate of masala dosas at South Indian Vyanjan.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping around Ram Jhula, pick up Himalayan rock salt and local herbal teas. Transfer to Dehradun airport or Haridwar station. For flights and trains, compare on Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, and Trip.com Trains.

Evening: If you’re overnighting, book a final Ayurvedic massage or join the sunset aarti one more time. Early dinner at The Sitting Elephant or Divine Resort’s Jal & Jalebi before you go.

Bonus: Optional Pre/Post-Trip Delhi Experiences (If You Have Extra Time)

If your flights route via Delhi and you’ve got a spare half or full day, these guided tours are standout value and timing-friendly for layovers or extra nights.

• 3-hour Old Delhi Heritage Walking tour with Rickshaw Ride

  

  Navigate Chandni Chowk’s lanes, spice markets, and centuries-old havelis with a pro guide—excellent context before you head to the Himalayas.

• Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available

  

  From Jama Masjid to Qutub Minar, this customizable route covers the essentials with hotel pickup—easy to dovetail with onward travel.

• Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train

  

  Ideal if you want to see the Taj without changing your Rishikesh base; door-to-door logistics keep it efficient.

Coffee, Breakfast, and Dining Shortlist

• Ira’s Kitchen & Tea Room: Homestyle breakfasts, hearty parathas, and strong coffee; friendly garden tables.
• Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen: Smoothie bowls, millet pancakes, and salads—great for wellness-focused travelers.
• Little Buddha Café: Treehouse-style seating over the Ganga; big vegetarian menu with great momos and curries.
• Bistro Nirvana: Relaxed dinners; wood-fired pizza, Himalayan grain bowls, and excellent ginger lemon honey tea.
• Chotiwala (Swarg Ashram): Old-school vegetarian thalis; ask for less ghee if you prefer lighter plates.
• The Sitting Elephant (GANGA KINARE): Rooftop with river panorama—North Indian signatures, reliable service.
• Hoshiyar Puri (Haridwar day trip): Classic Punjabi-leaning plates; chole bhature and paneer are standouts.

Adventure & Wellness Notes

• Rafting: Family-friendly Brahmpuri (8–9 km), classic Shivpuri (16 km), and longer Marine Drive (24–26 km). Wear lifejackets properly; monsoon closures apply.
• Bungee (Jumpin Heights): Pre-book, follow weight/health guidelines, and allot time for transfers and queues.
• Ayurveda: Book reputable clinics; disclose injuries. Abhyanga (warm oil massage) and Shirodhara are restorative after treks/rafting.
• Etiquette: Temples/ashrams request modest dress. Many establishments are vegetarian and alcohol-free—plan accordingly.

With a river that feels alive and mountains that steady the mind, Rishikesh rewards unhurried days—yoga at dawn, rapids by noon, mantras at dusk. Come for the Himalayan adventure and stay for a rhythm that makes rest feel like a ritual.