Rishikesh, the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, is where the Ganges leaves the mountains and the city exhales a rhythm of yoga bells, river spray, and temple chants. The Beatles came in 1968 to study meditation—their ashram is now a street-art wonderland—and countless pilgrims still arrive for the evening Ganga Aarti, a ceremony of lamps and song.

This 7-day itinerary balances yoga and Ayurveda with white-water rafting, a sunrise temple trek, and time to sip ginger-lemon-honey tea above jade-green water. You’ll cross storied bridges, wander vibrant markets, and pause at ghats where saffron-clad sadhus offer blessings and candid conversation.

Practical notes: Rishikesh is a holy city; vegetarian food is the norm and alcohol/meat are restricted within city limits. The best rafting season runs roughly September–June (conditions permitting), while July–September is monsoon. Always check river and road conditions locally before adventure activities.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is India’s “yoga capital,” but it’s also an adventure base and a spiritual classroom. Mornings often begin with sun salutations and end with aarti flames dancing on the water. Between, you can hike to waterfalls, browse ashram bookstores, and share a riverside thali as dusk paints the mountains.

• Don’t miss: Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti, Ram Jhula promenade, Beatles Ashram murals, Kunjapuri sunrise views, Neer Garh Waterfall swim.
• Adventure: White-water rafting (Class II–III), bungee jump and giant swing (at Mohan Chatti), zipline across the Ganges, forest hikes into Rajaji Tiger Reserve buffers.
• Food scene: Vibrant vegetarian cafes—smoothie bowls and buckwheat pancakes in Tapovan, Garhwali homestyle meals, and rooftop North Indian feasts with river views.
• Fun fact: The original Laxman Jhula suspension bridge remains closed; use nearby footbridges (Ram Jhula, Bajrang Setu, and Janaki Setu) to cross the river.

Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO and Hotels.com. Top picks locals love: GANGA KINARE (riverside rituals and views), EllBee Ganga View (rooftop “The Sitting Elephant”), Divine Resort & Spa (great location near Ram Jhula), Dewa Retreat (home to Pure Soul Café), and Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa (Singthali, a tranquil splurge upriver).

How to get here: Fly into Dehradun (DED), 35–45 minutes by taxi to Rishikesh (INR 1,000–1,800). Search flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Delhi, consider the Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi to Haridwar (4.5–6 hours) then a 60–90 minute taxi to Rishikesh; browse schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, River Strolls, and Rooftop Views

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in. Walk the river promenade near Ram Jhula to shake off travel. Duck into the modest Geeta Bhawan Ghat for your first toes-in-the-Ganga moment.

Evening: Watch sunset from The Sitting Elephant (EllBee rooftop)—classic North Indian plates and sweeping river views; or try Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen (Dewa Retreat) for quinoa bowls, beet hummus, and excellent ginger-lemon-honey tea.

Night: Post-dinner, browse the Ram Jhula market for rudraksha beads and incense. Turn in early—you’ll be up with the yogis tomorrow.

Day 2: Yoga, Beatles Ashram, and Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Morning: Drop-in yoga at Parmarth Niketan or the Divine Life Society (Sivananda Ashram) (plan 60–90 minutes; donations/fees apply). Breakfast at Ira’s Kitchen & Tea Room (Tapovan) for masala omelets, porridge, and strong coffee.

Afternoon: Explore the Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram): wander graffiti-splashed meditation pods and photo exhibits. Entry ~INR 150–600. Late lunch above the river at 60’s Café Delmar/Beatles Café—try the buckwheat pancakes or shakshuka.

Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat (arrive 30–45 minutes early; ceremony starts just after sunset). Dinner afterward at Chotiwala for ghee-drizzled dal and North Indian thalis, or Bistro Nirvana for paneer tikka and tandoori roti.

Day 3: White-Water Rafting and Riverside Cafés

Morning: Go rafting (9–16 km routes; Class II–III; ~2–3 hours). Expect ~INR 800–1,800 per person including gear and guide; check safety briefings and water levels, especially outside Sept–June. Quick pre-raft coffee at Pumpernickel German Bakery.

Afternoon: Dry off with lunch at Little Buddha Café—Ganges views, momos, and wood-fired pizza. Stroll across Bajrang Setu for different river angles and soft-serve from a street vendor.

Evening: Sunset aarti at Parmarth Niketan (a more intimate setting than Triveni for some travelers). Dinner at AyurPak (family-style Garhwali dishes; book ahead) or Ganga View Café for a casual bite and tea.

Day 4: Kunjapuri Sunrise, Markets, and Massage

Morning: Kunjapuri Devi Temple sunrise. Depart ~4:30–5:00 a.m.; 1–1.5-hour drive up, then watch the first light hit snow peaks. Options: drive both ways, or hike 8–9 km down through villages with a guide. Expect ~INR 1,200–2,500 pp with transport/guide.

Afternoon: Brunch at The Ganga View Restaurant (inside GANGA KINARE) or Shambala Café (smoothie bowls). Then an Ayurvedic abhyanga massage at a reputable clinic (ask your hotel for vetted therapists). If you’re splurging, inquire about day-spa availability at Ananda in the Himalayas (advance booking essential).

Evening: Shop for copper aarti lamps and handloom shawls near Ram Jhula. Dinner at Dosa Plaza Divyam for South Indian comfort—crispy paper masala dosa and tangy sambar.

Day 5: Waterfalls, Cooking, and Quiet Corners

Morning: Hike to Neer Garh Waterfall (entry ~INR 50–100). The first pool is an easy reach; continue up for quieter cascades. Carry water and grippy footwear.

Afternoon: Join a Rishikesh cooking class (e.g., “Cooking Masala” style sessions) to learn dal tadka, aloo gobi, and chapati—hands-on and delicious. Late coffee at Café Karma or Freedom Café by the river.

Evening: Cross to Janaki Setu near Triveni for a serene twilight walk. Dinner at A Tavola Con Te (Tapovan) for thin-crust pizzas and tiramisu, or The Sitting Elephant if you’re chasing one more sunset feast.

Day 6: Day Trip to Haridwar—Temples, Streets, and Aarti

Morning: Drive or taxi to Haridwar (45–75 minutes). Ride the cable car to Mansa Devi Temple for panoramic views, then walk down through spice stalls and bangle shops. Breakfast en route: kachori-jalebi at Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukan—iconic and worth the line.

Afternoon: Visit Har Ki Pauri, where the river rushes past ancient ghats. Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri for buttery paneer dishes and towering lassi. Browse for brass diyas and rudraksha malas.

Evening: Experience the famous Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti (more intense and crowded than Rishikesh—arrive early). Return to Rishikesh for a late light dinner—try Ramana’s Garden Café (if open in season; lakeside vibe) or Bistro Nirvana for something quick.

Where to stay if you prefer a Haridwar night: Search options on VRBO or Hotels.com. Otherwise, return to your Rishikesh base.

Day 7: Last Sips, Last Dips, and Departure

Morning: Gentle riverside yoga or meditation at your hotel, then coffee and a croissant at Pumpernickel or a hearty breakfast at Ira’s Kitchen. If time allows, a final walk across Ram Jhula to pay respects at a small ghat.

Afternoon: Souvenir run (ashram bookstores are great for yoga texts). Depart for Dehradun Airport (35–45 minutes) or Haridwar Railway Station (60–90 minutes). For flights and trains, check Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, and Trip.com Trains.

Evening: If you have a late departure, linger with tea at Pure Soul Café or a calm final aarti at a small neighborhood ghat away from the crowds.

Logistics and Booking Tips

• When to go: Oct–Apr for clear days and adventure sports; Sept–June generally good for rafting; monsoon (Jul–Sept) brings lush hills and rain—check river advisories.
• Local transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are plentiful; walking is often fastest near the bridges. For intercity trains, see Trip.com Trains.
• What to pack: Modest clothing for temples, a light scarf, quick-dry layers, river sandals, and a reusable water bottle. Evenings can be cool in winter.

Optional Add‑Ons via Delhi (Pre/Post Trip)

Many travelers route through Delhi to reach Rishikesh. If you have an extra day before or after, these highly rated experiences pair beautifully with this itinerary:

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

Blend Jama Masjid’s Old Delhi lanes with New Delhi’s boulevards and monuments—ideal if you want historic context and local food tips before heading north.

Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR

Zip to Agra on the Gatimaan Express with a guide and pre-arranged tickets—maximize a spare day with sunrise at the Taj and time at Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Express Train (Viator Award Winner)

Another excellent rail-based option with skip-the-line logistics and expert storytelling—perfect if you love architecture and Mughal history.

Where to Book Your Core Travel

• Flights (Delhi or Dehradun): Trip.com Flights | Kiwi.com
• India Trains (Delhi–Haridwar): Trip.com Trains
• Stays in Rishikesh: VRBO | Hotels.com

With river hymns at dusk, mountain air at dawn, and a week of mindful adventure in between, Rishikesh works its quiet magic. You’ll leave with tea-stained notebooks, new mantras, and the gentle certainty that the Ganges will be there when you return.