Rishikesh sits at the point where the Ganga river emerges from the Himalayan foothills onto the Gangetic plain. It is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, the four sacred Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. International recognition came in 1968 when The Beatles arrived at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram to study Transcendental Meditation.
Places
Triveni Ghat and Ganga Aarti
The largest ghat in Rishikesh and the primary site of the daily Ganga Aarti — the evening fire ritual performed on the river. Triveni Ghat is believed to be the confluence point of three rivers: the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. The experience is open to all, free, and does not require any preparation.
Timing: Daily, Summer — 6:00 to 7:00 PM, Winter — 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula
Two iron pedestrian suspension bridges spanning the Ganges, each named for brothers from the Ramayana — Ram and Lakshman — who are believed to have crossed the river at these points. Both bridges are pedestrian only. Most of the ashrams, cafes, and the Beatles Ashram are concentrated in the neighborhoods on either side of these bridges.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Parmarth Niketan Ashram
One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, located on the east bank of the Ganges at Ram Jhula. Founded by Swami Shukdevanandji, the ashram is the venue for the International Yoga Festival held every March in the first week — the largest yoga gathering in the world.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The former ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi — officially named Chaurasi Kutia, meaning the sanctuary of 84 cottages. The Beatles arrived here in February 1968 and stayed for several weeks studying Transcendental Meditation. The ashram was abandoned in the 1990s following a dispute. It is now a protected site under ASI and is open to visitors.
Timing: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fee:
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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
A Shiva temple located 30–32 km from Rishikesh in the forested hills above Swarg Ashram, accessible by a winding mountain road through dense jungle. The temple is dedicated to Neelkanth — the blue-throated form of Shiva — commemorating the moment in Hindu mythology when Shiva drank the poison (Halahal) churned from the cosmic ocean to protect the universe, the poison turning his throat blue.
Timing: Open daily, 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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River Rafting on the Ganges
Rishikesh is the primary base for white-water rafting in India, with the Ganges offering multiple stretches graded from I to IV+ depending on the section and season. The rafting season runs from mid-September to June. Book directly with operators in the Tapovan or Lakshman Jhula area — walk-in bookings are straightforward.
Season: Mid-September to June
Entry Fee: Prices vary by stretch and operator
Neer Waterfall
A waterfall accessible by a 30–45 minute forest trek. The trail passes through dense forest, and the waterfall drops into a natural pool — a practical and quiet break from the activity of the town. The trail is manageable for most fitness levels and is one of the cleaner short treks near Rishikesh.
Timing: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee:
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Getting There
Rishikesh is well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 21 km away. Haridwar, 35 km south, is the major rail hub for the region. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Rishikesh — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Station: Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station (YNRK) | Haridwar Junction (HW)
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)
Bus Terminal: Rishikesh ISBT (Main Bus Stand)
By Train
Search "Rishikesh" as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station (YNRK) is the main station. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air. Fly into Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED). From the airport, hire a taxi to Rishikesh (approximately 21 km).
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (UTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
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