Rishikesh

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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Metro in Rishikesh

Metro is not available in Rishikesh.

Local buses in Rishikesh

Local buses are partially practical in Rishikesh. City buses run across the city but informal routes and timing can be difficult to navigate without local knowledge.

Ride-hailing apps in Rishikesh

Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber are partially practical and operate with limited availability in Rishikesh.

Street hailed auto rickshaw in Rishikesh

Street hailed auto-rickshaw is practical in Rishikesh for short distances (5-10 km) or when apps are unavailable. Tell or show the auto driver your destination — they can refuse, in which case move to the next one. Agree on the fare (approx. ₹20—₹30 per km) before you get in. Know the distance to your destination via maps before negotiating.

International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh

The largest yoga gathering in the world, held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in the first week of March. Practitioners from over 100 countries participate in yoga classes, pranayama sessions, meditation, satsangs, and cultural performances across seven days. Online registration required.
2026 Dates:

Mahashivratri in Rishikesh

The night of Shiva observed with vigils, special pujas, and an all-night procession of sadhus through the town. The temples and the ghats are lit and active through the night.
2026 Dates:

Rudraksha beads

Seeds of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, sacred to Shiva — used in prayer malas, pendants, and bracelets. The number of faces (mukhis) determines the traditional significance and price. Quality varies enormously between pavement stalls and established shops.
Find it: Markets along both banks of Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula.

Rishikesh is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free — this applies to every restaurant, cafe, and street stall in the town. The food landscape reflects both the North Indian pilgrimage tradition and the large international traveler population — the result is a genuinely diverse all-vegetarian menu.

Local food to eat in Rishikesh

Aloo ki sabzi with puri · Stuffed paratha · Dal rice · Garhwali phaanu · Kafuli · Momos · Thukpa · Israeli-style shakshuka and hummus · Fresh juice · Kulhad chai

Food streets in Rishikesh

• Tapovan — cafes, wood-fired pizza, international breakfast, the most varied area
• Lakshman Jhula bazaar — street food, local dhabas, momos
• Ram Jhula market — cheaper, more local-facing options
• Swarg Ashram ghat area — riverside cafes, juice bars

Rishikesh is well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, 21 km away. Haridwar, 35 km, 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 (approx. 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.

All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.