Rishikesh, a hilly town, offers an abundance of incredible experiences. From spending a night under the millions of sparkling stars beside the free-flowing Ganga river to rafting into the rapids of the Ganges, everything is magical. With numerous activities and places to explore, Rishikesh ensures you never have a dull moment. However, maximizing your enjoyment in Rishikesh requires meticulous planning. Effective planning not only helps you save time and money but also provides a glimpse of the adventures that lie ahead. To assist with this, we have crafted a comprehensive Rishikesh Itinerary.
Let’s Quicky Dive Into The Details –
- Why visit Rishikesh?
- How to Reach Rishikesh?
- How many days would be enough for Rishikesh
- How to spend a day in Rishikesh
- How to spend 2 days in Rishikesh
- How to spend 3 days in Rishikesh
- Where to Stay in Rishikesh
- FAQ’s
Why visit Rishikesh?
Rishikesh, a Himalayan town situated on the bank of the Ganga river, offers a unique blend of spirituality, adventure, Yoga, and Ayurveda. It boasts a plethora of activities, including white water rafting, kayaking, cliff jumping, trekking, rock climbing, camping, and waterfall rappelling, allowing visitors to indulge in the thrill of the great outdoors. Alternatively, for those seeking a more serene experience, Rishikesh provides ample opportunities for yoga, meditation, and temple tours, catering to a diverse range of interests.
Rishikesh, one of the easily accessible hill stations on a minimal budget, boasts excellent connectivity through both rail networks and highways. This underrated feature is one of the town’s best attributes. Moreover, Rishikesh offers a plethora of unique experiences not found anywhere else in the world. From the enchanting Ganga Aarti to exhilarating white water rafting, the town offers a magical blend of experiences for every traveler.
How to reach Rishikesh?
By Train – Train is the best way to reach Rishikesh on a minimum budget. Rishikesh has its station with the same name that is well connected to places like Delhi, Rewari, Agra, Chandigarh, Jaipur etc. And if you can’t find a direct train to Rishikesh from your city then don’t worry Haridwar Railway Station is just 25 Km away. Haridwar is one of the major train stations in the country and has direct trains from most of the major cities in India.
By Road – Rishikesh is well connected by road to its nearby places like Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala, Agra etc. Regular buses and cabs are playing from Delhi to Rishikesh and Haridwar which takes around 5 to 6 hours.
By Flight – Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is situated just 21 Km from Rishikesh. Dehradun airport is well connected by direct flights to most of the airports in India. From there you can easily get a cab, bus or taxi to reach Rishikesh.
How many days would be enough for Rishikesh?
Rishikesh offers a wide range of activities. So 2 nights 3 days would be the minimum for Rishikesh. And if you want to enjoy the most of it then 3 nights and 4 days would be ideal for a perfect Rishikesh trip. Now let’s find out the perfect Rishikesh Itinerary for a day, 2 days, 3 days and 4 days.
How To Spend a Day in Rishikesh?
Day 1 in Rishikesh
Visit Lakshman Jhula – Wake up early in the morning around 7 AM and head straight to Lakshman Jhula, one of the town’s prime attractions. It tends to get crowded as the day progresses, so capturing the serenity of the sunrise and the exquisite Tera Manzil Temple with your camera is best done during the early hours.
After this serene experience, take a short 5-minute walk to visit Lakshman Mandir, which is conveniently located nearby.
Tera Manzil Temple – Tera Manzil Temple is yet another must-visit spot, a mere 100 meters from Lakshman Jhula. As its name suggests, it is a 13-floored temple, each floor adorned with captivating statues of various gods and goddesses. Taking the time to seek blessings from each deity is a unique experience not to be missed.
Ram Jhula – 2 Km from Lakshman Jhula, there is another Jhula name Ram Jhula. The size is bigger and the views are amazing.
Neelgarh Waterfall – Now that you’ve had lunch, it’s time to visit the Neelgarh waterfall, located 8 kilometers from Lakshman Jhula. To get there, you’ll need to take a 15-minute hike through the dense forest. While trekking, you’ll encounter a variety of flora and fauna, so don’t forget to capture some pictures. Make sure to carry water and food, as it’s an ideal spot for a picturesque picnic.
Neelgarh fall is a three-tier waterfall that cascades from the rocky hills into a clear, crystal-blue pool, perfect for bathing. The valley view from the fall is breathtaking. You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here, enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility.
Take Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmath Niketan – It’s time to experience the enchanting magic of Rishikesh’s renowned Ganga Aarti. Two prominent locations, Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan, offer ideal vantage points to witness this mystical ceremony. Ensure punctuality, as Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan attract thousands of spectators daily. The sight of numerous floating diyas illuminating the night sky, accompanied by the rhythmic chanting of mantras and the melodious ringing of bells, will undoubtedly etch an unforgettable memory in your life.
- Timing – 6 PM to 7 PM
How To Spend 2 Days in Rishikesh?
Day 2 In Rishikesh
Yoga on the bank of the Ganga River – Wake up early in the morning and do yoga on the bank of the Ganga River. There won’t be much crowd in the early morning so you’ll get enough space for yourself. The tranquil surroundings with a fresh cold breeze help you to get the inner peace that everyone seeks in the modern world.
Rafting – This is going to be a very adventurous day so be prepared. After early yoga and breakfast, it’s time to leave for white water rafting in the Ganga River. There are many rafting points in Rishikesh depending on the grades but Brahampuri and Shivpuri are the most famous ones. The average cost of rafting can be anywhere between 300 to 1500 Rs depending on the grade level.
For beginners, the Brahampuri clubhouse is the perfect location for Rafting in Rishikesh. It is a 9 KM rafting for Grades 1 and 2. And for the more advanced version of Rafting Shivpuri is the place to go.
Cliff Jumping – Cliff jumping is a popular activity in Rishikesh, often paired with rafting. If not included, you can request the vendor to arrange it. This thrilling experience involves leaping into the refreshing waters of the Ganges, secured with a life jacket, creating a memory that will last a lifetime.
Shivpuri for night Camping – In Rishikesh, camping embodies the experience of spending a night under millions of stars, with the dense green forest on one side and the free-flowing Ganga river on the other. Shivpuri serves as the hub of camping in Rishikesh, offering a variety of campsites, ranging from luxurious to budget options. Additionally, you have the option to choose riverside camping for an even more immersive experience.
Beatles Ashram – If camping doesn’t excite you much, then don’t worry. Return to Rishikesh and visit Beatles Ashram, one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh for someone seeking peace. Situated on the bank of the Ganga River, Beatles Ashram is one of the oldest ashrams in India. Due to its tranquility, you can spot lots of people meditating there. Therefore, it is a must-visit place in Rishikesh.
- Location – Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh.
Take Ayurvedic massage and therapy – After an eventful day, it’s time to loosen up your tight muscles, and the best way to do it is through an Ayurvedic massage. Rishikesh boasts a number of Ayurvedic massage centers, each offering a range of therapeutic treatments. Not only does an Ayurvedic massage provide physical relaxation, but it also promotes mental rejuvenation, making it an essential part of your Rishikesh experience.
How To Spend 3 Days in Rishikesh
Day 3 In Rishikesh
Bungee Jumping – Rishikesh attracts tourists from all around, and one of the activities that draws their attention is Bungee Jumping. To partake in this thrilling adventure, one must head to Mohan Chatti village, located approximately 25 km from Rishikesh. The cost for this experience is 3700 rupees, excluding the 100 rupees entry fee. Plan for a time frame of 3 to 4 hours to complete the entire activity, so it is advisable to leave on time.
- Timings – 9:30 to 3:30 PM
- Weekly Off – Tuesday
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Situated atop the Narayan mountain range, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh stands as one of the most renowned temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its picturesque location adds to its allure. The temple’s history and architecture form its main highlights. According to legend, it is believed to be the very site where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged during the Samundra Manthan. For those unfamiliar with this mythological event, the temple walls vividly depict the entire story through intricate sculptures.
- Location – 32 KM from Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Puri Road.
Marine Drive – Marine Drive, a 6 KM long and 25 feet wide road that starts from Triveni Ghat and ends at Barrage, is the ideal spot in Rishikesh for late-night and early-morning walks. Walking along the Ganga river offers a wonderful experience, and you can find benches along the road where you can sit and practice yoga or meditation.
Where To Stay in Rishikesh?
From free stays in Ashrams to luxurious hotels & resorts, Rishikesh has plenty of options for stay. If you’re on a budget then there are many Dharamshala, ashrams and Gurudwara which offer free or affordable stays. Along with staying, they offer food and other services at very affordable prices.
If you’re coming here for relaxation or a honeymoon trip there are hotels & resorts which make your stay memorable. From riverside glamping to hotels with swimming pools there are many good places to stay in Rishikesh.
| Hotel Name | Price | Booking Info |
| Green Hills Cottage | 540 | View Rooms |
| Vyom Boutique Hotel | 3999 | View Rooms |
| Tapovan Vatika Resort | 3440 | View Rooms |
| Ganga Forest View | 1566 | View Rooms |
| Hotel Yog Vashisht | 2700 | View Rooms |
| Camp Brook – Luxury Camping | 4950 | View Camps |
| Avenue 18 Resort | 3824 | View Rooms |
Rishikesh offers a range of hostels catering to backpackers and groups of students, ensuring an affordable yet enriching stay. Opting for hostels not only helps you keep the expenses at a minimum but also facilitates connections with like-minded individuals. These hostels often host a variety of events such as DJ nights, stand-up comedy shows, and bonfires, providing ample opportunities to showcase your talents. Additionally, if you are considering a workation, a hostel can serve as a conducive environment for your professional commitments.
| Hostel Name | Price | Booking Info |
| Madpackers | 663 | View Rooms |
| The Hosteller | 738 | View Rooms |
| goStops | 792 | View Rooms |
| Zostel Rishikesh | 499 | View Rooms |
| Landlopers Hostel | 388 | View Rooms |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to visit in Rishikesh at night?
Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, night camps, Little Buddha cafe, and Rama Palace are some of the best places to visit in Rishikesh at night.
What are the best places to visit in Rishikesh for couples?
Ram & Lakshman Jhula, Shivpuri, Triveni Ghat, Neel Garh waterfall, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Beatles Ashram, Little Budda cafe, Mohan Chatti village for adventurous activities and Neem beach are the best places to visit in Rishikesh for couples.