Rishikesh Travel Guide: Rafting, Yoga, Cafés and Camping
Plan a Rishikesh trip: river rafting stretches, yoga and ashrams, Ganga aarti, Beatles Ashram, camping, cafés and a weekend itinerary from Delhi.
A Rishikesh trip mixes adventure and calm. Rishikesh sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills, a mix of spiritual town and adventure base. One weekend is enough to raft white-water rapids, join a yoga class, watch the evening aarti and eat at cafés with river views.
When to go
- September to November: great weather, rafting season starts.
- February to April: pleasant, and the International Yoga Festival takes place in March.
- May–June: hot but busy with rafting.
- July–August: monsoon; rafting stops and some roads are affected.
Getting there
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is about 35 km away. Trains run to Haridwar (25 km) and Yog Nagari Rishikesh. Buses and cabs from Delhi take 5–6 hours.
River rafting
The Ganga is graded by stretch:
| Stretch | Distance | Level | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brahmapuri to Rishikesh | ~9 km | Easy (Grade I–II) | First-timers, families |
| Shivpuri to Rishikesh | ~16 km | Moderate (Grade II–III) | Most visitors |
| Marine Drive to Rishikesh | ~24 km | Moderate–rough (III+) | Thrill seekers |
| Kaudiyala to Rishikesh | ~36 km | Rough (III–IV) | Experienced rafters |
Book only with licensed operators, wear the helmet and life jacket provided, and listen to the safety briefing.
Yoga and ashrams
Rishikesh calls itself the yoga capital of the world. Options range from a single drop-in class to week-long courses at ashrams such as Parmarth Niketan. Look for teachers with recognised certification and good recent reviews.
Places to see
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula areas. The iconic suspension bridges connect the two banks. (Laxman Jhula itself has been closed to traffic for safety; a new bridge is being built nearby.)
Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan aarti. The evening Ganga aarti is a beautiful ritual of lamps, chants and flowers. Arrive early.
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia). The ruined ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi where the Beatles stayed in 1968, now covered in murals.
Neer Garh waterfall. A short hike to cascading pools near Laxman Jhula.
Kunjapuri Temple sunrise. A hilltop temple with views of snow peaks on clear mornings.
A weekend itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive by noon. Café lunch with river view. Beatles Ashram. Evening aarti at Parmarth Niketan. |
| 2 | Morning rafting from Shivpuri. Afternoon Neer Garh waterfall. Night at a riverside camp. |
| 3 | Kunjapuri sunrise, yoga class, drive back. |
Food
Rishikesh is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free within town limits. Cafés serve everything from Israeli platters and wood-fired pizza to Garhwali thalis. Try aloo puri at a dhaba and fresh juices everywhere.
Camping
Beach camps along the Shivpuri stretch offer tents, bonfires and meals. Choose licensed camps with proper toilets and safety measures.
Tips
- The river is cold and currents are strong; swim only where guided.
- Dress modestly at ghats and ashrams.
- Monkeys snatch food and bags; keep them closed.
Frequently asked questions
When is rafting open in Rishikesh?
Rafting usually runs from September to June and stops during the monsoon (July–August) when the Ganga is too high. Check with licensed operators for exact dates.
Is Rishikesh good for a weekend from Delhi?
Yes. It's about 240 km, a 5–6 hour drive, or a short train ride to Haridwar or Yog Nagari Rishikesh station.
