Rishikesh

best tourist destination

Best Places to visit in Rishikesh

Which are the best places to visit in Rishikesh?

1. Lakshman Jhula: This famous landmark often makes it to postcard images of Rishikesh, that’s how synonymous it is not only to Rishikesh but the entire Uttarakhand. To mark the crossing of the Ganga by Lakshman on a jute bridge, a rope bridge was constructed in 1889.

This was later replaced by this 450-ft. long suspended iron bridge in 1930 connecting the 2 districts of Pauri and Tehri. It is quite a unique experience walking over the depths of the Ganges and enjoying panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings from over the waters. There are several beautiful temples & local bazaar around the bridge that are a must-visit.

Location: Tapovan, Rishikesh.
Timing: Open 24 hours.

2. Ram Jhula: The second of the twin bridges, Ram Jhula is the slightly lesser-known but a better architectural marvel than Lakshman Jhula. Constructed in 1986, this iconic structure spans for around 750 ft. over the River Ganges linking Swarg Ashram to Sivananda Ashram.

You can't but feel hypnotised by the crashing sounds of the river beneath, stupendous views of the mountains, and the cool misty breeze all around. Throughout the year the bridge and its surrounding areas, comprising numerous famous temples and markets, is abuzz with tourists from India and around the world making for a lovely sight.

Location: Muni ki Reti.
Timing: Open 24 hours.

3. Beatles Ashram: Initially founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to teach the age-old practices of yoga and meditation, this ashram became world-famous with the visit of the English rock band ‘Beatles’ members in 1968 to learn mediation.

It was recently converted into a tourist attraction where one can enjoy soaking in the earthy architecture of the place and fun activities like bird watching, trekking, nature walks, etc. The entire place has beautiful graffiti and wall paintings made by visiting tourists making for a great photo-opp of this legendary place.

Rishikesh Attractions

Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
Bungee Jumping Rishikesh
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
Shivpuri, Rishikesh
Flying Fox Rishikesh
Neer Garh Waterfall, Rishikesh
Ganga Aarti, Rishikesh
Tera Manzil Temple, Rishikesh
Kunjapuri Temple Trekking, Rishikesh
Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh
Vyasa Yoga Peeth, Rishikesh
Vishwa Shanti Yoga, Rishikesh
Maa Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh
Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh
Swami Dayananda Ashram, Rishikesh
Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, Rishikesh
Rishikund, Rishikesh
Osho Gangadham, Rishikesh
Vashistha Cave, Rishikesh
Sadhana Mandir, Rishikesh
Rishikesh School Of Yoga
Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh
Swarga Ashram, Rishikesh
Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh
Shiva Yoga Peeth, Rishikesh
Omkarananda Ashram, Rishikesh

Best Time to visit in Rishikesh

Best Month January February March April May June September October November December

Although Rishikesh enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, some months are definitely more favorable than the others.
October to February: Rishikesh experiences winters during these months and the average temperature ranges between 19-27 degrees. Despite the chilly weather, many people head to Rishikesh around this time for rafting and camping. January is the coldest month, so make sure you carry appropriate winter wear.
March to June: March is the best time to head to Rishikesh for rafting and if you plan in advance, you can also attend the International Yoga Festival. Rishikesh experiences summer during these months and June is the hottest month with temperatures peaking up to 25 degrees. Rafting is closed during June, so if you are not a fan of the adventure sport then this is the best time to visit Rishikesh as many hotels offer discounted accommodation.

How to reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh can be accessed via air, bus, train and road/ self-drive.
Air: The nearest airport is located in Dehradun. And is approximately 35 km away from Rishikesh. All major domestic carriers have direct flights from Delhi. There is even a flight from Lucknow. Once you exit the airport, you can hire a local taxi or catch a bus to Rishikesh. If you are traveling from overseas and are unable to find a connection then the best way is to catch a cab from New Delhi and head to Rishikesh via road.
Bus: Rishikesh is well-connected via buses from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. From Delhi, you can get busses either form Kashmiri Gate or ISBT. Buses run at various times throughout the day. You choose between luxurious, deluxe or regular coaches.
Train: The nearest railway station is located in Haridwar and is around 25 km away. Haridwar is connected via train to many locations in India such as Varanasi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi etc. There are many trains such as Shatabdi, Express Trains, AC Special trains, and Mussoorie Express.
Road/Self Drive: Rishikesh is connected to major cities in India via National Highway 58. It takes between 6 and 7 hours to reach Rishikesh from Delhi. There is a short hilly terrain in the middle, but other than that the drive to Rishikesh is smooth and enjoyable.