Overview
Rishikesh, a picturesque destination situated on the banks of the Ganga, is known by its many names. It is a famous spiritual place in India; it is the yoga capital of India; and, of course, it is also an adventure capital, with river rafting, one activity everyone wants to try. So, whether you are a nature lover or an adventurer, looking to master the art of yoga and meditation, or want to tap into your spirituality, Rishikesh is the place to be. So, whether you are looking for peace or thrill, Rishikesh is the beacon of hope you want to head to.
Best time to visit Rishikesh
The best time for visiting Rishikesh will depend on your purpose to visit this spiritual place in India.
- Springs: March to May. The spring months are pleasantly mild and are ideal for meditation, yoga, trekking, and rafting.
- Monsoon: June to September. The monsoon season enriches the city with greenery. The ambiance is peaceful but due to high rains and humidity, rafting is not allowed in monsoon.
- Autumn: From October to November, the weather is comfortable and cool for exploring the many tourist attractions. The festivals also add a spark, making exploring the city a joyous experience.
- Winter: December to January, with nights getting extremely chilly. If you love the winter, you can head to Rishikesh and enjoy sightseeing.
Best places to see in Rishikesh
Beatles Ashram
The Beatles ashram, or as it is known, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, became famous in the 1960s when the Beatles stayed here to learn transcendental meditation. It is now a reminder of their visit, and people come here to experience peace and calm.
Tera Manzil Temple
Near Lakshman Jhula, it is a beautiful three-story temple honoring multiple deities of the Hindu religion. From the temple, you enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the mountains, cities, and Ganga River. Each floor is dedicated to a different god or goddess, making it a beautiful experience for all.
Best things to do in Rishikesh
River rafting
Rishikesh is known for whitewater river rafting. It is an exhilarating experience that the entire family can enjoy. The Ganga river offers rapids of different difficulty, so it is best for both seasoned and beginners. There are many routes, but the one from Rishikesh to Brahampuri is the best route with impressive views of the Himalayas.
Wildlife safari
Rajaji National Park is popular for its Asian Elephant Reserve. It is best explored and I think jeep safaris are one of the best activities here. On this adventurous safari, you witness exotic animals like leopards, tigers, elephants, and more, along with 400+ species of birds.
Experience Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
The enchanting Ganga aarti is world famous and people flock the Trivent Ghat during evening to be part of this. The evening aarti at the Triveni Ghat is a sight to behold where you experience calm and peace. As you hear the chanting of prayers and floating lamps on the river, the spirituality you feel is unforgettable. Just sitting here for hours can make you feel at peace.
Bungee Jumping
Want to experience a thrilling sport? Then, you should go bungee jumping at Rishikesh. Jumping heights is the best option for trying Bungee jumping here, along with flying foxes and giant swings. Record yourself doing these activities and have a memorable time.
Best places to stay in Rishikesh
Guesthouse- Budget friendly
- Shiv-Shakti Guesthouse: It is affordable and has dorms or private rooms from which you can choose any one whose atmosphere you love.
- Sonu Guesthouse: Simple and hygienic rooms; it is located in a location from which many tourist attractions are nearby. The customer support here is excellent.
Mid-range hotels
- Hotel Peepal Tree: With its rooftop terrace and spacious rooms only 15 minutes away from Ram Jhula, it is the perfect hotel for couples or families. It has full amenities without spending too much. The price starts from INR 11k.
- Ganga Kinare: It is a boutique resort, near River Ganga. It offers a mix of nature and spirituality overlooking Rajaji National Park. The rooms are spacious and offer all modernities. The price of the rooms are from INR 12k and 17k.
Luxury and heritage hotels
- Aloha on the Ganges: A luxurious hotel, it is known for its beautiful views and experiences. The rooms are massive, comfortable, and clean. There are many activities for nourishing both your mind and soul. The price starts from INR 18k.
- Neemrana’s Glasshouse: A luxurious heritage hotel giving you access to a private river and a memorable experience. The rooms here are unique, as each one of them honors one of the birds endemic to the Himalayas. The price starts from INR 16,000 per night.
Top 5 yoga retreats in Rishikesh
Rishikesh Yog Peeth
It is the best yoga retreat accredited by Yoga Alliance, teaching traditional and authentic yoga teachings. From Hatha yoga to Vinyasa yoga to Ashtanga, you can learn many forms here from experts with a deep understanding of yoga.
Ananda in the Himalayas
With a view of the Himalayas, Ananda is a yoga retreat with personalized sessions. The luxurious retreat also provides spa treatments. An ideal retreat for anyone looking for spirituality and comfort.
Parmarth Niketan
One of the massive spiritual institutions here, it overlooks the beautiful Gangas, providing daily meditation and yoga classes. There are many programs that you can go to here and even see the Ganga Aarti procession from here.
Sivananda Ashram
A beginner can head to Sivananda Ashram to master basic yoga. You will also learn meditation here and be part of many satsangs. It teaches you about selfless service, appealing to many practitioners of yoga.
Swami Dayananda Ashram
Focusing on a mix of philosophy and yoga, the ashram has deep roots in the Vedanta tradition. Here you will learn about yoga, meditation, and Vedanta. For anyone seeking a lesson in spirituality, this is the ideal place to be.
Conclusion
Whether you are in Rishikesh for exploring ancient temples, to be part of adventurous activities, or to explore the yogis and learn about meditation, you will find a deep connection to this place. Rishikesh allows you an immersive experience! Ensure to attend the Ganga Aarti for a religious awakening and experience serenity. Pack your bags and head today to this beautiful place.
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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.