Rishikesh is a tranquil town nestled on the banks of the holy river Ganges with the majestic Himalayas in the backdrop. It is known to have a serene and spiritual ambiance. Often called the “Yoga Capital of the World”, Rishikesh attracts visitors from many countries who come to learn yoga, meditation, and inner peace. The town is packed with ancient temples, colourful ashrams and the sacred ghats where travellers can connect with the spiritual aspect of India in a simple and meaningful way. The historic Lakshman Jhula stands as an iconic architectural monument with lovely river views, though pedestrian traffic has officially moved to its modern glass-floor replacement. The Ganga Aarti ceremony is a magical experience each evening, with the lighting of the brass lamps, devotional songs and prayers, with peace swelling along the riverbank. For adventure lovers, Rishikesh is a vibrant haven offering top-tier outdoor activities like Bungee jumping, trekking, camping and White water rafting. There are plenty of charming riverside cafes where guests can unwind, enjoy scenic mountain views, healthy cuisine and a quiet ambiance. Rishikesh offers a serene and tranquil lifestyle, quite different from the hustle and bustle of the city, which helps the travellers relax, feel a part of the nature and make them feel mentally refreshed. Nature lovers and photographers will enjoy Rishikesh's close proximity to the forests, waterfalls, and picturesque mountain trails. From spirituality, adventure, wellness, and nature to peace, culture, and amazing memories, read this Rishikesh Travel Guide to discover why it is a wonderful destination to travel. Capital: Not applicable (Rishikesh is a city in Uttarakhand state) Population: Around 100,000 (approx.) International Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 20 km away Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST) – UTC +5:30 Driving Side: Left-hand side Main Electricity: 230V, 50Hz (Type C, D and M plugs commonly used) Religion: Mainly Hinduism (with yoga and spiritual traditions widely followed)
The holy river Ganga runs beautifully amongst green hills and fresh mountain air. The town also has a calm and quiet atmosphere, with the rivers winding through the town, creating a refreshing and relaxed atmosphere. Exploring these natural pathways highlights the Best Things to Do in Rishikesh. Ganga Aarti is also performed in the evening at Triveni Ghat which is one of the most enchanting moments for the city. There is a really spiritual atmosphere next to the river through the lamps, prayers, music and chanting. Rishikesh is the adventure capital of India and is known for thrilling river rafting on the Ganga. Must-try experiences include, zip lining, cliff jumping and kayaking amidst the beautiful Himalayan landscape! Ram Jhula and the newly constructed Bajrang Setu glass bridge are the premier suspension pathways over the river. Walking across them provides sweeping panoramas, especially at sunrise and sunset. Rishikesh is also famous as a Yoga and Meditation center in the world. The many visitors come to attend yoga retreats, wellness courses, and serene spiritual or meditation sessions. The town is also located at the foot of the Himalayas making it an ideal base for hiking up into the mountains and visiting the temples of northern India. As noted in any Rishikesh Travel Guide, the town has cosy cafés with views of the river and hills. Healthy food, herbal teas, fresh juices and international dishes are served in many places in a relaxing atmosphere. The city abounds in peace and quiet ashramas, ancient temples and meditation centres. Those tranquil locations enable one to relax and connect to the spiritual aspect of India. Early morn in Rishikesh are calm and misty while evenings are golden with hues over the river. Beauty enhances the environment for leisure and taking photos. known in the Beatles Ashram when The Beatles came here in 1968. The colourful graffiti walls and the peaceful environment today, welcome music lovers from all over the world.
