Rishikesh
"The city of yoga, a center of spiritual practice on the banks of the Ganga"
History & Stories
- Rishikesh is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
- It is said that Lord Ram performed penance here after his victory over Lanka.
- It is here that Lakshman is said to have built a bridge over the Ganga using an arrow, on the site of today's Lakshman Jhula.
- In the 20th century it became an internationally known center for yoga and meditation. The Beatles also visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram here in 1968.
How to Reach
Stay
- Ashrams (Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Geeta Bhawan)
- GMVN guest houses and hotels
- Yoga retreats and budget/luxury hotels
Safety Tips
- Be careful of crowds at Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula.
- Watch out for currents while bathing in the Ganga.
- Only use authorized agencies for adventure sports (rafting/bungee).
- Rafting remains closed during the monsoon season.
Map
FAQs
Why is Rishikesh called the city of yoga?▼
Rishikesh is called the 'Yoga Capital of the World' because it is home to dozens of internationally known yoga centers and ashrams. Every March, people from around the world attend the 'International Yoga Festival' held here.
Where can I watch the Ganga Aarti?▼
A grand Ganga Aarti is held every morning at Triveni Ghat and every evening at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The Parmarth aarti draws large numbers of devotees, monks, and foreign yoga practitioners.
How does the Char Dham Yatra begin from Rishikesh?▼
Rishikesh is called the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra. Buses and taxi services to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are available from here.
Is Rishikesh good for adventure sports?▼
Yes, Rishikesh is considered India's adventure capital. It offers river rafting, bungee jumping, trekking, and camping experiences. However, these should only be done through authorized operators.
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?▼
February to April and September to November are the most suitable months. Summers see heavier crowds, and adventure activities remain closed during the monsoon.
Is only vegetarian food available here?▼
Yes, Rishikesh is an entirely vegetarian city. Meat and alcohol are prohibited. You'll easily find North Indian, South Indian, and international vegetarian food.
Are Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula still open?▼
Ram Jhula is still in use. Lakshman Jhula has been closed since 2019 for safety reasons, though there are plans to rebuild it in a new form.
How many days should I stay in Rishikesh?▼
For a yoga and spiritual experience, you can stay up to a week. For general sightseeing and the Ganga Aarti/adventure sports, 2-3 days are enough.
Can foreign tourists also learn yoga here?▼
Yes, many ashrams and yoga institutes in Rishikesh teach international students in both English and Hindi. Foreign tourists often stay for months to complete longer courses.
Can I easily travel from Rishikesh to Haridwar?▼
Yes, Haridwar is only about 25 km from Rishikesh. It can easily be reached in 30-40 minutes by bus, taxi, or train.