You're Going to Love Rishikesh
The world capital of yoga, Rishikesh is at the crossroads of the Ganges River, with imposing, grand mountains and a modern pace of life that slows down just a little in the presence of religious devotion. Rishikesh is the place you go to rediscover the wonder of nature, trace the steps of Indian history and relax while exploring.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Rishikesh
1. When in Rishikesh, Make Like the Yogis
There are many yoga teacher training camps known as "shalas" or "ashrams" that invite devotees to strike a pose in deep meditation. Join fellow visitors in a peaceful vinyasa flow. Om!
2. Revisit the Mystery of Nature
Whether you love high-adrenaline white-water rafting, mountain climbing or soft treks and trails for peaceful bird watching, communing with nature is a viable activity in Rishikesh.
3. Visit the Holy Temples
Because it lives so close to the Ganges, India's holy river, you can't help but get swept up in the sacred temples all around you. Notable in particular for the beauty and grace are Trayambakeshwar Temple and Swarg Ashram.
4. Tuck into Healthy and Cheap Eats
From yummy, roadside food-stalls serving up friend sweets and spiced meats, there are plenty of traditional thalis, western food like pizza and pasta as well as healthier, organic meals like salads.
5. Travel During Festival Season
Besides local religious festivals and fairs known as "melas", Rishikesh is the spot for the celebration of "Saavan", which means "rain" in Hindi. Expect to see thousands flock to the tiny city in July for celebrations and parades.
When to Visit Rishikesh
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Rishikesh's climate is on par for Northern India, with cooler winters, from 46°F to 68°F, and warm summers, between 68°F to 95°F. July to September is officially monsoon season.
How to Get to Rishikesh
Plane
Rishikesh is serviced by Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport, which is 9.3 miles away. From the airport, grab a taxi for around ₹650 to ₹975.
Train
There are lots of different services of trains, like the Shatabadi Express or Mussoorie Express, depending on the city of origin. Haridwar to Rishikesh on the Shatabdi is ₹650.
Car
Book a prepaid car rental or taxi cab from companies like Saavari. Day rates start at 2,427 for a journey from Dehradun to Rishikesh.
Bus
Traveling by bus from Delhi, fares start at ₹130-₹350 for a standard bus and ₹200-₹500 for an air-conditioned bus.
Airlines serving Rishikesh
Where to stay in popular areas of Rishikesh
Most booked hotels in Rishikesh
How to Get Around Rishikesh
Public Transportation
Get around on foot or grab a autorickshaw. They're noisy but at ₹8, they're cheap. You can also get regular rickshaws for ₹24.3/mile.
Taxi
Taxis in Rishikesh must be booked in advance from companies like Rishikesh Car Rental Service for ₹5,500 in Tapovan.
Car
Book car rental packages from operators like Shubh Yatra Tours. Trips around Uttarkhand start at ₹5,000.
Where to Eat in Rishikesh
If you're in the mood for some classic Indian thalis, Chotiwala in Swarg Ashram is your spot. Meals start at ₹100.