Rishikesh earned its fame as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ in the 1960s, after the Beatles visited the town. During their time in Rishikesh, the famous band visited the Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and other popular tourist places in the city, including the Ganga ghats.
Rishikesh is renowned for soul-stirring sacred places and riverside cafes, so make sure not to miss them while visiting this spiritual city.
How to Reach Rishikesh
In Dehradun, 35 km from Rishikesh, the Jolly Grant Airport is the closest. You can take taxis or cabs between these two tourist places, or take a train to the Rishikesh Railway Station. From Delhi and other cities/towns in Uttaranchal, you can also take buses to Rishikesh.
How To Reach Rishikesh By Air
To reach Rishikesh by flight, the nearest airport is located in Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport, which is 35km away from Rishikesh, offers daily flights from various cities including Delhi.
Airlines such as Air India, Spice Jet and IndiGo have regular flights to this airport. Upon arrival, you can hire a taxi to take you to Rishikesh or utilize the bus services available.
Alternatively, you can fly to Delhi which has an international airport with flights coming in from all over the world. From there, you can take a bus to reach Rishikesh.
How To Reach Rishikesh By Road
There are several buses connected to Rishikesh from Delhi. Buses from other pilgrimage sites such as Haridwar also arrive here regularly enough. The morning and late evening buses depart from Kashmir Gate ISBT every day to take you to Rishikesh.
Rishikesh has two bus stops, the Main Bus Stand and the Yatra Bus Stand, and you can choose a bus based on your budget. You can choose between regular, deluxe, and luxury buses.
You can buy your tickets at the UTC Bus Booking Stand opposite the Madras Café in Ram Jhoola. Since Rishikesh is connected to other cities via the National Highway 58, you should consider driving down in your own vehicle.
The highway is well-maintained, providing a smooth and enjoyable drive. It takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to reach Rishikesh from Delhi.
While some sections of the road may be rough, particularly in hilly areas, this does not deter most travelers from driving to the town for convenient transportation once there.
If you plan on driving from Delhi, it is advisable to depart between 4 and 5 am due to potential traffic in towns such as Modinagar and Roorkee.
Taxis are another option. From Dehradun, there are also share jeeps that leave early in the morning. Be there between 5 and 7 a.m.
How To Reach Rishikesh By Railways
For reaching Rishikesh via train, one must head to Haridwar, located about 25kms away. There are multiple trains connecting Haridwar to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow.
While Rishikesh does have its own railway station, it only operates three slow trains on a daily basis. Therefore, the Haridwar railway station is a preferable option.
From there, travelers can easily take a bus or taxi to reach Rishikesh. Opting for the train route to Rishikesh is recommended as the trains are usually not crowded and have reasonable fares.
During peak seasons or melas, they also tend to run on time. Some of the top choices for reaching Haridwar and subsequently Rishikesh include Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express, and Mussoorie Express.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
Located near the majestic Himalayas, Rishikesh is an idyllic tourist places that boasts breathtaking views all year round.
It welcomes visitors throughout the year with its pleasant climate and diverse seasons – summer, monsoon, and winter. To fully experience this picturesque city, it is recommended to plan a trip between October and March.
While summer is perfect for thrilling adventure sports, the monsoon season brings its own unique celebrations.
Summer (March – May)
The temperature here ranges from 15°C to 40°C during summer. During this time of year, it is best for camping and adventure sports because the days are cheerful and warm, but the nights can get a little chilly at times.
Rishikesh’s most popular adventure sport, white water river rafting, is best enjoyed during the summer months. Camping and hiking are a wonderful way to begin these sunny days.
Monsoon (June – September)
If you expect this place to be quiet and empty when it pours, you are in for a surprise. In the city, Savan is celebrated during the monsoon season. In Hindu calendar terms, this is the Shravan Maas festival.
There are many festivals throughout the country during it. In the monsoon season, almost every day is a celebration. Many devotees visit Haridwar & Rishikesh barefoot. However, adventure sports are not available during this time.
Winter (October – February)
Winters in Rishikesh bring its beauty to life. The temperatures fall between 6°C and 20°C. This is the best time to visit rishikesh. All adventure sports are available at this time, and they are a great way to feel the adrenaline rush.
You can rock climb here or jump from a bungee tower. Ashrams and yoga centers offer special sessions for visitors.
Best Tourist Places to visit in Rishikesh India
There are a lot of tourist places in the region that have a religious association, as it is one of India’s most revered religious and spiritual tourist places.
In addition to the numerous temples, spiritual centers and ashrams in the city, there are also many natural sights that you must check out.
Also known as the adventure capital of India, Rishikesh offers a wide range of adrenaline-pumping sporting activities, including bungee jumping, white water rafting, and hiking.
Of course, you cannot miss seeing the main attraction in the city, the Ganga Aarti on Ganga Ghats, which is a spectacle that will leave you bedazzled.
A perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and adventure, Rishikesh has all of these qualities.
So, whether you have an unending knack for adventure, want to explore your spirituality and connect with your inner self, or just want to enjoy being in the laps of nature, Rishikesh will satisfy all your needs.
You can also immerse yourself in the magnificent Ganga Aarti in the evening at the Ghat. If you are looking for a detailed guide to help you plan your entire itinerary, read on.
Our top 10 tourist places to visit in Rishikesh are many, so choosing only a few can be difficult.
1. Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
2. Ram Jhula, Rishikesh
3. River Rafting, Rishikesh
4. Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
6. The Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
7. Tera Manzil Mandir, Rishikesh
8. Shri Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh
9. Bungee jumping (Jumpin Heights), Rishikesh
10. Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Come and see the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’ and be mesmerized by its picturesque beauty and the mesmerizing charm of the Ganges River. It makes it a perfect tourist places to induce meditation and soak up the good vibes.
Get ready for your Rishikesh holiday. And yes, do not forget to share your experience with us at the above-mentioned tourist places to visit in Rishikesh.
