Rishikesh

Transfer to Rishikesh(45 minutes)

From DED airport: taxi 800-1,000 INR. From Delhi: pre-book taxi 4,000-5,000 INR, or Shatabdi Express to Haridwar (4.5 hrs, 700-1,200 INR) + 30-min taxi (300-400 INR)

Check-in at ashram or guesthouse(1 hour)

Stay near Laxman Jhula for best location. Ashrams: 300-1,500 INR/night. Budget guesthouses: 500-1,500 INR

Triveni Ghat evening aarti(1 hour)

Serene prayer ceremony at the confluence of three sacred rivers. Free. Held daily at sunset (~6-7PM). Float a flower diya on the river (10-20 INR). Much more intimate than Varanasi's aarti

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant(1 hour)

Rishikesh institution since 1958. The mascot figure sits at the entrance. Thali ~200 INR, special paneer dishes ~150 INR. On Ram Jhula road

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)(2 hours)

Entry: 150 INR (Indians) / 600 INR (foreigners). The abandoned Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968. The meditation domes covered in Beatles-themed graffiti art are Instagram gold. Open 9AM-4PM

Ram Jhula walk(45 minutes)

450m suspension bridge spanning the Ganges. Free to cross. Stunning river views. Walk to both sides — Swarg Ashram on one side, Sivananda Ashram area on the other

Lunch at Little Buddha Cafe(1 hour)

Multi-level cafe overlooking the Ganges near Ram Jhula. Israeli and Indian food. Falafel plate ~200 INR, thali ~180 INR. The river view from the top terrace is spectacular

Parmarth Niketan evening aarti(1 hour)

One of Rishikesh's largest ashrams. Free evening aarti on the Ganges riverbank. Chanting, fire ceremony, and flower offerings. More elaborate than Triveni Ghat. Open to all visitors

Walk the Laxman Jhula Road cafes(1 hour)

The main strip has bookshops, clothing stores, and cafes. Browse jewelry and singing bowls. Most items 100-500 INR. The vibe is relaxed and international

White-water rafting: Shivpuri to Rishikesh(4 hours)

16 km stretch with Grade II-III rapids. 800-1,500 INR per person including gear, guide, and transport to put-in point. Book through government-licensed operators only (check Uttarakhand Tourism approval). Season: Sept-June. Minimum age 14. Cliff jumping stop included on most trips

Post-rafting lunch at Rajaji Cafe(1 hour)

Near the rafting endpoint. Simple thali ~150 INR. You'll be hungry after the rapids

Afternoon rest and yoga(2 hours)

Rest at your ashram or attend an afternoon yoga class. Parmarth Niketan offers free morning yoga; drop-in classes at studios: 200-500 INR

Sunset at the Ganges riverbank(1 hour)

Find a quiet spot on the rocks near Laxman Jhula. The river rushing past with mountains behind in golden light is meditative

Morning yoga session(1.5 hours)

6AM session at Parmarth Niketan (free) or a studio like Rishikesh Yog Peeth (~300-500 INR). Vinyasa, Hatha, or Ashtanga depending on the day

Breakfast at German Bakery(45 minutes)

Near Laxman Jhula. Fresh bread, muesli, and coffee. Breakfast plate ~150-200 INR

Neer Garh Waterfall hike(3 hours)

6 km from Laxman Jhula. Entry: 30 INR. 2 km uphill trek through forest to a two-tiered waterfall with natural swimming pools. Bring swimwear. Best after monsoon (Aug-Oct) for full flow. Pack water and snacks

Afternoon reading at a riverside cafe(2 hours)

Rishikesh's cafes are perfect for slow afternoons. Free Spirit Cafe has hammocks and river sounds. Chai ~30 INR, smoothie ~120 INR

Sleep in or early meditation(2 hours)

Most ashrams have optional 5:30AM meditation. Join if you're up; otherwise sleep in guilt-free

Visit Sivananda Ashram(1.5 hours)

One of Rishikesh's most respected ashrams. Free to visit. The library and bookshop are excellent for yoga and philosophy texts. Founded by Swami Sivananda in 1936

Lunch at Ojas Cafe(1 hour)

Organic cafe near Laxman Jhula. Wood-fired pizza ~200 INR, smoothie bowls ~180 INR. Quiet garden setting

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Get an Ayurvedic massage (~500-1,000 INR), visit the Gita Bhavan temple complex, or simply sit by the river

Evening kirtan (devotional singing)(1 hour)

Several ashrams host evening kirtan sessions — call-and-response singing with harmonium and tabla. Open to all. Check at Parmarth Niketan or Phool Chatti

Bungee jumping at Jumpin Heights(3 hours)

India's highest bungee at 83m (3,550 INR). 15 km from Rishikesh. Includes transport, briefing, and the jump. Book online in advance — slots fill up. Giant Swing and Flying Fox also available at the same site (3,550 INR each)

Lunch at Bistro Nirvana(1 hour)

Cafe near Laxman Jhula with river views. Pasta ~200 INR, chai ~40 INR

Secret beach walk(1.5 hours)

Walk 2 km downstream from Ram Jhula along the river to quiet sandy beaches. Locals swim here. The turquoise Ganges water against white sand is surprisingly tropical-looking

Evening at a rooftop cafe(1.5 hours)

The Beatles Cafe near Laxman Jhula has live music some evenings and stunning sunset views. Thali ~180 INR

Sunrise walk or yoga(1 hour)

Watch the sun rise over the Himalayan foothills from the riverbank. The morning light on the Ganges is sacred

Transfer to airport or onward travel(45 minutes)

To DED airport: taxi 800-1,000 INR. To Haridwar station: 300-400 INR (30 min). To Delhi: private taxi 4,000-5,000 INR (5-6 hours)

Transfer to Rishikesh(45 minutes)

DED taxi 800-1,000 INR. Delhi taxi 4,000-5,000 INR. Or train to Haridwar + 30-min taxi

Triveni Ghat aarti(1 hour)

Sunset. Free. Float a diya 10-20 INR

Dinner at Chotiwala(1 hour)

Since 1958. Thali ~200 INR

Beatles Ashram(2 hours)

150/600 INR. Graffiti domes. Open 9AM-4PM

Ram Jhula walk(45 minutes)

450m bridge. Free. River views

Lunch at Little Buddha Cafe(1 hour)

Ganges view. Falafel ~200 INR

Parmarth Niketan aarti(1 hour)

Free. Elaborate fire ceremony on the riverbank

Rafting: Shivpuri to Rishikesh(4 hours)

16 km. 800-1,500 INR. Licensed operators only. Season Sept-June

Afternoon yoga class(1.5 hours)

Drop-in 200-500 INR

Morning yoga(1.5 hours)

6AM at Parmarth Niketan (free) or studio 300-500 INR

Neer Garh Waterfall hike(3 hours)

30 INR entry. 2 km uphill. Swimming pools. Best after monsoon

Afternoon at riverside cafe(2 hours)

Free Spirit Cafe. Chai ~30 INR

Sivananda Ashram visit(1.5 hours)

Free. Library, bookshop. Founded 1936

Lunch at Ojas Cafe(1 hour)

Organic. Pizza ~200 INR

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Ayurvedic massage 500-1,000 INR, or sit by the river

Bungee at Jumpin Heights(3 hours)

83m. 3,550 INR. Book ahead

Lunch at Bistro Nirvana(1 hour)

River views. Pasta ~200 INR

Secret beach walk downstream(1.5 hours)

2 km from Ram Jhula. Sandy beaches, turquoise water

Bus or taxi to Haridwar(30 minutes)

Shared auto 30-50 INR. Taxi 300-400 INR

Har Ki Pauri morning bathing ghat(1.5 hours)

Watch the morning rituals at this ancient ghat where Ganga enters the plains. The footprint of Vishnu is embedded in the wall. Free. Remove shoes

Mansa Devi Temple cable car(1.5 hours)

Cable car 260 INR return. Hilltop temple with panoramic views of Haridwar, the Ganges, and Shivalik hills. The climb takes 1.5 hours if walking

Lunch at Mohan Puri Wala(45 minutes)

Famous halwai (sweet shop) since 1940s. Puri-sabzi ~50 INR, jalebis from the kadhai. Legendary

Har Ki Pauri evening aarti(1 hour)

Arrive by 5:30PM. The evening Ganga aarti here is massive — flames, chanting, and the river lit up. Deeply moving. Free from the steps

Marine Drive to Rishikesh rafting (24 km)(5 hours)

The longer stretch with Grade III-IV rapids. 1,500-2,500 INR per person. Includes more challenging rapids like Roller Coaster, Golf Course, and Cross Fire. Transport to starting point included

Beach camping setup(1 hour)

Many rafting operators include a riverside camping package: tent, bonfire, dinner, breakfast for ~2,000-3,500 INR per person. Sleeping by the Ganges under stars with mountain silhouettes is magical

Campfire dinner and stargazing(2 hours)

Simple vegetarian dinner cooked at camp. The Milky Way is visible on clear nights. No city light pollution

Sunrise at camp(1 hour)

Waking up by the Ganges is an experience no hotel replicates

Extended yoga session or workshop(3 hours)

Book a half-day workshop at Rishikesh Yog Peeth or Tattvaa Yogashala. 1,000-2,000 INR. Deeper practice with pranayama, philosophy discussion, and extended meditation

Afternoon Ayurvedic treatment(2 hours)

Panchakarma intro treatment or Shirodhara (oil poured on forehead) at Ananda-like Ayurvedic clinics. 1,500-3,000 INR. Deeply relaxing

Pre-dawn drive to Kunjapuri(1 hour)

25 km from Rishikesh. Taxi 800-1,000 INR. Depart 4:30AM

Kunjapuri Temple sunrise(1.5 hours)

Short walk from parking to the summit temple. On clear days, you see Himalayan peaks including Gangotri group and Bandarpunch. The sunrise illuminating snow peaks from this height is unforgettable. Free

Afternoon cooking class(2.5 hours)

Several hosts offer vegetarian Indian cooking classes. 800-1,500 INR. Learn to make paneer, dal, and chapati. Home-style Garhwali cooking is unique to this region

Kayaking session on the Ganges(2 hours)

Individual kayaking on calmer stretches. 1,000-1,500 INR for 2 hours including instruction. More intimate than rafting — just you and the river

Ganges beach relaxation(2 hours)

Several sandy beaches near Ram Jhula. Bring a book, swim (carefully — current is strong), and sunbathe. The water is cold but refreshing

Lunch at Madras Cafe(1 hour)

South Indian food in north India. Dosa ~80 INR, filter coffee ~30 INR. Near Laxman Jhula

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple(3 hours)

24 km from Rishikesh. Taxi 600-800 INR. A major Shiva temple in a forested valley. Legend says Shiva drank the cosmic poison here. Free entry. The drive through the forest is beautiful

Lunch at The 60's Cafe(1 hour)

Beatles-themed cafe. Good food and river atmosphere. Thali ~200 INR

Final souvenir shopping(1 hour)

Singing bowls (500-3,000 INR), yoga clothes, spiritual books, Rudraksha malas (200-1,000 INR)

Transfer to airport or Delhi(45 minutes)

DED airport taxi 800-1,000 INR. Delhi taxi 4,000-5,000 INR (5-6 hrs)

Transfer to Rishikesh(45 minutes)

DED taxi 800-1,000 INR. Delhi taxi 4,000-5,000 INR

Triveni Ghat aarti(1 hour)

Free. Float a diya 10-20 INR

Dinner at Chotiwala(1 hour)

Thali ~200 INR

Beatles Ashram(2 hours)

150/600 INR. Graffiti domes

Lunch at Little Buddha Cafe(1 hour)

Falafel ~200 INR. River view

Rafting: Shivpuri to Rishikesh(4 hours)

16 km. 800-1,500 INR. Licensed operators

Afternoon yoga(1.5 hours)

Drop-in 200-500 INR

Morning yoga(1.5 hours)

Parmarth Niketan free or studio 300-500 INR

Neer Garh Waterfall(3 hours)

30 INR. 2 km hike. Swimming pools

Sivananda Ashram(1.5 hours)

Free. Founded 1936

Bungee at Jumpin Heights(3 hours)

83m. 3,550 INR

Secret beach walk(1.5 hours)

2 km downstream from Ram Jhula

Auto to Haridwar(30 minutes)

30-50 INR shared

Har Ki Pauri morning rituals(1.5 hours)

Ancient ghat. Vishnu's footprint. Free

Mansa Devi cable car(1.5 hours)

260 INR return. Hilltop temple

Lunch at Mohan Puri Wala(45 minutes)

Since 1940s. Puri-sabzi ~50 INR

Har Ki Pauri evening aarti(1 hour)

Massive fire ceremony. Arrive 5:30PM

Marine Drive to Rishikesh (24 km)(5 hours)

Grade III-IV rapids. 1,500-2,500 INR

Riverside camp setup(1 hour)

Tent, bonfire, dinner, breakfast: 2,000-3,500 INR

Half-day yoga workshop(3 hours)

1,000-2,000 INR. Pranayama, philosophy, meditation

Ayurvedic treatment(2 hours)

Shirodhara 1,500-3,000 INR

Pre-dawn drive to Kunjapuri(1 hour)

25 km. Taxi 800-1,000 INR. Depart 4:30AM

Kunjapuri Temple sunrise(1.5 hours)

Himalayan peaks visible on clear days. Free

Cooking class(2.5 hours)

800-1,500 INR. Garhwali vegetarian cooking

Kayaking session(2 hours)

1,000-1,500 INR. Individual instruction

Lunch at Madras Cafe(1 hour)

Dosa ~80 INR

Drive to Neelkanth Mahadev(1.5 hours)

24 km. Taxi 600-800 INR

Temple visit(1 hour)

Free. Shiva drank cosmic poison here

Forest walk near temple(1 hour)

The surrounding Rajaji Tiger Reserve forest is home to elephants, deer, and langurs

Drive to Devprayag(2 hours)

70 km northeast. Hire car 2,000-2,500 INR for the day. The road follows the Ganges upstream through stunning gorges

Sangam (confluence) viewpoint and dip(1.5 hours)

The exact point where two rivers of different colors merge to become the Ganges. Sacred bathing steps. The blue-green and brown waters mixing is visually striking. Free

Raghunath Temple(30 minutes)

Ancient temple overlooking the confluence. Free. The town is tiny and deeply devotional

Lunch at local dhaba(45 minutes)

Simple mountain food. Rajma-chawal (kidney bean curry with rice) ~60 INR

Full-day yoga intensive(6 hours)

Several schools offer 1-day intensives: Rishikesh Yog Peeth, Tattvaa Yogashala, or World Peace Yoga School. 2,000-3,000 INR. Includes asana, pranayama, philosophy lecture, and meditation. A taste of what teacher training is like

Evening discussion circle(1.5 hours)

Many schools host evening satsang (philosophical discussion). Topics range from yoga sutras to meditation techniques. Free at most ashrams

Visit a bookshop(1 hour)

Rishikesh has excellent bookshops for yoga, philosophy, and spirituality. Ganga Sadan near Ram Jhula has rare texts. Also try the German Bakery bookshelf

Afternoon by the river(3 hours)

Find a rock, read, meditate, swim. The river is the constant companion in Rishikesh

Drive to Mussoorie(2.5 hours)

Hire car 3,000-3,500 INR for the day. 80 km via Dehradun. The ascent through pine forests is gorgeous

Mall Road walk(1.5 hours)

The main promenade of this hill station. Mountain views, colonial architecture, and Landour bakeries. Char Dukaan (four shops) in Landour serves legendary pancakes and coffee

Lunch at Lovely Omelette Centre (Landour)(45 minutes)

Famous tiny stall. Maggi noodles and omelettes in the Himalayan cold. ~80 INR. Ruskin Bond's neighborhood

Kempty Falls or Gun Hill cable car(1 hour)

Kempty Falls (15 km, free) is a popular waterfall. Gun Hill cable car (125 INR return) offers panoramic views of the Himalayas

Morning volunteering(3 hours)

Several NGOs near Rishikesh welcome short-term volunteers — teaching English, environmental cleanup along the Ganges, or supporting local schools. Contact via your ashram or guesthouse

Early morning jeep safari(3 hours)

Rajaji Tiger Reserve is just outside Rishikesh. Jeep safari from Chilla gate: ~1,500-2,500 INR per jeep. Best 6-9AM. Elephants, deer, langurs, and if lucky, tigers and leopards. The forest alongside the Ganges is stunning

Final morning yoga(1.5 hours)

Return to where you had your best practice

Transfer to airport or Delhi(45 minutes)

DED taxi 800-1,000 INR. Delhi taxi 4,000-5,000 INR