bigtravelbuzzRishikesh is a beautiful city located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand in India. It is famous for its spiritual significance and adventure sports activities. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Rishikesh:
Visit Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is a sacred place where the Ganges River, Yamuna River, and Saraswati River meet. It is a popular spot for taking a dip in the holy waters and experiencing the evening aarti (prayer ceremony).
Attend Ganga Aarti: The Ganga Aarti is a spiritual ceremony that takes place every evening at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It is a beautiful ritual that involves lighting of lamps and chanting of mantras.
Go for a river rafting: Rishikesh is one of the best places in India for river rafting. The Ganges River offers different grades of rapids that cater to both beginners and experienced rafters.
Visit Beatles Ashram: The Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, is a spiritual retreat that was used by the Beatles in the 1960s. It is now a popular tourist attraction that showcases the artwork and meditation techniques of the ashram.
Explore Neer Garh Waterfall: Neer Garh Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located on the outskirts of Rishikesh. It is a popular spot for picnics and trekking.
Practice Yoga and Meditation: Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World. There are many ashrams and yoga schools in the city that offer yoga and meditation classes.
Visit Rajaji National Park: Rajaji National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located near Rishikesh. It is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
By visiting these attractions and experiencing the adventure and spirituality that Rishikesh has to offer, you can have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful city.
Best Time To Visit Rishikesh
The best time to visit Rishikesh is from September to November and from March to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as river rafting, trekking, and exploring the city. The monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, should be avoided as the river water level rises and activities like river rafting are not safe to do. Winter months from December to February are also a good time to visit Rishikesh, especially for those who want to experience the charm of the city in the winter season. However, the temperature can drop significantly, and warm clothing is recommended.
How to get around in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a small city, and getting around is easy. Here are some ways to get around in Rishikesh:
Walking: The best way to explore the city is on foot. Walking allows you to take in the sights and sounds of the city and experience the local culture.
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in Rishikesh. They are affordable, and the fare can be negotiated with the driver before the ride.
Taxis: Taxis are another way to get around in Rishikesh. They are more expensive than auto-rickshaws, but they offer a more comfortable and private mode of transport.
Buses: Rishikesh has a well-connected bus network that connects the city to neighboring towns and cities. The fare is affordable, but the buses can be crowded.
Motorcycles and Scooters: If you have a valid driver’s license, you can rent a motorcycle or scooter to explore the city. This mode of transport gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
It’s important to note that traffic can be congested in Rishikesh, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s best to plan your mode of transport accordingly.
Where to eat in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is known for its vegetarian food, and there are many great restaurants and cafes that serve delicious and healthy food. Here are some popular places to eat in Rishikesh:
Chotiwala: This is a famous vegetarian restaurant in Rishikesh that has been serving delicious North Indian cuisine for over 50 years.
The 60’s Cafe: This cafe is a popular spot among travelers and serves delicious vegetarian and vegan food.
Bistro Nirvana: This is a cozy cafe that serves healthy and delicious food made with organic ingredients.
Ramana’s Garden Cafe: This is a socially responsible cafe that serves organic vegetarian food. All the profits from the cafe go towards supporting the education and welfare of underprivileged children.
Pure Soul Cafe: This is a cafe that serves delicious vegan and gluten-free food. They also have a yoga studio and offer yoga classes.
Little Buddha Cafe: This is a popular cafe among travelers that serves delicious vegetarian and vegan food. They have a rooftop seating area with a great view of the Ganges.
These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Rishikesh. Make sure to try some of the local dishes such as aloo puri, chole bhature, and masala chai.
Famous street stalls in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is famous for its street food, and there are many street stalls that serve delicious and affordable food. Here are some famous street stalls in Rishikesh that you must try:
Devraj Coffee Corner: This is a famous street stall that serves delicious coffee and sandwiches. They also have a great view of the Ganges.
German Bakery: This is a popular street stall that serves delicious baked goods, sandwiches, and pizzas. They also have a great selection of teas and coffees.
Chotiwala Snacks Corner: This street stall is an extension of the famous Chotiwala restaurant and serves delicious street food such as chaat, samosas, and kachoris.
Shri Balaji Chaat Bhandar: This is a popular street stall that serves delicious chaat, a popular Indian street food that is made with a combination of crispy fried dough, potatoes, chickpeas, and spices.
Madras Cafe: This street stall serves delicious South Indian food such as dosas, idlis, and vadas.
Mohan’s Original Lassi and Dahi Bhalla: This is a famous street stall that serves delicious lassis and dahi bhallas, a popular Indian snack made with fried lentil balls, yogurt, and chutneys.
These are just a few of the many street stalls in Rishikesh that serve delicious food. Make sure to try some of the local specialties such as aloo tikki, pakoras, and momos.
Where to stay in Rishikesh
Luxury accommodation
Rishikesh has many luxurious accommodations that offer a comfortable and relaxing stay. Here are some of the best luxury accommodations in Rishikesh:
Ananda in the Himalayas: This is a luxurious spa resort that offers stunning views of the Ganges and the Himalayas. They have luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, and offer a range of spa treatments, yoga classes, and wellness programs.
Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa: This is a luxurious resort that offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the Ganges. They have luxurious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and a range of dining options.
The Roseate Ganges: This is a luxurious resort that offers stunning views of the Ganges and the mountains. They have luxurious tents and villas, a swimming pool, a spa, and a range of outdoor activities.
Atali Ganga: This is a luxurious resort that offers stunning views of the Ganges and the mountains. They have luxurious cottages, a swimming pool, a spa, and a range of outdoor activities.
Aloha on the Ganges: This is a luxurious resort that offers stunning views of the Ganges and the mountains. They have luxurious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and a range of dining options.
These luxury accommodations offer a comfortable and luxurious stay in Rishikesh, and are perfect for those looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.
Where to stay in Rishikesh
Budget accommodation
Rishikesh has a wide range of budget accommodations for those who want to explore the city without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best budget accommodations in Rishikesh:
Zostel Rishikesh: This is a popular budget hostel that offers comfortable dorms and private rooms. They have a rooftop cafe, a common area, and offer various activities such as yoga classes and river rafting.
Bunk Stay Rishikesh: This is a budget hostel that offers comfortable dorms and private rooms. They have a rooftop cafe, a common area, and offer various activities such as yoga classes and trekking.
Rishikesh Sadan: This is a budget guesthouse that offers comfortable rooms and a peaceful environment. They have a restaurant, a garden, and offer yoga classes and meditation sessions.
Hotel Shivansh Inn: This is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location. They have a restaurant, a common area, and offer various activities such as river rafting and trekking.
Hotel Ganga View: This is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a stunning view of the Ganges. They have a rooftop restaurant, a common area, and offer various activities such as yoga classes and Ayurvedic massages.
These budget accommodations offer a comfortable and affordable stay in Rishikesh, and are perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.
Travel Tips Rishikesh
Here are some travel tips for Rishikesh:
Respect the local culture: Rishikesh is a holy city, and it’s important to respect the local culture and customs. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and other holy places.
Carry cash: While many places in Rishikesh accept credit and debit cards, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting local markets and street vendors.
Stay hydrated: Rishikesh can get quite hot during the summer months, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water.
Be cautious while swimming in the Ganges: While swimming in the Ganges can be an enjoyable experience, it’s important to be cautious as the water can be deep and the currents can be strong. Always swim in designated areas and follow the advice of the locals.
Take a yoga or meditation class: Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of the world, so it’s a great place to take a yoga or meditation class. There are many yoga ashrams and studios in the city that offer classes for all levels.
Try local food: Rishikesh has a rich culinary culture, and it’s a great place to try local food. Some of the must-try dishes include Aloo Poori, Chole Bhature, and Lassi.
Respect the environment: Rishikesh is known for its natural beauty, so it’s important to respect the environment. Avoid littering and use eco-friendly products whenever possible.
By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Rishikesh.