Top 7 Things to Do in Rishikesh, India- Complete Travel Guide

Since I live in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh, I know every corner of this city very well, which is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. It sprawls along both sides of the bank of the Ganges in the foothills of the lower Himalayas in Uttarakhand, a northern state of India.

Rishikesh is an ancient city, as ancient as Haridwar and other holy cities of India. Haridwar is just 25 km from Rishikesh, and it is a part of the Kumbh Mela festival.

Historically, this place dates back to the 3rd century BCE. If you would like to see the archaeological evidence of its antiquity, you have to visit the Bharat Mandir Archaeological Museum, which is now located in downtown Rishikesh near the Triveni Ghat area.

Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is a many-centuries-old temple, and the current structure was restored by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 9th century AD. So, the name “Rishikesh” originates from the temple dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh (Vishnu).

Therefore, this city belongs to Lord Krishna, not to Lord Shiva. Still, many travelers come to Rishikesh thinking they are going to a city where Lord Shiva is supreme. Why do they think like that? Because the Himalayas are the abode of Lord Shiva, Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Himalayas on the bank of the Ganges, and it is famous for yoga and meditation. So, all these are associated with Lord Shiva. Of course, it must be a Shiva city.

In ancient times, this place was famous for yogis, sanyasis, sadhus, babas, and sadhakas, who used to come here for solace and solitude for their spiritual practice, practicing yoga and meditation along the Ganges. Some of them chose to live in caves inside the dense jungle of Rajaji National Park, where no one could disturb them.

Even today, there are many active caves where spiritually inclined people have been living in pursuit of their spiritual quest. I can count some names here, such as Mauni Baba Cave, Tat Wale Baba Cave, Jhilmil Cave, and Vashishta Cave. These caves have really been striking travelers’ minds for ages.

If you are coming to Rishikesh carrying such a spiritual quest in your mind, please do not forget to go on a day retreat to the above-mentioned caves.

Yoga and meditation retreats are common here. At every corner, you find a yoga school offering drop-in classes or teacher training courses. Also, nowadays, old traditional ashrams are offering these kinds of modern blended activities to meet travelers’ needs, which are not true to the nature of traditional Rishikesh.

I advise only one ashram that still maintains the old ashram tradition of India: Sivananda Ashram (The Divine Life Society of India).

The rituals that take place along the Ganges in the ashrams, or simply along the Ganges, are one of the core attractions of true Rishikesh, such as the Ganga Aarti ceremony, Yajna performances, Vedic mantra chanting, Havan, ashram life, and ancestral rituals. These are ancient traditions of India that are still practiced here.

Wow! It is the Adventure Capital of India. It sounds amazing to hear that Rishikesh is famous for adventure activities too. Spiritual travelers also show a long-awaited interest in doing some adventure activities here, such as sunrise trekking, waterfall hiking, and wildlife Jeep Safaris in Rajaji National Park, where they go to spot tigers, elephants, leopards, Himalayan migratory birds, and many other wildlife species.

Non-spiritual travelers choose short adventure activities such as white-water river rafting, overnight stays at established campsites, bungee jumping, ziplining, and waterfall visits for fun. They hardly choose to stay in solitude, but they like chaos and fun much more.

Nowadays, Rishikesh is mixed with modern and ancient culture, making it hard for first-time travelers to distinguish between the two. There is so much contradiction, as spiritual people are mixed with modern lifestyles. I personally feel that what Rishikesh was once known for is now vanishing; its spiritual charm is fading into the modern flow of life.

One day, Rishikesh may become only a weekend destination, offering a modern lifestyle and culture, while spirituality hides behind it.

Now, the question arises in the minds of travelers: What are the top things to do in Rishikesh, India?

I think Rishikesh now has lots of things to do in Rishikesh. Really, there are many micro-activities. Even for me, it is impossible to write a short note for you because there are simply too many. But here, I do not prefer to talk about every single thing to do. Instead, I would like to share some simple and authentic experiences with you that will remain in your heart forever.

Let us go ahead quickly and find the Top 7 Things to Do in Rishikesh, as follows:

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

When I think of things to do in Rishikesh, India, my mind first thinks of the evening ritual at Triveni Ghat, called Ganga Aarti. It is the most musical and spiritual event that takes place every evening while the sun is setting beyond the far horizon of the limitless sky, and my mind quickly becomes excited. Wow, what a mind-blowing experience!

I have many experiences of witnessing this powerful ritual, where Hindu priests perform with big oil lamps, floating them on the Ganges, chanting hymns and mantras chosen from ancient Vedic texts, and lastly devotional songs followed by rhythmic dance by the participants, truly representing Indian culture and tradition.

So, here is my recommendation: do not go only to take part in the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, but also choose a short heritage walk through the old part of Triveni Ghat, because this walk requires only 1 hour, and you will be able to have a more immersive experience while visiting an ancient Krishna temple, the archaeological museum, heritage buildings, the bustling market, narrow alleys, and old ashrams.

The Beatles Ashram

The Beatles Ashram is an iconic landmark of Rishikesh, located on the southeast bank of the holy River Ganges near the iconic Ram Jhula suspension bridge. It is easily reachable by private transport or by walking from Ram Jhula.

The Beatles visited Rishikesh in 1968 and stayed at the ashram for a few weeks, where they learned Transcendental Meditation and composed 48 songs, today known as the White Album. The ashram sprawls over 14 acres.

The ashram gained international tourists’ attention in 1968 when one of the world’s most famous musical bands, The Beatles, arrived in Rishikesh to learn Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Musician George Harrison completely immersed himself in Indian spirituality and was inspired by its culture and traditions, composing many of his songs for the White Album. Today, the abandoned ashram has become a popular tourist attraction in Rishikesh, featuring unique graffiti art and offering visitors a glimpse into its remarkable history of Transcendental Meditation.

Inside You See

The hall and bungalow where Maharishi lived.

The Beatles’ bungalow, where The Beatles composed many of their famous songs, including those from the White Album.
The hall where George Harrison’s 25th birthday party was held in 1968.
Two-time Emmy Award winner Candida Pitt’s and Mark Paul Saltzman’s photo gallery about The Beatles’ visit to the ashram.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Knowledge Centre.
Wildlife Photo Gallery.
Graffiti art and much, much more.

Chaurasi Kutiya Layout

Gate
Parking
Ticket Counter
Post Office
Cafeteria
Photo Gallery
Toilet
Hall
Maharishi’s Bungalow
Chaurasi Kutiyas
The Beatles’ Bungalow
Herbal Garden
Meditation Dome

How to Reach There

The nearest entry point is the new vehicular bridge, called Janki Jhula, built in 2022, which has made it easy to reach the ashram by two-wheelers. It requires only 5 minutes to reach there. If you are okay with walking, it takes only 15 minutes from Janki Jhula.

From Ram Jhula, it is less than 1.5 km away. You just take the downstream walk through the riverside lane, passing by some iconic ashrams of Rishikesh, such as Geeta Bhavan Ashram, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Vanaprastha Ashram, and Ved Niketan Ashram. The same lane drops you off at the entry gate of the Beatles Ashram.

There is also access for four-wheelers from the Swarg Ashram side. There is a road behind it called Neelkanth Road. If you are staying along the west bank of the Ganges, then it is better to go on foot or by a rented scooter, as it is time-saving and easy. Otherwise, by taxi, you have to cover around 12 km by road via the Brahmapuri Bridge over the Ganga or via AIIMS, crossing the barrage to reach there. If there is traffic, it takes at least 1 hour.

`Trekking to Kunjapuri Temple`

When the time comes to talk about the best and easiest day trekking activity in Rishikesh, my mind immediately pounces on the Kunjapuri Sunrise Trek. It is really an awesome and immersive adventure and spiritual activity in Rishikesh.

Though it is popular and sometimes very crowded at the sunrise point, you always get a feeling of freshness and a mindful, raw experience of God’s creation.

Kunjapuri is basically a temple site dedicated to Goddess Kunja. It is famous for wedding rituals and as a blessing site for the nearby villages. So, during the wedding season, the aura of the temple is festive and blissful, especially in the months of October and November.

It is at an altitude of 1,676 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking sunrise views of the snow-capped upper Himalayan peaks. The temple site also offers breathtaking views of the Ganges Valley, Doon Valley, and the holy Shiva Mountain called Manikoot Parvat.

What else can I describe to you? It is more than a description or an experience. You can truly feel it only when you are there in person, and you feel it in your heart.

How to Reach There

It is just 1 hour from Rishikesh, about 32 km by road in private vehicle or rented scooter. Please note that there is no public transport running between Rishikesh and Kunjapuri Temple. You can go to this temple only by private or self-drive vehicles, such as scooters, private taxis, jeeps, or hired buses.

For the sunrise view, you have to wake up early, around 4:30 am during the summer season and 5:30 am during the winter season. The timing may differ slightly according to the sunrise time. Then, it is a 1-hour road trip, followed by climbing about 300 steps to reach the top.

After the sunrise view, lose yourself while visiting the temple, which requires only 15 minutes, and take your time wandering around the terrace for some wonderful pictures of the valleys, the meandering river, the lush green carpet of Rajaji National Park, and more.

Finally, get ready for the most awaited adventure, called the Sunrise Trek in Rishikesh, from Kunjapuri Temple to Neer Garh Waterfalls, the biggest and most admired waterfall in Rishikesh. This 9 km trekking trail passes through remote villages, valleys, freshwater streams, and beautiful landscapes, and concludes just after visiting Neer Garh Waterfalls.

Vashishta Cave, Rishikesh, India

This cave is one of the must-visit attractions of Rishikesh. It is famous among spiritual seekers for day yoga and meditation retreats near Rishikesh. I have seen them doing yoga, sound healing, and meditation on the beach near Vashishta Cave.

You know very well that Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of India. So, yoga and spiritual enthusiasts from around the world have been coming to Rishikesh in search of a yoga teacher training course, a yoga retreat, or simply as spiritual tourists.

Therefore, yoga schools and spiritual trip organizers take them to the cave site, where they offer cave meditation sessions, beach yoga meditation sessions, sound healing sessions, or simply share some insights into spirituality.

The cave is 22 kilometers upstream along the Ganges River, located on the bank of the Ganga. It is not a very big cave, but it is an ancient and powerful one, where you can also go for a quick realization and experience cave meditation in the Himalayas.

It has everlasting spiritual energy left by the ancient sage Vashishta, who meditated inside the cave with his wife right on the bank of the Ganges.

Who Was Guru Vashishta?

The name of Guru Vashishta is mentioned frequently in Hindu scriptures such as the Rigveda and the great epic Ramayana, where he is frequently referred to as the royal priest of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

So, he meditated here for many years on the bank of the Ganges near the cave area and inside the cave too, which is now named after him. Here, it is believed that he attained profound spiritual wisdom.

Since his wife also visited here with him, there is another cave known as Arundhati Cave, named after his wife’s name. In Western countries, it is popular as Jesus’ Cave, because some historians have claimed that Jesus lived in India and visited Rishikesh, followed by some famous spiritual leaders like Ram Dass.

Today, the cave has turned into a spiritual site for meditation, reflection, and contemplation. For those studying yoga, seeking spiritual growth, or simply wanting to have a new experience, it is the best place for them.

Modern History of Vashishta Cave

In modern history, the cave was rediscovered and inhabited by Swami Purushottamananda in 1928, who performed austerities for many years. A small kutir (hermitage) was built near the cave for living. It means the cave is not for living but only for meditation and prayer.

As time rolled on, the cave became a hub for spiritual practice. Here are some famous visitors:

Sri Sathya Sai Baba came from South India and paid three consecutive visits in 1959.
Professor Narayana Kasturi writes in his book Sathyam Sivam Sundaram, Vol. 1, highlighting the divine serenity of the cave and his interactions with Swami Purushottamananda.

What to Expect There

From the roadside (Badrinath Highway), a cemented walking pathway of about 200 meters drops you off at the entrance.

The cave is lit by a dimly flickering oil lamp, so you have to take extra care while entering because of the low-height ceiling (mind your head).

Mind the gap between each other while meditating inside, because it is not good to touch each other during meditation.

At the end of the cave, there is a Lord Shiva altar with a small Shiva Lingam, where you can offer your own prayer by pouring some Ganges water over the Lingam.

It can accommodate 10–12 people at a time. If it is full, then wait for 10 to 15 minutes.

Few Tips for You

Go there early in the morning to avoid crowds.
You can use the flashlight on your mobile phone inside.
Only modest, simple dress is allowed.
You must meditate on the beach of the Ganges, which helps you relax.
Carry bottled water, a hat, or sunscreen.
Photography is not allowed inside the cave.

Rajaji National Park, Rishikesh

It is the only national park near Rishikesh, which sprawls along the bank of the Ganges in the foothills of the lower Himalayas, covering an area of three districts: Pauri Garhwal, Haridwar, and Dehradun. It is easily reachable by road, and the nearest point to start a Jeep Safari is Chilla Gate, just 22 km away from the Tapovan area of Rishikesh.

There are five ranges (zones) of the park that open for Jeep Safari, namely: 1- Chilla Range near Rishikesh, 2- Jhilmil Range near Haridwar, 3- Ranipur Range, not far from Haridwar, 4- Motichur Range near Haridwar, and 5- Mohand Range near Dehradun.

The question arises in the tourists’ minds: Which range should I go to for sure sightings of wildlife? Here is your answer: the Jhilmil Range. It is in my priority list because it offers a camouflage of wildlife, is the best for adventure seekers of all age groups, and is famous for sure sightings of wildlife such as elephants, deer, leopards, and many more.

My second priority is the Ranipur Range near Haridwar. Though it is a little bit far from Rishikesh, approximately 40 km by road, it is worth going there because this range is popular for leopard sightings. The best time is the morning Jeep Safari during the summer season and the afternoon Jeep Safari during the winter season.

Third on the priority list is the Mohand Range, which is located in Dehradun district. It is well known for wildlife and leopard spotting but is very far from Rishikesh, around 60 km away, and takes at least 2.5 hours by road. The advantage of this zone is that it is less crowded and has diverse landscapes.

Fourth on the priority list is the Chilla Range, which is the closest Jeep Safari starting point from Rishikesh, just 22 km away, and takes about 30 minutes to reach in the morning. Once, this zone was the best for wildlife spotting, but now there is a rare chance of sighting wildlife. However, it offers rolling landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, dense jungle, uneven terrain, and many water streams.

Fifth on the list is the Motichur Range. It is less popular and offers only about a 5% chance of wildlife sightings, but it is the best for jungle lovers who want to experience dense forests, big Sal trees, relaxation, and fun.

Best Time to Do Jeep Safari

There is no fixed best time to do Jeep Safari activities. The timing changes according to the season and weather. For example, if you want to do it during the winter season, then you should do it in the afternoon, whereas during the summer season, it is better to do it in the morning.

And after all, the above-mentioned schedule does not apply to all zones. It varies from time to time and from season to season, so you have to take the help of the local Jeep Safari operators to understand the best time to visit Rajaji National Park near Rishikesh.

Devprayag Day Excursion:

Devprayag is the confluence of two holy rivers of the Himalayas 1- Bhagirathi and 2- Alaknanda, these tow rivers are very sacred, and mentioned in holy scriptures Vedas, that is reason, Lord Rama & Lord Krishna visited this place during their visit in the Himalayas.

Today, it is more than 5000 years old temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is known as Rahgunath Madnir, just at confluence site.

Devprayag Sangam

Devprayag’s Sangam offers spiritual experience to its visitors, where the Bhagirathi flows down from Gaumukh’s glacier (source of the Ganges) meets the Alaknanda originates from Badrinath. The most surprise experience is a dramatic mixing of these two river’s colours.

Bhagirathi river rushes in clear blue-green colour, while Alaknanda River runs in somewhat milky greyish colour.
Both rivers flow from different directions and merge into one.
Devotees and pilgrims or spiritual visitors perform a ritual of taking dips at the steep Sangam Ghat which is just below the Raghunath Temple but due to strong currents demand attention.
The best for visiting there, is in the morning, with low hot and quite cool breeze.

Overview of Raghunath Temple

Restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century, meeting point of the two rivers stages the Raghunath Temple, one of the oldest Vaishnava traditions’ temples in the Himalayas.

The temple architecture is in the traditional Nagara style, the temple houses a beautiful Saligram stone idol of Lord Rama, also known as Raghunathji.

Morning aarti ritual draws a small group of devotees.
Temple courtyard offers overlooking confluence views.
Morning Opening Timing: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Afternoon Opening Time 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Modest clothing is must to visit temple and footwear must be outside of the main gate of the temple.

Suspension Bridge Crossing

Just before the confluence, upstream over Bhagirathi River, a suspension bridge gracefully built, serving to reach the confluence point and ultimate photography vantage point for capturing divine moment of the place.

Crossing Bhagirathi River is most amazing experience you will have there.
The best time during morning time or sunrise hour or golden hour before sunset.

A round-trip walking in Rishikesh:

A loop trail walking from Janki Jhula suspension bridge via Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges is the gist of the tourist attractions of Rishikesh. This loop walking trail along the bank of the Ganges offers stunning views of the river and the lush green lower Himalayas, and is the best for those who want to experience most of Rishikesh in a short time.

Crossing the footbridges, Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, and spotting and dodging the occasional monkey is something you never thought you would do in your life before.

Since I am always interested in the essence of a place, wherever I go to visit, I always look for the gist of the attractions and then relax and contemplate; this is my way of traveling to any place. But I know many of us want to see more and more.

The beauty of this loop trail walking is that you walk upstream and downstream equally and get the chance of seeing the real essence of spirituality too.

This loop trail walking starts from Janki Jhula and ends at the same place, but it includes almost every major attraction, such as Beatles Ashram, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Geeta Bhavan Ashram, Ram Jhula suspension bridge, Sivananda Samadhi site, Mastram Baba Ashram, Laxman Jhula and Temple, the Tapovan area (the hotspot of Rishikesh), Divine Life Society, and the Ganga Aarti (evening rituals).

Since I am a professional government-approved tourist guide, I walked and explored these places personally. Then I realized that this guided day trip will be great for those looking for the best of Rishikesh in a day.

The places mentioned above are very important, and these places constitute Rishikesh as the Yoga Capital of India. That is the reason people are choosing it for spiritual travel.