The Complete Guide to Rishikesh, India: the Birthplace of Yoga
Rishikesh, as the birthplace of yoga, attracts spiritual-seekers who come to meditate, do yoga, and learn about other aspects of Hinduism. The whole town is considered sacred, and it’s believed that meditation there leads to salvation. Despite the growing number of visitors, the town’s lanes and alleys retain an old-world charm, and it remains a wonderful place to relax and unwind among nature. It has a distinctively peaceful, uplifting, and international feel. Rishikesh is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, surrounded by hills on three sides, not far from Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Plan your trip with this Rishikesh travel guide.
Rishikesh is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, surrounded by hills on three sides, not far from Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
How to Get There
The nearest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, 35 kilometers (22 miles away). The airport is actually closer to Rishikesh than it is to Dehradun! Expect to pay 1,500 rupees (around $19) for a taxi to Rishikesh from the airport. However, it's cheaper to travel to rishikesh by road from Haridwar if you're on a budget.
Best Time to Visit
As Rishikesh is at the foothills of the Himalayas, it provides a fantastic escape during the hotter months. Therefore, the best time to visit is between March and April and September to October. Temperatures soar in May. Rishikesh is best avoided during the monsoon months from July to August, as it receives heavy rainfall. Rafting is also closed during this time. Winter, from November until February, is cold but generally pleasant. So, bring woolens. Many people consider the couple of months after the monsoon to be the best time to visit, as the landscape is alive, green, and soothing.
Those interested in yoga shouldn't miss the International Yoga Festival, held in Rishikesh in March each year. The week-long festival is one of the biggest annual yoga gatherings in the world. Attendees participate in a comprehensive program of yoga classes and evening discussions with some of India's leading spiritual leaders. There are also vegetarian cooking classes and the Yoga Aid Challenge charity fundraiser.
Things to Do
Rishikesh is one of the most popular destinations for yoga in India. There are numerous ashrams and styles of yoga and meditation to choose from. Hence, it's crucial to investigate which best meets your needs. Check out these top Rishikesh ashrams for yoga and meditation to get an idea of what's available. The main spiritual district is known as Swarg Ashram, and you'll also find plenty of ashrams there. Plus, food stalls and shops.
Rishikesh is an ideal place to wander around and explore on foot, although auto-rickshaws are readily available for transport. Make sure you watch out for the plentiful monkeys that are quite a menace, particularly on the bridges. Unfortunately, the iconic Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge was closed in 2019 because it had become old and unsafe. There are plans to build a new glass-floored bridge next to it. Venture down to the ghats lining the river and relax amid the daily goings-on. You can also take a boat across the river near Ram Jhula as an alternative to walking across the bridge.
People gather at Parmarth Niketan ashram (in the Swag Ashram area) to experience the Ganga Aarti (worship ritual with fire) every evening.
If you're interested in learning about Indian cuisine and how to make it, don't miss the classes offered by Cooking Masala.
You may have heard that the famous English band The Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960s to learn meditation. They also wrote about 40 songs there. The ashram is located within Rajaji National Park, and it recently re-opened for tourists after three decades. Its remaining walls have been decorated with amazing graffiti artwork by artists worldwide under The Beatles Cathedral Gallery community project. The entry cost is 150 rupees for Indians and 600 rupees for foreigners. Students pay 50 rupees.
