Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti
A daily riverside ceremony of lamps, chants and floating diyas as the sun sets over the Ganga.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 1 hour
- Best time to visit
- Sunset
Rishikesh
Where the Ganga meets the Himalayas.
- State
- Uttarakhand
- Recommended duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Best months
- September – November, February – May
- Estimated package price
- ₹12,000 onwards
About the destination
Why travellers visit Rishikesh
Rishikesh sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills, and it balances two identities easily — a long-standing centre for yoga and meditation, and India's best-known white-water rafting hub. Evenings revolve around the aarti at the ghats, while days can be spent rafting, walking to waterfalls, or simply reading in a riverside cafe.
SpiritualAdventure
Places to visit
Top attractions in and around Rishikesh
Suggested visiting durations, ideal timing and approximate distances for each place.
Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula
Suspension bridges linking both banks, surrounded by temples, cafes and craft markets.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2–3 hours
- Best time to visit
- Morning or evening
White-water rafting
Graded rapids run between Shivpuri, Marine Drive and Rishikesh with licensed operators and safety gear.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 3–4 hours
- Best time to visit
- Sept – Nov and Feb – May
- Approximate distance
- 16 km and 26 km stretches
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
An abandoned meditation ashram in the forest, now covered in murals and popular with photographers.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2 hours
- Best time to visit
- Morning
Neer Garh Waterfall
A short forest walk leading to tiered pools, best right after the monsoon when the flow is strong.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2 hours
- Best time to visit
- Morning
- Approximate distance
- About 6 km
Suggested itinerary
A sample 3-day plan
This is an example itinerary. Days can be shortened, extended or reordered depending on your travel dates, pace and interests.
Day 1 — Arrival in Rishikesh
Reach Rishikesh, check in and settle down. Spend the evening exploring the market area nearby, trying local food and getting a feel for the place.
Day 2 — Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti + Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula + White-water rafting + Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) + Neer Garh Waterfall
Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti: A daily riverside ceremony of lamps, chants and floating diyas as the sun sets over the Ganga. Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula: Suspension bridges linking both banks, surrounded by temples, cafes and craft markets. White-water rafting: Graded rapids run between Shivpuri, Marine Drive and Rishikesh with licensed operators and safety gear. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia): An abandoned meditation ashram in the forest, now covered in murals and popular with photographers. Neer Garh Waterfall: A short forest walk leading to tiered pools, best right after the monsoon when the flow is strong.
Day 3 — Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, pick up souvenirs and begin your journey back from Rishikesh.
Estimated trip cost
What the trip may cost
Estimated cost for 2 people · 3 days / 2 nights
Accommodation
Approx. 2 nights in a comfortable mid-range hotel for two.
₹5,000
Transportation
Approximate travel to and from the destination, plus transfers.
₹3,000
Local sightseeing
Cabs, entry tickets and day-trip travel within the destination.
₹2,000
Food
Three meals a day for two at mid-range local restaurants.
₹2,000
Activities
Optional experiences, guides and activity fees.
₹500
Estimated total
₹12,500 onwards
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on travel dates, accommodation, transportation and personal preferences.
Accommodation
Where travellers usually stay
Typical accommodation categories in Rishikesh and what each generally includes.
Budget
Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Guesthouses, homestays and small hotels. Expect a clean room, hot water, basic Wi-Fi and simple breakfast. Often located slightly away from the main sightseeing area.
Mid-range
Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
Comfortable hotels and boutique properties with better locations, room service, on-site dining and reliable heating or air-conditioning depending on the region.
Premium
Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹12,000+ per night
Resorts and luxury properties with larger rooms, views, spa or pool facilities, multiple restaurants and full-service assistance for sightseeing arrangements.
Accommodation rates are indicative averages for a double room and change significantly with season, location and property category. This website does not list, recommend or arrange specific hotels.
Getting there & around
How to reach Rishikesh
Nearest airport and railway station, road routes and the local transport options once you arrive.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
About 20 km
40 minutes
Direct flights from Delhi and several metros.
By Rail
Haridwar Junction / Rishikesh
About 25 km / in town
45 minutes from Haridwar
Haridwar has far better long-distance connectivity.
By Road
Delhi – Rishikesh highway
About 240 km
6 – 7 hours
Regular buses and cabs; the route is busy on weekends.
Local transport options
Private cab (full day)
Most convenient for sightseeing with fixed timings and multiple stops.
Approx. ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Shared taxi
Common on fixed hill and intercity routes; departs when full.
Approx. ₹150 – ₹500 per seat
Local bus
The cheapest option, best for short hops and popular routes.
Approx. ₹20 – ₹300 per trip
Auto rickshaw
Ideal for short in-town distances; agree the fare or use the meter.
Approx. ₹30 – ₹300 per trip
Rental scooter or bike
Popular in beach and hill towns; carry a valid licence and wear a helmet.
Approx. ₹400 – ₹1,200 per day
Sightseeing cab per point
Point-to-point rates for single attractions or short excursions.
Approx. ₹800 – ₹2,000
All transport distances, timings and fares are approximate estimates. Actual availability, routes and rates vary by season, operator and road conditions.
Best time to visit
Rishikesh through the seasons
Recommended months: September – November, February – May.
Summer
March – June
The most popular window. Days are pleasant (15–28°C), high passes and valleys reopen, and outdoor activities run at full swing. Expect busier roads and higher hotel rates in May and June.
Monsoon
July – September
Green, quiet and inexpensive, but hill roads can be affected by rain and landslides. Suitable for flexible travellers who keep buffer days and check road conditions before moving.
Winter
October – February
Crisp, clear October–November views followed by cold, snowy December–February. Excellent for snow experiences; carry heavy woollens and expect some high-altitude routes to stay closed.
Things to do
Experiences to plan for in Rishikesh
River rafting
Yoga and meditation
Bungee jumping
Riverside camping
Temple visits
Cafe hopping
Trekking
Photo gallery
Rishikesh in pictures
Landscapes, culture, food and the everyday texture of travel in this part of India.
Travel tips
Good to know before visiting Rishikesh
- Dress modestly and be prepared to remove footwear before entering shrines.
- Many temples restrict phones and cameras — check the rules at the entrance.
- Plan darshan around aarti timings, which change seasonally.
- Choose activity operators who provide certified equipment and safety briefings.
- Check age, health and weight requirements before signing up for adventure sports.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID; most hotels ask for it at check-in.
- Check the weather forecast a couple of days before you travel and pack accordingly.
- Keep some cash handy — smaller shops, local transport and remote areas may not accept cards or UPI.
- Carry basic medicines, a reusable water bottle and sunscreen.
Prices shown are indicative estimates and may vary depending on season, hotel category, transportation, number of travellers and duration.
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