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Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram. The town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga.

Along with nearby Dehradun and Haridwar, Rishikesh is a useful gateway to the Uttarakhand Himalayas. The Northern Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh.

Understand

The Ganges River flowing through Rishikesh

The town's centre where the bus and train stations are is of little interest to most travellers. Further northeast are two bridges spanning the Ganges: Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. The main hubs of activity and interest are at the ends of these bridges.

Get in

By plane

Rishikesh is about 15 km from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, which offers four flights from Delhi. The runway is being extended and will possibly handle flights from other metros. At present there are flights only from Delhi.

By car

Delhi airport to Rishikesh by car is a good option for hassle-free traveling, especially for foreign tourists who are traveling to India for the first time. It's a 6- to 7-hour journey. Prices vary from US$85 for an air-conditioned compact car to US$125 for an air-conditioned SUV (but rates are much higher if you get these services from prepaid taxi booths at the airport).

By train

There are many trains from Delhi to Haridwar. Some of the better are: Shatabadi Express, Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express, Mussoorie Express. A quiet branch line connects Haridwar to Rishikesh, but there are only about three slow trains daily. Normally, it is better to take the train to Haridwar and continue by bus (45 min, ₹20), by taxi (30 min, ₹650) or by shared auto-rickshaw (40 min, ₹25). However, travelling by train is recommended in peak seasons or during a 'mela' (fair) when bus routes are diverted in Haridwar whereas trains often run empty and the fares are low (just ₹4 for a passenger train service). You can take share rickshaws (vehicle brand name Vikram) towards Laxman Jhula (₹15) from Rishikesh station. You will have to cross Ram Jhula to reach Swarg Ashram on the other side of the Ganges.

  • Passenger trains from Haridwar to Rishikesh (approximate travel time, 1 hour):
    • Haridwar–Rishikesh 05:20
    • Haridwar–Rishikesh 10:30
    • Haridwar–Rishikesh 17:25

By bus

From Delhi, Rishikesh is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey may take about 5–7 hours (depending on the traffic) and costs you ₹130–350. An AC bus will cost ₹200–500. The right time to visit would be February, March, August-October. In July there is a festival called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid travelling to Rishikesh during that time.

From Dehradun ISBT, a bus to Rishikesh costs ₹56 (as of Jan 2019) and takes around 1.5 hour.

Get around

Auto-rickshaws (vikrams) are useful from the bus/train stations to get to either of the bridges (₹8) and for the southern side of the Ganges. Swargashram is pretty much pedestrian only, but it's compact and walkable (as is the whole of the town). For other auto-rickshaw journeys you should expect to pay around ₹15/km.

To visit eastern bank of Ganges, you have to walk across the suspension bridges or take ferry from Ram Jhula. Near the bank of Ganges, share jeeps and taxis are available to drop visitors at Neelkantha temple and waterfall. Overall, it’s more than 16 km run by road to go from one side of river to another.

See

Trayambakeshwar Temple, Laxman Jhula
  • 1 Bharat Mandir. One of the temples set up by 'Adiguru Shankaracharya' during the 12th century. This temple is a real tribute to Lord Vishnu, the idol of which is carved from a sole piece of Saligram. 
  • 2 Gita Bhavan. Place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji (the great thinker of his time) and popular among the Hindu Brahmin community. Twice a year people gather at this ashram to read the Ramayana together. 
  • 3 Laxman Jhula. Built in 1939, Laxman Jhula is a 450 ft (140 m) long iron bridge suspended over the Ganges River near Swarga Ashram. 
  • 4 Neelkanth Mahadev Mela. One of the most sacred temples in Rishikesh. Located on hill over Swarg Ashram at a height of 1675 m. A religious fair is held during July–August when many disciples from different corners of India visit. 
  • 5 Parmarth Niketan Ashram. One of the few ashrams left in India where children get the Vedas education. A must-visit in the evening for the Pooja/Aarti, at 5PM in winter and 6PM in summer. 
  • 6 Swarg Ashram, Shri 108 Baba kali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji. Swargashram (Heavenly Abode), as the name connotes, is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxman Jhula. It is the spiritual “ground zero” of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthy and satwik living environment. It is this spot where from ages of yore the famous yogis and rishis have been doing the Tapasya. Numerous mentions of this spot occur in the holy scripture Puranas. 
  • 7 Trayambakeshwar Temple, Laxman Jhula. It is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout. 
  • 8 Triveni Ghat. This is a bathing ghat. Every morning and evening, thousands of visitors bathe here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It is very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river. 

Do

  • Take a holy dip in the Ganges, with reputed healing powers.
  • Chota Char Dham season starts in summer and continues till the end of October. The Chota Char Dham is a Hindu pilgrimage route taking in four holy sites within Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri (all sources of tributaries of the River Ganga) and Yamunotri (source of the Yamuna River).
  • Check into an ashram to study yoga, meditation and Hindu philosophy.
  • Get free yoga classes with top yoga teachers of the world's yoga capital and enjoy free concerts of live classical Indian music at the annual free Yoga & Music Festival.
  • Astrology services like personal horoscopes and palm reading from Dr. Gaurav Agrawal and the astrologer B.P. Uniyal. There is also a centre for learning palmistry called "Indian Palmistry Institute" near Police Station Laxman Jhula. You can book a session or ask for course at +91 9358549482 or by email ipigaurav@gmail.com. You will have to provide your personal particulars like date and time of birth, city of birth etc. for the calculations and you can ask your personal queries and suggestions as per your chart. Palm reading costs ₹300 and the full chart horoscope cost around ₹500. You can also learn astrology here. You can book an appointment for a palm reading or horoscope session at Ganga Astrology Centre near German Bakery, Laxman Jhula. email bpuniyal47@rediffmail.com and phone no is 9897483488. You can also ask for your horoscope to be sent to your email.
  • Soma Reiki centre (Near the Swargashram Taxi stand), ☏ +91 98 97 73 26 79, . Run by soma a local reiki master which is in Gita Ashram 
  • 1 Maayaa International Healing School (Maayaa Healing), Near Dharam Raj Temple, Laxman Jhulla road, Paurhi, Rishikesh, India (from Laxman Julla towards Dharam Raj Temple), ☏ +919373052179, . 9AM-8PM. Maayaa offers sound healing, reiki, chakra healing, numerology, Tarot reading, physic counseling, aromatherapy, Kundalini meditation, dowsing, chakra balancing. Also these residential courses: sound healing teacher training course, meditation teacher training course, aromatherapy course, chakra plus crystal intensive program and yoga & meditation retreats. US$75. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 2 Divine School of Ayurveda (Dr. Mukesh Sharma and Dr. Vibha Sharma) (Ayurveda clinic), Laxman Jhula Road, Near Dharamraj Temple Below Maestro Galleria, Pauri Garhwal, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (Reach Dharam Raj Temple on Laxman Jhulla), ☏ +919868980101, . 9AM-7PM. Panchakarma, sound healing, astrology or Jyotishshastra, Ayurveda nutrition, yoga & Ayurveda retreat. US$7.50. (updated Feb 2017)

Outdoor activities

Rishikesh is very popular for its rafting on the River Ganga (Ganges). September–November and March-May are ideal for rafting. The rafting goes for several kilometres, and the path is interspersed with rapids, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, in order of difficulty. At the end of the trip, you have the option of jumping some 20 feet from a ledge into the water. There are several local travel agencies, offering these rafting trips. The package usually includes an overnight camp on the banks of the river, with a brilliant and moderate trek among the hills in the morning. If one has time, courses in rafting are also offered.

  • Bungee jump (15km ahead of Rishikesh on Rishikesh-Neelkanth road), ☏ +91 7830335577. You can try bungee jump at Jumpin Heights. It is a unique experience in India, a jump from 83 m just above a natural river and have the time of your life. Bungee for ₹2800 (including ₹300 transport from Laxman Jhula and back) and Fox Flying for ₹1800 (including ₹300 transport from Laxman Jhula and back) 
  • Camping can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to explore new places and likes the beauty and serenity of nature. Camping in Rishikesh on the Ganga beach offer an environment to wake up with the birds and swim in the fresh water of the river Ganges. Camping in Rishikesh is a very popular activity. The nearest camp is just across Goa Beach adjacent to Laxman Jhula. Call +91 9410540000
  • Cliff jumping You are supposed to jump into cold water from a cliff! Yes, it sounds crazy but this is one thing which everyone can brag about back home. Of course you are wearing a life jacket and a helmet but still jumping from so high into the Ganges, which is murky so the bottom can't be seen, unlike jumping into a swimming pool where one can see the bottom and the water is static.
  • Majestic Tour India, Shivpuri Market, Near Shivpuri Bridge, Badrinath Highway, ☏ +91 9837258258, . Prices range from ₹1400 for camping and 9 km easy rafting to ₹10,500 for a 3-night "Extreme Rafting Adventure" for corporate groups. 
  • Nearby excursions There are many small excursion/sight seeing tours for half-day or one day. Like to Vashishtha cave, Kunjapuri temple (1700 m), Neer Gaddu Water fall, Mussorie, Haridwar. Guides and taxi can be booked in many travel agencies. For more information or booking you can also call at 9927213649 or 0135-2440111.
  • Rappelling Climbing down with a rope is called rappelling. The group is taken to a spot where there is a cliff drop, experts with proper equipment who set up the gear first and then, one by one, everyone comes down. It's all about trusting your gear and following the instructions and then it's a lot of fun.
  • Rock climbing This is also included at some of the camps but not everyone can do it as it requires a lot of strength and skill. The group is taken to a cliff side and with proper safety gear everyone is given a chance to climb the cliff side.
  • Team 4 Adventure, Team 4 Adventure House, besides Seema Dental College, ☏ +91 9818995928, . They give a 3-day course in whitewater kayaking, starting near Rishikesh. ₹12,500 for 03 days basic whitewater kayaking course. (updated Aug 2018)
  • Trekking There are a lot of soft treks in this region and good bird-watching.
  • White water rafting. Offering rapids of Grade-I to V, this place has become a quintessential destination for the water rafting mongers. (updated May 2015)

Yoga

Rishikesh considers itself to be the yoga capital of the world. It's on offer everywhere, and most styles are represented. Yoga teacher training is offered at several places. See Yoga in Rishikesh for listings.

Music

  • Bhuwan Chandra Music School & Store, Ram Jhula, Swaargashram, near Ram Jhula Bridge, ☏ +91 9412029817, . Run by a sitar player Bhuwan Chandra. Travelers can learn and buy sitar, tabla, harmonium, mantra chanting, and improve vocal skills. ₹500/hr. 
  • Mukeshji's Jungle Vibes, Shisham Jhari (near Dayanand Ashram), ☏ +91 9411312049. Make Australian didgeridoos, African djmbes and other musical instruments under the guidance of Mukeshji, while he regales you with his hilarious stories and takes you along with him in his Himalayan journeys. 
  • 3 Pankaj Music School, Ganga Vatika, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137 (100m left from Ram Jhula bridge, through Sivananda Memorial Arc), ☏ +91 989 7108154. 9AM-6PM. Extremely proferssional artist Pankaj teaches sitar, harmonium, tabla and bansuri in different styles in a slow-paced, yet intensive way. ₹200/hr. (updated Feb 2018)

Temples and monasteries

  • Shatrughan Mandir (Shatrughan Temple), Muni ki reti. One of the oldest temples in Rishikesh, established by Adi Sanchracharya in the 11th century. The only temple in India dedicated to lord Shatrughan, brother of Lord Ram. 
  • Sivananda Ashram, Ram Jhula, (on the north side of the Shivanand Jhula bridge). Sivananda Ashram does not offer guest accommodation to tourists, but is highly restrictive in its selection process (see its online guest accommodation application form at www.sivanandaonline.org). Sivananda Ashram is a highly-reputed monastic institution designed to perpetuate the spiritual teachings of its illustrious founder, Swami Sivananda, who in the last century sent his disciples all over the world to propagate the ancient tenets of Vedic philosophy. Sivananda Ashram has an outstanding library of spiritual and philosophical works in almost every language; its own press; four main temples in which pujas are performed several times a day; a charitable hospital and a home for the destitute and distressed; daily silent meditation from 5-6am, and evening satsang. Almost all religious festivals are celebrated and most programs are open to the public.

Buy

As with most holy cities come tourist destinations there's a plethora of religious paraphernalia, cheap clothing aimed at foreigners, incense, bronze Shiva statues, etc. Unlike many other similar towns in India prices here are usually reasonable and you won't have to haggle hard for a good price.

  • 1 Maayaa Eco Friendly Store, Near Dharam Raj Temple, Laxman Jhula Road (Walk from laxamn julla towards dharm raj temple), ☏ +9193730 52179, . 9AM-9PM. Many kinds of organic clothing made in India for men and women. Many types of devotional, spiritual, yogic, sattvic items. Wide variety of essential oils for aromatherapy and Himalayan rock salt lamps and artifacts. A lot of books and music about yog and sadhna. (updated Feb 2017)

Eat

Non-vegetarian food has been banned in the city for many years. North and south Indian food is widely available, and there's no shortage of multi-cuisine backpacker cafes, especially in Laxman Jhula. What excites many foreigners are the delicious Ayurvedic and health food restaurants, perfect for an after-yoga meal. Many of the main lanes are lined with wooden push carts selling in-season fruit, veggies, popcorn, nuts, warm cookies and lots else, and you'll usually be quoted a fair price. The papayas here are particularly delicious. Try the famous Chotiwali Special/Janata or Delux Thali. It used to be an unlimited affair but now due to practical constraints the quantity is limited and extra helpings are charged. There are several eateries offering jalebis, imartis, samosas, and other Indian snacks. If you haven't heard of these before, you should definitely try them.

  • Chotiwala in Swarg Ashram claims to be the original, and serves up great Indian food including 5 different thalis. Meals starts from ₹100.
  • Ganga Ayurvedic Food Place, (out beyond most of the ashrams, just past VED Niketan Ashram). Delicious food, lovingly prepared. One of the cleaner kitchens around; don't be afraid of the good salads. Also great for breakfast.
  • Ganga View Restaurant (from Laxman Jhula bridge, go to taxi stand passing the famous bell temples. After taxi stand walk another 20 meters). 8AM–11PM. Probably the best cooks in town, these guys will serve you any food you like. Be prepared to wait 40-90 minutes as the place is extremely popular. ₹10–200. 
  • German Bakery in Tapovan (just above entrance to Laxman Jhula bridge, Tapovan side). Don't miss their super-popular spinach pie. Come at 10AM to get a piece. 
  • Little Buddha (Fine Nepali Food), Laxman Jhula Rd (in Laxman Jhula, look for a huge tree in the middle of the Laxman Jhula Rd. The restaurant is right against the tree.). 8AM-10PM. One of the best known cafes in town. Here you can get delicious Nepali, Indian, European, and Thai food for under ₹100 per dish. Three storeys, nice Ganga view. ₹10-150. 
  • Little Italy, Swarg Ashram, (in the Green Hotel). Good pasta, pizza, etc. Mains from ₹30.
  • Moon Dance Cafe, Ramjhula Swargashram Area (near taxi stand), ☏ +91 91-9897270905. 8AM-11PM. Italian, Mexican American, Indian, Tibetan, Nepali, Israeli cuisine with all food prepared with fresh water. Great choice of delicious meals. Be prepared to wait for at least 40 minutes. ₹6-120. 
  • Mukti's Health Food, (a few hundred metres west of Shivanand Jhula bridge, overlooking the taxi stand/parking lot). A tiny place in a strange location, but very popular and excellent food at very reasonable prices. Homemade green pasta, Indonesian gado-gado, and homemade frozen yogurt, apple pie or chocolate cake for dessert.
  • The Office. Has sweet samosas filled with mango, apple, banana and/or chocolate as well as tasty masala chai.
  • Pundit g ka rajasthani restaurant (near Triveni Ghat). Has a very good variety of north Indian food. 
  • Red Night Restaurant, Open air, river-facing restaurant and terrace. 0135- 2440094
  • Shiva-resort, a nice place away from the bustling market of Ram-Jhula towards Neelkanth road in Jonk village. A great place to have organic food and you also can stay there in a silent and pleasant place.
  • The Welcome Center, (about a 10-15 minute walk towards Haridwar from the Shivanand Jhula bridge). Hidden down off the road (but signposted), this is a little oasis of calm from the busy street. Great Ayurvedic food and teas. They also offer cooking classes, several types of yoga, etc. and sell natural incense, neti pots, yoga mats and the like. If you like the atmosphere, enquire about staying here as well.
  • 1 Zorba Organic Restaurant & Cafe, Near Dharam Raj Temple (walk form Laxman Jhula towards Dharam Raj Temple), ☏ +91 98164 92921, . 8AM-10:30PM. Serves Indian, Italian, Chinese, cafe-style, Tibetan and Israeli food. Vegetarian-friendly with vegan options, to eat in or take out. Outdoor seating with view of the Ganges. No smoking, child-friendly. (updated Feb 2017)

Drink

Sitting around in dhabas and cafes is nearly mandatory here. In addition to the old standards like masala chai and lassis you can find a nice range of Ayurvedic teas. Some restaurants make up their own tonics to treat anything that may be ailing you.

There are two Italian-style/Seattle-style cafes focusing on coffee.

Alcohol is banned and inappropriate, as Rishikesh is a holy city, although you can buy beer (8% alc) with your meal in one of the finer hotels.

  • Tripti Restaurant is on main the Badrinath highway and is a good place to visit. It has a beautiful view and an airy restaurant area to sit and relax. The food is healthy and fresh and tasty. It is a common place for foreigners and vistiors to have a calm and quite break. Sitting on the terrace is another thing that you don't want to miss at "Tripti"
  • Freedom Ganga Cafe (In Laxman Jhula, locate a tree in the middle of the road and turn down into a small lane next to an Ayurvedic doctor's office.). 8AM-10PM. Offers strawberry smoothies, thick mango juice (ask for no ice), strawberry lassi, thick fresh pineapple juice. Drinks are served in 500 ml mugs. ₹12-200. 

Sleep

Rishikesh is filled almost entirely with budget hotels, with a few mid-range thrown in for good measure. Lakshman Jhula is popular with backpackers and has the cheapest accommodation, while Swarg Ashram is where the majority of the ashrams are located, and is a nice alternative. There's also a handful of accommodation options available in High Bank.

It's wise to book ahead in the peak tourist season, and during the Kumbh Mela in neighboring Haridwar.

Budget

Hotels in this range start at price as low as ₹100.

  • Ananda Guesthouse, Swargashram (next to Krishna Cottage), ☏ +91 9758164982, . Clean and comfortable, new rooms with attached bath. Good value for the money and the owner is a great and helpful host. ₹300-400. 
  • Green Hotel, Swargashram, ☏ +91 135-2431242. A large, popular place with a good restaurant. ₹100-1000. 
  • Hotel Hill Top, Laxman Jhula, ☏ +91 135-2434583. Rooms over looking the river and the mountains. 
  • Hotel Ishan, Lakshman Jhula. Decent rooms with Ganga views and balconies. From ₹200. 
  • Hotel Narayana Kunj, Swargashram, ☏ +91 135-2440922, +91 135-2440822. They claim to have neat and clean rooms and good service. ₹300-600. 
  • Hotel Surya Palace, Village Joink Ramjhula, ☏ +91 1352440005. Opened 2010. Wifi. Rooms are big, clean and very comfortable. ₹350-900. 
  • Jaipur Inn, Laxman Jhula. Nice rooms, some with a view and a good restaurant on the top floor that overlooks both the Laxman Jhula and the Ganges River. Single ₹900, double ₹1000. 
  • Krishna Cottage, Swargashram (near Chotiwala Restaurant), ☏ +91 135-2440193, . Room price of US$20 per night includes 3 meals & free wireless internet. Also offers short term yoga and ayurveda courses/retreats (including Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training) and budget car and taxi rental services from Delhi airport to Rishikesh. US$20/night. 
  • Laxmi Yellow Guest House, Near Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, Badrinath Road Tapovan Laxman Jhoola (10 minutes walk from Police Check Post Tapovan), ☏ +91 9760506761, . Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Guest house with clean and comfortable rooms with attached kitchen, common kitchen and attached bathroom with 24 hours hot water, mountain view, in-house salad lounge & cafe. In-house reiki and crystal macrame workshops available. In-house salon for haircut by professional stylist. Yoga lessons, river rafting and other adventure activities are also available on request. The host is very helpful and kind and stays in the same property. The same owner also owns Yash Paying Guest House, which charges ₹400-500 for rooms and also offers them for monthly rentals. Contact info for Yash: email: yashpalbhatt@yahoo.com, +91 9412146858, Mr.Yash, +91 9997887794 ₹250 - 400. 
  • Live Free Hostel, Laxman Jhula, Distt. Tehri Garhwal, Tapovan (near Anand Dham), ☏ +91 98717 99693. Hostel with a rooftop and several terraces. Dorm, single and double rooms with all new beds and bedsheats. Staff sometimes takes tourists out on small daytours outside of town. Has Wifi. 4-bed dorms for ₹399, doubles for ₹999. (updated Feb 2017)
  • Lucky Hotel, Lakshman Jhula. 8-room hotel on the banks of the Ganges with a river view. A restaurant serving Indian and Chinese food is under the hotel. ₹300-1300. 
  • Mount Valley Mama Cottage, High Bank. The friendly hostess, Mama, makes wholesome breakfasts and scrumptious thali. Nice Ganga views and a good shower. 
  • Patanjali Yoga Center, Ram Jhula Taxi Stand. Iyengar Yoga lessons are available in a studio with modern equipment. Rooms ₹100 and up.. 
  • Raj Resort (Raj Resort Rishikesh), Badrinath Road Tapovan (5 minute walk from Police Check Post Tapovan), ☏ +91 135-2434165, +91 9412917323, . Clean and comfortable AC/non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms, hot shower, balcony with mountain view, garden, car parking, restaurant. Yoga lessons, river rafting and other extras are also available. ₹300 - 1500. 
  • Rishikesh Sadan, the Spiritual Retreat Guesthouse (Osho Mystery Meditation Center), Near RTO Checkpost, Aamkhala, Tapovan, Badrinath Highway (next to Narayana Palace), ☏ +91 9897810055, . Clean and comfortable valley facing rooms near spring. ₹400-700. 
  • Sai Ganga Cottage, Tapovan Badrinath Road Laxman Jhula (Take rickshaw from Rishikesh Market to Sai Ganga Cottage, 10 min from Rishikesh market, very close to Ram Jhula bridge and waterfall), ☏ +91 9997015534, . Check-in: anytime, check-out: noon. Family operated, beautiful rooms A/C and Non A/C available, water heater, delectable restaurant, cyber cafe, rafting and trekking packages, bus, air and train ticketing services available. ₹500-2000. 
  • Sarika The sanctuary, Swargashram (next to Shiva Resort), ☏ +91 9897270905, +91 8958302149, +91 135-2440157, . Reported to be clean and comfortable. ₹200-300. 
  • Shiva Resort, Swargashram. Open rooms with balconies and garden. Also offers yoga lessons in the morning (7:00AM to 8:30AM ) & evening (5:30PM to 7:00PM), in-house pool, Internet cafe, Ayurvedic treatments and panchkarma centre. From ₹450-1000. 
  • Shiv Shakti Guesthouse, Laxman Jhula (near Sant Sewa Ashram), ☏ +91 9756697614, . Clean and comfortable rooms with attached bathroom. Some rooms have Ganges views and free Wi-Fi. There is also a travel point at reception. ₹300-500. 
  • Tripti Hotel, Tapovan (Laxman Jhula), ☏ +91 135-2430212, +91 9897544408, . Clean and comfortable. The owner is a great guy and helpful host. Non-AC rooms ₹600. 
  • Vashishth Guest House, Swargashram (Near Parmarth Niketan), ☏ +91 135-2440029. Clean and safe place to stay with air conditioning, television, water heater, attached bathroom facilities. ₹300 - 650. 
  • Yoga Niketan Guest House (Near Ram Jhula. On the river, private ghat.). Yoga classes take place in their main ashram above - a five-minute uphill walk. Clean rooms on ground and first floors have private sit out with good view of the Ganges. Basic veg meals available on request or at the Ashram for ₹200 per day. Non Ac ₹500; AC ₹990. 

Many ashrams also offer cheap lodging.

  • Nirmal Ashram (Very close to Triveni Ghat). Mayakund, Nirmal Ashram is famous for its service to humanity. Free food, medical treatment, education to poor people are a few of the services which Nirmal Ashram provides. Free food is served to everybody who comes to the ashram. 
  • Sant Seva Ashram, Laxman Jhula, ☏ +91 135-2430-465. Budget rooms on the banks with a great view from ₹250-700. Long stays allowed. Booking can be done only 1 or 2 days in advance. Homely restaurant attached. 
  • Sri Ved Niketan Ashram, Swarg Ashram (From the Bus Stand, take the road toward Parmarth Niketan), ☏ +91 9456710941, . Spacious yoga hall of the International Vishwaguru Meditation and Yoga Institute and huge and serene lush green court yard offering hatha yoga, meditation, teacher training course 200 hours and 15 days intensive course of hatha yoga, etc. Rooms ₹150-400. (updated Aug 2016)
  • Nakshatra Resort (Nakshatra Resort), Ratta Pani Neelkanth Road Rishikesh (Uttarakhand, ☏ +91 9917289990, . Nakshatra Resort offers a wide variety of carefully designed, fun-filled adventurous expeditions. Our portfolio of outdoor activities includes Camping, River Rafting, Trekking in the Himalayas, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, etc. (updated Apr 2017)

Mid-range

There are two Government Tourist Lodges. Their rates range from ₹600 to ₹2000.

  • Bharat Bhumi in the town.
  • Sisham Jhari on the banks of the Ganges.
  • Explore Himalaya Resort, Badrinath Road, Village Shivpuri, ☏ +91 9212514779, . AC/Non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms, hot shower, balcony with mountain view, garden, car parking, restaurant. Yoga lessons, meditation or massage, trekking trips, water sports, river rafting are all available. ₹2500–2800. 
  • Hotel Ganesha Inn, Laxman Jhula Road, ☏ +91 2442024. 
  • 1 Hotel Ganga View, 355 Haridwar Road (on National Highway 58), ☏ +91 999720244, . Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Situated on the outskirts of the city with a river view. ₹1500-₹2499. 
  • Hotel Grand Tapovan, Village Bhawani, Tehri Garhwal, Shivpuri Badrinath Road (grandtapovan@gmail.com), ☏ +91 8954482001, +91 7310794646, . Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A 3-star hotel with a garden; also has a decent restaurant. Rafting, camping, trekking and bungee jumping can be arranged. Also arrange school and business day trips, Haridwar day trips, etc. ₹4000-8000. 
  • High Bank Peasant's Cottage, Tapovan, ☏ +91 9837055578, . A small boutique family guest house, away from the hustle and bustle. Located peacefully on the edge of the reserve forest in the lower Himalayas overlooking the town. (updated Jul 2018)
  • Hotel Prasanna Inn (Near Dayananda Ashra). Near the river line, in some quiet and serene surroundings. Rooftop yoga. 
  • The Riviera, Shivpuri, Rishkesh, ☏ +91 9990234386. ₹3500–5000. 
  • Tapovan Resort, Laxman Jhula. A newer hotel with good rooms and a garden. Also has a decent restaurant. ₹1650-1850. 
  • Vna Tapovan, Laxman Jhula Badrinath Road (vnatapovan@gmail.com), ☏ +91 8449100888, +91 8449300888. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A quiet hotel with an informative, helpful staff. Rafting, camping, trekking and bungee jumping can be arranged. ₹1950–₹2950. 

Splurge

  • Ganga Beach Resort, Shesdhara, Tapovan, Laxman Jhula Road (3 km from Rishikesh & on the right river bank of Ganga), ☏ +91 135-2442018, . Exquisite setting on the Ganges, surrounded by forested hills. 
  • Hotel Ganga Kinare (0135-2435243), 237 Virbhadra Road, ☏ +91 8447404441-2-3, . On the banks of the Ganges, with a private ghat (bank), this boutique hotel overlooks Rajaji National Park. A couple of rolling lawns host morning yoga sessions and spiritual lectures. Various heads of states and celebrities have stayed here. The hotel houses a riverside cafe 'Rangoli' and a multi-cuisine dining lounge. Some years before it used to be the venue of international yoga week also. ₹3000-6000. 

Stay safe

A holy city it may be, but Rishikesh draws more than its fair share of criminals and con men. Don't walk around alone at night and beware of the motives of sadhus offering one-on-one tutoring. There is also a gem stone hoax going on in at least one gem store: They ask you to bring the stones to your own country to a "buyer" who doesn't exist.

Watch where you step: After sundown it is pitch dark, so bring a light. Watch out for the sometimes brash food stealing monkeys too. They mostly "operate" on and around the foot bridges, and if you look them in the eyes they become aggressive, but rarely/never attack unless you carry food. Sadhus and police officers carry sticks to keep monkeys and cows/oxen at a distance. The brown monkeys are aggressive; the grey big languors are nicer. The greys sometimes steal food from tourists (not on the bridges), but mostly because their size scares the tourist, they don't bite you to get food.

Be alert if an ox is on your path: They are mostly harmless, but after dark they are sometimes nervous. Especially on the narrow foot bridges, you should try to read their body language before a close encounter.

Try not getting involved with any local guide who is offering you services. They are mostly con men and goons.

Go next

By train

Travel agents in Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula can book train tickets for onward journeys; much easier than going to Rishikesh railway station to buy a ticket. Some may sell you a ticket from Raiwala, a small stop between Rishikesh and Haridwar, but this station, while closer, is tiny and trains only stop for a few seconds - better to board at Haridwar.

  • Ordinary / Passenger Trains from Rishikesh
    • Rishikesh–Delhi 07:00
    • Rishikesh–Haridwar 08:55 ₹10/-
    • Rishikesh–Bandikui 12:20
    • Rishikesh–Haridwar 15:20 ₹10/-
    • Rishikesh–Haridwar 19:30 ₹10/-
  • Express:
    • Rishikesh - Jammutawi 16:15

By bus

Several travel agencies scattered around Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula can book luxury buses to common destinations like Delhi (₹250-₹500), Jaipur, Pushkar and Varanasi. Public and private buses from Rishikesh to other destinations in Uttarakhand and on the plains leave from the main bus station on the south side of Chandrabhaga bridge.

Buses to northwest destinations including Devprayag, Srinagar and Kedarnath may pass through Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, however you will be more likely to get a seat at the bus station in Rishikesh town.

By shared taxi

Shared taxis to destinations within Uttarakhand leave from Natraj Chowk, 1km from the Rishikesh bus station.

Nearby destinations

  • Dhanaulti - 84 km away, offering an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. If you want to get away from the city crowd then just head towards the Dhanaulti.
  • Mussoorie - 77 km away, it is one of the most visited hill stations in India. Mussoorie is surrounded by green hills and rich in flora and fauna. For that reason Mussoorie is called ‘queen of the hills’.
  • Rajaji National Park - 20 minutes' drive. Founded in 1983, it was created by integrating three different sanctuaries: Motichur Sanctuary, Chilla Sanctuary and Rajaji Sanctuary. The park is nicely placed in green hills and foothills of the Shivalik mountain ranges.
  • Shivpuri - one of the most visited places around Rishikesh, 10 km away. It is the hub for adventure sports like river rafting, camping and trekking.
  • Yamunotri - Yamunotri is 215 km away from Rishikesh. One of the major tourist attraction is Yamunotri temple at a height of 4,421 m above sea level.
This city travel guide to Rishikesh is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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