Welcome to Rishikesh! Start your day by checking into one of the serene hotels or resorts available in the area. You can find the best deals on hotels and flights here. Take some time to freshen up and get ready for an amazing day of relaxation in this spiritual city.
Begin your day with a calming and rejuvenating yoga session. Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of the world, and there are plenty of renowned yoga centers and ashrams where you can join a class. Feel the positive energy as you practice various yoga asanas and learn the art of meditation. The cost for a morning yoga class is approximately INR 500 and can last for 1-2 hours.
Head to Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of the largest and most famous ashrams in Rishikesh. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River, this ashram offers a tranquil environment for spiritual seekers. Attend the midday Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) held at the riverbank and immerse yourself in the soothing chants and mesmerizing rituals. Spend some time exploring the beautiful ashram premises. Entry to the ashram is free, and the Ganga Aarti starts at around 12:30 PM.
Feast on a delicious vegetarian lunch at one of the many riverside cafes in Rishikesh. Enjoy the serene views of the Ganges while relishing healthy and organic meals. Indulge in some local specialties such as Rajma Chawal, Aloo Puri, or traditional Thali. The cost for a meal at a riverside cafe can range from INR 300 to INR 600, depending on your choice of dishes.
Take a short drive to the famous Beatles Ashram, officially known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. This abandoned ashram gained popularity when the Beatles visited in 1968 to learn transcendental meditation. Explore the intriguing ruins covered in vibrant street art and immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of this place. The entry fee for Beatles Ashram is approximately INR 150, and you can spend around 1-2 hours here.
Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa and massage session. Rishikesh is home to several wellness centers that offer traditional Ayurvedic treatments using natural herbs and oils. Let the expert therapists relieve your stress and revitalize your body and mind. The cost for a 1-hour Ayurvedic massage session starts from INR 1,500.
Witness the grand evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, a sacred bathing ghat located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Experience the divine atmosphere as priests perform rituals, light oil lamps, and chant prayers. This spiritual ceremony is a sight to behold and offers a peaceful way to end your day in Rishikesh. The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat starts at around 6:30 PM.
For off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, you can explore Neer Gaddu Waterfall, located around 6 kilometers from the main city. This picturesque waterfall offers a refreshing dip in its natural pool and is surrounded by lush greenery. Another hidden gem is the Vashishta Cave, a serene and secluded spot for meditation and self-reflection. It is believed that the great sage Vashishta meditated in this cave thousands of years ago.