Start your trip to Rishikesh by immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the city. In the morning, visit the iconic Triveni Ghat, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers merge. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual conducted by the riverbank. Afternoon can be spent exploring the famous Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in the late 1960s. In the evening, take a walk across the Laxman Jhula Bridge, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Ganges river.
Triveni Ghat: Entrance is free. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
Beatles Ashram: Entrance fee is INR 150 per person. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Laxman Jhula: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 1 hour.
Restaurants
The Sitaram Bhandar is a popular breakfast spot known for its tasty and filling traditional Indian breakfast options such as aloo paratha and chai. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
The Chotiwala Restaurant is a great lunch spot offering a variety of Indian and Continental dishes. Their thali meals are particularly recommended, with an average cost of about 300 INR per person.
The Oasis Restaurant is a perfect place for dinner with a serene ambiance and a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, September 29:
Begin your morning with a yoga or meditation session at one of the many ashrams in Rishikesh, such as Parmarth Niketan or Sivananda Ashram. Afterward, visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, located amidst the lush greenery of the lower Himalayas. This temple holds great religious significance and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling river rafting experience on the Ganges. As evening approaches, head to the famous Ram Jhula Bridge and explore the local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Ashram Yoga/Meditation Session: Prices vary. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Entrance fee is INR 30 per person. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
River Rafting: Prices start from INR 600 per person. Estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.
Ram Jhula: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Karma is a popular breakfast spot in Rishikesh, offering a variety of healthy and delicious options such as fresh fruit bowls, smoothies, and vegan pancakes. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
Lunch: Little Buddha Cafe is a must-visit for lunch, known for its cozy ambiance and mouthwatering Tibetan and Continental dishes. Try their momos and thukpa, and enjoy stunning views of the Ganges. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
Dinner: The Sitting Elephant is a fantastic choice for dinner, serving a range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. Their rooftop seating area offers a serene setting to enjoy your meal while overlooking the city. The average cost for a meal here is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday, September 30:
Start your day by embarking on a trek to the beautiful Patna Waterfall. Enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the surrounding forest during the hike. In the afternoon, head to the Swarg Ashram, known for its ashrams and meditation centers. You can attend a yoga or meditation class or simply relax by the riverbank. As the day comes to an end, visit the Trimbakeshwar Temple to witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, a serene and soul-stirring experience.
Patna Waterfall Trek: Prices vary for guided tours. Estimated time spent: 4-6 hours.
Swarg Ashram: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Trimbakeshwar Temple: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
Sunday, October 1:
On your last day in Rishikesh, start with a visit to the iconic Parmarth Niketan Ashram, known for its spiritual ambiance and beautiful gardens. Attend the morning Ganga Aarti ceremony for a divine experience. In the afternoon, take a short hike to the Kunjapuri Temple, located on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range. In the evening, indulge in some shopping at the vibrant Rishikesh Market, known for its handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Entrance is free. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Kunjapuri Temple: Entrance fee is INR 50 per person. Estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.
Rishikesh Market: Prices vary for shopping. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Rishikesh, don't miss out on exploring the charming village of Vashisht, known for its hot springs and ancient temples. Visit the nearby Rajaji National Park for a wildlife safari experience and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Finally, take a detour to the nearby town of Haridwar to witness the grand evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri and visit the famous Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi Temples.