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Rishikesh

World's yoga capital — Ganges + Himalayan foothills + Beatles ashram

Rishikesh is the world's yoga capital — where the Ganges emerges from the Himalayas. The Beatles came here in 1968; today it hosts India's biggest yoga school scene + white-water rafting on the Ganges + jungle treks. Vegetarian + alcohol-free town.

Airport
Dehradun (DED) — 30 km
From Delhi
1h 15m flight or 6h train + taxi
Vibe
Vegetarian + alcohol-free + spiritual
Rafting season
September-June (closed monsoon)

Rishikesh highlights

Yoga courses + teacher training

Parmarth Niketan + Anand Prakash Ashram + Rishikesh Yog Peeth — the world's biggest yoga schools.

Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

Nightly ceremony beside the Ganges — quieter + more intimate than Varanasi's.

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Where the Beatles wrote The White Album in 1968. Now abandoned but atmospheric — INR 150 entry.

White-water rafting the Ganges

Grade III-IV rapids from Shivpuri or Kaudiyala. September-June only (closed monsoon).

Laxman Jhula + Ram Jhula

Suspension bridges across the Ganges — the iconic Rishikesh photos.

Neelkanth Mahadev temple trek

Hilltop Shiva temple 32 km — half-day drive + short trek.

Getting there

Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is 30 km — flights from Delhi (1h 15m). Or train to Haridwar (6h from Delhi) + 25 km taxi to Rishikesh.

Getting around

Rickshaws, e-rickshaws, walking. Small town + everything centred on the Ganges bridges.

Best time to visit

February-May + September-November. Avoid June-August (monsoon closes rafting).

Budget per day

$15-30 backpacker · $50-100 mid-range · $250+ luxury (Ananda in the Himalayas)

Airport transfer from Dehradun Jolly Grant (DED)

Getting out of Rishikesh (DED)

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Frequently asked about Rishikesh

Is Rishikesh worth visiting?
Yes for yoga + adventure + Ganges spirituality. Skip if you want nightlife or non-veg food — Rishikesh is strictly vegetarian + alcohol-free.
How many days do I need in Rishikesh?
3-4 days for casual visit. 200-hour yoga teacher training = 4 weeks. Rafting + yoga combo = 5-7 days.
When is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
February-May + September-November. Avoid June-August (monsoon closes rafting). October-November is peak.
Can I do rafting in Rishikesh?
Yes September-June (closed during monsoon). Grade III-IV rapids. Full-day rafting from Shivpuri ~$25.