Ultimate travel guide to Rishikesh: What to see and do in 3 days

Rishikesh is a beautiful town that lies at the feet of the Himalayas. It's not just about a place but an experience. This beautiful town on the banks of the holy Ganges is popularly known as the “Yoga capital of the world” and “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas”.Rishikesh has something for everyone whether you are looking for inner peace or an exciting adventure.

This ultimate travel guide will take you through an unforgettable 3-day journey in Rishikesh with spiritual retreats, adventurous activities and calm walks within nature. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

Day 1: Dive into spirituality and culture

1. Triveni Ghat

You can start your journey at the Triveni Ghat which is the largest and most famous ghat. Here, three rivers namely the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati meet which makes it a sacred spot for an early morning dip or quiet meditation. Then you visit Bharat Mandir; this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is the oldest in Rishikesh. The calm atmosphere inside Bharat Mandir and its ancient architecture will give you a good start in your spiritual journey.

• Best time to visit: Early morning between 5:30 am to 7:00 am
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 20 minutes (5.2 km)

Triveni Ghat | Credits: Canva

2. Beatles Ashram

After Triveni Ghat, visit the Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutia. This ashram gained international fame in the 1960s when the Beatles stayed here to learn transcendental meditation. Explore the beautiful graffiti art and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

• Opening timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 11 minutes (2.7 km)

Beatles Ashram | Credits: Canva

3. Neer Garh waterfall

After an exciting morning, take a small hike to the Neer Garh Waterfall. This hidden treasure is located about 3 kilometres away from Laxman Jhula. This hike is not too hard and provides beautiful scenes of forests. Once you get to the waterfall itself, have a dip in the cold water or just relax by the cascades that are nature’s beauty.

• Best time to visit: October to November, February to May
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 25 minutes (8.1 km)

Neer Garh Waterfall | Credits: Canva

4. Ganga View Cafe

After the hike, you must be hungry. Visit the famous Ganga View Cafe, known for its delicious food and great views. Enjoy a variety of dishes such as Scrambled Tofu, Vegan Chickpea Pancake, 3 Slice Open Toasty and much more while relaxing after the hike.

• Cost per person: 200 to 600 INR approx
• Walking time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 2 minutes (350 metres)

Ganga View Cafe | Credits: ganga_view_cafe, Instagram

Day 2: Exploring adventure and nature

1. Adventure activities

Start your day with a burst of adrenaline! Rishikesh is renowned for its river rafting, and no trip here would be complete without trying out this thrilling activity. The stretch of the river from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, which measures 16 kilometres, offers Grade I to IV rapids that are fit for both beginners and seasoned rafters. While you are going through these roaring rapids, amazing views of the nearby hills only increase your excitement.

• Timings: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Pricing per person: INR 450
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 25 minutes (7.8 km)

River Rafting | Credits: Canva

2. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Don’t forget to visit the two iconic suspension bridges namely Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. These footbridges besides serving as architectural wonders also provide breathtaking panoramas of the River Ganges along with the temples and ashrams around it. Take a walk amidst busy streets; buy souvenirs in local stores; and sit quietly beside the riverside.

• Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 7 minutes (1.7 km)

Laksham Jhula | Credits: Canva

3. Parmarth Niketan

Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh. It's a serene place to meditate, practice yoga, and learn about Hindu culture. You can also participate in the evening Ganga Aarti, a beautiful ceremony with chanting, floating diyas, and a gentle breeze from the river Ganges.

• Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 8 minutes (2.5 km)

Parmarth Niketan Ashram | Credits: Canva

4. Indulge in street food

End your day by indulging in the delicious street food of Rishikesh. Try out local delights such as samosas, aloo chaat, and lassi. You can try out samosas at The Rajasthani restaurant near Triveni Ghat, if you like sweets then do taste jalebis at Geeta Bhawan Swargashram. Some popular street food spots include the area around Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.

Street Food | Credits: Canva

Day 3: Discover hidden gems and serenity

1. Vashishta Cave

To end on a high note, visit Vashishta Cave – a serene place which is about 25 km from Rishikesh. It is believed that sage Vashistha once meditated at this ancient cave where people go to experience peace and calmness. The walk through the forest to get there is also quite fascinating in its own right. Sit and contemplate inside the cave; it feels like you can almost hear the silence, and your worries will fade away.

• Timings: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, 3:00 to 6:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 30 minutes (7.4 km)

Vashishta Cave | Credits: Canva

2. Rajaji National Park

Then immerse yourself in the wild at Rajaji National Park located just a short drive from Rishikesh. The park boasts of being home to elephants, tigers, leopards and numerous species of birds hence being rich in biodiversity. Go for a jeep safari through the dense foliage and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. This park offers ideal conditions for relaxing compared to the crowded towns of Rishikesh.

• Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 am, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Pricing: INR 150 for 3 hours
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 6 minutes (2.1 km)

Rajaji National Park | Credits: Canva

3. Kyarki Village

After the wildlife experience, head to Kyarki village, a quaint and picturesque village near Rishikesh. The village offers a glimpse into the simple and traditional way of life in the Himalayan foothills. You can interact with the locals, learn about their culture, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains. The Kyarki viewpoint is particularly known for its breathtaking sunsets. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning vistas and the tranquillity of the surroundings.

• Best time to visit: Daytime
• Drive time from The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges: 35 minutes (9.9 km)

Kyarki Village | Credits: Canva

4. Shopping at Laxman Jhula market

End your trip with some retail therapy. Rishikesh is known for its vibrant markets where you can shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, yoga accessories, and more. You can buy scarves, shawls, handmade clothing and crafts from the Laxman Jhula market. Some other popular shopping spots include Rishikesh Main Market and Ram Jhula Market.

Souvenir shop in Rishikesh | Credits: Canva

How to reach Rishikesh?

By Road:

Rishikesh is a well connected town by road which is why it is very popular with travellers. Delhi is about 240 km from Rishikesh and the journey takes about 6-7 hours by road. You can reach there by driving your own car or using a taxi.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Rishikesh is Haridwar Junction which lies approximately 25 km away. From there, you can take a bus that leads to Rishikesh and takes about 40-45 minutes. Another option would be taking a direct train ride to Rishikesh Railway Station although there are only a few of such trains available.

By Bus:

Rishikesh can be easily reached by bus service as both government-run buses and private buses operate here connecting it with all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Haridwar etc. Taking buses from Haridwar and Dehradun to Rishikesh is frequent and takes approximately 1-2 hours. For those travelling on a shoestring budget, taking a bus is a cheaper and more comfortable option.

Best time to visit Rishikesh

The best time to visit Rishikesh depends on your interests and the type of experience you are looking forward to. Generally, the perfect time is between September to November and March to May when the weather is pleasant and activities are at their peak.

Autumn (September to November)

During this period, it becomes comfortable with cool post-monsoon weather that supports outdoor events like rafting, trekking, camping etc. Ganga River is fully swelled at its highest during this season giving chance to adventure lovers to roar on her rapid waves. The green forested areas together with all these make sightseeing and exploring the beauty of nature ideal.

Spring & early summer (March to May)

In Rishikesh, weather remains mild in these months with temperatures ranging between 15°C-35°C. It’s a busy tourist period, especially for people interested in yoga retreats and meditation. The International Yoga Festival which usually takes place in March attracts tourists from all corners of the world. Also, there are a lot of water sports enthusiasts who come here because during this time Ganga River gets very adventurous for some thrilling water sports.

Conclusion

A destination that speaks to the soul is Rishikesh. Rishikesh offers a variety of activities ranging from spiritual retreats, adventurous pursuits and the serenity of its ghats to the excitement of its rapids. In Rishikesh, every traveller can find exactly what they are looking for a tranquil hideout, an exciting trip, or spiritual enlightenment.Whether you're seeking tranquillity, excitement, or cultural immersion, this holy city has it all. Make the most of your Rishikesh experience by staying at one of our vibrant hostels – The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges or The Hosteller Rishikesh, Upper Tapovan. Both offer comfortable accommodations, a friendly atmosphere, and convenient locations for exploring the city. Don't miss out on the ultimate backpacker's paradise – book your stay now and let the adventure begin!