Best Things to Do in Rishikesh for First Timers (and Repeat Visitors)
Words by
Anirudh Sharma
Best Things to Do in Rishikesh for First Timers (and Repeat Visitors)
Rishikesh sits along the banks of the Ganges where the river leaves the Shivalik hills and enters the plains, and it has drawn seekers, backpackers, and adventure tourists for decades. If you are looking for the best things to do in Rishikesh, this Rishikesh travel guide covers the experiences in Rishikesh that matter most, from riverside meditation halls to cliffside cafes. I have walked these ghats, eaten at these tables, and watched the sunset from these bridges more times than I can count. What follows is the directory I wish someone had handed me the first time I arrived.
1. Triveni Ghat — The Heartbeat of Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat sits along the main road near the center of town, just a short walk from the Laxman Jhula side. This is where the evening Ganga Aarti happens every day at sunset, and it is the single most iconic experience in Rishikesh. The ceremony starts around 6:00 PM in summer and 5:30 PM in winter, and it draws hundreds of people to the stone steps leading into the river. You will see priests holding fire bowls, chanting Vedic hymns, and floating leaf boats with flowers and small diyas. The energy is intense, spiritual, and touristy all at once.
What to See: The evening Ganga Arita ceremony, the floating diyas, and the reflection of fire on the water.
Best Time: Arrive by 5:15 PM to secure a spot on the front steps before the crowd thickens.
The Vibe: Overwhelming at first, but deeply moving once the chanting begins. The area around the ghat gets extremely crowded during weekends and festival days, so weekdays offer a more peaceful experience.
Local Tip: Walk 200 meters upstream along the river path before the ceremony starts. You will find a quieter spot to watch the Aarti from above, and the view of the fire bowls from that angle is far better than being shoulder to shoulder on the main steps.
2. Laxman Jhula — The Iconic Suspension Bridge
Laxman Jhula spans the Ganges near the Tapovan area, connecting the two banks of Rishikesh. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city, and walking across it gives you a panoramic view of the river and the surrounding hills. The bridge is named after Lord Laxman, who is said to have meditated here according to legend. It is a pedestrian-only bridge, and the slight sway underfoot adds a thrill, especially when the wind picks up. The area around the bridge is lined with small shops selling rudraksha beads, incense, and street food.
What to See: The view from the center of the bridge, the small temples on both banks, and the monkeys that have made the railings their home.
Best Time: Early morning, before 8:00 AM, when the light is golden and the crowds have not yet arrived.
The Vibe: Touristy and loud by midday, but magical at dawn. The monkeys here are aggressive, so do not carry food in your hands.
Local Tip: The newer Ram Jhula, about 2 kilometers downstream, is less crowded and offers a similar view with fewer monkeys and more space to sit and meditate by the river.
3. Beatles Café (Chaurasia Café) — A Slice of Musical History
This small café sits on the banks near the Tapovan area, and it is named after the Beatles, who famously visited Rishikesh in 1968 to study transcendental meditation at the ashram that once stood nearby. The walls are covered in murals of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, and the menu includes everything from Israeli shakshuka to Indian thali. The café has become a gathering spot for backpackers and musicians, and live acoustic sessions happen most evenings. The original building has been renovated, but the spirit remains.
What to Order: The banana pancakes and the fresh juice combinations, especially the seasonal fruit lassi.
Best Time: Late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, when the sun hits the terrace and the live music often starts.
The Vibe: Relaxed and communal, though the service can slow down significantly on Friday and Saturday nights when the terrace fills up.
Local Tip: Ask the staff about the original ashram site nearby. They will point you toward the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram ruins, which are accessible by a short walk through the forest path behind the café area.
4. The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasia) — Ruins of a Spiritual Experiment
Located in the Kailash Nagar area, south of the main town, this is the site where the Beatles came to study meditation in 1968. The ashram was abandoned for decades and has since been opened to visitors as a heritage and art installation site. You can walk through the crumbling meditation domes, read the graffiti and murals left by visitors, and sit in the caves where the Beatles once meditated. The entry fee is around ₹150 for Indian nationals and ₹600 for foreigners, and the site is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What to See: The meditation caves, the painted domes, and the Ganges view from the upper terraces.
Best Time: Early morning, right at opening, when the forest path is cool and the light filters through the trees.
The Vibe: Eerie and beautiful. The ruins are not maintained to a high standard, and some areas feel genuinely overgrown, which adds to the atmosphere.
Local Tip: Take the forest trail from the main road rather than the paved entrance. It is less crowded, and you will pass a small waterfall that most tourists never see.
5. Neer Garh Waterfall — A Quick Escape from the Town
Neer Garh Waterfall is located about 5 kilometers from the main Rishikesh market area, along the road toward the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is a small but pretty cascade that flows into a pool, and locals come here for a quick dip. The walk from the parking area is about 10 minutes through a forested path. There is no entry fee, and the area is less commercialized than the main ghats. It is a good spot to cool off after a morning of sightseeing.
What to Do: Wade into the pool at the base of the falls, sit on the rocks, and watch the water flow.
Best Time: Late morning, around 10:00 AM, before the sun gets too harsh and the small crowd arrives.
The Vibe: Peaceful and local. The rocks can be slippery, so wear proper sandals or water shoes.
Local Tip: Bring your own snacks and water. The small tea stall nearby runs out of supplies by early afternoon, and there is no proper shop within walking distance.
6. Parmarth Niketan — The Grand Ashram on the River
Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, located on the banks of the Ganges in the Swargashram area. It is known for its massive evening Ganga Aarti, which is more elaborate than the one at Triveni Ghat, with multiple priests, larger fire bowls, and a more structured ceremony. The ashram also offers yoga and meditation classes, and the gardens along the river are well maintained. Visitors are welcome to attend the Aarti, which starts at 6:00 PM daily.
What to See: The evening Aarti, the gardens, and the large statue of Lord Shiva on the ghat.
Best Time: Arrive by 5:30 PM for the Aarti, or come at 7:00 AM for the morning yoga session.
The Vibe: Serene and organized. The ashram enforces a dress code, so shoulders and knees must be covered, and photography is restricted during ceremonies.
Local Tip: The ashram offers free yoga classes for guests, but you need to register at the front desk by 6:00 AM. The classes fill up quickly during peak season, from October to March.
7. Rajaji National Park — Wildlife on the Edge of Town
Rajaji National Park is located about 10 kilometers from the center of Rishikesh, along the Haridwar road. It is a protected area that is home to elephants, leopards, deer, and over 300 species of birds. The park offers jeep safaris that start from the Chilla gate, and the safari lasts about 2 to 3 hours. The entry fee is around ₹1,500 per person for a shared jeep, and safaris run in the early morning and late afternoon. The park is open from November to June, and it closes during the monsoon season.
What to Do: Take a jeep safari, watch for elephants near the river, and listen for the calls of the great hornbill.
Best Time: Early morning safari, starting at 6:00 AM, when animals are most active and the light is soft.
The Vibe: Wild and unpredictable. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the jeep ride on the forest roads can be bumpy.
Local Tip: Book your safari through the forest department office rather than through a private operator. The official rate is lower, and the guides are more experienced.
8. Kunjapuri Temple — Sunrise Above the Clouds
Kunjapuri Temple sits on a hilltop about 25 kilometers from Rishikesh, and it is one of the best spots in the region to watch the sunrise. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, and the view from the top stretches across the Ganges valley, the Himalayan peaks, and the plains below. The drive from Rishikesh takes about 45 minutes, and the road is winding but paved. The temple opens at 5:00 AM, and the sunrise view is best between 6:00 and 6:30 AM, depending on the season.
What to See: The sunrise, the panoramic view of the Himalayas, and the small shrine at the top.
Best Time: Arrive by 5:30 AM for the sunrise. The temple is also beautiful at sunset, but the morning light is clearer.
The Vibe: Spiritual and quiet. The temple is not heavily touristed, and you will likely be alone or with a few locals.
Local Tip: Bring a warm layer. The hilltop is significantly cooler than Rishikesh, and the wind can be strong, especially in winter months from November to February.
When to Go / What to Know
Rishikesh is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is cool and the skies are clear. The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rain and can cause landslides on the roads leading to the city. The summer months, from April to June, are hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C, but this is also when the river activities like rafting are in full swing. The city is a vegetarian and alcohol-free zone, so do not expect to find meat or liquor in most restaurants. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 20 kilometers away, and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which connects to major cities like Delhi and Haridwar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to walk between the main sightseeing spots in Rishikesh, or is local transport necessary?
The main ghats, ashrams, and bridges in central Rishikesh are within walking distance of each other, roughly 2 to 3 kilometers apart. However, reaching spots like Rajaji National Park or Kunjapuri Temple requires a vehicle. Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps are available for short distances, and renting a scooter is a popular option for those comfortable with Indian traffic.
What is the safest and most reliable way to get around Rishikesh as a solo traveler?
Walking is safe in the main areas during daylight hours, and auto-rickshaws are reliable for short trips. For longer distances, pre-booked taxis or ride-hailing apps are recommended. Avoid traveling alone on isolated roads after dark, especially in the forest areas near the ashrams.
Do the most popular attractions in Rishikesh require advance ticket booking, especially during peak season?
Most temples and ghats do not require tickets or advance booking. The Beatles Ashram charges an entry fee payable at the gate, and jeep safaris at Rajaji National Park should be booked a day in advance during peak season, from October to March. Yoga retreats and ashram stays often require advance registration, sometimes weeks ahead.
How many days are needed to see the major tourist attractions in Rishikesh without feeling rushed?
Three full days are sufficient to cover the main ghats, bridges, ashrams, and a day trip to Kunjapuri Temple or Rajaji National Park. Adding a day for rafting or a yoga retreat brings the ideal stay to 4 or 5 days. Rushing through in fewer than 2 days means missing the early morning and evening experiences that define the city.
What are the best free or low-cost tourist places in Rishikesh that are genuinely worth the visit?
The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan are free to attend. Walking across Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula costs nothing, and the riverside paths between the ghats are open to all. Neer Garh Waterfall has no entry fee, and the small temples along the riverbank are free to visit. The Beatles Ashram is the only major paid attraction, at ₹150 for Indian nationals.
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