Rishikesh is one of the easiest mountain escapes from Delhi: leave on Friday night or early Saturday, and you can be sitting by the Ganga by lunchtime. This plan keeps things simple — one evening aarti, one morning on the river, and time to walk.
Getting there
By road, the drive is roughly 240 km and takes five to seven hours depending on traffic leaving Delhi; starting before sunrise makes a big difference. By train, most people travel to Haridwar and cover the last 25 km by taxi or shared auto. Some trains run to Yog Nagari Rishikesh station. Flights land at Jolly Grant airport near Dehradun, about 20 km from town.
Day 1: Settle in and the evening aarti
Base yourself near Tapovan or the Swarg Ashram side if you want to walk everywhere. Spend the afternoon along the river, then head to the evening Ganga Aarti around sunset. Triveni Ghat has the most traditional, crowded aarti; the one at Parmarth Niketan is more organised and very popular. Arrive early for a place on the steps.
Day 2: River, ashram and café
- Rafting: Most trips start upstream around Shivpuri. Rafting generally runs from around September/October to June and is suspended during the monsoon. Choose a licensed operator, and wear the life jacket and helmet provided.
- Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia): The abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968, now inside Rajaji Tiger Reserve and covered in murals. There is an entry fee.
- Neelkanth Mahadev: A temple about 30 km away by a winding hill road, if you want a half-day drive.
The bridges in 2026
The old Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge was closed to the public in 2019 for safety reasons. Its replacement, the glass-floored Bajrang Setu, was reported to have opened to pedestrians in early 2026. Ram Jhula was reported closed for repairs in 2025, and Janaki Setu has served as an alternative crossing. Check the current status locally, as closures change.
Good to know
- Rishikesh is a pilgrimage town: alcohol and non-vegetarian food are not served in the main town area.
- Dress modestly at ghats and temples.
- The Ganga is cold and fast even when it looks calm; swim only where locals indicate it is safe.
- Weekends are crowded — book stays in advance, especially from October to March.
