Rishikesh is two towns in one – the rafting-and-cafés adventure capital at the Ganga’s exit from the hills, and the ashram-and-aarti spiritual town the world knows as the yoga capital. It sits at about 340 m, roughly 240 km from Delhi, and works in every season as long as you know which version you came for.
Quick facts
| Altitude | ~340 m |
| From Delhi | ~240 km (5–6 hrs) |
| Best months | October–March for yoga; late September–June for rafting |
| Ideal stay | 2–4 days |
| Known for | Rafting, yoga, Ganga aarti, the Jhula bridges |
What to do
- Raft the Ganga – the classic 16 km Shivpuri stretch with Grade III+ rapids, plus longer expedition options (rafting guide).
- Yoga and ashrams – from drop-in classes to month-long teacher trainings (yoga in Rishikesh).
- Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan – every evening, free, and genuinely moving.
- Ram Jhula and the Laxman Jhula area – the riverfront strips of cafés, temples and shops.
- Neelkanth Mahadev temple (32 km) and the Beatles Ashram for the curious.
- Bungee and giant swing at Mohan Chatti (details).
How to reach
Haridwar is the railhead (25 km); Jolly Grant airport is 20 km. Drive from Delhi in 5–6 hours. It is the gateway to the Char Dham road and to Chopta and Auli.
Best time and practicalities
Rafting runs late September to mid-June; the monsoon shuts the river. Yoga season is October–March. Avoid the Kanwar Yatra window (mid-July–mid-August) unless you’re part of it (festival notes). Summer is hot but riverside evenings work; winter mornings are crisp. Full detail: best time to visit Rishikesh.
