Rishikesh

Yoga capital of the Ganga — hostels, rafting, riverside ghats and easy weekend escapes from Delhi.

verifiedLast verified: August 13, 2026

Getting There

• From Delhi: train to Haridwar (~4h; Jan Shatabdi chair car ~₹500, sleeper ~₹260) then shared auto to Rishikesh (~₹50–₹70, 45 min). Or direct bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate/Anand Vihar (₹300–₹700, 5–6h); overnight buses save a night’s stay.
• From Haridwar: shared autos and taxis outside the station run constantly to Rishikesh.
• Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant), ~20 km; taxi ₹800–₹1,200 to Rishikesh.

Typical Budgets

• Backpacker: ₹1,000–₹1,500/day — hostel dorm (₹350–₹600), dhaba meals, walking everywhere.
• Mid-range: ₹2,000–₹3,500/day — hotel room, café meals, one activity like rafting.

Practical Tips

• Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is free and starts ~6pm in winter, ~7pm in summer — reach 30 min early for a spot.
• Beatles Ashram entry ₹150; Neer Garh Waterfall entry ~₹30; most ghats and jhulas are free.
• Rafting (16 km stretch) costs ~₹400–₹600; it’s shut during monsoon (roughly Jul–Sep).
• The town is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free — cafés in Tapovan are the budget food sweet spot.
• Shared autos to Tapovan/Lakshman Jhula run per-seat (~₹30–₹50); agree on full-fare price before boarding a private auto.

What I Wish I Knew

• Walking the ghat stretch beats every auto: most sights are along one riverside line. And weekend hostels fill up — book the dorm in advance.

Permits & Notes

• No permits needed. Rafting bans apply in monsoon; check local operators for current status.