Rishikesh Travel guide: Spirituality, Adventure and the Ganga
Rishikesh, the city situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a harmony of spirituality, nature, and adventure. The city, dubbed as the Yoga Capital of the World with its temples, ashrams, and ghats along the River Ganga, offers activities such as river rafting, camping, and even bungee jumping!
How to reach Rishikesh
Rishikesh is about 26 km from Haridwar. From Haridwar, there are a number of buses and shared tempos to Rishikesh that you can take, or you can also directly go by train. Tapovan is a great place to start exploring!
For Rishikesh, there are a number of hotels available which offer rooms at reasonable prices ranging from â‚ą1,000 to â‚ą2,500. You can also consider camping at Shivpuri for an exciting adventure experience!
Camping and River Rafting in Shivpuri
Shivpuri is famous for its camping, rafting, and adventure activities. You can experience camping in Shivpuri, which has Swiss cottages, family camps, and luxury camps. The script mentions that the camps on the riverside had accommodation starting at around â‚ą1,500 per person, others like â‚ą2,000 to â‚ą3,000 per night with meals included.
A river rafting experience is a must-try on your trip. The 16-km rafting costs around â‚ą800, and you can also try a 22-km one for around â‚ą1,200. There are also GoPro and drone photography charges!
After rafting, you can head to Shivpuri Beach (otherwise known as Goa Beach) for a relaxing evening. The place, known for its white sandy riverbank, is the perfect spot to unwind while also being near bungee jumping – the activity that starts at around ₹4,000.
Explore Rishikesh's famous places
After Shivpuri, you can explore Rishikesh's famous places! The Janki Setu, a 274-metre bridge, is one of the prime attractions in Rishikesh that offers a beautiful view of the Ganga. It is one of the busiest places at night with its vibrant white lights on.
Parmarth Niketan, a famous ashram in Rishikesh, organises the evening Ganga Aarti. The evening market around the ashram is a good place to shop for handlooms, jewellery, textiles, gemstones, and handicrafts.
The 89 metres long and 38 metres high Ram Jhula is one of the most prominent Rishikesh attractions. It is a wonderful experience to walk across the bridge while witnessing the beautiful view of the Ganga, and you can also take a boat ride on the river.
Neer Waterfall and Beatles Ashram
Neer Waterfall, around 4 km from Tapovan, is an attraction surrounded by lush greenery and is famous for its beauty. To enter the place, you will have to buy the entry tickets, and it might take a while as you have to walk for around 1.5 km before reaching the place. The waterfall, which is a two-step waterfall, is a place where you can enjoy a bit of nature. You will find a number of restaurants around the place as well.
The Beatles Ashram or 84 Kutiya Ashram is in Rajaji National Park, and the music band visited the place back in 1968 and meditated here. This place has a unique ambiance with its old structure and paintings on the walls.
Temples and Ganga Aarti
In Rishikesh, there are a number of temples such as the Trayambakeshwar Temple, which is a 13-storey temple located near Lakshman Jhula. You can also explore the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, which is around 20 km from Rishikesh. From the place, you will have to walk for nearly 1 km to reach the temple.
Bhootnath Temple, an 11-storey temple, located almost 1 km from Ram Jhula is also a great place to witness the beauty of Rishikesh.
In the evenings, the Triveni Ghat becomes one of the busiest places in the city as everyone comes together to witness the Ganga Aarti.