Rishikesh,  the birthplace of yoga, attracts spiritual seekers who come to meditate, practice yoga and learn about other aspects of Hinduism. The entire city is considered sacred and meditating there is believed to lead to salvation. Despite the increasing number of visitors, the lanes and alleys of the city have retained their old-world charm and continue to be a great place to relax and unwind amid nature. It has an exceptionally calm, uplifting and international atmosphere. Rishikesh is located on the banks of the Ganga River, surrounded by hills on three sides, near Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is located on the banks of the Ganga River, surrounded by hills on three sides, near Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, located in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the river Ganges. It is a popular destination for yoga, meditation and spiritual seekers from all over the world. Rishikesh is one of the oldest cities in India, with a history dating back to the Vedic period. It is said to have been founded by a Rishikesh Vivi who is believed to have done penance here. The city was later home to many other saints and sages, including Adi Shankaracharya, who founded the Advaita Vedanta School of Philosophy.

How to reach Rishikesh

By Airport: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun,  about 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Rishikesh. There are regular flights to Dehradun from Delhi and other major cities in India. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Rishikesh.

By train: The nearest station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is located in the heart of the city. There are regular trains to Rishikesh from Delhi, Haridwar and other major Indian cities.

By Road: Rishikesh is well connected to other major cities in India by road. You can take a bus or taxi from Delhi, Haridwar or other nearby cities.

Best time to visit in Rishikesh

The best time to visit Rishikesh is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are less. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 6°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as yoga, meditation, rafting and hiking.

October to November: This is the best time to visit Rishikesh if you want to enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves. The weather is still warm enough to go outside, but not too hot.  December to February: It is the winter season in Rishikesh and the weather is cold and crisp. This is a good time to visit if you want to experience the beauty of Rishikesh in winter.

Other good times to visit Rishikesh are:

March: This is a good time to visit if you want to attend the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh in the first week of March.  June to September: Monsoon season in Rishikesh is from July to September. The weather is wet and humid but there is plenty to do like visiting temples, attending yoga classes and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Things to do in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a great place to visit if you are looking for a spiritual experience,  adrenaline or time in nature. Here are some of the best things to do in Rishikesh:

Practice Yoga or Meditation: Rishikesh is a world-renowned centre of yoga and meditation with a wide variety of schools and teachers to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you’re sure to find a course that’s right for you.

Visit an ashram: Rishikesh is home to many ashrams, which are spiritual centres where people can come to learn yoga, meditation and other spiritual practices. Some of the more popular Ashrams are Sivananda Ashram,  Parmarth Niketan Ashram and  Beatles Ashram.  Go rafting: Rishikesh is a great place for rafting as the river Ganga offers some of the best rapids in India. There are many different rafting companies to choose from, so you can find a trip that suits your skill level.

Visit Temples: There are many temples in Rishikesh including  Lakshman Jhula Temple,  Ram Jhula Temple and  Triveni Ghat. All these temples are worth a visit as they provide a glimpse into the rich religious history of Rishikesh.

Visit Waterfalls: Rishikesh has several waterfalls including  Neergarh Falls and  Lakshman Jhula Falls. These waterfalls are a great place to cool off on a hot day and  enjoy the beauty of nature