City of Rishikesh

Rishikesh nestles in the Himalayan foothills where the Ganges emerges from the mountains and begins its journey across the plains. Long revered as a place of pilgrimage and meditation, it later earned worldwide fame as the yoga capital of the world. The result is a town that blends ancient spirituality with a relaxed, free-spirited energy, set against a backdrop of forested hills and clear, fast-flowing water.

The river is the soul of Rishikesh. The iconic suspension bridges of Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula sway above its emerald rapids, linking temples, ashrams and riverside lanes. At dusk, the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat is unmissable, a beautiful ceremony of lamps, chanting and floating offerings that sends a glow drifting downstream.

For seekers, the ashrams and yoga schools offer everything from a single morning session to immersive retreats in meditation and pranayama. The famous, now-abandoned Beatles Ashram, its graffiti-covered domes reclaimed by the forest, draws music lovers and the curious alike to wander its quiet, atmospheric grounds.

Rishikesh also has an adventurous streak. White-water rafting on the Ganges, gentle treks and riverside camping make it popular with active travellers. The town is largely vegetarian and alcohol-free, lending it a clean, wholesome character, with cafes serving healthy fare and herbal teas overlooking the river.

We include Rishikesh for those seeking renewal, whether spiritual, physical or simply the calm of mountain air and sacred water. It pairs naturally with nearby Haridwar and the route to the Himalayas, and rewards an unhurried stay where mornings of yoga and evenings of riverside prayer restore a deep sense of peace.