Rishikesh

The town's centre where the bus and train stations are is of little interest to most travellers. Further northeast are two bridges spanning the Ganges: Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. The main hubs of activity and interest are at the ends of these bridges.
Most accommodation options and restaurants are in Laxman Jhula, High Bank and Swarg Ashram.
You can stay at Paramarth Niketan, Banaprastha Ashram near Ramjhula.

By plane

Rishikesh is about 15 km from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, which offers four flights from Delhi. The runway is being extended and will possibly handle flights from other metros. At present there are flights only from Delhi.

By car

Delhi airport to Rishikesh by car is a good option for hassle-free traveling, especially for foreign tourists who are traveling to India for the first time. It's a 6- to 7-hour journey. Prices vary from US$85 for an air-conditioned compact car to US$125 for an air-conditioned SUV (but rates are much higher if you get these services from prepaid taxi booths at the airport).

By train

There are many trains from Delhi to Haridwar. Some of the better are: Shatabadi Express, Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express, Mussoorie Express. A quiet branch line connects Haridwar to Rishikesh, but there are only about three slow trains daily. Normally, it is better to take the train to Haridwar and continue by bus (45 min, ₹20), by taxi (30 min, ₹650) or by shared auto-rickshaw (40 min, ₹25). However, travelling by train is recommended in peak seasons or during a 'mela' (fair) when bus routes are diverted in Haridwar whereas trains often run empty and the fares are low (just ₹4 for a passenger train service). You can take share rickshaws (vehicle brand name Vikram) towards Laxman Jhula (₹15) from Rishikesh station. You will have to cross Ram Jhula to reach Swarg Ashram on the other side of the Ganges.

• Passenger trains from Haridwar to Rishikesh (approximate travel time, 1 hour):

• Haridwar–Rishikesh 05:20
• Haridwar–Rishikesh 10:30
• Haridwar–Rishikesh 17:25

By bus

From Delhi, Rishikesh is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey may take about 5–7 hours (depending on the traffic) and costs you ₹130–350. An AC bus will cost ₹200–500. The right time to visit would be February, March, August-October. In July there is a festival called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid travelling to Rishikesh during that time.
From Dehradun ISBT, a bus to Rishikesh costs ₹56 (as of Jan 2019) and takes around 1.5 hour.

Auto-rickshaws (vikrams) are useful from the bus/train stations to get to either of the bridges (₹8) and for the southern side of the Ganges. Swargashram is pretty much pedestrian only, but it's compact and walkable (as is the whole of the town). For other auto-rickshaw journeys you should expect to pay around ₹15/km.
To visit eastern bank of Ganges, you have to walk across the suspension bridges or take ferry from Ram Jhula. Near the bank of Ganges, share jeeps and taxis are available to drop visitors at Neelkantha temple and waterfall. Overall, it’s more than 16 km run by road to go from one side of river to another.

• Bharat MandirOne of the temples set up by 'Adiguru Shankaracharya' during the 12th century. This temple is a real tribute to Lord Vishnu, the idol of which is carved from a sole piece of Saligram.

• Gita BhavanPlace of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji (the great thinker of his time) and popular among the Hindu Brahmin community. Twice a year people gather at this ashram to read the Ramayana together.

• Laxman JhulaBuilt in 1939, Laxman Jhula is a long iron bridge suspended over the Ganges River near Swarga Ashram.

• Neelkanth Mahadev MelaOne of the most sacred temples in Rishikesh. Located on hill over Swarg Ashram at a height of 1675 m. A religious fair is held during July–August when many disciples from different corners of India visit.

• Parmarth Niketan AshramOne of the few ashrams left in India where children get the Vedas education. A must-visit in the evening for the Pooja/Aarti, at 5PM in winter and 6PM in summer.

• Swarg Ashram

  address: Shri 108 Baba kali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji
  Swargashram (Heavenly Abode), as the name connotes, is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxman Jhula. It is the spiritual “ground zero” of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthy and satwik living environment. It is this spot where from ages of yore the famous yogis and rishis have been doing the Tapasya. Numerous mentions of this spot occur in the holy scripture Puranas.

• Trayambakeshwar Temple

  address: Laxman Jhula
  It is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout.

• Triveni GhatThis is a bathing ghat. Every morning and evening, thousands of visitors bathe here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It is very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.

• Take a holy dip in the Ganges, with reputed healing powers.
• Chota Char Dham season starts in summer and continues till the end of October. The Chota Char Dham is a Hindu pilgrimage route taking in four holy sites within Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri (all sources of tributaries of the River Ganga) and Yamunotri (source of the Yamuna River).
• Check into an ashram to study yoga, meditation and Hindu philosophy.
• Get free yoga classes with top yoga teachers of the world's yoga capital and enjoy free concerts of live classical Indian music at the annual free Yoga & Music Festival.
• Astrology services like personal horoscopes and palm reading from Dr. Gaurav Agrawal and the astrologer B.P. Uniyal. There is also a centre for learning palmistry called "Indian Palmistry Institute" near Police Station Laxman Jhula. You can book a session or ask for course at +91 9358549482 or by email ipigaurav@gmail.com. You will have to provide your personal particulars like date and time of birth, city of birth etc. for the calculations and you can ask your personal queries and suggestions as per your chart. Palm reading costs ₹300 and the full chart horoscope cost around ₹500. You can also learn astrology here. You can book an appointment for a palm reading or horoscope session at Ganga Astrology Centre near German Bakery, Laxman Jhula. email bpuniyal47@rediffmail.com and phone no is 9897483488. You can also ask for your horoscope to be sent to your email.

• Soma Reiki centreRun by soma a local reiki master which is in Gita Ashram

• Maayaa International Healing School

  phone: +919373052179
  address: Near Dharam Raj Temple, Laxman Jhulla road, Paurhi, Rishikesh, India
  Maayaa offers sound healing, reiki, chakra healing, numerology, Tarot reading, physic counseling, aromatherapy, Kundalini meditation, dowsing, chakra balancing. Also these residential courses: sound healing teacher training course, meditation teacher training course, aromatherapy course, chakra plus crystal intensive program and yoga & meditation retreats.

• Divine School of Ayurveda (Dr. Mukesh Sharma and Dr. Vibha Sharma)

  phone: +919868980101
  address: Laxman Jhula Road, Near Dharamraj Temple Below Maestro Galleria, Pauri Garhwal, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
  Panchakarma, sound healing, astrology or Jyotishshastra, Ayurveda nutrition, yoga & Ayurveda retreat.

Outdoor activities

Rishikesh is very popular for its rafting on the River Ganga (Ganges). September–November and March-May are ideal for rafting. The rafting goes for several kilometres, and the path is interspersed with rapids, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, in order of difficulty. At the end of the trip, you have the option of jumping some 20 feet from a ledge into the water. There are several local travel agencies, offering these rafting trips. The package usually includes an overnight camp on the banks of the river, with a brilliant and moderate trek among the hills in the morning. If one has time, courses in rafting are also offered.

• Bungee jumpYou can try bungee jump at Jumpin Heights. It is a unique experience in India, a jump from 83 m just above a natural river and have the time of your life. Bungee for ₹2800 (including ₹300 transport from Laxman Jhula and back) and Fox Flying for ₹1800 (including ₹300 transport from Laxman Jhula and back)

• Camp Gold Coast

  phone: +91 9953636000
  address: Beach no-17 B, Sing Talli- 7 Rishikesh
  Camp Gold, one of the biggest rafting beach camps on the banks of River Ganges, is around 26 km from Rishikesh. Rafting, kayaking, body surfing, trekking, camping are the major activities conducted in this camp.
• Camping can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to explore new places and likes the beauty and serenity of nature. Camping in Rishikesh on the Ganga beach offer an environment to wake up with the birds and swim in the fresh water of the river Ganges. Camping in Rishikesh is a very popular activity. The nearest camp is just across Goa Beach adjacent to Laxman Jhula. Call +91 9410540000
• Cliff jumping You are supposed to jump into cold water from a cliff! Yes, it sounds crazy but this is one thing which everyone can brag about back home. Of course you are wearing a life jacket and a helmet but still jumping from so high into the Ganges, which is murky so the bottom can't be seen, unlike jumping into a swimming pool where one can see the bottom and the water is static.

• Majestic Tour India

  phone: +91 9837258258
  address: Shivpuri Market, Near Shivpuri Bridge, Badrinath Highway
• Nearby excursions There are many small excursion/sight seeing tours for half-day or one day. Like to Vashishtha cave, Kunjapuri temple (1700 m), Neer Gaddu Water fall, Mussorie, Haridwar. Guides and taxi can be booked in many travel agencies. For more information or booking you can also call at 9927213649 or 0135-2440111.
• Rappelling Climbing down with a rope is called rappelling. The group is taken to a spot where there is a cliff drop, experts with proper equipment who set up the gear first and then, one by one, everyone comes down. It's all about trusting your gear and following the instructions and then it's a lot of fun.
• Rock climbing This is also included at some of the camps but not everyone can do it as it requires a lot of strength and skill. The group is taken to a cliff side and with proper safety gear everyone is given a chance to climb the cliff side.

• Team 4 Adventure

  phone: +91 9818995928
  address: Team 4 Adventure House, besides Seema Dental College
  They give a 3-day course in whitewater kayaking, starting near Rishikesh.
• Trekking There are a lot of soft treks in this region and good bird-watching.

• White water raftingOffering rapids of Grade-I to V, this place has become a quintessential destination for the water rafting mongers.

Yoga

Rishikesh considers itself to be the yoga capital of the world. It's on offer everywhere, and most styles are represented. Yoga teacher training is offered at several places.

• Akshi Yogashala

  phone: +91 9897654101
  address: Swarg Ashram
  Akshi Yogshala is a certified school and is registered with Yoga Alliance USA, offering free scholarship 200-hour yoga teacher training course. Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Meditation & Pranayama are few of the methods taught in the courses. Learned & certified yoga instructors, Ayurvedic food and other Ayurveda cleansing practising.

• Ojashvi Yoga Shala

  phone: +91 9871858149
  address: Gayatri Kunj
  Ojashvi Yoga Shala is a registered yoga teacher training school with Yoga Alliance USA, engaged in the programmes of yoga teacher training, promotion and coordination of yoga education, in all its aspects.

• The Himalayan Yoga Retreat

  phone: +91 7906520016
  address: Ghugtyani Malli Tapovan Rishikesh
  Take the journey of Yoga retreat India that will take you to a world of calmness and peace. Your stay at the Himalayan Yoga Retreat Rishikesh will bestow you with an everlasting experience.

• Arsha Yoga Dham

  phone: +91 9411394058
  address: Near Geeta Bhavan no. 3 behind Parmarth Niketan Ramjula
  This school dedicates itself to helping people grow spiritually, mentally and physically with the help of yoga, meditation and pranayama, by way of courses like 200-hour yoga teacher training, 3-day or 7-day retreats, etc. Swami Atamganananda Giri preaches the requirement of yoga in our daily lives.

• Ashtanga Rishikesh

  address: Topovan Laxman Jhula
  Traditional daily Mysore style ashtanga with Louise Ellis. Louise is certified by Sri K Pattbhi Jois.

• Association for Yoga and Meditation, India

  address: Ombasananda Satyanasana Mandir. Laxman Jula
  Offers yoga courses which are residential as well as non residential for different durations such as 200, 300 and 500 hours which focus asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, kriya, relaxation and meditation along with yogic anatomy and physiology, psychology and teaching methodology. Yoga teacher training here is accredited by the International Yoga Federation.

• Braham Yoga Rishikesh

  phone: +91 9897285813
  address: Flat number 1 and 2, Ganga Niketan, Swargashram Trust
  Managed by Aham Brahamasmi Yog Mandir Trust (Central Govt. of India) Aham Brahamasmi Yog Mandir Trust (ABYMT) is dedicated to promoting Yoga & health awareness for the general public. If you are beginner, an experienced practitioner, an athlete or a yoga instructor, you will find a programme to deepen your yogic practice on your individual journey.

• Hatha Yoga School Rishikesh

  phone: +91 -7017185217
  address: Near Rani Mandir
  Hatha yoga school registered with Yoga Alliance USA offers 100-hour, 200-hour, 300-hour and 500-hour yoga teacher training for US$ 665 to 2425 (course fee includes food and accommodation) and also conducts short-term yoga courses for beginners and retreats through the year.

• Himalayan Yoga Academy

  phone: +91-800-64-46-199
  address: Lakkar Ghat, Shyampur
  Huge training center in the middle of rice paddies. Yoga teacher training all levels, internationally recognized certification; registration with Yoga Alliance USA and Yoga Alliance International also available. The school has many yoga teachers under one roof – Sri Surinder Singh, Yogacharya Ashish Sharma, Yogacharya Kamal Bhatt, Yogacharya Sonu Yadav, Yogacharya Deepak Vandhavan, among others. The school offers residential and non-residential yoga teacher certification courses and intensive yoga courses at various levels. Himalayan Yoga Academy is involved in various charities. The most important, HYA offers training in methodologically-structured programs where student is at the center and learning is continuous, pedagogically.

• Institution for Higher Meditative Consciousness

  address: C14 Ganga Vatika, Phase I, Muni-ki-Reti
  Certified yoga and meditation classes and Vedic teaching.

• Jivan Chakra Foundation

  phone: +91-9997783875
  address: Ramjhula Road
  Hatha yoga teacher training by Yoga School Jivan Chakra Foundation offers 100, 200 Hour Yoga TTC. Registered with Yoga Alliance, USA.

• Mahatma Yoga AshramA great little Ashram. It's far enough from the center of things to be quiet but close enough to still be a part of the scene. The staff are all incredibly kind and will help you to arrange anything from taxis to rafting.

• Meditation School India

  phone: +91 9760061076
  address: 153/4,Shree Mahesh Heritage, Behind Gayatri Resorts, Badrinath Road, Tapovan.

• Nada Yoga School

  address: Swargashram
  Nada Yoga School provides 200-hour yoga teacher training training courses, yoga retreats, nada yoga courses and yoga intensives with team of professioanl yoga teachers, ayurvedic doctors and nad yogis.

• International Yoga & Music Festival

  address: Akash Ganga, Ganga Lane, Swarg Ashram
  Enjoy yoga classes and Indian classical music at the annual free yoga & music festival. The festival is a public event in Rishikesh hosting yoga teachers from India and some artists.

Rishikesh Yog Dham

phone: +91 9768689596

address: Mount View Cottage, Badrinath Road, Tapovan

Offers 200-hour yoga teacher training & yoga for beginners. Yoga learners who wish to become certified yoga instructors can apply to get international certification. Also, travellers can join drop-in classes.

Rishikesh Yog Peeth - RYS 200, RYS 300

phone: +91 9557016661

address: Krishna Cottage, Swargashram, Ram Jhula

Yoga school registered with Yoga Alliance. Offers 200, 300 and 500 hour residential hatha yoga teacher training course in India (RYT 200, RYT 500 + additional 100 hr) for US$1,350 to 2850 (course fee includes food and accommodation) and also conducts short term yoga courses for beginners and retreats (1-2 weeks) throughout the year.

Rishikesh Valley

phone: +91 9756964972

address: Neelkanth Temple Road

Eco health resort run by naturopath and Ayurveda health consultant, offers rejuvenation therapies thorough a blend of Ayurveda and nature care with healthy food. Calming and relaxing therapies of yoga and passive meditation.

Rishikul Yogshala

phone: +91 9410900954

address: Ved Niketan Ashram, Ram Jhula

Rishikul Yogshala is a registered yoga teacher training school that offers 200-hour yoga teacher training, 300-hour yoga teacher training, 500-hour yoga teacher training, Ashtanga yoga teacher training and Hatha yoga teacher training.

Siddhi Yoga

phone: +91 97797-98051

address: Hotel Moksha, Village Jonk, near Geeta Ashram Taxi Stand, Swarg Ashram

Siddhi Yoga is a Yoga Alliance USA registered RYS200 and RYS300 School. At Rishikesh it offers multi style with Therapeutic, Vinyasa, Healing, Hatha and Alignment.

Shakti Yoga Peeth

phone: +91 9557895321

address: Swarg Ashram, Raam Jhula

Offers intensive teacher’s training program through their 200-, 300- and 500-hour training program. The program follows the complete protocol as set by the Yoga Alliance, USA that certifies them to be a yoga teacher. Students are taught Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama and other yoga forms.

Tattvaa Yoga Shala Rishikesh

address: Rishikesh Swargashram Ram Jhula

International standard yoga training centre by the Ganges River

Ved Niketan Ashram

address: Swatgashram, Ram Jhula

Yoga Iyengar general class and 15 days intensive Master One courses by Iyengar yoga certified teacher Yogi Prakash Dabhekar.

Vedangas

phone: +91 7830182277

address: Hotel Raj palace, geeta bhavan gate no 3, Swargashram

Registered with Yoga Alliance USA. Offers 200-hour and 500-hour residential hatha yoga teacher training course (RYT 200) for US$1,150 and RYT 500 (course fee includes food and accommodation) and also conducts short-term yoga & Ayurveda courses and retreats (1~2 weeks) throughout the year.

Vinyasa Yoga School - RYS 200

phone: +91 963-488-2112

address: Hotel Qube, Laxman Jhula

One of the only 200-hour Vinyasa yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh. They offer courses every month, and the tuition includes a private room and bath in the Hotel Qube (with free WiFi, hot showers, and a security monitoring system), 3 yogic meals per day, and local sightseeing and adventures.

Vishwa Shanti Yoga School

address: Vashisth Guest House Near Vanprasth Ash Part-2, Sawargashram

Provides residential hatha yoga teacher training — 200-hour, 300-hour and 500-hour — and yoga retreats.

Yoga School India

phone: +91 9808252230

address: Omkarananda Bhawan, Laxman Jhoola

Yoga Alliance-approved yoga school for 200-hour, 300-hour and 500-hour yoga teacher training.

Yoga Study Centre

phone: +91 135 431196

address: Ganga Vihar, Haridwar Road

Bramacharya Rudra Dev, a senior Iyengar teacher and Rakesh Batra his disciple, conduct lessons in a rather militaristic style and students need to move quickly to keep up. Many western students appreciate his style and are able to feel the warmth behind his challenging adjustments. Students are a mix of locals and Westerners. Donated mats and blankets are provided though if you are concerned about cleanliness you might want to bring your own. As with most Indian yoga schools, women should dress modestly. There are classes daily at the centre. 20-day intensive courses are held three times a year during February, April and September. The centre is closed from mid-December to mid-January and for March, May and June. The Yoga Study Centre is on the other side of town from the other ashrams, and from where most people stay. A constant stream of ₹3 shared rickshaws move up and down the main road, and many go as far as the centre.

Yoga Teacher Training by Rishikul Yogshala

phone: +91 9410900421

address: Yoga Villa,Swargashrama, Ram Jhula

Yoga Alliance-approved yoga school that offers 200 hour yoga teacher training, 300 hour yoga teacher training and 500 hour yoga teacher training as per the guidelines of Yoga Alliance, USA. The courses cover the comprehensive study of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and various other forms of yoga along with the meditation techniques and Ayurveda and Naturopathy.

Yoga Vini Rishikesh

address: Trimbakeshwar Temple, Laxman Jhula

Registered yoga school which provides accommodation and meals. The ashram offers the 200-hour training session in Yoga Teachers Training Certificate (TTC) as per the guidelines of Yoga Alliance Association (YAA). This training includes the awareness, knowledge, tools & techniques of yoga, philosophy and culture of yoga.

International Yoga & Meditation Society

phone: +91 9466665678

address: Avdhoot Ashram, Railway Road

International Yoga & Meditation Society (IYMS), is a not-for-profit 50-year-old yoga school on the bank of river Ganges, established by Avdhoot Ji Maharaj and his disciples in 1961. IYMS is a Yoga Alliance-approved Registered Yoga School (RYS) that offers TTC courses on 200 hours Ashtanga Yoga, 200 hours Hatha Yoga and 300 hours Advanced Yoga.

Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga School

phone: +919958672399

address: Village Ghughtayni, Upper Tapovan

Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga School is in uphills road of Village Ghughtayni malli Tapovan.Vinyasa Yoga School is specialized for offering 200-hour Ashtanga & Vinyasa yoga teacher training course to global Rishikesh Yoga Vacation travelers. Here you get an expensive accommodation and yoga training with international certification. Most people who visit the Yoga school come with the purpose of becoming a certified yoga teacher. It is also known for giving Vedic yoga & meditation training under the branch of Mantra Yoga & Meditation India & Canada.

Divine Yoga Academy

phone: +91 8171672711

address: Tapovan Vatika Resort

Divine Yoga Academy registered with Yoga Alliance, USA offering 200 hour, 300 hour and 500 hour yoga teacher training. Also offer yoga training courses for beginners and yoga retreats.

Jeevmoksha Yoga Gurukul

phone: +91-976-081-6686

address: Badrinath Highway, Yoga Street Tapovan

Jeevmoksha yoga gurukul offers one month, 200 hour yoga teacher training or 200 hours of intensive hatha yoga teacher training program in compliance with the standards of Yoga Alliance (USA), which has set the guidelines for conducting the yoga teacher training courses through registered yoga schools(RYS) as per its curriculum.

Hari Om Yoga Vidya School

phone: +91 8171 672711

address: Tavopan

Offers one-month, 200-hour yoga teacher training or 200 hours of intensive hatha yoga teacher training program in compliance with the standards of Yoga Alliance (USA), which has set the guidelines for conducting the yoga teacher training courses through registered yoga schools (RYS) as per its curriculum.

Chandra Yoga Meditation Ashram

phone: +91 8057049232

address: Ganga Bhogpur Malla, Rishikesh - Cheela Dam Road

Registered yoga school under Yoga Alliance, USA, offers yoga teacher training and yoga retreats.

Arogya Yoga school

phone: +919808823960

address: Arogya Yoga School, Tapovan, Tapovan

200 Hour Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Course at Arogya Yoga School, Rishikesh. Certified by Yoga Alliance USA. If you are looking to bring a change into your life by learning yoga for self-rejuvenation or transfer the benefits to others, by getting a professional certificate and expertise, then Arogya Yoga School is the perfect fit for you. You will be trained by world class trainers, who have been teaching international students for more than 20 years.

Rishikesh Yog Sansthan

phone: +91 8218445792

address: Yoga Village - Jonk, Swargashram, Ram Jhula

Rishikesh Yog Sansthan (RYS) offers Residential 100 Hours, 200 Hours, 300 Hours, and 500 Hours Hatha, Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Rishikesh, India Registered with the Yoga Alliance, USA and yoga retreats.

Rishikesh Yogkulam

phone: +918979596944

address: Hotel Laxmi Palace, Badrinath Road,

Provides 300- and 200-hour yoga teacher training course with the aim of teaching traditional yoga with detoxification techniques to their students.

Music

• Bhuwan Chandra Music School & Store

  phone: +91 9412029817
  address: Ram Jhula, Swaargashram, near Ram Jhula Bridge
  Run by a sitar player Bhuwan Chandra. Travelers can learn and buy sitar, tabla, harmonium, mantra chanting, and improve vocal skills.

• Mukeshji's Jungle Vibes

  address: Shisham Jhari
  Make Australian didgeridoos, African djmbes and other musical instruments under the guidance of Mukeshji, while he regales you with his hilarious stories and takes you along with him in his Himalayan journeys.

• Pankaj Music School

  phone: +91 989 7108154
  address: Ganga Vatika, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137
  Extremely proferssional artist Pankaj teaches sitar, harmonium, tabla and bansuri in different styles in a slow-paced, yet intensive way.

Temples and monasteries

• Shatrughan Mandir

  address: Muni ki reti
  One of the oldest temples in Rishikesh, established by Adi Sanchracharya in the 11th century. The only temple in India dedicated to lord Shatrughan, brother of Lord Ram.
• Sivananda Ashram, Ram Jhula, (on the north side of the Shivanand Jhula bridge). Sivananda Ashram does not offer guest accommodation to tourists, but is highly restrictive in its selection process (see its online guest accommodation application form at www.sivanandaonline.org). Sivananda Ashram is a highly-reputed monastic institution designed to perpetuate the spiritual teachings of its illustrious founder, Swami Sivananda, who in the last century sent his disciples all over the world to propagate the ancient tenets of Vedic philosophy. Sivananda Ashram has an outstanding library of spiritual and philosophical works in almost every language; its own press; four main temples in which pujas are performed several times a day; a charitable hospital and a home for the destitute and distressed; daily silent meditation from 5-6am, and evening satsang. Almost all religious festivals are celebrated and most programs are open to the public.

As with most holy cities come tourist destinations there's a plethora of religious paraphernalia, cheap clothing aimed at foreigners, incense, bronze Shiva statues, etc. Unlike many other similar towns in India prices here are usually reasonable and you won't have to haggle hard for a good price.

• Maayaa Eco Friendly Store

  phone: +9193730 52179
  address: Near Dharam Raj Temple, Laxman Jhula Road
  Many kinds of organic clothing made in India for men and women. Many types of devotional, spiritual, yogic, sattvic items. Wide variety of essential oils for aromatherapy and Himalayan rock salt lamps and artifacts. A lot of books and music about yog and sadhna.

Non-vegetarian food has been banned in the city for many years. North and south Indian food is widely available, and there's no shortage of multi-cuisine backpacker cafes, especially in Laxman Jhula. What excites many foreigners are the delicious Ayurvedic and health food restaurants, perfect for an after-yoga meal. Many of the main lanes are lined with wooden push carts selling in-season fruit, veggies, popcorn, nuts, warm cookies and lots else, and you'll usually be quoted a fair price. The papayas here are particularly delicious. Try the famous Chotiwali Special/Janata or Delux Thali. It used to be an unlimited affair but now due to practical constraints the quantity is limited and extra helpings are charged. There are several eateries offering jalebis, imartis, samosas, and other Indian snacks. If you haven't heard of these before, you should definitely try them.

• Chotiwala in Swarg Ashram claims to be the original, and serves up great Indian food including 5 different thalis. Meals starts from ₹100.
• Ganga Ayurvedic Food Place, (out beyond most of the ashrams, just past VED Niketan Ashram). Delicious food, lovingly prepared. One of the cleaner kitchens around; don't be afraid of the good salads. Also great for breakfast.

• Ganga View RestaurantProbably the best cooks in town, these guys will serve you any food you like. Be prepared to wait 40-90 minutes as the place is extremely popular.

• • Little Buddha

    address: Laxman Jhula Rd
    One of the best known cafes in town. Here you can get delicious Nepali, Indian, European, and Thai food for under ₹100 per dish. Three storeys, nice Ganga view.
  • Little Italy, Swarg Ashram, (in the Green Hotel). Good pasta, pizza, etc. Mains from ₹30.

  • Moon Dance Cafe

    address: Ramjhula Swargashram Area
    Italian, Mexican American, Indian, Tibetan, Nepali, Israeli cuisine with all food prepared with fresh water. Great choice of delicious meals. Be prepared to wait for at least 40 minutes.
  • Mukti's Health Food, (a few hundred metres west of Shivanand Jhula bridge, overlooking the taxi stand/parking lot). A tiny place in a strange location, but very popular and excellent food at very reasonable prices. Homemade green pasta, Indonesian gado-gado, and homemade frozen yogurt, apple pie or chocolate cake for dessert.
  • The Office. Has sweet samosas filled with mango, apple, banana and/or chocolate as well as tasty masala chai.

  • Pundit g ka rajasthani restaurantHas a very good variety of north Indian food.

  • Red Night Restaurant, Open air, river-facing restaurant and terrace. 0135- 2440094
  • Shiva-resort, a nice place away from the bustling market of Ram-Jhula towards Neelkanth road in Jonk village. A great place to have organic food and you also can stay there in a silent and pleasant place.
  • The Welcome Center, (about a 10-15 minute walk towards Haridwar from the Shivanand Jhula bridge). Hidden down off the road (but signposted), this is a little oasis of calm from the busy street. Great Ayurvedic food and teas. They also offer cooking classes, several types of yoga, etc. and sell natural incense, neti pots, yoga mats and the like. If you like the atmosphere, enquire about staying here as well.

  • Zorba Organic Restaurant & Cafe

    phone: +91 98164 92921
    address: Near Dharam Raj Temple
    Serves Indian, Italian, Chinese, cafe-style, Tibetan and Israeli food. Vegetarian-friendly with vegan options, to eat in or take out. Outdoor seating with view of the Ganges. No smoking, child-friendly.
  
  

Sitting around in dhabas and cafes is nearly mandatory here. In addition to the old standards like masala chai and lassis you can find a nice range of Ayurvedic teas. Some restaurants make up their own tonics to treat anything that may be ailing you.
There are two Italian-style/Seattle-style cafes focusing on coffee.
Alcohol is banned and inappropriate, as Rishikesh is a holy city, although you can buy beer (8% alc) with your meal in one of the finer hotels.

• Tripti Restaurant is on main the Badrinath highway and is a good place to visit. It has a beautiful view and an airy restaurant area to sit and relax. The food is healthy and fresh and tasty. It is a common place for foreigners and vistiors to have a calm and quite break. Sitting on the terrace is another thing that you don't want to miss at "Tripti"

• Freedom Ganga CafeOffers strawberry smoothies, thick mango juice (ask for no ice), strawberry lassi, thick fresh pineapple juice. Drinks are served in 500 ml mugs.

Rishikesh is filled almost entirely with budget hotels, with a few mid-range thrown in for good measure. Lakshman Jhula is popular with backpackers and has the cheapest accommodation, while Swarg Ashram is where the majority of the ashrams are located, and is a nice alternative. There's also a handful of accommodation options available in High Bank.
It's wise to book ahead in the peak tourist season, and during the Kumbh Mela in neighboring Haridwar.

Budget

Hotels in this range start at price as low as ₹100.

• Ananda Guesthouse

  phone: +91 9758164982
  address: Swargashram
  Clean and comfortable, new rooms with attached bath. Good value for the money and the owner is a great and helpful host.

• The lodge gayatrikunj

  address: swargashram
  Newly built neat and clean rooms with kitchen facilities in some rooms. Comfortable homely stay. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Service with smile.

• Green Hotel

  phone: +91 135-2431242
  address: Swargashram
  A large, popular place with a good restaurant.

• Hotel Ganga Ambience

  phone: +91 9258743996, +91 8126526646
  address: Badrinath Road Tapovan Laxman Jhoola
  Clean, comfortable and a safe place to stay. AC and non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms, 24 hr hot water, balcony with mountain view, garden, car parking, restaurant. Yoga lessons, river rafting and other adventure activities are also available on request. It's family-owned, and the host is very helpful and kind and stays in the same property.

• Hotel Hill Top

  phone: +91 135-2434583
  address: Laxman Jhula
  Rooms over looking the river and the mountains.

• Hotel Ishan

  address: Lakshman Jhula
  Decent rooms with Ganga views and balconies. From ₹200.

• Hotel Narayana Kunj

  phone: +91 135-2440922, +91 135-2440822
  address: Swargashram
  They claim to have neat and clean rooms and good service.

• Hotel Surya Palace

  address: Village Joink Ramjhula
  Opened 2010. Wifi. Rooms are big, clean and very comfortable.

• Jaipur Inn

  address: Laxman Jhula
  Nice rooms, some with a view and a good restaurant on the top floor that overlooks both the Laxman Jhula and the Ganges River.

• Krishna Cottage

  phone: +91 135-2440193
  address: Swargashram
  Room price of US$20 per night includes 3 meals & free wireless internet. Also offers short term yoga and ayurveda courses/retreats (including Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training) and budget car and taxi rental services from Delhi airport to Rishikesh.

• Laxmi Yellow Guest House

  phone: +91 9760506761
  address: Near Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, Badrinath Road Tapovan Laxman Jhoola
  Guest house with clean and comfortable rooms with attached kitchen, common kitchen and attached bathroom with 24 hours hot water, mountain view, in-house salad lounge & cafe. In-house reiki and crystal macrame workshops available. In-house salon for haircut by professional stylist. Yoga lessons, river rafting and other adventure activities are also available on request. The host is very helpful and kind and stays in the same property. The same owner also owns Yash Paying Guest House, which charges ₹400-500 for rooms and also offers them for monthly rentals. Contact info for Yash: email: yashpalbhatt@yahoo.com, +91 9412146858, Mr.Yash, +91 9997887794

• Live Free Hostel

  phone: +91 98717 99693
  address: Laxman Jhula, Distt. Tehri Garhwal, Tapovan
  Hostel with a rooftop and several terraces. Dorm, single and double rooms with all new beds and bedsheats. Staff sometimes takes tourists out on small daytours outside of town. Has Wifi.

• Lucky Hotel

  address: Lakshman Jhula
  8-room hotel on the banks of the Ganges with a river view. A restaurant serving Indian and Chinese food is under the hotel.

• Mount Valley Mama Cottage

  address: High Bank
  The friendly hostess, Mama, makes wholesome breakfasts and scrumptious thali. Nice Ganga views and a good shower.

• Patanjali Yoga Center

  address: Ram Jhula Taxi Stand
  Iyengar Yoga lessons are available in a studio with modern equipment.

• Raj Resort

  phone: +91 135-2434165, +91 9412917323
  address: Badrinath Road Tapovan
  Clean and comfortable AC/non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms, hot shower, balcony with mountain view, garden, car parking, restaurant. Yoga lessons, river rafting and other extras are also available.

• Rishikesh Sadan, the Spiritual Retreat Guesthouse

  phone: +91 9897810055
  address: Near RTO Checkpost, Aamkhala, Tapovan, Badrinath Highway
  Clean and comfortable valley facing rooms near spring.

• Sai Ganga Cottage

  address: Tapovan Badrinath Road Laxman Jhula
  Family operated, beautiful rooms A/C and Non A/C available, water heater, delectable restaurant, cyber cafe, rafting and trekking packages, bus, air and train ticketing services available.

• Sarika The sanctuary

  phone: +91 9897270905, +91 8958302149, +91 135-2440157
  address: Swargashram
  Reported to be clean and comfortable.

• Shiva Resort

  address: Swargashram
  Open rooms with balconies and garden. Also offers yoga lessons in the morning (7:00AM to 8:30AM ) & evening (5:30PM to 7:00PM), in-house pool, Internet cafe, Ayurvedic treatments and panchkarma centre.

• Shiv Shakti Guesthouse

  phone: +91 9756697614
  address: Laxman Jhula
  Clean and comfortable rooms with attached bathroom. Some rooms have Ganges views and free Wi-Fi. There is also a travel point at reception.

• Tripti Hotel

  phone: +91 135-2430212, +91 9897544408
  address: Tapovan
  Clean and comfortable. The owner is a great guy and helpful host.

• Vashishth Guest House

  phone: +91 135-2440029
  address: Swargashram
  Clean and safe place to stay with air conditioning, television, water heater, attached bathroom facilities.

• Yoga Niketan Guest HouseYoga classes take place in their main ashram above - a five-minute uphill walk. Clean rooms on ground and first floors have private sit out with good view of the Ganges. Basic veg meals available on request or at the Ashram for ₹200 per day. Non Ac ₹500; AC ₹990.

Many ashrams also offer cheap lodging.

• Nirmal AshramMayakund, Nirmal Ashram is famous for its service to humanity. Free food, medical treatment, education to poor people are a few of the services which Nirmal Ashram provides. Free food is served to everybody who comes to the ashram.

• Sant Seva Ashram

  phone: +91 135-2430-465
  address: Laxman Jhula
  Budget rooms on the banks with a great view from ₹250-700. Long stays allowed. Booking can be done only 1 or 2 days in advance. Homely restaurant attached.

• Sri Ved Niketan Ashram

  phone: +91 9456710941
  address: Swarg Ashram
  Spacious yoga hall of the International Vishwaguru Meditation and Yoga Institute and huge and serene lush green court yard offering hatha yoga, meditation, teacher training course 200 hours and 15 days intensive course of hatha yoga, etc.

• Nakshatra Resort

  phone: +91 9917289990
  address: Ratta Pani Neelkanth Road Rishikesh (Uttarakhand
  Nakshatra Resort offers a wide variety of carefully designed, fun-filled adventurous expeditions. Our portfolio of outdoor activities includes Camping, River Rafting, Trekking in the Himalayas, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, etc.

Mid-range

There are two Government Tourist Lodges. Their rates range from ₹600 to ₹2000.

• Bharat Bhumi in the town.
• Sisham Jhari on the banks of the Ganges.

• Explore Himalaya Resort

  address: Badrinath Road, Village Shivpuri
  AC/Non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms, hot shower, balcony with mountain view, garden, car parking, restaurant. Yoga lessons, meditation or massage, trekking trips, water sports, river rafting are all available.

• Hotel Ganesha Inn

  address: Laxman Jhula Road

• Hotel Ganga View

  phone: +91 999720244
  address: 355 Haridwar Road
  Situated on the outskirts of the city with a river view.

• Hotel Grand Tapovan

  phone: +91 8954482001, +91 7310794646
  address: Village Bhawani, Tehri Garhwal, Shivpuri Badrinath Road
  A 3-star hotel with a garden; also has a decent restaurant. Rafting, camping, trekking and bungee jumping can be arranged. Also arrange school and business day trips, Haridwar day trips, etc.

• High Bank Peasant's Cottage

  phone: +91 9837055578
  address: Tapovan
  A small boutique family guest house, away from the hustle and bustle. Located peacefully on the edge of the reserve forest in the lower Himalayas overlooking the town.

• Hotel Prasanna InnNear the river line, in some quiet and serene surroundings. Rooftop yoga.

• The Riviera

  phone: +91 9990234386
  address: Shivpuri, Rishkesh

• Tapovan Resort

  address: Laxman Jhula
  A newer hotel with good rooms and a garden. Also has a decent restaurant.

• Vna Tapovan

  phone: +91 8449100888, +91 8449300888
  address: Laxman Jhula Badrinath Road
  A quiet hotel with an informative, helpful staff. Rafting, camping, trekking and bungee jumping can be arranged.

Splurge

• Ganga Beach Resort

  address: Shesdhara, Tapovan, Laxman Jhula Road
  Exquisite setting on the Ganges, surrounded by forested hills.

• Hotel Ganga Kinare

  phone: +91 8447404441-2-3
  address: 237 Virbhadra Road
  On the banks of the Ganges, with a private ghat (bank), this boutique hotel overlooks Rajaji National Park. A couple of rolling lawns host morning yoga sessions and spiritual lectures. Various heads of states and celebrities have stayed here. The hotel houses a riverside cafe 'Rangoli' and a multi-cuisine dining lounge. Some years before it used to be the venue of international yoga week also.

A holy city it may be, but Rishikesh draws more than its fair share of criminals and con men. Don't walk around alone at night and beware of the motives of sadhus offering one-on-one tutoring. There is also a gem stone hoax going on in at least one gem store: They ask you to bring the stones to your own country to a "buyer" who doesn't exist.
Watch where you step: After sundown it is pitch dark, so bring a light. Watch out for the sometimes brash food stealing monkeys too. They mostly "operate" on and around the foot bridges, and if you look them in the eyes they become aggressive, but rarely/never attack unless you carry food. Sadhus and police officers carry sticks to keep monkeys and cows/oxen at a distance. The brown monkeys are aggressive; the grey big languors are nicer. The greys sometimes steal food from tourists (not on the bridges), but mostly because their size scares the tourist, they don't bite you to get food.
Be alert if an ox is on your path: They are mostly harmless, but after dark they are sometimes nervous. Especially on the narrow foot bridges, you should try to read their body language before a close encounter.
Try not getting involved with any local guide who is offering you services. They are mostly con men and goons.

By train

Travel agents in Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula can book train tickets for onward journeys; much easier than going to Rishikesh railway station to buy a ticket. Some may sell you a ticket from Raiwala, a small stop between Rishikesh and Haridwar, but this station, while closer, is tiny and trains only stop for a few seconds - better to board at Haridwar.

• Ordinary / Passenger Trains from Rishikesh

• Rishikesh–Delhi 07:00
• Rishikesh–Haridwar 08:55 ₹10/-
• Rishikesh–Bandikui 12:20
• Rishikesh–Haridwar 15:20 ₹10/-
• Rishikesh–Haridwar 19:30 ₹10/-

Express:

• Rishikesh - Jammutawi 16:15

By bus

Several travel agencies scattered around Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula can book luxury buses to common destinations like Delhi (₹250-₹500), Jaipur, Pushkar and Varanasi. Public and private buses from Rishikesh to other destinations in Uttarakhand and on the plains leave from the main bus station on the south side of Chandrabhaga bridge.
Buses to northwest destinations including Devprayag, Srinagar and Kedarnath may pass through Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, however you will be more likely to get a seat at the bus station in Rishikesh town.

By shared taxi

Shared taxis to destinations within Uttarakhand leave from Natraj Chowk, 1km from the Rishikesh bus station.

Nearby destinations

• Dhanaulti - 84 km away, offering an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. If you want to get away from the city crowd then just head towards the Dhanaulti.
• Mussoorie - 77 km away, it is one of the most visited hill stations in India. Mussoorie is surrounded by green hills and rich in flora and fauna. For that reason Mussoorie is called ‘queen of the hills’.
• Rajaji National Park - 20 minutes' drive. Founded in 1983, it was created by integrating three different sanctuaries: Motichur Sanctuary, Chilla Sanctuary and Rajaji Sanctuary. The park is nicely placed in green hills and foothills of the Shivalik mountain ranges.
• Shivpuri - one of the most visited places around Rishikesh, 10 km away. It is the hub for adventure sports like river rafting, camping and trekking.
• Yamunotri - Yamunotri is 215 km away from Rishikesh. One of the major tourist attraction is Yamunotri temple at a height of 4,421 m above sea level.