Plan your Rishikesh trip with this 2026 guide: best places to visit, top things to do, travel tips,and where to stay near Ram Jhula and Triv
Rishikesh Travel Guide 2026: Best Places to Visit, Things to Do, Where to Stay & Travel Tips
Introduction
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and blessed by the sacred River Ganga, Rishikesh is one of India’s most loved travel destinations. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, this beautiful city attracts spiritual seekers, adventure lovers, families, couples, and solo travelers from across the globe. Whether you want to attend the peaceful Ganga Aarti, try thrilling river rafting, explore ancient temples, or simply relax by the river, Rishikesh has something for everyone. This Rishikesh travel guide will help you plan your journey with ease. You’ll find everything you need in one place — from the best places to visit in Rishikesh, to exciting adventure activities,
local travel tips, and the best time to visit. Of course, a great trip also depends on where you stay. INDIRA NIKUNJ RUBYSTONE EXOTIC Rishikesh sits on Sivananda Ashram Road in Muni Ki Reti, putting you within easy reach of the city’s most famous attractions. We’ll refer to it simply as Rubystone Exotic throughout this guide.
Why Visit Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is much more than a tourist destination. It’s a place where spirituality meets adventure. Mornings begin with the sound of temple bells, while evenings come alive with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. Together, the fresh mountain air, scenic landscapes, and peaceful surroundings create an experience travelers don’t forget.
Here’s why so many people choose Rishikesh:
Spiritual atmosphere
Yoga and meditation centres
Adventure sports like river rafting and bungee jumping
Beautiful Himalayan views
Riverside cafés
Famous temples and ashrams
Easy weekend getaway from Delhi and nearby citiesNo matter your travel style, Rishikesh welcomes you with warmth and unforgettable experiences.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
One of the most common questions travelers ask is about the best time to visit Rishikesh. The answer really depends on what kind of holiday you’re planning.
October to March – Pleasant Weather
This is the ideal season for most visitors. The weather stays cool and comfortable, which makes it perfect for sightseeing, yoga retreats, temple visits, and outdoor exploring. It’s also the best season for the evening Ganga Aarti and browsing local markets.
Average temperature: 8°C to 25°C
Best for: Family vacations, couples, spiritual retreats, sightseeing, photography
March to June – Adventure Season
If you love adventure, aim for these months instead. River rafting, camping, ziplining, and other outdoor activities are all at their best.
Average temperature: 20°C to 38°C
Best for: River rafting, bungee jumping, camping, trekking, adventure lovers
July to September – Monsoon Season
During monsoon, Rishikesh transforms into a lush green paradise. Heavy rainfall pauses rafting for the season, but nature lovers get something special in return: peaceful surroundings and far
fewer crowds.
Best for: Nature lovers, relaxing holidays, photography, budget travelers
Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Exploring the places to visit in Rishikesh is one of the real highlights of any trip. From spiritual landmarks to scenic viewpoints, the city blends culture, nature, and adventure at every turn.
Ram Jhula: Ram Jhula is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rishikesh. This suspension bridge connects important spiritual centres and offers stunning views of the River Ganga. Walking across it during sunrise or sunset is a memorable experience on its own. Nearby, you’ll find ashrams, riverside cafés, local markets, and temples.
Lakshman Jhula : Access can vary depending on maintenance work, but Lakshman Jhula remains one of the city’s most famous attractions. According to local belief, Lord Lakshman crossed the river here using a rope bridge. Visitors come for street shopping, local cafés, scenic viewpoints, and photography.
Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is among the most sacred locations in Rishikesh. Every evening, hundreds of devotees and visitors gather here to witness the Ganga Aarti. Between the chanting, the floating lamps, and the spiritual atmosphere, it’s an experience that’s hard to describe secondhand. Best time to visit: Evening
Parmarth Niketan Ashram : Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest and most respected yoga ashrams in Rishikesh. People travel from around the world to practice yoga, meditation, and spiritual learning here. Highlights include daily yoga sessions, meditation, spiritual programs, and the evening Ganga Aarti.
Beatles Ashram : Music lovers and history buffs often add Beatles Ashram to their itinerary. The famous British band visited this place in the late 1960s, which gave it lasting international recognition. Today, visitors come for the graffiti art, peaceful walking trails, photography spots, and the historical backstory.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Located amid beautiful hills, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Even thedrive there is worth it, with sweeping views of forests and mountains along the way. Many travelers turn the visit into a full scenic day trip.
ShivpuriAdventure lovers shouldn’t skip Shivpuri. It’s one of the main starting points for river rafting and camping in the region. Popular activities include white-water rafting, riverside camping, bonfires, and nature walks.
Vashishta Gufa: Looking for peace away from the crowds? Vashishta Gufa is an excellent choice. This ancient meditation cave offers a calm, quiet environment where visitors can slow down and reflect.
Local Food You Must Try
No trip to Rishikesh is complete without tasting the local flavours. Since the city has a strong spiritual culture, most restaurants stick to vegetarian food — and do it well.
Some popular dishes to try:
Aloo Puri
Chole Bhature
Kachori Sabzi
Masala Chai
Lassi
South Indian breakfast
Wood-fired pizzas
Healthy smoothie bowls
You’ll also find plenty of riverside cafés serving organic meals, vegan dishes, and international cuisine.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little planning goes a long way toward a smoother, more enjoyable trip. Here are a few tips worth following:
Carry comfortable walking shoes.
Dress modestly while visiting temples and ashrams.
Keep a reusable water bottle with you.
Book adventure activities through trusted operators.
Respect local customs and spiritual traditions.
Start sightseeing early to avoid crowds.
Keep some cash handy for local markets and small shops.
Small habits like these can make a big difference in how relaxed your trip feels.Things to Do in Rishikesh One reason travelers keep coming back to Rishikesh is the sheer variety of experiences on offer. Whether you’re drawn to adventure, spirituality, nature, or local culture, there’s always something worth doing.
Experience the Ganga Aarti
The evening Ganga Aarti is one of the most beautiful experiences in Rishikesh. As priests perform rituals with traditional lamps, devotional songs fill the air and the whole atmosphere
turns peaceful and uplifting. Two of the best spots to witness it are Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan. Try arriving a little early so you can find a good spot and settle into the mood before it begins.
Go River Rafting
Rishikesh is India’s most popular destination for white-water river rafting. Adventure seekers visit year-round to ride the rapids while soaking in the Himalayan scenery around them. Routes range from beginner-friendly to more intense, so most travelers — regardless of experience — can find something that fits.
Try Bungee Jumping
For adventure sports fans, bungee jumping here is unforgettable. Rishikesh is home to one of India’s highest fixed-platform bungee jumps. Many visitors pair it with rafting for a full adrenaline-packed weekend.
Join a Yoga or Meditation Session
As the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh naturally draws visitors looking to reset — physically and mentally. Many yoga schools and wellness centres offer daily yoga classes, guided meditation, wellness workshops, and short-term retreats. Even a single session can leave you feeling noticeably refreshed.
Explore Local Markets
Shopping here is genuinely enjoyable. Local markets sell handcrafted items, spiritual souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, organic products, and traditional gifts. Look out for rudraksha beads, singing bowls, handmade soaps, Ayurvedic products, cotton clothing, and spiritual books.Enjoy Riverside Cafés Rishikesh has built a real reputation for its charming cafés overlooking the River Ganga. Many combine great views with delicious vegetarian and international dishes — a perfect way to unwind after sightseeing or an adventure-filled day.
Walk Along the Ganga
Sometimes the simplest experiences leave the biggest impression. A walk along the river during sunrise or sunset lets you take in the natural beauty and calm of Rishikesh at your own pace.
Between the fresh air, the flowing water, and the surrounding hills, it’s the kind of moment many travelers remember long after they’ve gone home.
Where to Stay in Rishikesh
Your accommodation plays a bigger role in your trip than you might expect. A good location means easy access to major attractions and a comfortable place to unwind after a full day. If you want a peaceful stay close to the city’s spiritual and tourist hubs, Rubystone Exotic is worth considering. It’s located at:
Unit No. 46, Sivananda Ashram Road, Shisham Jhari, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh,
Uttarakhand 249137
From here, you can reach Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, yoga centres, local cafés, and other well-known attractions without dealing with heavy traffic.
Why Stay at Rubystone Exotic?
Every traveler wants something slightly different from their stay. Some want comfort after a day of adventure; others want a quiet space for reflection and spiritual exploration. Rubystone Exotic is built to cover both.
Guests can expect:
Comfortable, well-maintained rooms
Peaceful surroundings
Easy connectivity to major attractions
Free Wi-Fi
Parking facility
Rooftop dining experience
Warm hospitality
A good fit for families, couples, and solo travelers alikeWhatever brings you to Rishikesh — a weekend getaway, a yoga retreat, or an adventure-packed holiday — staying somewhere well-located helps you make the most of every day.
Sample 2-Day Rishikesh Itinerary
Day 1
Visit Ram Jhula
Explore Lakshman Jhula
Lunch at a riverside café
Visit Beatles Ashram
Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening
Day 2
Early morning yoga session
River rafting or other adventure activities
Visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Explore local markets
Enjoy dinner before departing
This simple two-day flow lets you experience both the spiritual and adventurous sides of Rishikesh without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts
Rishikesh offers something unique for every kind of traveler. From sacred temples and peaceful yoga centres to thrilling adventure sports and sweeping Himalayan views, every moment here
tends to stick with you. Whether this is your first visit or you’re coming back to explore more, we hope this guide makes planning easier. And if you’re looking for a comfortable base with easy access to the city’s major attractions, Rubystone Exotic on Sivananda Ashram Road offers a welcoming stay for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups alike.Book your stay in advance, map out your itinerary, and get ready to experience the charm, spirituality, and adventure that make Rishikesh one of India’s most loved destinations.
