Nestled in the foothills of the stunning Himalayas and located by the sacred waters of the Ganges River, Rishikesh is a spiritual refuge that draws seekers from around the world. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, this peaceful town in Uttarakhand, India, provides a unique mix of spirituality, adventure, and cultural richness. Whether you love yoga, seek adventure, or desire peace and renewal, Rishikesh offers an experience unlike any other.

 

Why Rishikesh is Called the Yoga Capital of the World

Rishikesh has been a centre for spiritual learning and yoga for centuries. The calm environment, fresh mountain air, and holy river make it a perfect place for yoga and meditation. The town became internationally known in the late 1960s when The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, now famously called The Beatles Ashram, to learn Transcendental Meditation. This historic event put Rishikesh on the global map and inspired many travellers to seek inner peace there.

Today, Rishikesh is home to hundreds of yoga schools and ashrams offering everything from beginner-friendly yoga classes to advanced 200-hour and 500-hour yoga teacher training programs certified by the Yoga Alliance. These courses attract students from all over the world who want to learn authentic yoga in its birthplace.

 

7 Things to do in Rishikesh (2025)

1. Practice Yoga and Meditation

The main reason many people visit Rishikesh is to immerse themselves in the practice of yoga. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, there are endless opportunities to deepen your practice through classes, retreats, and teacher training programs.

Types of Yoga Offered:

• Hatha Yoga
  
• Ashtanga Yoga
  
• Kundalini Yoga
  
• Iyengar Yoga
  
• Vinyasa Flow Yoga

 

2. Attend the Ganga Aarti

One of the most captivating experiences is attending the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Every evening, hundreds of devotees gather by the riverbank to watch priests perform rituals, sing hymns, and light diyas that float on the water. The sight of the glowing Ganges, along with the soulful chants, creates a truly divine atmosphere.

 

3. Explore Spiritual Temples and Landmarks

Rishikesh has many ancient temples and well-known landmarks:

• Ram Jhula—A 450-foot suspension bridge named after Lord Ram.
  
• Laxman Jhula—Another suspension bridge connecting important ashrams and temples.
  
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple—Dedicated to Lord Shiva, located 32 km from Rishikesh.
  
• Trayambakeshwar Temple—A 13-storey temple near Laxman Jhula.

 

4. Visit The Beatles Ashram

The Beatles Ashram, officially known as Chaurasi Kutia, is a historic retreat in Rishikesh that gained international fame when The Beatles visited in 1968 to learn Transcendental Meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Nestled on the banks of the Ganga and surrounded by Rajaji National Park, the ashram is now an open-air gallery featuring vibrant murals, graffiti, and artworks inspired by The Beatles and spiritual themes. Visitors can explore old meditation huts, lecture halls, and nature trails while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere away from the city’s hustle. Today, it stands as a blend of art, history, and spirituality, making it a must-visit for music lovers and seekers of tranquillity.

 

5. Adventure Activities

Rishikesh, often hailed as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, is not just a spiritual destination; it is also India’s adventure hub. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and along the banks of the mighty Ganga, Rishikesh offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping activities. From white-water rafting to bungee jumping, this city attracts thrill-seekers from across the globe. Here’s a guide to the top adventure sports you can experience in Rishikesh.

• River rafting on the Ganges
  
• Bungee jumping (India’s highest bungee at Mohan Chatti)
  
• Camping by the river
  
• Rock climbing and rappelling
  
• Zip-lining across the Ganges

 

6. Shop for Souvenirs and Handicrafts

Rishikesh is not just about yoga and adventure—it is also a treasure trove for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. The bustling streets and colourful markets of Rishikesh offer a wide variety of items that reflect the rich culture, spirituality, and craftsmanship of the region. Whether you want to take home a spiritual memento or a handcrafted artifact, shopping in Rishikesh is an experience in itself.

• Rudraksha malas
  
• Spiritual books
  
• Yoga mats and accessories
  
• Incense and essential oils
  
• Handmade clothes and jewellery

 

7. Enjoy Healthy Vegetarian Cuisine

Being a spiritual city, cafés here serve delicious vegan and sattvic meals. Some popular cafes include

• The Beatles Café
  
• Little Buddha Café
  
• Pure Soul Café
  
• Chotiwala Restaurant

 

Popular Yoga Ashrams and Schools

• Parmarth Niketan—One of the largest ashrams, famous for its evening Ganga Aarti.
  
• Sivananda Ashram—Known for its traditional yoga practices.
  
• Rishikesh Yogpeeth—A well-known institute for yoga teacher training.
  
• Omkarananda Ashram – Focuses on Vedic teachings and yoga practices.

 

Best Time to Visit

Rishikesh experiences a pleasant climate most of the year, but the best time to visit depends on your purpose:

• September to November—Perfect for outdoor activities and yoga.
  
• February to April – Ideal for yoga retreats and adventure sports.
  
• May to June – Hot but suitable for river rafting.
  
• July to August—Monsoon season, less crowded but heavy rainfall.

 

How to Reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 35 km away.
  
• By Train: Rishikesh is served by two major railway stations: Rishikesh (RKSH) and Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK)
  
• By Road: Well-connected by NH58, Rishikesh is easily accessible from major cities like Delhi (240 km).

 

Accommodation in Rishikesh

From budget hostels to luxury resorts, this town offers a variety of stay options:

• Budget Stays: Zostel Rishikesh, Live Free Hostel
  
• Mid-range Hotels: Hotel Ishan, EllBee Ganga View
  
• Luxury Resorts: Aloha on the Ganges, Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa

For spiritual seekers, staying in an ashram is a unique experience. Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram are highly recommended.

 

The International Yoga Festival

One of the largest events in Rishikesh is the International Yoga Festival, held every year in March at Parmarth Niketan. This weeklong festival attracts yoga practitioners, gurus, and spiritual teachers from across the globe. It includes:

• Yoga sessions by renowned teachers
  
• Meditation workshops
  
• Cultural programs
  
• Ganga Aarti and satsangs

 

Popular Yoga Ashrams and Schools

• Parmarth Niketan—One of the largest ashrams, famous for its evening Ganga Aarti.
  
• Sivananda Ashram—Known for its traditional yoga practices.
  
• Rishikesh Yogpeeth—A well-known institute for yoga teacher training.
  
• Omkarananda Ashram – Focuses on Vedic teachings and yoga practices.

 

Health and Wellness

Apart from yoga, Rishikesh is also a hub for Ayurveda and holistic healing. Many wellness centres offer:

• Ayurvedic massages and therapies
  
• Panchakarma detox programs
  
• Reiki and sound healing sessions
  
• Organic food and herbal treatments

 

Travel Tips

• Carry light cotton clothes and comfortable footwear.
  
• Respect local customs—no alcohol or non-vegetarian food.
  
• Book adventure activities through certified operators.
  
• Keep cash handy, as small shops may not accept cards.
  
• Participate in yoga and meditation sessions for a complete experience.

 

Conclusion

It is not just a place to visit. It offers a life-changing experience. This sacred town has something for everyone, from spiritual growth to thrilling adventures. Whether you want to practice yoga, enjoy nature, or find inner peace, Rishikesh is ready to embrace you.

 

FAQs

1. Why is Rishikesh called the Yoga Capital of the World?

It is home to hundreds of yoga schools and ashrams offering authentic yoga practices and teacher training programs.

2. What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?

September to November and February to April are the best months to enjoy yoga and adventure sports.

3. Is Rishikesh safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Rishikesh is very safe for solo travellers, including women, especially around ashrams and popular tourist areas.

4. Can beginners learn yoga?

Absolutely! Many ashrams offer beginner-friendly courses and short retreats.

5. What are the top adventure activities in Rishikesh?

White-water rafting, bungee jumping, camping, and trekking are the most popular.

6. Is alcohol allowed in Rishikesh?

No, Rishikesh is a sacred city where alcohol and non-vegetarian food are prohibited.

7. How many days are enough for Rishikesh?

A minimum of 3-4 days is recommended to explore major attractions and enjoy yoga sessions.