Best Hotels in Rishikesh
Find the top hotels in Rishikesh for a peaceful getaway in the Himalayan foothills. With a spiritual vibe and closeness to the Ganges, Rishikesh offers numerous stay options. Check out over 519 hotels on Cleartrip and get up to 25% off on budget and luxury rooms using coupon code CTHOTEL.
About Rishikesh
Rishikesh, in northern India, is a perfect mix of peace and excitement. It's known as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and attracts people from all over who are into yoga and spirituality. The town is surrounded by beautiful greenery and has lots of peaceful spots like ashrams and temples.
Back in the 1960s, The Beatles visited Rishikesh. This made Rishikesh famous worldwide for its spiritual vibes. But it's not just about calm vibes. Even if you're into adventure, Rishikesh has you covered. You can go white-water rafting, trekking, or camping. So, whether you're seeking tranquillity or an adrenaline rush, Rishikesh has something for everyone.
City Attractions & Nearby Attractions
Rishikesh, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a popular destination known for its spiritual significance, yoga centres, and adventure sports. Here are some of the attractions in Rishikesh and nearby areas:
Rishikesh City Attractions
The city attractions include:
1. Triveni Ghat
A special place by the Ganges River where people bathe, and there's a beautiful evening ceremony called Ganga Aarti.
2. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula
Famous bridges hanging over the Ganges, connecting both sides. They're named Lord Rama and his brother Laxmana.
3. Parmarth Niketan
A famous ashram where they follow spirituality and do yoga. It's a calm spot for meditation.
4. The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The ashram gained fame when The Beatles stayed here in the 1960s. It's now a meditation centre.
5. Swarg Ashram
An area with numerous ashrams, temples, and yoga centres. It's a tranquil place for spiritual seekers.
6. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Located around 12 kilometres from Rishikesh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by lush greenery.
7. Gita Bhavan
Known for its discourse on the Bhagavad Gita, it provides accommodation to pilgrims and tourists.
8. Neer Garh Waterfall
A serene waterfall located a short distance from Rishikesh. It offers a refreshing escape.
Nearby Attractions
Let’s have a look at the nearby attractions -
1. Haridwar
A nearby city famous for the Ganga Aarti, the Kumbh Mela, and various temples.
2. Dehradun
The capital of Uttarakhand, known for its pleasant weather, scenic landscapes, and educational institutions.
3. Vashishta Gufa
A cave near Rishikesh where the sage Vashishta is believed to have meditated.
4. Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Situated atop a hill, it offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscapes.
5. Rajaji National Park
A wildlife sanctuary known for its diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds.
Places to Visit
Beyond the well-known landmarks and attractions, Rishikesh offers a range of hidden gems and offbeat places to explore.
1. Beatles Cathedral Gallery
Tucked away in Swarg Ashram, this art gallery showcases paintings and sculptures inspired by The Beatles. It's a hidden gem for art enthusiasts.
2. Osho Ganga Dham Ashram
Located in the serene Tapovan area, this ashram offers meditation and wellness programs. It's a peaceful retreat away from the crowd.
3. Raghunath Temple
It is situated in the heart of Rishikesh. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is less crowded than some of the more popular temples.
4. Geeta Bhawan Library
Geeta Bhawan is known for its large prayer halls. It also has a library that houses a collection of religious and spiritual books.
5. Kailash Niketan Temple
This temple is located near Triveni Ghat. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It's a serene spot away from the bustling areas.
6. Rishi Kund
It is a natural hot water spring near Raghunath Temple. It is believed to have medicinal properties. The tank is surrounded by greenery and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
7. Phool Chatti Ashram
It is a lesser-known ashram located on the banks of the Ganges. It provides a serene environment for yoga and meditation.
8. Rishikesh View Point
For panoramic views of the Ganges and the surrounding hills, you can take a short trek to this viewpoint. It offers a quieter alternative to some of the more popular viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
The best times to visit Rishikesh are in spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November). That's when the weather is just right, not too hot or cold, around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It's perfect for doing stuff outside, like trekking and white-water rafting.
If you love adventure sports, summer (May to June) is good when it's a bit warmer. But if you prefer a quieter time with crisp air, winter (December to February) is the perfect time.
Monsoon season (July to September) brings a lot of greenery, but it's not the best for outdoor activities. So, pick the season that matches what you're into, be it adventure, peace, or a bit of both!
Things to Do in the City
Here are the best activities to do while in Rishikesh:
1. White-Water Rafting
Feel the excitement of rafting on the Ganges, with different levels for everyone, from beginners to pros.
2. Yoga and Meditation
Join a yoga or meditation class in one of the many ashrams.
3. Ganga Aarti
Watch the beautiful Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan in the evening. It's a special ceremony for the Ganges River.
4. Trekking
Go on awesome treks around Rishikesh, like the one to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple or the Kunjapuri Devi Sunrise Trek.
5. Visit The Beatles Ashram
Check out the old ashram where The Beatles visited. Now it's called the Beatles Cathedral Gallery, showing art inspired by the band.
6. Bungee Jumping
If you're into thrills, try bungee jumping at Mohan Chatti.
7. Explore Temples
Discover the different temples in and around Rishikesh, like Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and Bharat Mandir.