Uttarakhand · India
Rishikesh
The Yoga Capital of the World — a Himalayan-foothill town of swinging footbridges, riverside aartis and adventure, where the Ganga leaves the mountains.
Rishikesh blends Hindu pilgrimage with global yoga-and-wellness culture; expect ashrams, riverside cafés, Pahari Garhwali food, and a strictly vegetarian, alcohol-free town.
Plan your trip
Rishikesh Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Rishikesh Photo Spots
Entry Ticketed — check the current rate at the gate
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
- Best timeMorning, when soft light falls through the trees onto the domes; late afternoon for warm light on the painted walls.
- ColorsWhiteRustForest green
High crowdEntry Free
Laxman Jhula
- Best timeEarly morning, when the river is green and the bridges are quiet; late afternoon for warm light on the temple tower.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteRiver green
High crowdEntry Free
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, before the queues build and while the hills are clear; late afternoon for warm light on the painted tower.
- ColorsSaffronBlueWhite
High crowdEntry Free
Ram Jhula
- Best timeSunset, when the towers and cables catch warm light over the river; early morning for mist and a green river.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteRiver green
High crowdEntry Free
Triveni Ghat
- Best timeEvening at the aarti, when brass lamps glow against the darkening river; early morning for soft light and bathers on the steps.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteMarigold
For the feed
Trending Wear in Rishikesh
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Rishikesh Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Before you go
Temples in Rishikesh
Darshan hours, dress codes and what gets refused at the gate
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Rishikesh
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Rishikesh
Representative photoChotiwala
Swarg Ashram
Representative photoGanga Beach Restaurant
Swarg Ashram
Representative photoLittle Buddha Café
Laxman Jhula
Representative photoThe Beatles Café
Laxman Jhula
The Sitting Elephant
Palika Nagar
Where the Ganga leaves the hills
Rishikesh sits where the Ganga comes out of the Garhwal foothills onto the plains, about 25 km upstream of Haridwar. The river here is fast, cold and green, and the town grew along both banks as a place for sadhus and ashrams long before it became known for yoga. Today it mixes old pilgrim ghats, large ashram complexes, backpacker cafés and rafting camps. It is a small town, but it is spread thinly along the river, so plan your days by bank and by bridge.
The two halves of town
The west bank holds the main market, the bus stand and Triveni Ghat, the town's main bathing ghat and home of its public evening aarti. Upstream, Muni ki Reti and Tapovan run towards the old Laxman Jhula. The east bank, known as Swarg Ashram, is quieter and car-free in its lanes, with Parmarth Niketan, Gita Bhawan and the path to the Beatles Ashram.
Crossing the river in 2026
The bridges are the thing to check before you plan. Laxman Jhula has been shut to everyone since 2022, and Bajrang Setu, a new glass-floored bridge right beside it, now carries people across at that end. Ram Jhula closed completely for repairs in July 2026, with reopening pushed to early 2027. Janki Setu, between the two, is the main crossing to Swarg Ashram meanwhile, and ferry boats also run across when the river allows.
A dry, vegetarian town
Rishikesh does not sell meat, fish or eggs, and alcohol is banned within the municipal area. This is law, not custom, so do not bring drinks to the ghats. The upside is some of the best vegetarian food in north India, from dhaba thalis to riverside cafés. See what to eat and where to eat.
Rafting and the river
White-water rafting runs from roughly mid-September to the end of June. The authorities stop it from 1 July through the monsoon, when the Ganga runs high and brown. Book with a licensed operator, wear the life jacket and helmet, and never swim at the ghats: the current here takes strong swimmers.
Beyond town
Neelkanth Mahadev, a Shiva temple in the forested hills, is about 32 km away by a winding road and makes a half-day trip. For the seasons, festivals and rafting months, read the best time to visit page before you book.
Questions
Rishikesh — FAQ
Is Laxman Jhula open in 2026?
No. The old suspension bridge has been closed to everyone since April 2022. Bajrang Setu, a new bridge next to it, now takes people across at the same spot.
Can I cross Ram Jhula now?
Not at the moment. Ram Jhula closed fully for repairs in July 2026 and the deadline has moved to early 2027. Use Janki Setu or a ferry boat to reach Swarg Ashram.
Can you get beer or meat anywhere in Rishikesh?
Not within the town. Meat, fish and eggs are not sold, and alcohol is banned in the municipal area. Places outside the municipal limits may serve them, but the town itself is dry and vegetarian.
Which bank of the river should I stay on?
The Tapovan and Laxman Jhula side suits cafés, yoga schools and rafting pick-ups. Swarg Ashram is quieter and closest to Parmarth Niketan. The west bank near Triveni Ghat is best for buses and the old market.
How many days do I need in Rishikesh?
Two days covers the ghats, an aarti, the Beatles Ashram and a morning of rafting. Add a third for Neelkanth Mahadev or a yoga class that runs over several days.