rishikesh sightseeing itinerary

Rishikesh is a lovely and peaceful place in Uttarakhand, India. It has plenty of sights and things to do, perfect for all kinds of visitors. Here's what you could do if you had one day in Rishikesh:

Weather:- 12 - 23°C

Ideal duration:- 3-5 days

Best Time:- September to Jully

Rishikesh is a place filled with old tales and myths. A story says that a sage named Raibhya Rishi did some serious meditation next to the river Ganga. His meditation was so impressive that Lord Vishnu showed up in front of him, taking the name Hrishikesh. That’s where the place got its name. There's also another popular story about Lord Lakshmana, who crossed the river Ganga using a rope bridge. This bridge goes by the name "Lakshmana Jhula." The first bridge, which was made out of jute, got washed away in 1924 during a flood. But it got rebuilt and has become a big deal for travelers. Plus, the river Ganga, right by Rishikesh, comes all the way from the Himalayas—that's why holy men see it as a sacred river.

Begin your morning with a stop at Lakshman Jhula, an iconic hanging bridge over the Ganges River. There's a legend that Lord Lakshman, brother to Lord Rama, crossed the river at this spot on a jute rope. Nearby, you might want to check out the Lakshman Mandir and Kailash Niketan Temple to seek out some spiritual vibes

Next, go to Ram Jhula, which is also a suspension bridge. It spans the river and got its name from the legendary figure Lord Rama from Ramayana. While there, have a look at some spiritual places like Gita Bhavan, Parmarth Niketan, and the Beatles Ashram near the river.

If you're up for a bit of excitement, give Rafting a shot on the Ganga's choppy waters. You can get yourself on a rafting adventure starting from Shivpuri, it’s roughly 16 km away from Rishikesh. On your rafting journey, you'll encounter some picturesque views and experience heart-pumping rapids with names like Roller Coaster, Golf Course, and Three Blind Mice.

After you're done rafting, kick back with a picnic by Neer Garh Waterfall. It's this awesome spot about 2 km away from Lakshman Jhula. There's tons of greenery around, and the waterfall has got a cool pool to take a dip in.

Later on, when it gets dark, check out the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. This place is where three holy rivers meet up – the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. They do this thing where they offer fire and flowers to the goddess of the river while singing and playing music. It's pretty cool, especially when you see like a gazillion lamps floating on the river.

Got more juice left? Cap off your day at Kunjapuri Temple. It's this temple on top of a hill that worships Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva's other half. It's a bit of a trek, about 25 km from Rishikesh, but man, the views of the Himalayas and Doon valley are worth it. Plus, you can catch an amazing sunset or sunrise up there.