Rishikesh,Uttarakhand

• Triveni Ghat (evening Ganga Aarti and ritual baths)
• Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula (historic suspension bridges with panoramic views)
• The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia — graffiti, meditation huts, and ashram ruins)
• Parmarth Niketan (large ashram known for daily Ganga Aarti and yoga classes)
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (sacred hilltop Shiva temple)
• Rajaji National Park (wildlife, birding and jungle safaris nearby)
• White-water rafting stretch on the Ganges (popular adventure activity)

• Spectacular Himalayan foothill vistas and riverside scenery
• Clear white-water rapids suited to graded river rafting
• Vibrant evening Ganga Aarti rituals that draw visitors nightly
• Concentration of yoga schools and meditation centers offering short and long courses
• Rich biodiversity in nearby Rajaji National Park (elephants, deer, birds)

• Yoga and meditation retreats and drop-in classes
• Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan
• River rafting, kayaking and other adventure sports
• Bungee jumping, flying fox and camping at nearby adventure parks
• Short treks and nature walks in the surrounding hills
• Visit temples, ashrams and spiritual centers; participate in satsang and workshops
• Wildlife spotting and birdwatching in Rajaji National Park

• International Yoga Festival (annual, around March) — major global gathering
• Ganga Dussehra and other river-related religious festivals
• Local celebrations during Diwali and other Hindu festivals
• Occasional music, spiritual and wellness workshops hosted by ashrams

September–November (post-monsoon, clear skies) and February–April (pleasant spring weather). Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and higher river flows.

Summers are warm (daytime often 25–35°C), winters are cool (nights can drop to 5–10°C in Jan), and the monsoon season is wet and humid. Temperatures are milder than higher Himalayan towns but weather can change in the hills.

Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) — road transfer to Rishikesh (~30–45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic). Nearest major railhead: Haridwar (road ~30–45 minutes); Rishikesh also has a rail station with limited services. Well-connected by road to Dehradun, Haridwar and national highways; local transport includes taxis, shared jeeps and buses. Roads into hill areas may be narrow and winding.

A short visit of 2–4 days covers main sights and activities; allow 1 week or more for an immersive yoga retreat or extended adventure/wildlife itinerary.

Bring modest, comfortable clothing for temple visits and yoga wear for classes. Sturdy shoes for trekking and rafting footwear if participating in water sports. A light jacket for evenings and warm layers in winter; rain gear in monsoon.

Local and ashram-friendly vegetarian cuisine (simple sattvic meals, chaat, parathas). Cafés serving international and health-conscious food are common. Souvenirs include Rudraksha beads, spiritual books, incense, handicrafts, yoga mats, and Ayurvedic products. Always try fresh local snacks and the riverside tea stalls.