Courtesy- Uttarakhand Tourism

Welcome to the land of yoga and adventure, Rishikesh and unravel the places to visit in Rishikesh. The city has loads to offer to its visitors be it devotees or adventure seekers. There are several places to visit in Rishikesh including significant religious sites, mighty river Ganga, and a breathtaking natural beauty. Rishikesh is one of the most popular weekend getaway options for people of Delhi. And that is why Delhi to Rishikesh taxi services are the most in demand. 

Day 00) Delhi to Rishikesh

One should plan for leaving to Rishikesh from Delhi late night on Friday, around 10 – 12 p.m. Opt for Delhi to Rishikesh taxi services for a comfortable journey. The journey shall take roughly 5- 5:30 hours so select your vehicle keeping in mind several criteria. In case of a large group (8+) opt for a Delhi to Rishikesh tempo traveller. 

Best time to visit Rishikesh

Rishikesh is accessible to its visitors throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Rishikesh and enjoy its beauty is the winter months from October to February.

How much far is Rishikesh from Delhi? What is the route for reaching Rishikesh from Delhi?

Rishikesh is 259 kms from Delhi. For a journey by road, NH 334C and NH334 connect Ghaziabad to Rishikesh, and takes about 4 and half hours. Delhi Rishikesh car hire is the most affordable and best option to transfer to Rishikesh. 

What are the means of transport to reach Rishikesh?

Rishikesh can be easily reached by road, rail, or air from Delhi. Let us see in detail how to reach Rishikesh from Delhi.

By Road– NH 334C and NH 334 connects Delhi to Rishikesh. NH334C starts near Bulandsher and is just 60 km from Ghaziabad. NH 334 connects Bulandsher to Haridwar. Rishikesh is just 24 kms from Haridwar.

One can opt for Delhi Rishikesh car hire to reach Rishikesh. Or you can opt for bus services to reach Rishikesh. A Delhi to Rishikesh tempo traveller is the best option for a (8+) large groups. 

By Train– One can find several trains running from Delhi to Rishikesh. The three available stations for catching a Rishikesh train are New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI), and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM). Depending upon the departure station, the journey can take atleast 8 hrs.

The current running trains available from Delhi to Rishikesh as on 10^th September 2021 includes BDTS HW SPL (09019), UJJAINI Express (04309), PURI YNRK SPL (08477), and KOTA DDN SPL (02401) from Hazrat Nizamuddin, UDZ YNRK SPL (09609), ADI YNRK SPECIAL, and DDN FESTIVAL SPL (04041) from Old Delhi Railway Station, and DDN SHTABDI SPL (02017) and JAN Shatbdi SPL (02055) from New Delhi Railway Station. 

By air– The Jolly Grant Airport acts as an airbase for Rishikesh and Uttarakhand. The Jolly Grant airport is 21kms from Rishikesh and can be easily covered by availing taxi services in Rishikesh.

There are several flights from Delhi to Rishikesh including SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India. The distance will be covered within 1 hour from departure.

Where to stay in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh has several accommodation options for solo travelers, pairs, groups, and families. You can find budget-friendly staying options such as resorts, hotels, guesthouses, and home stay in Rishikesh. A budget hotel and resort option starts from INR 3500 for 2 adults for 2 days and 3 nights.

However, it is highly recommended to enjoy a stay by camping on the banks of Ganga. You can book beach camping packages starting INR 999 per person.

Day 01) Arrive in Rishikesh and local sightseeing today

What are the attraction points in Rishikesh?

One can avail Rishikesh taxi services to visit the attraction points here. The city houses several significant temples and architectures. Here are some of the places to visit in Rishikesh-

Courtesy- Ado Trip

Ram Jhula

An iconic landmark in the city, the Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge connecting the districts of Pauri Garhwal with Tehri Garhwal. Built in 1986, the bridge is located 3 km from Rishikesh. It has a twin bridge the Laxman Jhula located just 2 km from Ram Jhula. The Ram Jhula is larger in size in comparision with Laxman Jhula. Ram Jhula is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh.

Courtesy- Madhav Lohar

Lakshman Jhula

Another iron suspension bridge of Rishikesh, the Lakshman Jhula is a twin, smaller bridge of Ram Jhula. Located 5km from Rishikesh, the Lakshman Jhula is now closed for vehicles including two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It is as of now operational only for pedestrian’s use. And it is said to be closed soon permanently due to the depleting condition of the bridge. Additionally, a replacement bridge has been built for commuting between Terhi Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal. Along with Ram Jhula, the Lakshman Jhula is counted amongst the best places to visit in Rishikesh.

Parmarth Niketan

Located at the banks of river Ganga, the Parmarth Niketan is the largest ashram in Rishikesh. The ashram’s foundations were laid by Swami Skukdevanandji in early 1940’s as a small constructed place for himself and Swami Bhajananandji.

Activities available at the ashram include morning prayers, daily yog, satsang, meditation classes, kirtans, lectures, and Ganga Aarti.

Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti is a prime activity which should be witnessed by all tourists and devotees. The Ganga Aarti takes place at the Triveni Ghat every evening at 6 to 7 pm. Hymns are recited in the praise of river Ganga. Triveni Ghat is one of the top tourist places to visit in Rishikesh. 

Courtesy- Rishikesh India Tourism

Yoga and meditation centre its timing of open and closing

Rishikesh is proudly known as the ‘Yoga capital of the world’ for a fact. Several devotees and foreigners come to Rishikesh to experience yoga at its true essence. Some of the renowned yoga and meditation centre includes Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Asham, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Yoga Niketan, Phool Chatti, and Swami Dayananda Ashram. Rishikesh’s yoga and meditation centres are counted amongst the prime places to visit in Rishikesh.

Additionally, the International Yoga Week is held annually at Rishikesh from 1^st to 7^th March.

Courtesy- Rishikesh Tourism India

Neelkanth

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located 32km from Rishikesh and is inspired by the Dravidian styles of architecture. According to sacred texts, the current location of the temple is where Lord Shiva consumed poison which originated when the Gods and Demons churned the ocean to find the Amrita. The Maha Shivaratri festival is the most celebrated festival at the temple. The temple is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. Opt for Rishikesh taxi service to travel to and from Neelkanth. 

Shivpuri

Shivpuri is located just 19km from Rishikesh and is popular due to the Shiv temples residing there. Shivpuri is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh for adventure activities especially for River Rafting. The Shivpuri-Rishikesh rafting stretch is the most popular option for river rafting and runs for over 16kms.

Byasi

Byasi is a small town located just 30km from Rishikesh and can be accessed by availing Rishikesh taxi service. It is known for the water based adventure sport of river rafting and is a good spot for camping.

Adventure activities to enjoy in Rishikesh

As mentioned earlier, Rishikesh is a hub for adventure activities in the country. One can opt from a wide range of thrill sports available here. The list includes Bungee Jumping, Kayaking, River Rafting, Rock Climbing, Zip Lining, Cliff Jumping, Mountain biking, Paragliding, and Rappelling.

River Rafting is the most popular and opted thrill sport in Rishikesh. For covering all the thrill sports offered here, opt for a Rishikesh taxi service. 

Activities included in camping

Beach camping is a popular activity undertaken at Rishikesh. Beach camping options start at INR 999 appox per person here. The beach camping packages also offer bonfire, snacks, DJ night, breakfast, lunch, dinner, indoor games, and outdoor games.

Day 02) Rishikesh to Delhi (Sunday)

We shall have our departure via Rishikesh taxi service to Delhi after breakfast at 10:00 hours so that we reach the national capital before sunset.

People visiting Rishikesh can choose to explore the twin city called Haridwar. The distance of 20km can be easily covered by opting for taxi services in Rishikesh. The popular tourist attractions of Haridwar include Har ki Pauri, Vishnu Ghat, Birla Ghat, Bharat Mata Mandir, and the Siddh Peeths called Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Maya Devi Temple.

Paromita Gupta is a final year MA. Journalism student at the University of Delhi. She is an avid reader with her favourite authors being Khaled Hosseini and Chitra Divakaruni Banerjee. In the meantime and pre-covid days, she liked to play tennis and football. Also, she paints in her free time.