“The Yoga capital of India”, Rishikesh is situated amidst the beautiful green nature and is filled with adventure and spirituality. You can enjoy the famous tourist attractions, explore adventurous sports, and feel the relaxation of yoga on your 3-day trip to Rishikesh. If you are deciding on your next trip to this town, here is the perfect plan for the 3 days.
How to reach Rishikesh
By flight: You can take flight to the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun which is the nearest one from Rishikesh.
Through train: Alternatively, trains are also available from Haridwar to Rishikesh.
Via road: You can also reach Rishikesh from all the major cities of India. Buses and cabs are available from Delhi and other cities.
After reaching Rishikesh check into a riverside cottage or a boutique hotel.
Best time to visit: The best time for this trip would be from Match to May and September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant here which is perfect for your travel exploration and adventure sports. But, avoid monsoon season for visiting Rishikesh as your planning can be disrupted due to heavy rainfall at this time.
Day 1: Explore the spiritual side of Rishikesh
Begin your day by visiting the iconic Laxman Jhula known as the hanging bridge on the Ganges river. The bridge links two villages of Garhwal district named Tapovan and Jhok. Because of this, Laxman Jhula offers a beautiful sight of the river and connects to many ashrams and temples here.
Ticket: Entry is free
Timing: Open for 24*7
After that, head towards the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram which is popularly known as the Beatles Ashram. This famous tourist spot of Rishikesh attracts music enthusiasts from all over the world after the world-famous music band ‘The Beatles’ learned meditation here. Additionally you can relax and do meditation while enjoying the beautiful graffiti and calmness of this place as well. In short, the ashram resembles a mixture of history, art, and peace and is perfect for your Instagram-worthy shots as well.
Ticket: INR 150 for Indians and 600 for foreigners.
Timing: 9 am to 4 pm
Then, you can visit the spiritual Triveni ghat where you can enjoy the evening Ganga aarti. The evening Ganga aarti is filled with the aroma of flowers, scented sticks, and religious chanting.
Because of this, people worship it as a holy river and sacred for taking baths. Sit there for some time and witness the iconic view afterward. The spiritual ambiance and vibrant rituals alongside are a must-see on the Rishikesh trip.
Ticket: No tickets required.
Timing: Ganga aarti starts at 6 pm.
Best place to eat: “The 60’s Cafe” or “The Beatles’ Cafe” is highly recommended if you are a vegetarian. You can enjoy the delicious delicacies while experiencing the great view of the Ganges.
You can also visit the “Little Buddha Cafe” near Laxman Jhula. Here you can have several international dishes and enjoy the calming atmosphere.
Day 2: Feel the essence of Nature
Start the 2nd day of your Rishikesh trip close to nature. Beginning with a Yoga session at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram will fill you with great energy and enthusiasm through meditation.
Ticket: Entry is free
Timing: 9am to 8pm
After those sessions go ahead for white river rafting on the Ganges. Beyond tht, feel the essence of nature with some adventurous sports of Rishikesh to make your trip unforgettable. If you haven’t tried it yet, then you must experience this thrilling water sport in Rishikesh.
Ticket: INR 600 TO 1000
Timing: 8am to 12.30pm
Then head for trekking to the Neer Garh waterfall. It is a short trek journey amidst the large greenery and rocky hills. Moreover, this 2 km trek leads to a sparkling waterfall with a great view where you can take a quick bath or enjoy a hot cup of coffee on your own.
Ticket: INR 30.
Timing: 8 am to 6 pm.
In the evening after enjoying your trekking, visit the local markets near Ram Jhula to pick souvenirs, hand-made artworks, as well as other spiritual things.
End your adventurous 2nd day with a relaxing walk along the river after enjoying your dinner in a riverside local cafe. Other than that, you can also enjoy the live music performances that many cafes and hostels offer in Rishikesh.
Best place to eat: “Ganga Beach Cafe” of Rishikesh is famous for its riverside view where you can enjoy your Indian and continental dishes with a great ambiance.
Day 3: Discover the treasures of Nature
On the last day of your trip visit the Rajaji National Park for a morning safari. Then, grab your camera and hire a local guide to witness the wild lives of Rishikesh. If you are a nature lover like us, this is the best Rishikesh tour package for you and your wildlife photographs.
Ticket: INR 250 for Indians and 500 for foreigners.
Timing: 6am to 9 am in the morning, 3pm to 6pm in the evening
Then visit the Vashistha Cave, located a little bit far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is one of the most famous places in Rishikesh for its tranquil meditation site and beautiful site for photography.
Ticket: No entry fee needed.
Timing: 8 am–12 pm in the morning, 3–6 pm in the evening
Add some thrilling adventure on the last day with Bungee jumping at Jumping Heights. It is an exciting sport to enjoy leaps from a high distance and feel the air for some time.
Ticket: Around rupees 4000
Enjoy your last day at Rishikesh with a boat ride on the Ganges in the evening. Moreover, you can take great pictures of the sparkling sunlight while passing through the cold river.
Best place to eat: Having a delicious dinner at a rooftop cafe in Rishikesh would be an unforgettable memory of a lifetime for you. Apart from that, “Pyramid Cafe” or the “Freedom Cafe” is highly recommended for a great view of the twinkling town at night.
Conclusion
Rishikesh offers a mixed experience of beautiful nature, adventure, and spirituality for every traveler. Here you can seek inner peace through meditation, enjoy great adventures, and witness the spiritual side as well. Explore the diverse attractions of Rishikesh with these recommendations to get the best out of your trip. Don’t forget the yoga sessions to purify your soul and return home transformed.
