Greetings, fellow travelers! My name is Pratham Kumar.
Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World and a popular white river rafting destination in India attracts both spiritual seekers and adventurers. As a pilgrimage town, it draws millions of visitors annually, offering a chance to cleanse the holy Ganga. Beyond spiritual pursuits, Rishikesh boasts various attractions for tourists. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, it serves as a convenient weekend getaway from city life.
Route Delhi to Haridwar, then Haridwar to Rishikesh:
- Delhi-Haridwar distance: 3 hours, 56 minutes by bus and car
- Haridwar to Rishikesh distance by bus is around 34 min.
- Numerous buses operate daily, 24/7, on this route.
- Kashmere Gate in Delhi is the main boarding point for buses to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Buses from Himachal Roadways offer standard, semi-luxurious, and Volvo options.
Places to visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh
- Har ki Pauri, the most famous ghat in Haridwar
- Kanatal, Tehri, Shivpuri, and Rishikesh are nearby places.
Note: When we went to Rishikesh, it was crowded due to a long weekend. Prices were 3 to 4 times higher than usual. Later, we met locals, discussed the city and nearby places, and decided on our destinations.
Hidden Gems in Rishikesh and nearby:
- Patna waterfalls
- Neer waterfalls
- Neelkanth Mandir
- Kanatal (in Mussoorie)
- The Shivpuri Thrill Factory
Food and accommodation in Rishikesh:
One of the most famous Rajasthani shops, located on the main road of Trivini Ghat in Haridwar, offers delicious food. However, it tends to be overcrowded, so finding a table might be challenging.
In Rishikesh, you can find budget-friendly hostels like Live Free Hostel, The Hosteller, goSTOPS, Moustache Rishikesh Luxuria, etc.
Best time to visit Rishikesh
Depending on the kind of vacation you want to take and the activities you want to do, you can visit Rishikesh during either of its two high seasons. If you want to go river rafting and engage in other adventurous activities, late September to November is thought to be the best time to visit Rishikesh. Many visitors come to the area for a leisurely vacation with friends or family between February and April. July and August (the Savan festival) are the rainy months when Rishikesh sees an increase in religious tourists.
Adventure Activities to Do in Rishikesh
- River Rafting
- Bungee Jumping
- Paragliding
- Mountain Biking
Necessary Things to Pack:
Basic traveling essentials, loose clothes (for summer activities like rafting in the Ganga), a first aid kit, and winter clothes if visiting Kanatal.
Tips for Travelers:
Don’t settle for the first shop you find; always be ready to bargain. Connect with locals and other travelers, as they can suggest good places to visit and shop.
We were two people and stayed for nearly a week. Our adventure activities cost around 32k, with accommodation at 6 to 8k, activities at 12k, transportation at 3 to 4k, and the rest spent on food and other expenses.
To see more pictures and updates from my travels, follow me on Instagram: pratham_kumar_jr.
Happy Exploring!!!
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