Hello Travel Enthusiasts,
Rishikesh, known for its spirituality, yoga, and adventure destinations, is my ideal getaway. Living in Chandigarh, it takes only about 6 hours to reach Rishikesh, making it a convenient destination for me and my friends. I am happy to share my overall experience of the trip along with some useful travel hacks.
Route from Chandigarh to Rishikesh:
We started our trip from Chandigarh and took a train at 2:30 am, reaching Rishikesh by 8:30 am. The train journey provided us with a comfortable and convenient mode of transport. I started my journey by taking an auto, which cost Rs. 20 each, from the railway station to Janki Bridge.
Places to visit in Rishikesh:
- Janki Bridge: Upon reaching Rishikesh, we took an auto to Janki Bridge, my favorite destination in the city. Janki Bridge is a hidden gem and, in my opinion, even more beautiful than Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. Crossing the Ganga River from Janki Bridge, you’ll come across Parmarth Ashram, Tera Manzil Temple, and the famous statue of Lord Shiva, partially submerged when the water level rises in the Ganga River.
- Sand Beach: From Janki Bridge, we went to Rishikesh’s sand beach, near Parmarth ashram. When we took a dip, we found out that the Ganga River water was incredibly cold. My chest felt tight for the first few minutes due to the chilly water. Despite the cold, we enjoyed a refreshing two-hour swim in the river.
- River Rafting: After securing our belongings, we set out for river rafting. Rishikesh is famous for adventure sports, with river rafting being the most popular. Many shops sell rafting tickets, and they typically provide jeep transportation to the rafting point and bring you back to the starting point. While there are various shops to choose from, you can also contact numbers on posters for pickup services. We chose Global Hills Adventure, located at Janki Bridge, due to their experienced guides and 20 years of expertise. After securing our belongings, we set out for river rafting. We went for the 18-kilometer rafting, which cost us 900 INR per person. Starting early is advisable, as reaching the rafting point can take considerable time. Our journey took two hours, and we completed rafting by 5 p.m., followed by an immediate visit to the aarti at Triveni Ghat.
- Triveni Ghat: After our thrilling rafting experience, we visited Triveni Ghat, a renowned spot for mesmerizing evening aartis. The auto charged us 100 INR for the journey from Tapovan to Triveni Ghat. Dancing and spending time at Triveni Ghat until 10 p.m. was a truly beautiful experience.
- Neelkanth Mahadev: On the next day, we visited Neelkanth Mahadev, a holy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Private cabs from Laxman Jhula charged us around 350 INR per person for a round trip. It takes approximately one hour to reach the temple. We also purchased a beautiful statue of Adiyogi as a souvenir.
We returned to Laxman Jhula by 2 p.m. since we had to leave early for Chandigarh the next morning at 7:30 a.m.
The Best Accommodations in Rishikesh:
We stayed at Hotel Dev Ganga, located at the main road, which offers decent rooms. For those looking for a better deal, search for affordable hotels in Tapovan, Rishikesh, near Ram Jhula, and Laxman Jhula that offer well-functioning AC rooms within the price range of 1500–2000 rupees. Additionally, save money on transportation by paying only 30 rupees per person for a 2-kilometer journey from Janki Bridge to Tapovan.
Hidden Gems in Rishikesh:
Apart from the popular attractions, I recommend exploring Neer Waterfall in Shivpuri for its natural beauty. Shivpuri is also the perfect place for adventure activities such as bungee jumping. Renting a scooter is a cost-effective option to reach Shivpuri, as taxis can be expensive, costing Rs. 2000 for one side for just 16 km.
The best time to visit Rishikesh
The best time to experience Rishikesh’s many temples, mountains, waterfalls, flora and fauna, and adventure sports is between September and March when the city’s weather is cool and pleasant.
Travel hacks for a trip to Rishikesh
- Carry necessary medicines and band-aids, as accidents can happen during activities like rafting. Also, Ganga water is cold after deep diving and taking medicines.
- Ensure you have enough cash with you, as ATMs may not always be in working condition.
- Rent a scooter to explore nearby areas like Shivpuri, but negotiate the rate beforehand as it can cost you around $500 until 8:30 p.m.
- Make sure you carry your driver’s license and an Aadhar card because both are required to rent a scooter.
- Plan and start your activities early to make the most of your day.
- Don’t miss visiting Janki Bridge at night for its enchanting beauty.
Before leaving for Chandigarh, we waved goodbye to Ganga Mata and took 5 liters of Ganga Jal with us. That was the end of my trip. With small hearts, we boarded our train.
Rishikesh is undoubtedly a remarkable destination for both spiritual and adventurous experiences. Make sure to follow these travel tips for a memorable trip.
