14 Travel Tips for Rishikesh: Things to Know Before You Go
If you think Rishikesh is only about yoga and river rafting, think again. This town has layers—and to enjoy it fully, you need to know how to move smartly through them. These travel tips for Rishikesh are based on personal experiences (and some mistakes), so you don’t have to make them.
1. Skip Triveni Ghat. Attend Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Instead
Triveni Ghat is the most popular spot, but it often gets too crowded. When I went there, I could hardly see the aarti or hear the chants clearly. The focus felt more on photos than the experience.
The next evening, I attended the aarti at Parmarth Niketan. It was quieter, better organized, and felt more peaceful. If you want a calmer, more meaningful aarti experience, Parmarth is a better choice.
2. Hostels Are the Way to Go
Rishikesh has a strong hostel culture, especially in areas like Tapovan and Laxman Jhula, partly because of the steady stream of international travelers. I stayed at Bedzzz by Leisure Hotels, and it turned out to be a smart choice.
Hostels here are not only less expensive than hotels, but also safe, well-maintained, and located close to cafés, yoga studios, and markets. The common areas make it easy to chat with fellow travelers over chai or dinner.
3. Healing Is Worth Trying
Sound healing is becoming a big part of the wellness scene in Rishikesh. Many centers use Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and other instruments to balance energy, calm the nervous system, and release emotional blocks. It may sound abstract, but the method is based on how sound vibrations interact with the body’s energy.
You don’t need to have a problem to try it. Many travelers simply walk in out of curiosity, and walk out feeling more grounded and clear.
I tried a session at YogShri Healing. I didn’t expect much, but by the end, I felt calmer and lighter. Whether you’re a skeptic or a seeker, it’s worth experiencing once while you’re in Rishikesh.
4. Check Reviews Before Trying Trendy Cafes
Some cafés in Rishikesh look nice from the outside but may have serious hygiene issues. I once entered one (won’t name it) with poor reviews just because it had a jamming session planned. Within minutes, I walked out after seeing cats eating from the same plates used for customers.
Always check reviews first. It helps avoid bad food and worse surprises.
5. Try Yoga Even If You’ve Never Done It Before
Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World, but that doesn’t mean you need to commit to a full course. Many ashrams and studios offer morning drop-in sessions open to all levels. It’s a low-pressure way to experience yoga in its authentic setting.
Drop-ins are easy, affordable, and a great way to see if yoga in Rishikesh works for you.
6. Visit Kunjapuri Temple for Sunrise
Kunjapuri Temple is one of the Shaktipeeths near Rishikesh and holds spiritual significance. It’s a short drive uphill, and you’ll often find locals visiting for rituals.
When I visited, Mataji ki doli (a traditional procession) arrived just as I reached. The timing felt powerful and added depth to the visit.
It’s best to take a cab (I rode a two-wheeler) from Rishikesh and start early to avoid the heat and crowd. Before going, read the legend of the Shaktipeeth, it helps you connect better with the place.
7. Arrive and Depart on Weekdays to Save Money
If you are flying in or out of Dehradun Airport, try to plan your travel on a weekday. Cab fares from Rishikesh to the airport can double on weekends due to higher demand.
I remember a fellow hosteller booked a bike taxi to Dehradun Airport on a Saturday because the cab fare that day was INR 4000, compared to the usual INR 2000.
Planning your airport transfer smartly can save you a lot.
8. Spend Evenings at the Ghats – one of the best travel tips for Rishikesh
Not all ghats in Rishikesh are open 24/7. Some are part of residential areas and follow curfew rules, usually closing by 10 PM. It’s important to respect these timings.
One evening, we stayed a bit longer at a Ghat, thinking it wouldn’t be an issue. A woman from the neighborhood politely asked us to leave. It wasn’t harsh, just a reminder that these spaces are meant for peace.
Also, keep your voice low. People often come to ghats to sit quietly or meditate. Playing music or talking loudly, especially in groups, can disturb the environment.
9. Try Kayaking—It’s the Softer Side of the Ganga
Rafting is the big attraction in Rishikesh, but kayaking shows you a different side of the Ganga. It’s slow, silent, and almost meditative.
I did a kayaking session with Aquaterra Adventures during my stay at Atali Ganga. They took me to a hidden beach, away from the usual rafting routes. It felt like I had the river to myself—just me and the Ganga, without the noise or the rush.
If you want a peaceful water experience, this one’s worth trying.
10. Choose Properties with In-House Experiences
Instead of running around to book activities, choose a stay that includes them. I booked Atali Ganga, and it felt like the perfect staycation in nature.
They had morning yoga, riverside tea, a high rope course, and even guided forest hikes—all within the property. I didn’t have to plan anything. Just showed up and enjoyed what the day offered.
If you want ease and variety without stepping out too much, this kind of stay makes the trip smoother.
11. Rent a Two-Wheeler. Ditch the Car.
Rishikesh’s narrow lanes and limited parking made having a scooty a game-changer. It gave me the freedom to explore hidden cafes and even ride up to Kunjapuri Devi Temple—an adventurous mountain climb with sharp bends, stunning views, and total freedom from parking hassles. This is one of the best travel tips for Rishikesh you could swear by.
12. Vegetarian Food Only, But No Boring Meals
Even without meat or eggs, the cafes here serve amazing food. Being vegetarian felt like a boon—not just for me, but for anyone open to trying wholesome, flavorful dishes. Think vegan thalis, smoothie bowls, and Ayurvedic teas—you won’t feel like you’re missing a thing.
Plus, the popular cafes offer more than just great food. They’re vibrant spaces where you’ll find stirring conversations, meet fellow travelers, and often leave with more than just a full stomach.
13. Stay in Tapovan If You’re New
I chose to stay near Lakshman Jhula because I wanted a more relaxed, crowd-free experience. While Tapovan has everything—cafes, yoga studios, rentals, and shops—all within walking distance and easy access to both Jhulas, it can get pretty busy with tourists. Lakshman Jhula gave me the calm I was looking for, while still being close enough to everything.
14. Beware of Monkeys
You’ll often find them near Ram Jhula, drawn to bags, bottles, and food packets. Avoid swinging your phone around or carrying snacks openly—they’re quick and curious!
Final Thoughts
Rishikesh isn’t a place for rushing through a checklist of sights—it’s an invitation to slow down. Here, the real magic lies in letting go of rigid schedules and tuning into the quieter rhythms of the place. It’s a chance to travel with more intention, presence, and connection—something many tourists, in their hurry, completely miss.
I hope this post helped you. Do you have any questions about Rishikesh? Please leave a comment below and I’ll try my best to help out.
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