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Planning a short trip to Rishikesh and wondering how to make the most of your time? Whether you have a weekend or an extra day, this guide will help you experience the best of this spiritual town without feeling rushed.
Morning: Settle In and Explore
Arrive in Rishikesh by morning if possible. Check into your hotel near Laxman Jhula or Ram Jhula area. These locations put you right in the heart of things.
After freshening up, take a gentle walk around your neighborhood. Cross the Laxman Jhula bridge—it swings slightly under your feet, which feels strange at first but fun. The views of the Ganges from the bridge are stunning, especially with the mountains in the background.
Stop at one of the riverside cafes for breakfast. Little Buddha Cafe or Beatles Cafe serve good food with great views. Try some fresh fruit, pancakes, or traditional aloo puri.
Afternoon: Ashram Hopping
Head to Beatles Ashram around noon. This abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968 is now covered in colorful graffiti and street art. It takes about an hour to explore, and the meditation halls overlooking the forest are peaceful spots to sit quietly.
Entry costs around 150 rupees and it’s open until 6 PM. Bring water because there aren’t shops inside.
After Beatles Ashram, walk over to Parmarth Niketan. This beautiful ashram has manicured gardens and a calm atmosphere. You can sit by the river, watch people meditate, or just soak in the tranquility.
Evening: Ganga Aarti
The highlight of your first day is the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan. Both happen around sunset, typically 6 PM in winter and 7 PM in summer.
Parmarth Niketan’s aarti is more organized and less crowded. Triveni Ghat is more traditional and bustling with locals. Either way, watching priests wave fire lamps while devotional songs echo across the river is magical.
After aarti, grab dinner at any of the local restaurants. Everything is vegetarian here, so try a proper thali with dal, sabzi, roti, and rice.
Morning: White Water Rafting
This is your adventure day. Book a rafting trip the evening before through your hotel or a licensed operator. Most rafting trips start early, around 8 or 9 AM.
The popular 16-kilometer stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh takes about two to three hours. You’ll navigate through rapids with fun names like Roller Coaster and Golf Course. Even beginners find it manageable and thrilling.
Operators provide life jackets, helmets, and guides. You’ll get soaking wet, so wear clothes that dry quickly and secure your belongings in waterproof bags they provide.
Most packages include basic lunch, usually rajma-chawal or simple dal-roti at a riverside camp.
Afternoon: Local Markets and Cafes
After rafting, you’ll probably feel tired but happy. Head back to your hotel, shower, and relax for a bit.
Spend the afternoon exploring the local markets around Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. You’ll find shops selling yoga mats, singing bowls, prayer beads, incense, and spiritual books. The Tibetan market near Ram Jhula has colorful handicrafts and clothing.
Stop at the German Bakery area for fresh smoothies, coffee, and desserts. This is also a great time to meet other travelers and swap stories.
Evening: Sunset and Relaxation
Walk to a quiet spot along the river for sunset. The Ganga looks beautiful in golden light, and the mountains turn various shades of orange and purple.
For dinner, try Chotiwala Restaurant for authentic North Indian food, or explore one of the rooftop cafes with Ganges views. End your night early because tomorrow starts early too.
Morning: Yoga and Meditation
Start your third day with a yoga session. Many cafes and ashrams offer drop-in classes for 300 to 500 rupees. Yoga Niketan or Phool Chatti Ashram are good options. Even if you’ve never done yoga before, morning classes in Rishikesh feel special.
Also Read: Yoga Ashrams Near Ram Jhula, Rishikesh: What to Know Before You Go
Alternatively, wake up early and take a meditation walk along the river before the crowds arrive. The morning energy in Rishikesh is incredibly peaceful.
Mid-Morning: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
If you want to venture out, hire a taxi to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, about 32 kilometers away. The drive takes an hour through winding mountain roads with beautiful forest views.
This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva sits at 1,330 meters altitude. The temple itself is impressive, and the journey through the mountains adds to the experience. Plan to spend about two to three hours for the round trip.
Afternoon: Café Culture
Return to Rishikesh for lunch at one of the many cafes. Bistro Nirvana, Ramana’s Garden Cafe, or Pure Soul Cafe serve delicious food in relaxing settings.
Spend your afternoon reading a book by the river, journaling about your trip, or simply people-watching. Sometimes the best travel moments happen when you’re not rushing anywhere.
Evening: Final Aarti
If you attended aarti at Parmarth Niketan on day one, visit Triveni Ghat tonight for a different experience, or vice versa. Seeing aarti twice actually deepens the experience because you notice details you missed the first time.
Have a farewell dinner at your favorite spot from the past few days. Pack your bags and prepare for departure the next morning.
Book hotel in Tapovan in advance. Pack light cotton clothes and one warm layer for evenings. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Carry a reusable water bottle. Many cafes offer filtered water refills to reduce plastic waste.
Keep small denomination cash handy for auto-rickshaws, temple donations, and street snacks.
If you’re short on time, skip Neelkanth Temple on day three and use that time for a cooking class or Ayurvedic massage instead.
Book activities like rafting and bungee jumping in advance during peak season from March to May and September to November.
Two days gives you a solid taste of Rishikesh—the spiritual side and the adventure side. Three days lets you slow down and truly feel the rhythm of this special place.
Don’t try cramming everything into your schedule. Rishikesh rewards slow travel. Sometimes the best memories come from unexpected conversations at cafes, watching the river flow by, or simply sitting still and breathing in the mountain air.
Enjoy your time in Rishikesh. The town has a way of making you want to return, no matter how short your first visit is.
