Home › Destinations › Rishikesh › 2 Days in Rishikesh

1 DayRishikesh

2 Days in Rishikesh

Planning 2 days in Rishikesh? Discover Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, in two days—immersing in spiritual rituals at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan, crossing historic suspension bridges, and balancing serenity with a thrilling Ganges rafting adventure. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Day 1

Start your day with a sunrise yoga session at an ashram, then explore the spiritual heart of Rishikesh—cross the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, visit the Beatles Ashram, and end with the grand Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.

Activities

Morning yoga class at Parmarth Niketan or a nearby ashram (offered daily, often at sunrise)
Walk across Laxman Jhula (1929) and Ram Jhula (1986) suspension bridges, soaking in river views
Explore the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) in the Rajaji National Park, famous for its graffiti murals and meditation halls
Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan—arrive early for a good spot

Meals

•Breakfast at a riverside cafe in Swarg Ashram
•Lunch at a pure-veg restaurant in Swarg Ashram
•Dinner at a rooftop cafe near Laxman Jhula

Day 2

Combine adventure and devotion—start with a thrilling rafting trip on the Ganges from Shivpuri, then visit the sacred Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and unwind with a meditation session at Vashishta Gufa if time permits.

Activities

Morning rafting from Shivpuri (Grade II-IV rapids, season mid-Sep to mid-Jun)—choose a 16 km or 24 km stretch ending at Rishikesh
Drive to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (32 km, about 1.5 hours) dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he consumed the halahala poison
Optional: Visit Vashishta Gufa (21 km from Rishikesh) for a quiet meditation session in the cave where sage Vashishta is said to have meditated
Return to town for a relaxed evening walk along the ghats or shop for souvenirs

Meals

•Breakfast at a German bakery in Tapovan
•Lunch at a simple dhaba en route to Neelkanth
•Dinner at a cafe in Tapovan with international vegetarian options

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

8 activities

Morning

06:00 AM

Sunrise Yoga at Parmarth Niketan

Join the free daily yoga class at Parmarth Niketan, held on the ashram's open-air platform facing the Ganges. Arrive by 5:45 AM to secure a spot; the session includes pranayama and asanas suitable for all levels. Donations are appreciated, and mats are provided.

08:00 AM

Breakfast at a Riverside Cafe in Swarg Ashram

Head to a cafe like 'The Sitting Elephant' or 'Ganga View Cafe' for a hearty breakfast of pancakes, fresh juice, or Indian thali. Expect to pay around ₹200-₹400 per person. Sit by the river and enjoy the morning sun.

09:30 AM

Cross Laxman Jhula Bridge

Walk across the iconic 1929 suspension bridge, a 450-foot span over the Ganges. It's pedestrian-only, but expect crowds and monkeys—hold onto your belongings. Take time to photograph the river and the surrounding hills. No entry fee.

10:30 AM

Explore Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Located within Rajaji National Park, this abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968 is now covered in vibrant graffiti. Entry costs ₹150 for foreigners, ₹50 for Indians (plus a ₹25 camera fee). Wander through the meditation halls and bunkers; allow about 1.5 hours.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Lunch at a Pure-Veg Restaurant in Swarg Ashram

Choose a simple, sattvic meal at 'Chotiwala' or 'Aarambh'—both offer thalis, paneer dishes, and fresh lassis. Expect to spend ₹150-₹300 per person. The food is strictly vegetarian, aligning with the town's spiritual vibe.

02:00 PM

Walk Across Ram Jhula Bridge

After lunch, stroll to the newer 1986 Ram Jhula, located about 1 km downstream from Laxman Jhula. The bridge offers panoramic views and connects Swarg Ashram to Tapovan. Take your time to watch the river and maybe spot a sadhu.

05:00 PM

Arrive Early for Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

Get to the Parmarth Niketan ghat by 5:00 PM to secure a front-row seat on the steps. The aarti begins around sunset (typically 6:00 PM) and lasts about 45 minutes. It's free, but you can buy a small offering (flowers and a diya) for ₹50-₹100.

Evening

07:30 PM

Dinner at a Rooftop Cafe Near Laxman Jhula

End the day at 'Sky Deck' or 'Cafe Nirvana' with a view of the illuminated bridge and river. Try wood-fired pizza, pasta, or Indian curries—budget ₹300-₹500. The atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for reflecting on the day.

Day 2

7 activities

Morning

07:30 AM

Drive to Shivpuri for Rafting

Take a shared taxi or arrange a pickup from your hotel to Shivpuri (about 16 km, 40 minutes). Your rafting operator will provide safety gear and instructions. Book in advance—popular companies include Red Chilli Adventure and Ganga Rafters.

08:30 AM

Ganges Rafting (16 km or 24 km)

Launch into the river for a thrilling ride through Grade II-IV rapids like 'Roller Coaster' and 'Golf Course'. The 16 km stretch takes about 2-3 hours and ends at Rishikesh; the 24 km adds more rapids and takes 3-4 hours. Cost: ₹500-₹1,200 per person depending on stretch and season.

Afternoon

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Simple Dhaba En Route to Neelkanth

After rafting, drive toward Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Stop at a roadside dhaba for dal, roti, and sabzi—a filling meal for ₹100-₹200. The drive is scenic but winding; allow about 1.5 hours for the 32 km journey.

01:30 PM

Visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Perched at 1,330 meters, this temple marks where Lord Shiva consumed the halahala poison, turning his throat blue. The temple is open from 6 AM to 9 PM; entry is free, but you may offer prasad. Spend about an hour exploring the shrine and the surrounding forest views.

03:30 PM

Optional: Meditation at Vashishta Gufa

If time and energy permit, drive 21 km back toward Rishikesh to the Vashishta Gufa, a cave where sage Vashishta meditated. The cave is small and dimly lit—bring a flashlight. Entry is free, but a small donation is appreciated. Spend 30-45 minutes in quiet contemplation.

05:30 PM

Return to Town and Relax at the Ghats

Head back to Rishikesh and unwind with a gentle walk along Triveni Ghat or the promenade near Laxman Jhula. Watch the sunset and the evening aarti preparations. You can also shop for souvenirs like rudraksha beads or yoga pants.

Evening

07:30 PM

Dinner at a Tapovan Cafe with International Options

Choose 'The Beatles Cafe' or 'Freedom Cafe' for a mix of Indian, Israeli, and Italian dishes. Try a falafel plate or a veggie burger—budget ₹250-₹450. The laid-back vibe is perfect for ending your adventure day.

Food Recommendations

The Beatles Cafe

Vegetarian, Rooftop Cafe

Must Try: Wood-fired pizza and banana lassi

₹200–₹400 per person

Ganga Beach Cafe

Riverside Cafe, Multi-cuisine

Must Try: Israeli shakshuka and fresh fruit smoothies

₹250–₹500 per person

Vipassini Cafe

German Bakery, Pure Veg

Must Try: Chocolate brownie and ginger honey lemon tea

₹150–₹300 per person

Transportation Tips

Rishikesh is well-connected by train (Rishikesh Railway Station) and bus; from Dehradun Airport (about 35 km), take a prepaid taxi or shared cab.
Within Rishikesh, walking is the best way to explore the bridge area—autorickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are available for longer hops.
For Neelkanth Mahadev, hire a shared jeep or taxi from Rishikesh; the winding road takes about 1.5 hours each way.
For rafting, most operators provide pickup from your hotel in Rishikesh or Tapovan—confirm in advance.