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Rishikesh Itineraries

Plan your Rishikesh trip — from a quick 1-day visit to a full adventure-sports special.

Overview

Whether you have one day to see the Ganga Aarti and cross the bridges, or a few days to add rafting, ashram visits and a trip to Neelkanth Mahadev, these itineraries give you a real day-by-day plan to follow.

Rishikesh Itineraries, Day by Day

1 Day

Experience Rishikesh's spiritual heart with a sunrise yoga session, the iconic suspension bridges, a thrilling Ganges rafting trip, and the divine Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, all in one unforgettable day.

1
Spiritual Dawn to Adventurous Rapids and Divine Dusk
Begin with a peaceful yoga session in the Swarg Ashram area, then cross the iconic Laxman Jhula to explore the Beatles Ashram and its colorful murals. After a riverside lunch, head to Shivpuri for an exhilarating 12 km rafting trip back to Rishikesh, followed by the grand Ganga Aarti at Parmarth…

Total: ₹2,400 - ₹7,000 per day (excluding accommodation if you choose budget ashram)Stay: ₹1,000 - ₹3,500 per night (ashram dorm ₹300-₹800, budget guesthouse ₹800-₹1,500, mid-range hotel ₹2,000-₹3,500)Food: ₹600 - ₹1,200 per day (café meals ₹200-₹400 each, street snacks ₹50-₹100)

See the full 1-day plan with timings

2 Days

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.

1
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.
2
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.

Total: ₹3,500–₹9,500 (excluding travel to Rishikesh)Stay: ₹1,000–₹4,000 per night (ashram dorm to mid-range guesthouse)Food: ₹500–₹1,500 per day

See the full 2-day plan with timings

3 Days

This 3-day Rishikesh itinerary balances the spiritual heart of the Yoga Capital of the World with a dash of adventure, covering iconic ghats, ashrams, suspension bridges, a short rafting trip, and a sacred mountain temple.

1
Day 1
Arrive in Rishikesh and ease into the spiritual vibe with a walk across the iconic Laxman Jhula, explore the Beatles Ashram's tranquil ruins, and end the day with the grand Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
2
Day 2
Get your adrenaline fix with a short rafting trip on the Ganges from Shivpuri, then relax at Ram Jhula and explore the ghats. In the afternoon, visit the serene Vashishta Gufa for meditation.
3
Day 3
Dedicate the final day to a spiritual excursion to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, followed by a peaceful morning at Triveni Ghat. If time permits, squeeze in a bungee jump at Jumpin Heights.

Total: ₹5,000-₹8,000 for 3 days (excluding rafting/bungee extras)Stay: ₹1,000-₹3,000 per night for a decent guesthouse or ashram roomFood: ₹600-₹1,200 per day for all meals

See the full 3-day plan with timings

Adventure Special

2 Days

A thrilling 2-day Rishikesh adventure itinerary combining white-water rafting, bungee jumping, cliff jumping, and camping, with a serene evening of Ganga Aarti and iconic suspension bridges.

1
River Rafting and Cliff Jumping Extravaganza
Start your day early with an adrenaline-packed rafting trip from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, navigating Grade II-IV rapids. After the rafting, enjoy cliff jumping at a designated spot along the river, then unwind at a riverside camp for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, visit the iconic Laxman…
2
Bungee Jumping and Spiritual Exploration
Kick off the second day with an exhilarating bungee jump at Jumpin Heights in Mohanchatti, one of India's highest (83 meters). After the jump, visit the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) to see the vibrant murals and tranquil meditation spots. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Neelkanth…

Total: ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 for 2 days (excluding bungee and rafting costs, which are extra)Stay: ₹1,500 - ₹4,000 per night for a decent guesthouse or ashram roomFood: ₹800 - ₹1,500 per day for meals at cafés and restaurants

See the full 2-day plan with timings

4 Days

Discover Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, with this balanced 4-day itinerary blending spiritual experiences, adventure sports, and serene nature escapes along the Ganges.

1
Spiritual Immersion & Ganga Aarti
Begin your journey in the heart of Rishikesh, exploring the iconic bridges and ashrams. End the day with the grand Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, a truly mesmerizing experience.
2
Adventure Rafting & Beatles Ashram
Get your adrenaline pumping with white-water rafting on the Ganges, then unwind with a visit to the Beatles Ashram, where the band stayed in 1968.
3
Day Trip to Neelkanth Mahadev & Vashishta Gufa
Embark on a scenic drive to the sacred Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, followed by a peaceful visit to Vashishta Gufa, a meditation cave associated with sage Vashishta.
4
Yoga, Bungee Jumping & Departure
Start with a sunrise yoga session, then opt for an adrenaline-pumping bungee jump at Jumpin Heights. Wrap up with a peaceful visit to an ashram before departing.

Total: ₹8,000-₹15,000 for 4 days (excluding travel to/from Rishikesh)Stay: ₹1,500-₹5,000 per night for mid-range hotels/ashramsFood: ₹800-₹1,500 per day for meals

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5 Days

Experience the spiritual heart of India in Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, with a balanced itinerary of Ganga aartis, ashram visits, adventure rafting, and serene day trips to ancient temples and meditation caves.

1
Arrival & Spiritual Immersion
Arrive in Rishikesh, settle into your accommodation, and take a leisurely walk across the iconic Laxman Jhula bridge (1929) to absorb the vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, witness the grand Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, a mesmerizing ritual of fire and devotion on the Ganges.
2
Ashrams, Yoga & Beatles Vibes
Start with a yoga session at Parmarth Niketan, then visit the nearby Swarg Ashram, a vegetarian-only spiritual zone. In the afternoon, explore the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) with its graffiti-covered walls and meditation halls, a must for music and history lovers.
3
Adventure on the Ganges
Head to Shivpuri (about 16 km upstream) for an exciting white-water rafting experience on Grade II-IV rapids (season: mid-Sep to mid-Jun). After the rafting, enjoy cliff jumping and beachside lunch. In the evening, relax or take a short nature walk.
4
Day Trip to Neelkanth Mahadev & Vashishta Gufa
Take a scenic drive to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (32 km), dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he consumed the halahala poison. On the way back, stop at Vashishta Gufa (21 km), a meditation cave by the Ganges, perfect for quiet reflection.
5
Bungee Jumping & Departure
If you're an adrenaline junkie, head to Jumpin Heights at Mohanchatti (about 20 km) for India's highest bungee jump (83 meters). Alternatively, take a final yoga class or shop for souvenirs. Depart with memories of a holistic Himalayan experience.

Total: ₹8,000 - ₹18,000 for 5 days (excluding travel to Rishikesh)Stay: ₹1,500 - ₹4,000 per night (budget to mid-range hotels/ashrams)Food: ₹500 - ₹1,000 per day

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Yoga Retreat Special

3 Days

A serene 3-day yoga and wellness retreat in Rishikesh, featuring ashram stays, daily yoga and meditation, the sacred Ganga Aarti, and a day trip to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

1
Arrival and Ashram Immersion
Arrive in Rishikesh, check into your ashram, and settle into a peaceful routine. Attend an evening yoga session, followed by a guided meditation at the ashram. End the day with the grand Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
2
Yoga, Beatles Ashram, and Triveni Ghat
Start with a sunrise yoga session and pranayama. After breakfast, explore the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) with its famous murals. In the evening, visit Triveni Ghat for the aarti and enjoy a peaceful riverside walk.
3
Neelkanth Mahadev and Meditation Caves
Take a day trip to the sacred Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, about 32 km away, dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the return, stop at Vashishta Gufa for a meditation session in the cave. Return to Rishikesh for a final evening of reflection.

Total: ₹12,000 - ₹20,000 for 3 daysStay: ₹2,500 - ₹5,000 per night (ashram stay)Food: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 per day

See the full 3-day plan with timings

Compare the Plans

Plan	Days	What it covers	Rough cost / person
1 Day	1	Spiritual Dawn to Adventurous Rapids and Divine Dusk	₹2,400 - ₹7,000 per day (excluding accommodation if you choose budget ashram)
2 Days	2	Day 1 · Day 2	₹3,500–₹9,500 (excluding travel to Rishikesh)
3 Days	3	Day 1 · Day 2 · Day 3	₹5,000-₹8,000 for 3 days (excluding rafting/bungee extras)
Adventure Special	2	River Rafting and Cliff Jumping Extravaganza · Bungee Jumping and Spiritual Exploration	₹8,000 - ₹12,000 for 2 days (excluding bungee and rafting costs, which are extra)
4 Days	4	Spiritual Immersion & Ganga Aarti · Adventure Rafting & Beatles Ashram · Day Trip to Neelkanth Mahadev & Vashishta Gufa · Yoga, Bungee Jumping & Departure	₹8,000-₹15,000 for 4 days (excluding travel to/from Rishikesh)
5 Days	5	Arrival & Spiritual Immersion · Ashrams, Yoga & Beatles Vibes · Adventure on the Ganges · Day Trip to Neelkanth Mahadev & Vashishta Gufa · Bungee Jumping & Departure	₹8,000 - ₹18,000 for 5 days (excluding travel to Rishikesh)
Yoga Retreat Special	3	Arrival and Ashram Immersion · Yoga, Beatles Ashram, and Triveni Ghat · Neelkanth Mahadev and Meditation Caves	₹12,000 - ₹20,000 for 3 days

Where to Stay in Rishikesh

For a spiritual immersion, stay in Swarg Ashram or Parmarth Niketan area, where ashrams offer simple rooms (often with shared baths) and vegetarian meals. For more comfort and cafés, choose Tapovan or Laxman Jhula side, with guesthouses and hotels ranging from budget to mid-range. Book in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) and avoid places too close to the main bridges if you prefer quiet.

Where to Eat in Rishikesh

Little Buddha Café

Vegetarian, Continental, Israeli · ₹300-₹600 per person

Must try: Wood-fired pizza, chocolate banana pancake, fresh juices

Bhandari Swiss Cottage

Vegetarian, Swiss, Italian · ₹250-₹500 per person

Must try: Cheese fondue, veggie burger, apple strudel

Ganga View Café

Vegetarian, Indian, Continental · ₹200-₹400 per person

Must try: Thali, masala chai, banana bread

The Beatles Cafe

Vegetarian, Rooftop Cafe · ₹200–₹400 per person

Must try: Wood-fired pizza and banana lassi

Ganga Beach Cafe

Riverside Cafe, Multi-cuisine · ₹250–₹500 per person

Must try: Israeli shakshuka and fresh fruit smoothies

Vipassini Cafe

German Bakery, Pure Veg · ₹150–₹300 per person

Must try: Chocolate brownie and ginger honey lemon tea

Getting Around Rishikesh

Rishikesh is well-connected by train (Haridwar station, 25 km) and bus; from Haridwar, take a shared auto or taxi to Rishikesh (₹200-₹400).
Within Rishikesh, walking is the best way to explore the ghats and bridges; for longer distances, use cycle rickshaws or shared autos (₹20-₹50 per ride).
To reach Shivpuri (rafting start point), book a taxi or shared jeep from Rishikesh (₹300-₹500 one-way, 30-45 minutes).
For Neelkanth Mahadev (if you have extra time), hire a taxi for a half-day trip (₹1,500-₹2,500 round trip) or take a shared jeep from Tapovan.
Rishikesh is well-connected by train (Rishikesh Railway Station) and bus; from Dehradun Airport (about 35 km), take a prepaid taxi or shared cab.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many days are enough for Rishikesh?

Most visitors spend 2 days in Rishikesh. Our ready-made plans run from 1 day to 5 days. The 1-day plan covers Spiritual Dawn to Adventurous Rapids and Divine Dusk. The 5-day plan adds Ashrams, Yoga & Beatles Vibes; Adventure on the Ganges; Day Trip to Neelkanth Mahadev & Vashishta Gufa; Bungee Jumping & Departure.

2. What is a good 1-day itinerary for Rishikesh?

Day 1: Spiritual Dawn to Adventurous Rapids and Divine Dusk — Begin with a peaceful yoga session in the Swarg Ashram area, then cross the iconic Laxman Jhula to explore the Beatles Ashram and its colorful murals. After a riverside lunch, head to Shivpuri for an exhilarating 12 km rafting trip back to Rishikesh, followed by the grand Ganga Aarti at Parmarth…

3. How much does a 1-day trip to Rishikesh cost?

Roughly ₹2,400 - ₹7,000 per day (excluding accommodation if you choose budget ashram) per person. Stay: ₹1,000 - ₹3,500 per night (ashram dorm ₹300-₹800, budget guesthouse ₹800-₹1,500, mid-range hotel ₹2,000-₹3,500). Food: ₹600 - ₹1,200 per day (café meals ₹200-₹400 each, street snacks ₹50-₹100). Local transport: ₹300 - ₹800 (local autos, taxi to Shivpuri, and return).

4. Where should I eat in Rishikesh?

Little Buddha Café (try the wood-fired pizza, chocolate banana pancake, fresh juices); Bhandari Swiss Cottage (try the cheese fondue, veggie burger, apple strudel); Ganga View Café (try the thali, masala chai, banana bread).

5. How do I get around Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is well-connected by train (Haridwar station, 25 km) and bus; from Haridwar, take a shared auto or taxi to Rishikesh (₹200-₹400). Within Rishikesh, walking is the best way to explore the ghats and bridges; for longer distances, use cycle rickshaws or shared autos (₹20-₹50 per ride).