Rishikesh, often called the Yoga Capital of the World, is a beautiful mix of peace, adventure, and café vibes. From walking across the famous Lakshman Jhula to soaking in the magic of the evening Ganga Aarti, from chasing waterfalls to rafting in the Ganga — there’s so much to do here. If you’ve only got a few days, this 3-day Rishikesh itinerary will help you cover the best of temples, ashrams, adventure, and food.
Day 1 – Spiritual & Cultural Rishikesh
- Morning
- Arrive early in Rishikesh.
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast of parathas and lassi at a local eatery. (Paratha is a little heavy, so it will keep your tummy full for a longer time. It’s also cheap, making it perfect for budget travel.)
- Late Morning/ Afternoon
- Explore Lakshman Jhula and the local market on both sides of the bridge.
- Then go for Ram Jhula, explore the local market nearby.
- Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Geeta Bhawan & nearby temples for some peace by the Ganga.
- Evening
- Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat — the spiritual highlight of the day.
PRO TIP:
- The best places to stay in Rishikesh are the hostels around Tapovan. (I stayed at goSTOPS Hostel — one of the most amazing places!)
- From there, you can walk to Lakshman Jhula and nearby attractions. To go further, take a shared blue taxi locally called a Vikram. Walk a little to the stand and always take the first one in line — not from the middle — otherwise, they may charge you extra. The fare usually ranges between ₹30–50 depending on the distance.
- Near Ram Jhula, you can explore Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Geeta Bhavan, and several nearby temples on foot. You’ll also find small food stalls near the ghat for quick bites.
- For shopping:
- Buy stones and crystals in Tapovan.
- Buy clothes near Ram Jhula — and don’t forget to bargain!
- Travel Tip: Although Rishikesh lies on the banks of the Ganga, the days can get very hot. Always carry an umbrella, water bottle, and sunscreen to stay comfortable while exploring.
Day 2 – Sunrise, Waterfalls & Adventure
- Early Morning (leave by 4:00 AM)
- Drive up to Kunjapuri Temple for an unforgettable sunrise view of the Himalayas and the Ganga valley.
- Late Morning
- Visit Neer Garh Waterfall and Secret Waterfall for a refreshing break.
- Afternoon / Evening
- If it’s rafting season: go for an exciting River rafting adventure.
- If not: visit Vashishtha Gufa (meditation cave) and explore the colorful, graffiti-filled Beatles Ashram.
- Evening
- Experience the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ghat.
- End your day with café hopping (Beatles Café, Little Buddha, Bistro Nirvana are great picks)
PRO TIP:
- The sunrise at Kunjapuri Temple varies with the seasons, so always check the sunrise time a day before. Leave by 4:00 AM to catch the best view.
- Both Neer Garh and the Secret Waterfall get crowded if you reach late, so it’s better to go early. At the Secret Waterfall, you also have the option to take a refreshing dip — something I definitely recommend!
- River Rafting is closed during the monsoon. The best seasons are April to June and after September. Still, always confirm availability when booking.
- If you’re visiting during monsoon, or not planning to go for rafting, you can instead explore the Vashishtha Gufa and the Beatles Ashram.
- Travel Tip: For this day’s plan, it’s best to rent a scooty. The sunrise point at Kunjapuri Temple is about 26 km away, and you’ll need to start early in the morning. Since all these places are spread out, a scooty is the most convenient and flexible option.
Day 3 – Slow Morning & Exploring Ashrams
- Morning
- Sleep in a little and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant — a Rishikesh classic.
- Late Morning & Afternoon
- Spend time shopping in Rishikesh’s streets, picking up souvenirs, handicrafts, and spiritual items.
- If time allows, visit a few ashrams (Sivananda Ashram, Omkarananda, or Parmarth for one last stroll).
- Evening (6:00 PM)
- End trip with one last evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
- Wrap up your Rishikesh stay at leisure and prepare for onward travel.
PRO TIP:
- Let your last day be a little slower — after all, you’ve already done a lot in the past two days.
- You can also join a yoga or meditation session to relax and recharge.
- A bit of shopping is a must, and many people also carry Ganga Jal back home — so don’t forget that.
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