Rishikesh sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills for the plains, and has been a centre of yoga, meditation and pilgrimage for centuries. Ashrams line its ghats, two iconic suspension bridges cross the river, and rafting operators run trips through the rapids just upstream — a rare combination of spiritual town and adventure base.
The Story of Rishikesh
Rishikesh's name comes from "Hrishikesh," an epithet of Lord Vishnu, and the town has been mentioned in Hindu scripture for centuries as a place where sages meditated on the banks of the Ganga as it emerges from the Himalayan foothills onto the plains. It has long been considered the gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit further into the mountains.
Ashrams and yoga schools began establishing themselves here in the early-to-mid 20th century, drawn by the same riverside tranquillity that had attracted meditating sages for generations. The Sivananda Ashram, founded in 1936, was among the most influential in shaping the town's identity as a serious centre for yoga and Vedanta study.
Rishikesh's global profile jumped in 1968, when The Beatles spent several weeks at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now popularly called the "Beatles Ashram") studying Transcendental Meditation — a visit that introduced Western audiences to yoga and Indian spirituality on a mass scale. Since then, the town has grown into both a serious yoga and wellness destination and a major adventure-tourism hub for Ganga rafting.
Top Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Yoga, Ashrams & River Rafting — here's what most visitors build their itinerary around.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
How to Reach Rishikesh
* Indicative one-way sedan fares — the exact fare (including driver allowance, taxes and estimated tolls) is always shown before you confirm your booking. Ertiga, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller options are available at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Go
Rishikesh Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Rishikesh is about 238 km from Delhi, roughly 5–6 hours by cab via Haridwar on NH334.
It has hosted ashrams and yoga schools since the early 20th century, and gained global fame after The Beatles studied meditation there in 1968 — a legacy that has kept it a leading centre for yoga, meditation and wellness tourism ever since.
September to November and February to April offer the best combination of pleasant weather and active rafting operations; the season typically pauses during the monsoon.
Yes — the two pilgrimage towns are only about 25 km apart and are commonly visited together in a single 2–3 day trip.
Yes — One-Way Bhaarat runs flat-fare one-way cabs from Delhi to Rishikesh, with the complete fare shown upfront before you book.