Holiday in Rishikesh

About Rishikesh

Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World", is located where the holy Ganges leaves the foothills of the Himalayas and enters the northern Indian plains. This spiritual city at the foot of the mountains became world-famous through the visit of the Beatles in 1968 at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and has since developed into a mecca for yoga practitioners, meditation seekers, and adventurers from all over the world. The Ganges flows here clear and fast through rocky gorges, and its emerald green color is of a purity that is quickly lost further down the river. The two iconic suspension bridges — Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula — span the river and connect the various ashram neighborhoods. In the evenings, thousands gather at Triveni Ghat for the Ganga Aarti, a fire ceremony of hypnotic beauty. The city is divided into different neighborhoods, each with its own character. Tapovan and Laxman Jhula are the backpacker centers with cafes, yoga schools, and chai stalls. Swarg Ashram is quieter and more spiritual, while the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), now an enchanted ruin garden full of graffiti art, is a unique mix of counterculture and decay. Yoga retreats and teacher training (200-hour and 500-hour TTC) are the main attraction, and dozens of ashrams offer courses for all levels — from free morning meditation to multi-week intensive programs. However, Rishikesh is also North India's adventure capital: white-water rafting on the Ganges, bungee jumping from an 83-meter-high cliff, and hiking in the Himalayan foothills. As a holy city, Rishikesh is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free — which drives the restaurant scene to creative heights. From raw veganism to Ayurvedic cuisine to perfect Masala Dosa, the city offers some of the best vegetarian restaurants in India. The surrounding mountains invite trekking tours. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in the mountains, the Neer Garh waterfalls, and the Kunjapuri Temple with its famous sunrise panorama over the Himalayan peaks are rewarding half-day trips.