Rishikesh

A little town in the northern state of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh overlooks the Ganges as it flows down from the Himalayas. Sporting beautiful, sweeping views of the curving, winding river, Rishikesh is surrounded on all sides by a series of jagged mountains and lush, verdant forest. Due to its location, Rishikesh is known as the gateway to the Himalayas, and is a starting point for a number of sacred pilgrimages. One such pilgrimage was famously undertaken by the Beatles, who arrived in Rishikesh in 1968 to meditate, study, and gain inspiration for their work - in the process, forever altering Western perceptions of Indian spirituality.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Adventure Sports

Outdoor activities in Rishikesh include kayaking, hiking, trekking, rappelling, camping, white-water rafting and rock climbing.

Ananda Spa and Resort

Of the numerous ashrams and yoga schools in Rishikesh, Ananda Spa and Resort is perhaps the finest, blending ancient Indian sciences and modern Western treatments. The staff at Ananda will match your individual needs in a variety of disciplines, from Rishikesh yoga and Vedanta, or ancient Hindu philosophies governing life and well-being, to Ayurvedic, or traditional Indian, medicine. In addition, Ananda features 24 treatment rooms and a team of qualified nutrionists, yoga instructors, western and Ayurvedic physicians, and spa therapists. You can also meet with a resident nutritionist and learn about how you can improve your overall wellbeing through minor changes to your diet.

Ganga Aarti

Attend the Ganga Aarti, a daily evening ritual performed at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, situated on the banks of the Ganges. This 1.5-hour ritual starts with a holy fire ceremony called a yagna, which involves offering a mixture of different herbs with clarified butter (ghee) to the fire while chanting mantras in order to purify the surrounding environment. The guru, or Master, sings prayers and lights small lamps in welcoming and thanking the Ganges for being the source of life and prosperity for this region.

Swarg Ashram

Tather than a single ashram, or religious complex, Swarg is a series of ashrams, guesthouses, temples, shops and bathing ghats. Situated at he foot of the Himalayas, it is considered the spiritual “ground zero” of Rishikesh.

Trayambakeshwar Temple

The 13-story high Trayambakeshwar Temple is a large, colorful structure which recalls Himalayan architectural styles in its tiled roofs, flapping, multicolored flags, and tall spires. A temple of the Hindu faith, Trayambakeshwar is filled with murtis, or intricate, detailed images of Hindu gods and goddesses, usually carved from wood or cast in various metals.

Yoga

Perhaps because of its scenic location and peaceful ambience, Rishikesh is home to a high concentration of yoga schools and academies; it is the self-proclaimed "Yoga Capital of the World." As such, visitors can choose from a huge range of instruction in various settings, from large, live-in schools with hundreds of students to smaller centers with more personalized instruction. One yoga school and ashram (now defunct) in Rishikesh once hosted the Beatles.

India Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Multi-Country Specialists

India Goes Well With

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.