A spiritual sojourn or an adventurous expedition, Rishikesh can help you enjoy any kind of holiday. But, the best Rishikesh itinerary is the one which combines both the spiritual & adventurous aspects of Rishikesh. I explored Rishikesh recently and from my memory archives, I bring you the best way to spend 3 days in Rishikesh! I hope you like this detailed Rishikesh itinerary and start planning to visit Rishikesh soon!
Best way to Reach Rishikesh
To reach Rishikesh, you can opt for an overnight train/bus from Delhi till Dehradun or reach Dehradun by Air directly and proceed towards Rishikesh, located at 35 KMs, via road. Rishikesh is not connected directly to Delhi by train. Hence, you might have to alight at Haridwar railway station which closest to Rishikesh. However, the fastest way to reach Rishikesh from Delhi is by a private/hired vehicle. You can expect to reach Rishikesh in around 5 hours from Delhi. You can also explore some trips for rishikesh here.
Day 1 in Rishikesh: Explore Rishikesh town – Bungee Jumping Site/Laxman Jhula – River Rafting Camp/Beatles Aashram
Start your Day 1 of Rishikesh Itinerary by savoring scrumptious street delicacies and relishing authentic North Indian cuisine. There are high chances that you try any street food joint and discover brilliant taste. However, do consider basic hygiene factors in mind before embarking upon a heavenly trip for your taste-buds.
Post breakfast, this Rishikesh Itinerary would take you towards the Bungee Jumping site. If you are an adventure junkie, you cannot miss this! I would undoubtedly anoint Bungee Jumping as the best part of Rishikesh Itinerary. However, if you are travelling with kids or elderly and don’t have a lot of appetite for adventure, you can skip this place.
If you are deciding to give Bungee Jumping a miss from this Rishikesh Itinerary, you can opt to visit Laxman Jhula, an architectural marvel. There are many temples located in vicinity, enough to help you spend some quality time in peace, admiring the serene river. Don’t forget to try some street food here as well.
A prominent temple near Laxman Jhula is Kailash Niketan Temple, a temple with 13 storeys. The view from the top of this temple is just spectacular! Do consider this attraction an integral part of your Rishikesh Itinerary.
Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh Itinerary (Source)
If you have plans to engage in the adventurous River Rafting activity in Rishikesh, you should ideally leave for your camp around 3-4 pm. This will help you in witnessing the gorgeous sunset, indulging in the kayaking experience or just swim in ice cold Ganga waters.
However, if you would rather soak in spirituality than rummaging through turbulent waters for path ahead, I would recommend you to head towards Beatles Aashram. Yes, you guessed it right! Beatles Aashram is where the famous “Beatles” had stayed for a while, seeking direction in life, during 1960s. To locals, this Aashram is known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Aashram. The Aashram is in dilapidated state and don’t expect anything else apart from the wall art, displaying some of the Beatles lyrics and the unique architectural beauty.
Beatles Aashram, Rishikesh Itinerary (Source)
After visiting Beatles Aashram, head back to your hotel and explore the Rishikesh markets. If you would like to experience an offbeat experience of staying in Aashrams, you can opt for Pramarth Niketan Aashram, Swami Dayanand Aashram or Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
If you are opting for River Rafting during Rishikesh Itinerary, you will stay in river side camps and not these spiritual Aashrams. You can try staying in these Aashrams on Day 2.
Day 2 in Rishikesh: River Rafting/Local Siteseeing – Laxmi Yellow Restaurant (Guest House) – Evening Arti at Paramarth Niketan Aashram
If you opted for River Rafting, you would start your expedition latest by 10 am on Day 2 and it would end at around 2-3 pm in vicinity to Laxman Jhula. You can read my detailed River Rafting experience here.
If you didn’t opt for River rafting during from Rishikesh Itinerary, you can have a scrumptious breakfast at Devraj Coffee Corner or Little Buddha Cafe. Both these cafes are unique as the former offers you spectacular view of the Ganges and later is a tree-house style restaurant. Post breakfast, you can again indulge in local sightseeing and shopping near Laxman Jhula.
Little Buddha Cafe, Rishikesh Itinerary (Source)
You can either visit Laxman Jhula and the nearby temples or just relax at this quiet restaurant/guest house, known as Laxmi Yellow Guest House/Restaurant. Spending some peaceful time here can surely qualify as an offbeat experience. This place is yet a secret, which makes it very less crowded. The place is owned and operated by a Japanese couple who are very friendly!
The best part of this restaurant is the relaxing ambiance and the fact that you can just take a nap here. My friend slept here for an hour as I relished their delicious food. It’s a little difficult to locate this restaurant on your own. But, the locals can surely help you.
After spending some quality time at Laxmi Yellow Guest House, you can head towards Pramarth Niketan Aashram to witness the grandeur of an evening Ganga Arti. You can avail local transport to reach the Aashram. You can read my experience of attending evening Ganga Arti here.
Day 3 in Rishikesh: Visit Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
On the last day of Rishikesh, you can visit Triveni Ghat and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. I would recommend you to visit Triveni Ghat in the evening so that you can also witness the evening Ganga Arti here.
Elated with the trip, you can now start your journey back, reminiscing the sweet memories.
I hope you find the itinerary useful. To know my experiences in detail, I have listed relevant links below.
My 3-day itinerary Rishikesh might help you. However, if you plan to make an itinerary yourself, you should know what makes the best Rishikesh itinerary. Here are some ideas:
What Makes the Best Itinerary Rishikesh?
The best itinerary Rishikesh doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it’s a tapestry woven from your unique interests, desires, and travel style. However, I can help you paint the threads that might create that masterpiece! Here’s what makes a truly special Rishikesh itinerary:
1. Knowing Yourself
Before diving into activities, ask yourself:
- Seeker of Serenity: Do you crave introspection through yoga, meditation, or spiritual discourses?
- Adventure Enthusiast: Does white water rafting, cliff jumping, or zip lining through the Himalayas fuel your spirit?
- Culture Buff: Does exploring ancient temples, bustling markets, and historical sites pique your curiosity?
- Nature Lover: Does hiking waterfalls, soaking in panoramic views, and breathing fresh mountain air rejuvenate you?
2. Balancing Priorities
Rishikesh offers a vibrant blend of experiences. Ensure your itinerary Rishikesh isn’t overloaded with just one type of activity, creating a harmonious mix:
- Spiritual Seeker: Include yoga classes, satsangs, temple visits, and a silent walk by the Ganges for reflection.
- Adventure Junkie: Balance adrenaline rushes with calming yoga nidra sessions or a dip in the holy river.
- Culture Vulture: Weave in market explorations with serene temple mornings and a traditional music performance in the evening.
- Nature Enthusiast: Schedule hikes, waterfall visits, and scenic drives interspersed with relaxing meditation by the river.
3. Choosing Your Base
Where you stay influences your experience:
- Taposhvan: Ideal for yogis and seekers, offering quietude and proximity to ashrams.
- Ganga Beach: Bustling, lively, close to cafes and markets, good for socializing.
- Shivpuri: Offers adventure access but is away from the town centre.
- Ram Jhula/Laxman Jhula: Central location, close to markets and ghats, but can be noisy.
4. Going Beyond the Tourist Trail
While famous attractions like Beatles Ashram and Triveni Ghat are must-sees, explore hidden gems. These can be part of your itinerary Rishikesh:
- Kunja Rani Temple: Stunning views and serenity.
- Rajaji National Park: Wildlife safari for adventure seekers.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Hike and breathtaking vistas.
- Parmath Niketan Ashram: Learn about Vedic wisdom.
5. Personalizing Your Experiences
Tailor activities to your preferences:
- Foodie: Sample local vegetarian delights like Rajma Chawal and Thali meals. Take a cooking class to learn secrets.
- Wellness Buff: Attend Ayurvedic consultations, try natural therapies, or indulge in spa treatments.
- Creative Soul: Learn traditional arts like Madhubani painting or take a photography workshop capturing Rishikesh’s essence.
6. Embracing Spontaneity
Leave room for serendipity:
- Strike up conversations with locals, and learn about their lives.
- Attend an impromptu satsang or participate in a temple ceremony.
- Explore a hidden alleyway and discover a charming cafe.
7. Respecting the Sacred Space
Remember, Rishikesh is a spiritual hub:
- Dress modestly, especially at temples and ashrams.
- Be mindful of noise levels, especially during prayer times.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Remember, the best itinerary Rishikesh is the one that resonates with your soul. Listen to your inner voice, embrace the unique offerings, and create an experience that stays etched in your memory forever.
Also, read my post on reasons why Rishikesh might be perfect for a backpacker.
Things to do in Rishikesh and All You Need to Know About Ranikhet
Have you been to Rishikesh? Do let me know your experiences in the comments below!