Triveni Ghat and the evening aarti
Triveni Ghat is the main bathing ghat, where the evening Ganga aarti draws a large crowd. The aarti is calm and the lamps on the river are a lovely sight.
Local tip: Arrive early for a place on the steps.
Rishikesh sits on the Ganga where the hills begin. It is known for its ashrams, the Triveni Ghat aarti and as the base for the Chota Char Dham yatra.
At a glance
| Place | Rishikesh, Uttarakhand |
|---|---|
| Known as | Ashram town · gateway to Char Dham |
| Best time | September to November and February to April. The monsoon brings landslide risk on hill roads. |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 days |
| Nearest railway | Rishikesh (Yog Nagar) or Haridwar Junction |
| Nearest airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun |
Panchang at Rishikesh today
- Date13 November 2026
- TithiShukla Chaturthi
- NakshatraMula
- Sunrise / Sunset06:40 AM / 05:22 PM
- Rahu Kaal10:41 AM – 12:01 PM
- Abhijit Muhurat11:40 AM – 12:22 PM
Rishikesh yatra: what to know before you plan
Rishikesh sits where the Ganga leaves the mountains. It is known as the yoga capital of the world, but for a pilgrim it is first a tapovan, a forest of sages, and the starting point of the Char Dham yatra. It is quieter and more relaxed than Haridwar.
Most visitors make the mistake of treating it as a stop for rafting. A proper visit has three parts: the ghats and the evening aarti, the ashram and bridge area, and a trip to the forest temples above the town.
This guide is for families who want a gentle, meaningful one to three days.
Route and layout at a glance
The town spreads along both banks. The Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula area is the main hub with ashrams, cafes and shops. Triveni Ghat is the main ghat for the evening aarti. Neelkanth Mahadev is about 32 km from the town and is reached by road.
Vehicles are limited near the two jhulas, so walk or use shared autos.
Plan your Rishikesh trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
1 day in Rishikesh
A day trip from Haridwar or Dehradun.
Day 1
- Morning. Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula and Parmarth Niketan.
- Afternoon. Lunch by the river.
- Evening. Triveni Ghat aarti.
2 days in Rishikesh
Best for families.
Day 1
- Morning. Jhula area and ashrams.
- Evening. Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat.
Day 2
- Morning. Neelkanth Mahadev.
- Afternoon. Rest or a quiet river-side hour.
3 days: yoga and quiet
For those who want a relaxed stay.
Day 1
- Daytime. Jhulas and ashrams.
Day 2
- Daytime. Neelkanth and the forest.
Day 3
- Daytime. A morning yoga or meditation session and an easy walk.
5 days: Rishikesh with Haridwar
A gentle pilgrim base.
Days 1 to 2
- Daily. Rishikesh sights.
Day 3
- Daily. Haridwar.
Days 4 to 5
- Daily. Rest, ashram stay or a short trek.
1 week: start of the Char Dham
Rishikesh as the base of the Himalayan circuit.
Day 1
- Daily. Rest and acclimatise in Rishikesh.
Days 2 to 7
- Daily. Start Kedarnath, Badrinath or the Chota Char Dham.
Darshan guide: what to see and why
Triveni Ghat and the evening aartiRam Jhula and Laxman JhulaParmarth Niketan and Swarg AshramNeelkanth Mahadev TempleThe Beatles Ashram and Vashishta Gufa
Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula
Two iron suspension bridges over the Ganga. Laxman Jhula is the older one. Both lead to temples, ashrams, cafes and the busy market area.
Local tip: Cross on foot early in the morning when it is quiet.
Parmarth Niketan and Swarg Ashram
Large ashram complexes near Ram Jhula. Parmarth Niketan holds an evening aarti by the river with bhajans and is popular with both pilgrims and foreign visitors.
Local tip: Respect the ashram rules on dress and photography.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
A Shiva temple in the forest about 32 km from Rishikesh, believed to be where Shiva drank the poison from the churning of the ocean. The drive up and the walk down are scenic.
Local tip: Go on a weekday. Mondays and Shravan are very busy.
The Beatles Ashram and Vashishta Gufa
The ruined Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram is now a quiet forest walk. Vashishta Gufa, further up the river, is a meditation cave of the sage Vashishta.
Local tip: Check the access rules and entry fee on arrival.
Best time to go, season by season
| October to March | Cool, clear weather. The best time for all activities. |
|---|---|
| April to June | Hot in the day. Evenings are pleasant. |
| Monsoon | The river rises and rafting and some ghats close. |
| International Yoga Festival (March) | A big event that fills hotels. |
How to reach and get around
- By rail: Yog Nagri Rishikesh station has limited trains. Haridwar, 25 km away, is the main railhead.
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport is about 20 km away.
- By road: Good road links from Delhi, about 240 km.
Where to stay
Ashrams and guest houses near Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula are the classic choice. Quieter stays are available on the Tapovan side and above the river.
What to eat
Rishikesh is vegetarian and alcohol-free around the ghats. Look for the ashram thali, simple sabzi and roti, and many cafes with healthy food.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting a pilgrim town to feel like a resort.
- Trying rafting without a licensed operator.
- Skipping Neelkanth because it is far.
- Visiting only for the aarti and leaving.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly near ashrams and ghats.
- Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are not allowed in the main area.
- Do not feed the monkeys.
Day trips from Rishikesh
- Haridwar: About 25 km. Har Ki Pauri and the hill temples.
- Neelkanth Mahadev: About 32 km. A famous forest temple.
- Dehradun and Mussoorie: Longer hill drives.
- Devprayag: The meeting point of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.
Festivals and special days
- International Yoga Festival (March)
- Maha Shivaratri
- Ganga Dussehra
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Questions people ask
How many days are enough for Rishikesh?
Two days cover the main sights. Three days suit a calmer stay.
Is Rishikesh good for a family pilgrimage?
Yes. It is quiet, clean and easy to walk, with plenty of vegetarian food.
Is alcohol allowed in Rishikesh?
Not in the main ghat area. It is a vegetarian zone.
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
October to March for pleasant weather.
Can I visit Rishikesh and Haridwar in one trip?
Yes. They are only 25 km apart.
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
September to November and February to April. The monsoon brings landslide risk on hill roads.
How many days are needed for Rishikesh?
Plan 1 to 2 days.
How do I reach Rishikesh?
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (Yog Nagar) or Haridwar Junction. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
What are the main festivals at Rishikesh?
International Yoga Festival (March); Maha Shivaratri; Ganga Dussehra.
What is today's tithi and Rahu Kaal at Rishikesh?
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:41 AM to 12:01 PM, worked out for Rishikesh's own sunrise.
Photo credits
Lakshman Jhula seen from a boat on the Ganga: KaustubhNayyar, CC BY-SA 4.0, source.
