Rishikesh is a small town in the Uttarakhand state in Northern India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now closed), and the town is still known as the world capital of yoga. There are several yoga centres around that attract hoards of tourists and it is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.
Ram and Laxman Jhoolas – As you drive into Rishikesh you will first pass by the impressive Ram Jhoola, a suspension bridge swaying above the swirling waters of the Ganges. The gentle swing of the jhoola can be quite unnerving for the uninitiated so be careful when you first step on it. Ram Jhoola connects Shivanand Ashram on the East bank with Swargashram on the West bank. Further upstream is the Laxman Jhoola, another suspension bridge very similar to the Ram Jhoola. Laxman Jhoola is the centre of good times with noisy bazaars and crowded cafes all around.

Ashrams - The ashrams of rishikesh are world famous for yoga, and these are abundant in number in and around Rishikesh. Some of these are very well known and are regarded as tourist spots while some are still been regarded as proper ashrams where rishis (saints) stay. Ashrams situated on the eastern bank of the river Ganges are collectively known as Swargashram.

Aarti on the Ghat
Triveni Ghat - Triveni is a bathing spot at a distance about 1.5 km from Rishikesh. It is considered sacred for being the confluence of three mountain streams and pilgrims from all over the world come here to take a dip into the holy waters.

White Water Rafting – Rishikesh is the one of the most popular destinations in India for those looking at some adventure in the form of white water rafting, due to the medium and rough rapids that form in the Ganges in its course downstream. September-November and March-May are the ideal seasons for rafting.

Shopping - As with most holy cities cum tourist destinations there's a plethora of religious paraphenalia, cheap clothing aimed at foreigners, incense, bronze shiva statues, etc. Unlike many other similar towns in India prices here are usually reasonable and you won't have to haggle hard for a good price.

Eating - Non-vegeterian food has been banned in the city for many many years. However vegetarian North and south Indian food is widely available, and there's no shortage of multi-cuisine backpacker cafes, especially in Lakshman Jhula. What excites many foreigners is the delicious Ayurvedic and health food restaurants, perfect for an after-yoga meal.

Many of the main lanes are lined with wooden push carts selling in-season fruit, veggies, popcorn, nuts, warm cookies and lots else, and you'll usually be quoted a fair price. The papayas here are particularly delicious.

Getting Around - Auto-rickshaws (also called vikrams) are useful from the bus/train stations to get to either of the bridges (Rs 8) and for the southern side of the Ganges. Swargashram is pretty much pedestrian only, but it's compact and walkable (as is the whole of the town). For other autorickshaw journeys you should expect to pay around Rs 15/km.

Location – Situated at a distance of 225 km North East from Delhi in the Uttaranchal state.

How to Reach – In case you wish to drive down take the NH58 from Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar. One could also take the Dehradun Shatabdi express to get here. There are several deluxe buses available from Delhi as well.

Accomodation – Most accomodation and restaurants can be found in Lakshman Jhula, High Bank and Swarg Ashram areas. There are several small hotels available which cater primarily to foreigners traveling on a budget and are not the best accommodation options since the amenities are very basic and the food barely palatable. Some better options include the Glasshouse on the Ganges, Ganga Kinare, Natraj, etc. An excellent budget option is the Green Hotel famous for its Little Italy Restaurant.