Written by the Seenary team from what we know of this place, to get Stories started. Travellers' own stories appear beside it.
Rishikesh is where the Ganga leaves the mountains, and the town has grown up around the river in every sense: ashrams and yoga schools along its banks, the evening aarti at the ghats, and rafting camps upstream. Three days lets you do all three without rushing. Stay on the quieter east bank if you can, and walk the suspension bridges rather than ride across them.
Day by day
Day 1 · The bridges and the ghats
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Ram Jhula · Culture
The suspension bridge between the two banks. Cross on foot and take the river path.
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Parmarth Niketan Ashram · Culture
The largest ashram on the river, with gardens and a famous evening aarti on its ghat.
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Triveni Ghat · Culture
The town's main bathing ghat, and the other great evening aarti.
Day 2 · The river
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Rafting on the Ganga · Nature
A morning on the rapids upstream, with a licensed operator. Dress to get wet.
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Beatles Ashram · Culture
The abandoned Maharishi ashram, now a forested ruin covered in murals. Inside Rajaji National Park's edge.
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Laxman Jhula area · Culture
Cafes, bookshops and the old bridge. A good place to end the day.
Day 3 · Up the valley
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Neer Garh Waterfall · Nature
A short hike from the road to a series of pools. Best in the morning.
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Vashishta Gufa · Culture
A meditation cave on the river, a quiet drive upstream.
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Ganga riverside walk · Nature
Back in town, an unhurried last walk along the water before the aarti.