Rishikesh is one of Indiafs holy cities, known as the gYoga Capital of the Worldh, and offering spiritual seekers a place to relax, unwind and explore their inner and outer world. Set in the green foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a mountainous region located 1,220ft above sea level in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand.
Here nature meets religion and Rishikesh is one of Indiafs most highly regarded pilgrimage places with millions of Hindus visiting every year to worship, meditate, bathe in the holy the river Ganges, take part in festivals, or just explore. Known as the gateway to the mystical Himalayas, and the Chardham Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, Rishikesh is the first step on the most important pilgrimage trail in Hinduism.
In addition, Rishikesh is a vastly popular place for foreign travelers to visit with many coming to take their 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Certification here, visit for the International Yoga Festival in March or just soak up the spiritual energy.
Therefs also plenty of adventure around every corner with white water rafting a popular activity, camping, kayaking, and even bungee jumping, as well as treks to Kunjapuri temple, Neelkanth, and some of Uttarakhandfs prettiest villages to enjoy. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to find the best place to stay in Rishikesh. Here wefve explained the main areas so you can decide where to stay in Rishikesh.
Here youfll find dozens of great cafes including the popular Royal Cafe which hosts regular live music, Ganga Beach Cafe with its panoramic views of the ever-present Ganges River and the German Bakery, which boasts a prime location next to the iconic Laxman Jhula Bridge, perfect for people watching with a strong coffee. When you need a rest from the hustle and bustle, head to Pyramid Cafe for healthy food in a pretty environment.
Here youfll find dozens of great cafes including the popular Royal Cafe which hosts regular live music, Ganga Beach Cafe with its panoramic views of the ever-present Ganges River and the German Bakery, which boasts a prime location next to the iconic Laxman Jhula Bridge, perfect for people watching with a strong coffee. When you need a rest from the hustle and bustle, head to Pyramid Cafe for healthy food in a pretty environment.
Ram Jhula is home to the other iconic suspension bridge, plus the majority of the famous ashrams, and temples. Visit the popular Parmath Niketan for their picturesque evening aarti ceremony, explore the myriad of ashrams with their manicured gardens and meditating guests, drink chai or lemon soda at a busy street sellerfs stall or stroll along to the fascinating Maharishi Rishi gBeatles Ashramh, where the famous group wrote many of their best songs.
Most of the accommodation in Ram Jhula is of the ashram variety which is a great experience but doesnft give a lot of freedom. We recommend getting a rickshaw, or taking a walk from Laxman Jhula or Tapovan into Ram Jhula to explore the area then returning at your own pace without worrying about an ashram curfew!
Tapovan is a popular place to stay in Rishikesh as itfs a little quieter than the busy Laxman Jhula, yet it still has many cafes, shops and things to do and see. Walkthrough the winding lanes of lower Tapovan along to the River Ganges or take your camera and head up to the green hills of upper Tapovan where you can see local people tending their fields and take in epic views of the mountain range.
Raj Resort is located here in Tapovan and is neighbor to many popular cafes, clothing stores, travel agencies, ayurvedic shops, massage and beauty parlors, and ashrams, plus a variety of local shops to meet your every need.
Since this area is peaceful and attractive yet well-connected, it is a popular choice for a hotel. Tapovan Rishikesh is a favorite amongst yogis and travelers alike. A lot of good hotels in Rishikesh are based here in leafy Tapovan.
The main city of Rishikesh lies just a short 3km journey from Tapovan or Laxman Jhula. Here youfll find the famous Triveni Ghat where the biggest Aarti ceremony takes place every evening at sundown. Many people go to watch the chanting and fire censers burn, and to purchase their own puja candle to send off on river the Ganges ,a beautiful experience.
Known to the rickshaw drivers as Rishikesh Main Market, this is the main city and you?fll find pharmacies, shops, petrol pumps and of course, accommodation, however, this area is not necessarily geared towards foreign travellers and can get very chaotic at times.
From here you can also take the train or buses to other parts of India, including Delhi or further north to Dharamshala.
The best place to stay in Rishikesh will depend on your needs , do you love hustle and bustle, or do you want a peaceful retreat. All of these areas are very well interlinked by road, bike, taxi, tuktuk or walking so you can pick one and settle for some time.