Rishikesh is a tiny town in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district, near Haridwar, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas beside the confluence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga Rivers. Rishikesh (also known as Hrishikesh) is the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is noted for its adventurous activities, old temples, and famous cafés. Rishikesh is a pilgrimage town and one of the holiest destinations for Hindus, as well as the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.

The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh in the 1960s, and the city became famous across the world. Today, the location is known as The Beatles Ashram, and it attracts tourists from all over the world. The serene village has long been a spiritual centre, but whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and camping beside the fast-flowing Holy Ganges are all popular. It is also the starting point for many Himalayan hikes.

Rishikesh has become a centre of Sadhus (saints) due to its location on the sacred banks of the Ganga, with various ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda cropping up. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly forbidden in this devout town. Rishikesh hosts the most stunning nightly aarti along the Ganga, which is not as crowded as its counterparts in Varanasi and Haridwar. In the first week of March, the International Yoga Festival takes place here, attracting yoga aficionados from all over the world.

Rishikesh is separated into two main areas: the downtown area, known as Rishikesh town, and the Triveni Ghat, which is a renowned tourist attraction. The opposite side of Rishikesh, 2 km upstream from the famed Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, is where most of the popular ashrams, eateries, lodging, and visitors can be found. The towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh are the first in India to be designated as “twin national historic cities.”