July 30th, 2019
Rishikesh is only 47 km from Dehradun but it took me more than 2 hours to travel this short distance in my car. It isn’t that the road was potholed but the drive was scenic. It feels like we are going in the lap of Himalayas.
It was the month of June and the sun was directly over out head but the majestic mountains provided us the shade and we stopped at many places just to thank nature and soak in the lush greenery missing in big metropolis.
Best time to visit
One can visit Rishikesh anytime of the year, it has a continental climate, though.
March to June: The onset of summer in March is the best time to visit Rishikesh because the later summer becomes too hot with mercury rising up to +35°C. Summer is the right time to enjoy river rafting that attracts people from across the globe. International Yoga Festival held in March is another interesting summer activity of Rishikesh. As the summer advances, travel companies offer discounts to attract vacationers for rafting and trekking. Hotels also offer discount deals to attract customers.
July to September: The rainy season starts in July and continues till late September but the rainfall remains average. The rainy seasons makes the weather pleasant but difficult for rafting. Travel companies and hotels continue giving discount to keep the business running during rainy season.
October to February: Rain brings the mercury down making the weather further pleasant but only until January when the mercury hovers between 19°C to 27°C. While October is the most favorable season for rafting and trekking, the cool January is unsuitable for water sports and outdoor adventures.
Things to do in Rishikesh
The activities are divided into spiritual and adventurous. Depending on your holiday theme, you can choose an activity.
Spiritual
Rishikesh is the land of sages. Situated on the foothills of Himalayas besides the holy Ganga River, it provides solace to troubled minds and souls.
People come here to explore religion by taking part in different religious activities that keep going in the many ashrams in Rishikesh.
The eastern bank of Ganga River upstream from Rishikesh town is a congestion-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian conclave and dotting this conclave are many ancient temples and modern ashrams that has been centers of spiritual studies since time immemorial.
Open to all, the ashrams offered spiritual courses and training programs at a very affordable fee. For food and drinks, the students can visit the many restaurants and eateries lined along the banks of the river. ChotiWala is the most famous eating point in Rishikesh. Opened in 1958, it serves Indian delicacies with warm hospitality at a pocket friendly price.
Adventure sports
Rishikesh is famous for white water rafting from upstream of the naughty river to down where the water is calm. The price starts at ₹550 per person after a discount. But it is an approximate cost as the cost varies according to season and traffic.
Bungee jumping is another activity that attracts adventure sports lovers to Himalayas. The cost starts at ₹3550 per person. But there are a minimum age and weight requirements for bungee jumping. In addition to this activity, there is Giant Swing at ₹3550; Flying Fox in tandem at ₹1800; Flying Fox solo at ₹3000 and combo offers for bungee jumping and flying fox.
Other outdoor activities of Rishikesh include riverside camping, trekking, jungle adventure and sightseeing.
Note: The prices mentioned are per person and they are subjected to changes according to season and traffic.
Food in Rishikesh
As said, Rishikesh is a holy city free from alcohol and non-vegetarian food. But you will find all kinds of vegetarian delights in this Himalayan town. Also, there are eateries for all classes of vacationers from high-end to budget travelers. Hotels also have kitchens to accommodate food needs of their guests, but you can try eating out in a restaurant of choice like Choti Wala that remains full throughout the day and Govind Ji restaurant in the ISKCON temple.
How to reach Rishikesh?
I choose to drive from Dehradun. I was there to attend a wedding and found time to visit Rishikesh that is only an hour’s drive from Dehradun. But the scenic drive turned into a trip and I spent two hours on the road that passes through the green pastures of Himalayan foothills.
By Air
Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. It would take you a little more than an hour to reach here from Delhi. Rishikesh is only 35 km from Jolly Grant airport.
By Road
Vacationers reach Rishikesh in buses, taxis and private cars through Haridwar or Dehradun route.
By Train
Haridwar is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh. From here, people travel 25 km in buses and taxis to reach Rishikesh.
