A Traveler’s Guide to Rishikesh for Foreign Tourists

Vikram Kumar Mandal
Nov 9
5 min read

When I first set foot in Rishikesh, it felt like I had stepped into another rhythm of life — one that flows with the same calm energy as the Ganges herself. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, this sacred town in northern India has a magnetic pull on seekers, yogis, and travelers from every corner of the globe.

If you’re planning your first trip to Rishikesh, this guide — shaped by my own journey — will help you get there smoothly, find the right place to stay, eat, and explore, and make the most of your time in this soulful destination.

How to Reach Rishikesh

From Delhi

If you’re traveling from Delhi, the easiest way is to take a bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate. You’ll find different options depending on your comfort and budget:

Non-AC Government Bus – ₹400 (≈ $5). These buses run almost every hour during the day and drop you at the Rishikesh Bus Stand.
AC Government Bus – ₹800 (≈ $9.5)A more comfortable ride that also drops you at the Rishikesh Bus Stand.
Private Buses via redbus.comYou can book an AC Volvo bus, which drops you at Nepali Farm, around 12 km before Rishikesh Bus Stand. From there, hire a private tuk-tuk to Tapovan (the main traveler area).
- Private tuk-tuk: ₹500–₹800 (≈ $6–$9.5)
- Shared tuk-tuk: ₹100–₹150 (≈ $1–$1.8) per person

If you arrive at the Rishikesh Bus Stand (after taking a government bus), shared tuk-tuks to Tapovan cost ₹20–₹30 (≈ $0.25–$0.35), while private ones charge around ₹200–₹300 (≈ $2.5–$3.5).

Recommended way: Book a bus online through redbus.com at your convenience, get off at Nepali Farm, and take a private tuk-tuk straight to Tapovan. If you can’t book online, you can also buy tickets directly at ISBT Kashmere Gate, platform numbers 49–54.

If you have a higher budget and prefer convenience, you can fly to Dehradun Airport and then hire a private cab to Tapovan, Rishikesh. The cab fare is around ₹2,000 (≈ $24).

Where to Stay in Rishikesh

If you’re a solo traveler, Rishikesh has plenty of cozy hostels to meet fellow wanderers:

Devi Music Ashram
The Indian Culture Hostel
Serendipity Hostel and Cats Café

You’ll easily find more by searching locally or online. However, if you truly want to experience Rishikesh beyond its touristy chaos, I recommend staying in an ashram or joining a yoga retreat. This is where you’ll really feel India — the discipline, spirituality, and simplicity of life.

You can explore yoga retreats at bookretreats.com.

Some great ashrams to consider:

Parmarth Niketan Ashram
The Divine Life Society (Sivananda Ashram)
Yoga Niketan Ashram
Santosh Puri Ashram – Located between Rishikesh and Haridwar. From Nepali Farm, you can take a private tuk-tuk directly there.

My recommendation: Stay in an ashram for about a week to immerse yourself in yoga and Indian culture, and then spend 2–3 days in a hostel to explore local attractions and cafes. If you only stay in a random hotel or hostel, you might miss the essence of Rishikesh and find it a bit chaotic — especially on weekends.

Things to Do in Rishikesh

Rishikesh offers a perfect balance of inner reflection and simple joys. Here are my personal favourites:

Drop-in Yoga Classes Try Yog Upasana with teacher Ravi Bisht — a highly respected teacher in Rishikesh. Many yoga instructors across India are his students.
Sound Healing Sessions or Courses Recommended: Indian Yoga Association — their sound healing programs are excellent.
Visit Vashistha Cave. About 25 km from Rishikesh, you can reach by bus, taxi, or rented scooter. Spend time meditating by the clean, quiet banks of the Ganges. Best time: early morning.
Patna Waterfall: A lovely short trek surrounded by nature.
Sunset View Point Search “Sun Set Point Ganga View Trek” on Google Maps — a hidden gem for breathtaking views.
Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. The morning aarti takes place around 5:45–6:30 AM, and the evening aarti around 6:00–7:00 PM. The atmosphere is divine — after the aarti, people dance joyfully to bhajans. Don’t miss the fresh, hygienic jalebi right outside the gate!
Sai Ghat in the Evening: One of the most peaceful spots in town. Sit quietly by the Ganga, feel the cool breeze, and sometimes you’ll hear spontaneous chants or singing.
Take a Holy Dip in the Ganges. Use the designated bathing spot near Ram Jhula (the suspension bridge). You’ll see locals and pilgrims taking a dip here. Please dress modestly — avoid bikinis out of respect.
Avoid Rafting or Drinking by the River. While river rafting is popular, I personally find it disrespectful to the sacred Ganga. Instead, sit by the river, meditate, and reflect.

Places to Eat (Hygienic & Safe)

Anna’s Mess (South Indian Restaurant) – My top recommendation!
Beatles Café (Café Delmar)
Secret Garden Café
Little Buddha Café
Dada’s Thali – A local gem serving wholesome Indian meals (thali).

You’ll find plenty of other cafés in Tapovan — each with its own vibe and view of the Ganga.

Things to Buy in Rishikesh

Incense sticks (great quality and fragrance)
Singing bowls and Indian musical instruments
Ayurvedic medicines
Organic products (oils, soaps, teas)
Comfortable yogic clothing
Indian spices (many spice shops are in Tapovan)

Where to Go After Rishikesh

As magical as Rishikesh is, it can sometimes feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first experience in India. Don’t worry, this isn’t the whole of India. The country has infinite shades, each unique and beautiful.

After Rishikesh, I suggest heading to Bir, Himachal Pradesh. It’s peaceful, affordable, and full of charm — cozy cafés, beautiful monasteries, and some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see. Bir has a large Tibetan community, giving it a calm, spiritual vibe. The weather can get chilly in winter, so pack a few warm clothes.

You can book a direct, comfortable bus from Rishikesh to Bir through Laxmi Holidays on redbus.com.

And after Bir, continue your spiritual journey to Dharamshala — another peaceful Himalayan town surrounded by cedar forests and monasteries. It’s home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, making it a centre for meditation, Buddhist teachings, and cultural harmony. The journey from Bir to Dharamshala is just a few hours by bus or taxi, and the route offers breathtaking mountain views all along the way.

I’ll soon share a detailed travel guide to both Bir and Dharamshala — but if you need help planning your trip before that, feel free to message me directly.

Final Thoughts

Rishikesh isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. From the early-morning chants by the river to the echo of temple bells at dusk, every sound and scent here has a story to tell. Come with an open heart, and you’ll leave lighter, calmer, and a little more connected to yourself.