Weekend getaway from Delhi · #3 of 10
Rishikesh
Yoga capital on the Ganges - river rafting, cliffside cafes, the Beatles Ashram and the evening Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat. Rafting pauses in the monsoon.
Rishikesh is the ultimate mix of spiritual chill and wild adventure, just 230 km from Delhi. Spend your weekend exploring Laxman Jhula and Swargashram, rafting Shivpuri rapids, and witnessing the magical evening Ganga aarti.
Getting there
Expect a 230 km run; buses clock 5-7 hours depending on the traffic chaos. Trust us, skip the July Kanwar pilgrimage weeks unless you love gridlocked roads and fully booked hotels.
Plenty of fast trains hit Haridwar, leaving you with just a quick bus or shared auto ride to Rishikesh. This is your best bet during festival melas when roads get hopelessly blocked.
Day 1
Vibrant bridges, sacred ghats, and riverside magic- 16:00 AMDrive
Drive Delhi to Rishikesh
Hit the road early to outrun the Meerut-Muzaffarnagar traffic. Make sure to stop for piping-hot parathas and sweet masala chai at a highway dhaba near Khatauli.
Tip · Set that alarm for 6 AM. Trust us, leaving early saves you a painful hour of crawling through morning traffic.
- 212:30 PMFood
Lunch at Little Buddha Cafe
This multi-level treehouse cafe is a legendary spot on Laxman Jhula Road. Grab a seat by the window for stunning Ganges views and choose from Nepali, Thai, or European plates.
📍 Little Buddha Cafe, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
Tip · Rishikesh is completely dry and vegetarian. Lean into the fresh fruit juices and massive thalis, you will not regret it.
- 32:00 PMSight
Laxman Jhula and Trayambakeshwar Temple
Stroll across the famous suspension bridge, then climb the iconic 13-story temple next door for killer views of the river. Don't miss the lively stalls on both sides.
📍 Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
Tip · Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys on the bridge. They will snatch snacks, sunglasses, or anything shiny if you lock eyes with them.
- 44:00 PMSight
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Explore the abandoned forest ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968. You will love the unique egg-shaped meditation huts and the amazing graffiti art scattered throughout.
📍 Beatles Ashram, Swargashram, Rishikesh
Tip · Since it is inside a forest reserve, it shuts down by sunset. Buy your entry ticket and get there before 5 PM to explore.
- 56:00 PMActivity
Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat
Join the beautiful evening crowd as the air fills with chants, bells, and thousands of glowing lamps. Find a spot on the steps and float a leafy diya down the river.
📍 Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
Tip · If you want a quieter setting, check out the aarti at Parmarth Niketan across the river. It starts at 5 PM in winter and 6 PM in summer.
- 68:00 PMFood
Dinner at Chotiwala, Swargashram
Grab a table at this legendary Rishikesh institution claiming the original name. They serve up five types of thali and classic Indian dishes, with meals starting around Rs 100.
📍 Chotiwala Restaurant, Swargashram, Rishikesh
Tip · Go straight for the special thali. Keep in mind that extra servings cost extra now, so order exactly what you need.
- 79:30 PMStay
Overnight in Tapovan or Swargashram
Tapovan is a busy backpacker hub with rooftop cafes, while Swargashram is a quieter retreat full of ashrams. Riverside guesthouses with Ganga views are incredibly cheap here.
📍 Tapovan, Rishikesh
Tip · Rooms sell out fast during peak season or Haridwar festivals, so book ahead. Also, pack a flashlight-those narrow lanes get pitch black at night.
Day 2
Rafting wild rapids and wandering ancient lanes- 87:00 AMActivity
White-water rafting from Shivpuri
Head 12 km upriver to Shivpuri and tackle the famous Class I-III rapids back to town. If you are feeling brave, leap off the 20-foot cliff into the icy Ganges.
📍 Shivpuri, Rishikesh
Tip · Plan your trip for September-November or March-May to catch the best rapids. The river shuts down completely during the monsoon.
- 911:30 AMFood
Brunch at German Bakery, Tapovan
Perched right above Laxman Jhula, this is the perfect post-rafting recovery spot. Order a hot cup of coffee and their legendary spinach pie to recharge.
📍 German Bakery, Tapovan, Rishikesh
Tip · That famous spinach pie is no joke and sells out fast. Get there by mid-morning if you want to grab a slice.
- 101:00 PMSight
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Visit this sacred Shiva temple perched at 1,675 m on the hill above Swargashram. Share jeeps and taxis run up to the top from near the banks of the Ganges.
📍 Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
Tip · It is a winding one-hour drive each way. If you are already tired, skip it and spend your remaining hours chilling by the Ganges.
- 113:30 PMSight
Ram Jhula and Swargashram stroll
Cross Ram Jhula and wander Swargashram's pedestrian lanes, passing Parmarth Niketan, Gita Bhavan, and riverside ghats where pilgrims take their holy dip.
📍 Ram Jhula, Rishikesh
Tip · Keep an eye out for local fruit carts along the lanes. The papayas are sweet, fresh, and perfect for a quick snack.
- 125:00 PMFood
Riverside chai before the drive
Savor one last cup of steaming masala chai or warming Ayurvedic tea at a cozy riverside cafe, watching the golden evening light paint the Ganges.
- 136:00 PMDrive
Drive back to Delhi
Leave before Haridwar's evening aarti shuts down the bypass. Stop for a classic dhaba dinner near Roorkee or Muzaffarnagar, arriving in Delhi by midnight.
Tip · Sunday night traffic back into Delhi can be brutal after 8 PM. We recommend hitting the road from Rishikesh by 4 or 5 PM to beat the rush.
Where to eat
This special thali is a local rite of passage. Head to the original Swargashram branch to sample their famous spread, which claims five delicious varieties.
The ultimate post-adventure reward in Tapovan. Make sure to show up by 10 AM before the last slice is snatched.
Head to Little Buddha, Ganga View, or Freedom Ganga for multi-cuisine veggie plates, massive juices, and river views. Expect a wait during peak hours.
No meat or booze allowed here, but the local cafes make up for it with incredible masala chai, thick lassis, and healthy herbal tonics.
When to go
Enjoy pleasant weather and the prime rafting window from March to May. Just note that early March brings crowds for the annual yoga festival.
Give this a miss. The Kanwar pilgrimage completely packs out the town and roads, while heavy monsoon rains shut down all rafting.
The best all-round window: expect gorgeous post-monsoon greenery, clear blue skies, and the prime September-November rafting season.
Expect crisp mornings and freezing river water, but you will get peaceful ghats to yourself. Note that the Parmarth aarti starts earlier at 5 PM.
Good to know
- Rafting companies are everywhere in Tapovan and Shivpuri offering identical river routes. Chat with a few different shops to find the best deal.
- Rishikesh is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free zone, so prepare yourself for a clean, green weekend of delicious veggie eats.
- Watch out for pushy street guides, gemstone shops, and unusually chatty sadhus. Stick to your own plans and trust your instincts.
- If you need more adrenaline, Jumpin Heights near Shivpuri runs an 83-meter bungee jump for about Rs 3,700. Be sure to book a morning slot.
