Rishikesh, Pilgrimage city in Dehradun district, India
Description
Rishikesh is a city in Dehradun district on the banks of the Ganges River in northern India's Uttarakhand state. The city spreads across both sides of the river, where temples, ashrams, and bridges fit into the rocky foothills landscape.
History
Hindu sages established meditation centers here over the centuries, making the place a destination for spiritual seekers. The city gained worldwide attention in the 20th century when Western visitors began coming to study yoga and meditation.
Culture
Rishikesh requires all residents and visitors to follow a vegetarian diet and prohibits alcohol entirely, reflecting its role as a center for Hindu practice. Temples and ashrams shape the daily rhythm, and prayers and chanting echo through the streets from morning until evening.
Practical
Most ashrams and temple rituals begin early in the morning, so visitors should wake up early for the full experience. Comfortable shoes and clothing that covers shoulders and knees make it easier to enter all religious sites and walk longer distances along the river.
Did you know?
Rishikesh hosts a bungee jumping platform at 83 meters, the tallest in all of India. A zipline stretching one kilometer across the landscape is considered the longest in all of Asia.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Dehradun district).
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
5.7 km
Lakshman Jhula
4.2 km
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
20.8 km
Beatles Ashram
2 km
Rajaji National Park
25 km
Har ki Pauri
20.5 km
Garhwal division
47.9 km
Dhari Devi
58.8 km
Ram Jhula Bridge
2.7 km
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar
22.2 km
Surkanda Devi
33.7 km
Kempty Falls
48.8 km
Ganges Canal
20.1 km
Robber's Cave
37.1 km
Parmarth Niketan
2.3 km
Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar
21.6 km
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple
25.1 km
Khalanga War Memorial
32 km
Rock edicts of Khalsi
62.4 km
Raghunathji Temple, Devprayag
26.6 kmClock Tower of Haridwar
20.5 km
Raj Bhavan
36.1 km
Bhuiyar Dharmshala
23.4 km
Balbir Singh Sahitya Kendra
31.7 km
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Kotdwar
45.7 km
Joyland Waterpark
34.6 km
Shivalaya
44.7 km
Old Cemetery of Roorkee
48.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes