How far is Rishikesh from Delhi, and what is the best route?
Rishikesh is about 240 km from Delhi, 5–6 hours by cab on NH-58, the Delhi–Haridwar highway. The road runs through Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee and Haridwar, with good highway stretches and several clean rest stops. The final 25 km from Haridwar follows the Ganga, and it is one of the prettiest parts of the drive.
| Route | Via | Distance | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended | NH-58 → Ghaziabad → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh | ~240 km | 5 hr 30 min | Standard, smoothest route |
| Alternate (Saharanpur) | Saharanpur → Dehradun → Rishikesh | ~270 km | 6 hr 30 min | Combined Dehradun–Rishikesh trip |
Because the road passes through Haridwar, a short stop there is usually built in. Travellers pairing Rishikesh with Dehradun, 45 km away, often take the Saharanpur route instead.
What are the best places to visit in Rishikesh?
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula
These two iron suspension bridges over the Ganga define the Rishikesh skyline. Lakshman Jhula, where Lord Lakshman is said to have crossed the river, has been closed for repair, so check its status before you go. Ram Jhula is open, wider and busier, with shops on both banks.
Triveni Ghat and the Ganga Aarti
The main bathing ghat of Rishikesh hosts the Ganga Aarti every evening at sunset. Thousands of devotees gather as floating lamps drift downstream and conch shells sound across the water.
Parmarth Niketan
The largest ashram in Rishikesh sits on the riverbank and is known for its yoga and meditation programmes and the evening aarti at its own ghat. The aarti is free to attend; classes need booking in advance.
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The Beatles stayed here in 1968 to meditate with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The abandoned ashram is now an artistic ruin covered in murals and graffiti, open to ticketed visitors during the day.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Thirty-two km into the hills, this is one of North India's most important Shiva temples, believed to mark the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison from the churning of the ocean. The drive through dense forest is part of the experience.
Bharat Mandir
The oldest temple in Rishikesh is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and stands in the old market area, where Bharat, Lord Ram's brother, is believed to have performed penance.
White-water rafting on the Ganga
Rishikesh is India's top white-water rafting destination, with a season that runs from September to June. Pick the stretch that suits your group:
- Brahmpuri to Rishikesh (9 km, Grade II): safe for children over 12 and most seniors
- Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km, Grade III): the most popular run
- Marine Drive (35 km, Grade III–IV): for the more adventurous
Operators cluster near Tapovan and Shivpuri, and all of them provide life jackets, helmets and trained guides.
More to see
- Sivananda Ashram and Yoga Niketan, two world-renowned yoga schools
- Geeta Bhawan, a vast ashram with daily satsang
- Tera Manzil Temple, 13 storeys high with panoramic Ganga views
- Bungee jumping at Mohan Chatti, India's highest at 83 m
Which festivals and seasons matter for a Rishikesh trip?
Because Rishikesh sits in the foothills, May and June stay bearable, though rafting stops in mid-June. These dates draw the biggest crowds:
- International Yoga Festival (1–7 March): a week-long global gathering at Parmarth Niketan, where pre-booking is essential.
- Maha Shivratri (February/March): special pujas at Neelkanth Mahadev.
- Ganga Dussehra (May/June): a massive bathing festival celebrating the descent of the Ganga.
- Kanwar Yatra (Sawan, July–August): millions of devotees on foot, with heavy crowds and traffic chaos.
Tips for a Delhi to Rishikesh taxi trip
- Starting the Char Dham Yatra? Many pilgrims spend a night in Rishikesh before setting out for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Ask us about full Char Dham packages for 9–10 days.
- Coming for the Yoga Festival? Book your cab when you book your course; festival weeks need 1–2 weeks' notice.
- Heading home. Rishikesh to Delhi return taxis cost the same as the outward trip, and we can collect you from your hotel even if you arrived by train or flight.
