International Yoga Festival Rishikesh 2026: A Week-Long Celebration of Wellness and Spirituality
Bharat Goyal•Explore Rishikesh
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a spiritual town in Uttarakhand where the Ganga emerges from the Himalayan foothills. Yoga centres, ashrams and religious traditions have made it an international destination for spiritual study and wellness. The surrounding river and hills also support rafting and other outdoor activities, although availability depends on weather, river conditions and local regulations.
Rishikesh is a spiritual town in Uttarakhand where the Ganga emerges from the Himalayan foothills. Yoga centres, ashrams and religious traditions have made it an international destination for spiritual study and wellness. The surrounding river and hills also support rafting and other outdoor activities, although availability depends on weather, river conditions and local regulations.
Top Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Popular attractions and places to visit in Rishikesh
Anand Prakash Ashram
Anand Prakash Ashram is a well-regarded yoga ashram in Rishikesh known for its structured and internationally accredited yoga teacher training programmes. Founded by Yogrishi Vishvketu, it blends classical Hatha and Ashtanga traditions with a warm, accessible approach suitable for serious students and beginners alike. Set within a leafy campus a short distance from the main ghats, the ashram also offers shorter retreat programmes and drop-in classes. Its strong reputation among the global yoga community has made it one of the more credible training institutions in the Rishikesh yoga ecosystem.
Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir is Rishikesh's oldest and most sacred temple, believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. Dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh (Vishnu), the presiding deity of the city, this ancient stone shrine sits in the heart of Rishikesh near Triveni Ghat. The original idol is said to be a shaligrama stone personally installed by Shankaracharya. A deeply venerated site for Vaishnavas and a must-visit for those tracing the city's spiritual origins.
Brahmapuri
Brahmapuri is a scenic riverside stretch of the Ganges north of Rishikesh, known as one of the calmer and more picturesque rafting launch points on the river. The area also serves as a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and relaxed walks along the forested Ganga banks. Several yoga retreats and quiet ashrams are situated here, drawing visitors seeking a more contemplative alternative to the busier central ghats. The combination of river access, forest cover, and relative seclusion makes Brahmapuri a favourite among repeat visitors.
Garud Chatti Waterfall
A serene waterfall near Rishikesh tucked within dense forests, popular for its peaceful atmosphere and short trek.
Geeta Bhawan
Geeta Bhawan is a landmark spiritual complex on the banks of the Ganges near Ram Jhula, established in 1950 and managed by the Gita Press, Gorakhpur. Housing over a thousand rooms for pilgrims, it is one of the largest dharamshalas in Rishikesh. The complex features temples, a library of religious texts, and walls painted with verses from the Bhagavad Gita. Scholars, pilgrims, and spiritual seekers have made it a long-standing base for extended stays in Rishikesh.
Goa Beach Rishikesh
A quiet sandy stretch along the Ganges near Rishikesh, popular for relaxing, camping, and enjoying riverside views.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
Plan your trip around the right season
Oct-FebBest Window
Why visit
Pleasant weather for ashram stays, yoga, Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, and riverside walks. International Yoga Festival in March is a good reason to extend into early spring.
Keep in mind
Christmas and New Year week packs the cafes and ghats. Book stays at least 2 weeks ahead.
Mar-May
Why visit
White water rafting season peaks here - river levels are good and weather is still manageable.
Keep in mind
Gets warm by May. Popular rafting camps fill up on weekends.
Jun-Sep
Why visit
Monsoon makes the hills very green and the river dramatic.
Keep in mind
Rafting usually suspended June-August due to high water. Landslide risk on Badrinath highway affects onward travel.
How to Reach Rishikesh
Intercity connectivity and travel options
Nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant); nearest railheads are Haridwar and Rishikesh (limited), with strong road connectivity.
Getting Around Rishikesh
Local transport and practical tips
Local transport
Shared autos, local cabs, two-wheelers, and walking are common near ghat/ashram zones.
Best Areas to Stay in Rishikesh
Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip
Tapovan
First-time travelers + cafesPopular base for yoga schools, cafes, and easy local activity access.
Lakshman Jhula side
Backpacker + social staysLively riverfront zone with hostels, guesthouses, and walkable spots.
Swarg Ashram / Ram Jhula side
Spiritual + quiet tripsMore peaceful ashram-centric area with ghat access.
Must-Try Dishes in Rishikesh
Local food specialties and traditional favourites
Aloo Puri
Popular pilgrim-town breakfast with spiced potato curry.
Kafuli
Traditional Uttarakhand spinach-fenugreek curry.
Singori
Leaf-wrapped milk sweet from Uttarakhand hills.
Kachori Sabzi
Street-style kachori with spicy potato curry.
Articles and stories
Articles and stories from Rishikesh