Rishikesh

Rishikesh has gained popularity over the last few years as an ideal place for adventure. The city offers a myriad of adventure sports ranging from river rafting to bungee jumping, cliff jumping, firefox, waterfall trekking, kayaking, swing, to rock climbing. The availability and rates of these activities vary with seasons and is often a thrilling, life-changing experience for tourists. 

More than 100 operators provide full and half-day rafting trips in Rishikesh while some also offer multi-day rafting trips with camping along the Ganges river. Most companies also offer all-inclusive Himalayan treks to nearby places.

Read more about Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

There are several myths and stories associated with Rishikesh, the oldest of them being a sage Raibhya Rishi, performing penance on the banks of the river Ganga. Impressed by his penance, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him in the form of Hrishikesh. Hence, the spot was named after him.

Another and probably a more famous legend is of Lord Lakshmana crossing the river Ganga on a bridge made of a rope. This bridge is known as the "Lakshmana Jhula". The original bridge made of jute was destroyed in 1924 because of a flood. Later, this bridge was rebuilt, and today stands as a great tourist attraction. The fact that the river Ganga, on whose banks Rishikesh is situated, flows from the Himalayas, makes it a holy river in the eyes of the sages. 

Non vegetarian food and alocohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh. You would mostly find North Indian cuisine here. However, South Indian, Italian, Nepali, Thai and Chinese cuisine are also available at some of the places. The city fosters a parallel vibrant culture that revolves around authentic Continental cuisine and some cafes.

Another standout in Rishikesh is the Ayurvedic food. Many outlets offer a variety of food items and teas as well as a complete ambience with elements of Yoga and Ayurveda. Other than these, the street food of Rishikesh comprises lip-smacking treasure such as Jalebi, Imarti, Samosas, Popcorn as well as fresh and seasonal local fruits. Also, order a 'Thali' for enjoying the best of what the city offers, all in one place.

Cafes in Rishikesh
The best part about Rishikesh is that the cafes that it is home to reflect the very culture that it stands for. Overlooking the beautiful temples and the river Ganga, there are some cafes in Rishikesh which prove to be true to the culture of this place, with some sadhus also thronging these places and telling their stories. The food served in these cafes is mostly vegetarian. A number of them have become extremely popular like

• The 'Devraj Coffee Corner', also known as 'The German Bakery' (known for it being situated near the Lakshmana Jhula, overlooking the beautiful river Ganga, and beautiful decor)
• Oasis Cafe (situated near 'The German Bakery', this place offers a luxurious eating experience)
• Ramana's Organic Cafe (the name and the view of Ganga, along with the warmth offered by this place, is a great crowd puller)
• The 'Little Buddha Cafe' (a beautiful treehouse-style cafe, it happens to be one of the most popular cafes near the Lakshmana Jhula, because of its view and amazing flavors)
• Cafe Karma (if the name does not interest you, probably the relaxing atmosphere will).

Here is a complete list of the Cafes in Rishikesh


View Top Restaurants in Rishikesh

Serene, relaxing and beautiful environment.

Strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free.

Rishikesh has things to offer to all generations. The city is a perfect blend of beauty, spiritualism, and adventure and attracts tourists not only from India but from all over the world.

The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September to June when the weather is conducive for white water rafting, which is the highlight of Rishikesh. However, summers months from April to June could get a little hot. It is also a favourite time because the yoga festival falls in March. Rishikesh is best visited during the winter season too, with a mild cold and crisp in the air making this pristine gateway of Himalayas be at it's best.
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Rishikesh is a purely vegetarian place by law. One would mostly find North Indian cuisine here. However, South Indian, Italian, Nepali, Thai and Chinese cuisine are also available at some of the places. The city fosters a parallel vibrant culture that revolves around authentic Continental cuisine and some cafes.

Another standout in the area is the Ayurvedic food. The outlets that have these health foods offer a variety of food items and teas as well as a complete ambience with elements of Yoga and Ayurveda. Other than these, the street also offers some equally lip-smacking treasure such as Jalebi, Imarti, Samosas, Popcorn as well as fresh and seasonal local fruits. Also, order a 'Thali' for enjoying the best of what the city offers, all in one place.

Cafes in Rishikesh
The best part about Rishikesh is that the cafes that it is home to reflect the very culture that it stands for. Overlooking the beautiful temples and the river Ganga, there are some cafes in Rishikesh which prove to be true to the culture of this place, with some sadhus also thronging these places and telling their stories. The food served in these cafes is mostly vegetarian. A number of them have become extremely popular like - the 'Devraj Coffee Corner', also known as 'The German Bakery' (known for it being situated near the Lakshmana Jhula, overlooking the beautiful river Ganga, and beautiful decor); Oasis Cafe (situated near 'The German Bakery', this place offers a luxurious eating experience); Ramana's Organic Cafe (the name and the view of Ganga, along with the warmth offered by this place, is a great crowd puller); the 'Little Buddha Cafe' (a beautiful treehouse-style cafe, it happens to be one of the most popular cafes near the Lakshmana Jhula, because of its view and amazing flavors); and, Cafe Karma (if the name does not interest you, probably the relaxing atmosphere will). These cafes are defining the kind of culture that new generation craves for at pocket-friendly prices. A trippy atmosphere, along with some great food, and relaxation by the divine sound that the holy river Ganga makes.

Here is a complete list of the Cafes in Rishikesh


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The packages for Rishikesh start at INR 6396 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

There are 409 in Rishikesh which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Rishikesh are Hotel The Great Ganga, S.S.D. Guest House, OYO 22463 Hotel Ananya Palace, Ambika Resorts, Camp Auqa Ganga Rishikesh, Camp Ganga Waves. You can see all the hotels in Rishikesh here

The top things to do in Rishikesh are Rafting in Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Cliff Jumping, Flying Fox, Camping. You can see all the places to visit in Rishikesh here

The top places near to Rishikesh are Mussoorie which is 44 km from Rishikesh, Haridwar which is located 18 km from Rishikesh, Dehradun which is located 34 km from Rishikesh, Lansdowne which is located 49 km from Rishikesh, Shimla which is located 154 km from Rishikesh