Delhi, being the capital of India, is home to many, making it the second most populated city in India, after Mumbai. The people of Delhi live a busy life, with urban culture, loads of pollution, and barely any time for recreation. Living in such conditions can get to you, and so, Delhiites, longing for a break, and often plan trips to places outside the city for a change and a breath of fresh air.
Rishikesh is one of the most famous destinations for such trips due to its beautiful setting, religious importance, and myriad options for recreational activities. Located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, this tehsil is regarded as one of the Holiest places to Hindus. Not only does the sacred river Ganga flow through this town, but it also has the Ram Jhula and the Laxman Jhula that go across it. A number of Hindu devotees make trips to Rishikesh every year, to engage in the religious experience of this holy pilgrimage site.
For those who are not too religious, Rishikesh also offers a number of tourist spots to visit, like the Marine Drive and the Rajaji National Park for nature lovers. In addition to this, you can even have a wonderful time with the adventure sports options like Bungee Jumping, Giant Swing, Trekking, Camping, and Rappling. River rafting on the Ganga is possible throughout the year, except during the monsoons, and is one of the star activities that Rishikesh is well known for.
Apart from this, it is also the “Yoga Capital of the World”, which makes it even more sought after in today’s times. The peace and tranquility that this small town has to offer, is what busy city people need the most.
Taking a bike trip to Rishikesh gives you the chance to let go of everything on the journey, and just enjoy the ride, with the assurance of a wonderful time when you reach your destination. The sugarcane juice stalls on the way only add to the excitement. Overall, it will give you just the break you needed, and help you regain a hold on things.
There are two possible routes that a biker may use to get to Rishikesh. Let us take a look at what each of them has to offer.
Historical Background
Often referred to as the ‘Abode of Gods’, Rishikesh is surrounded by the most ancient pilgrimage centers of India. The history of this town is rich with diverse legends and mythical stories. The name of this place itself is after one of the names of Hindu God, Lord Vishnu. According to legends, the great Hindu saint Raibhya Rishi accomplished prolonged penance on the banks of Holy River Ganges at this place. As a reward to saint’s strong penance, Lord Vishnu arose to him in his incarnation of Lord Hrishikesh. Thus the place got its name “Rishikesh”. Since ancient times, it has been an important pilgrimage tourist spot for the saints and Hindu devotees.
Option 1: New Delhi – Budhana – Muzaffarnagar – Sisona – Gurukul Narsan – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh
- Starting point: New Delhi (Delhi)
- Ending point: Rishikesh (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)
- Via: NH334
- Distance: 227 Kms
- Duration: Approx. 6 Hrs
- Type of Roads: Highways are in decent condition; however, side lanes and roads on the way may be a little rough.
You could use the NH334 route to ride from New Delhi to Rishikesh. You will have to ride for around 5 hours to complete this 227-kilometer route, if you ride continuously, and stop for breaks that are not too long.
Option 2: New Delhi – Ghaziabad – Muradnagar – Khatauli – Sandhawli – Sisona – Gurukul Narsan – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh
- Starting point: New Delhi (Delhi)
- Ending point: Rishikesh (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)
- Via: Ganga Canal Road & NH334
- Distance: 230 Kms
- Duration: Approx. 6 Hrs
- Type of Roads: Highways are in decent condition; however, side lanes and roads on the way may be a little rough.
Another way you can get to Rishikesh from New Delhi is by riding along the Upper Ganga Canal Road & NH334. This route is around 230 kilometers long, and you should be able to cover it in approximately 5 and a half hours of continuous riding depending on road and bike conditions.
Places to Stay
For people desiring to experience the allure of nature at its height with a luxurious experience, there is nothing better than resorts in Rishikesh to fulfill your fantasy. You will relish staying in the ashram. It is a spot where people live and partake in an Indian cultural activity – usually yoga or religious study. Many people visit Rishikesh to spend some time on a spiritual experience. The cost of staying in the ashram is quietly affordable.
Types of Accommodation Available
It may be commonplace, but Rishikesh truly is a place like no other. You’ll encounter all sorts of interesting people just walking around, from crystal healers to laughter therapists, and even the regular locals have a special, otherworldly vibe about them. No matter at what direction you turn, you’ll always see the Himalayas out of the corner of your eye. Plan aside an hour or two take a small hike up to some of the waterfalls and look out to the rolling green mountains surrounding you.
Places to Visit
Places to Visit in Rishikesh encircles like Lakshman Jhula, Shivpuri, Triveni Ghats, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Shivpuri Vashistha Gufa, and many other spiritual destinations.
Lakshman Jhula: Rishikesh is not solely about religious beliefs, Ghats or temples; within this ancient city, you can also witness some of the architectural marvels and structures as well! One such structure, the Lakshman Jhula, which is one of the most prominent places that you cannot miss after making a visit in Rishikesh, as it is a suspension flyover that connects Tehri and Pauri districts of Uttarakhand.
Shivpuri: This “Abode of Lord Shiva”, so flawless, serene and filled with adventure, is a place for river rafting in India. Located 20 km away from Rishikesh on the banks of River Ganga, the peaceful town of Shivpuri beams with life, laughter, adventure and nature’s bountiful thrills, you can indulge yourself in other activities such as Jungle Walks, Beach Camping, Mountaineering, and Jungle Trekking. River rafting is not only thrilling but also pleasing and delightful with the white rapids below, lush dense forest on both sides and a view of the spectacular mountains in the distance making Shivpuri one of the favorite tourist places to visit in Rishikesh.
Triveni Ghat: Located on the banks of the holy Ganges, Triveni Ghat is among the most magnetic places to visit in Rishikesh. The meeting point of three of the most sacred rivers in Hindu mythology: Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi, this Ghat is considered as the most pious among all the other Ghats within the vicinity. According to the legends, the water of this Ghat has the magical capability of purifying one’s heart and soul and makes it free from all the sins. Devotes from every corner of the country gather near Triveni Ghat and takes a dip with utmost devotion and faith.
Ram Jhula: Ram Jhula is the most prominent landmark of the city and is also one of the sought after Rishikesh tourist places. Located only 3 km away from the heart of the city, this 450ft suspension bridge connects the banks of the Ganges with Shivananda and Swarga ashrams at both of its ends. Also known as the ‘Shivananda Jhula’, this majestic bridge was built during the late 80s by the regional government; the contribution of Shivananda Ashram Divine Life Society is very significant in the construction of Ram Jhula.
Beatles Ashram: Most of your youthful or college days might have passes admiring the songs of the favorite band called ‘Beatles’, but do you know your special band once visited a quaint ashram in Rishikesh to attend a special meditation program? It was in the year 1968; the complete group of Beatle flew down to India to meet a saint called Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and practice some advanced meditation programme under his flagship. Following this outstanding visit, the ashram gained instant popularity and was named as the ‘Beatles Ashram’; the visit also made it one of the renowned places to visit in Rishikesh. Discovered on the foothills of the Himalayas, though the ashram was abandoned in 1997, the ashram will soon reopen as a museum that will display its delightful history and contribution to the society.
Vashistha Gufa: Vashistha Gufa is an ancient cave where Sage Vashistha and his spouse meditated for hundreds of years. According to Hindu tales, Sage Vashistha was a Manas Putra of Lord Brahma and one of the Saptarishi (great seven sages). The Vashistha Gufa located in the middle of gular trees and the sacred River Ganga is a perfect place for peace of mind and positive spiritual energy. Over the years a small ashram was built near the cave known as Swami Purushottamanand ashram as well as some rooms outside the cave, where many sadhus reside there permanently. It is located 25 km away from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh-Badrinath road.
Places to Eat
Rishikesh is a completely vegetarian place by law. One would mainly find North Indian cuisine here. However, South Indian, Italian, Nepali, Thai and Chinese cuisine are also available at certain places. Another standout in the locality is the Ayurvedic food. The outlets that have these health foods offer different types of food items and teas as well as a complete ambiance with elements of Yoga and Ayurveda.
You can start with your breakfast consisting of sitting in one of the cafes on the edge of the river drinking fresh watermelon juice and eating bowls of fruit. Head out of town you will find restaurants on stilts hidden between the trees for lunch. You can also taste the Indian street food. Check out the stalls by the end of the Laxman Jhula Bridge on the east side and the nearby restaurants for authentic and delightful dishes.
Best Time to Visit
Rishikesh is a picturesque destination affording dazzling views. The weather is superior throughout the year, however summers from May – June could be a bit warm. Summer is the peak season here as the white water rafting is most energetic during these months. It is considered as the perfect time because the yoga festival falls in the month of March.
Perfect time to visit Rishikesh for River Rafting is from late September – October to mid-November, and then the prime time to visit Rishikesh is from early March – April to first week of May. In July there is a carnival in Rishikesh called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. It is recommended to avoid traveling to Rishikesh during that time as major roads are blocked and hotels are fully packed.
With so many interesting things to do in Rishikesh, and a delightful time on your bike all the way till you get there; your trip is sure to be one that is full of great experiences for both your mind and body to relish.
So get packing, because you have a lot in store for you as you make the bike trip from Delhi to Rishikesh. Happy Biking!