Here’s a customized, attractive 6-day itinerary for soul-searchers, yoga lovers, and adventure travelers visiting Rishikesh. It combines spirituality, wellness, culture, local secrets, and thrill, designed for international and Indian travelers alike.
Here’s Soulful & Adventurous Rishikesh City
A perfect balance of yoga, nature, culture, and adrenaline by the Ganges
Day 1: Arrival + Immersion in River Vibes
Welcome to Rishikesh! Let the journey inward begin.
- Arrival Options:
Fly into Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) → 45 min taxi to Rishikesh
Or train to Haridwar Station → 45 min taxi or shared cab - Stay: Check into Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh or a riverside stay like Aloha on the Ganges (for comfort + calm).
- Afternoon: Walk across Janki Setu → Visit Swarg Ashram → Soak feet in the Ganges → Try local chai & street snacks.
- Evening:
Attend Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan – one of the most powerful spiritual experiences in India.
Dinner at Chatsang Café – fusion Indian with healthy twists.
Day 2: Yoga, Temples & Beatles Trail
Find balance between the inner & outer world
- Morning:
Sunrise rooftop yoga at your ashram
Sattvic breakfast - Mid-morning:
Visit the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) – wander through graffiti-covered ruins and meditate in abandoned domes. - Lunch: 60’s Café Delmar (The Beatles Café) – great food with river views.
- Afternoon:
Take a short ride to Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Climb the final stairs to watch sunset over the Himalayas (or do a guided sunrise trek if you prefer the next day). - Evening:
Attend a sound healing or kirtan session at a local wellness studio (try Pyramid Café Studio).
Dinner at The Sitting Elephant – rooftop, candle-lit views.
Day 3: Adventure Day – White Water & Free Spirit
Cleanse your fears in the rapids of the Ganga in Rishikesh
- Early Morning: Light breakfast
- White Water Rafting Adventure:
Head to Shivpuri (30 mins)
16–24 km rafting (Grade III-IV rapids)
Highlights: The Wall, Three Blind Mice, Roller Coaster
Cold plunge break in the river - Afternoon:
Post-rafting lunch at Free Spirit Café – colorful, creative & river-facing
Relax at Neer Garh Waterfall – mini trek + refreshing natural pools - Evening:
Unwind with a book at Café Karma or journal your day
Optional: Try Ayurvedic massage at a trusted local spa (like Ayuskama Ayurveda Clinic)
Day 4: Dive Deep – Ashram Experience & Vashishta Cave
A silent day to reconnect within
- Morning:
6:00 AM Meditation + Pranayama + Yoga at Phool Chatti Ashram, Rishikesh (or a day pass if not staying)
Experience yogic rituals like Jala Neti and Trataka - Brunch: Yogic meal at the ashram
- Midday:
Drive to Vashishta Gufa (Cave) (25 km)
Meditate in the ancient cave where Sage Vashishta meditated
Visit Arundhati Cave nearby (lesser-known, deeply tranquil) - Evening:
Optional fire puja or Satsang at Swami Dayananda Ashram
Dinner at Little Buddha Café – international menu + bamboo vibe
Day 5: Highs of the Sky & Forest Trails
Face your fears. Dance with the winds.
- Morning Adventure:
Head to Jumpin Heights for:- Bungee Jump (83m – India’s highest)
- Giant Swing or Flying Fox
Tip: Pre-book for early slots, and eat light!
- Lunch: Pack a protein meal from Ganga View Café or eat at the site
- Afternoon:
Visit Rajaji National Park, Rishikesh for a guided forest walk or jungle safari
Possible wildlife sightings: elephants, peacocks, leopards, deer - Evening:
Outdoor movie night at Live Free Hostel or attend a fire circle drum jam (check local listings)
Dinner: Pyramid Café – vegan-friendly with organic thalis
Day 6: Say Goodbye To Rishikesh with Gratitude
Departure, reflections, and final blessings
- Morning:
Early morning sun salutation yoga In Rishikesh Is a dream for many.
Write a note to your future self or place a prayer candle at the riverbank
Optional Ganga dip for purification. - Brunch: Healthy farewell meal at Ira’s Kitchen (home-cooked vibes)
- Depart:
Taxi to Jolly Grant Airport / Haridwar Station
Carry Rishikesh in your breath, even when you leave.
Travel Tips
- Best Season: October to April (cool, clear, and active)
- What to Pack: Modest clothes, a yoga mat, reusable water bottle, headlamp, light hiking shoes
- Etiquette: Respect ashram rules, avoid public displays of affection, and observe quiet in spiritual areas
Final Thought:
You may arrive in Rishikesh with a plan, but you’ll leave with a perspective. The real journey is not just through forests, rivers, and heights—but within your own spirit.
