Hotels in Rishīkesh

Rishīkesh: Gateway to the Himalayas on the Ganges

Rishikesh sits at 356 metres above sea level where the Ganges exits the Shivalik Hills in Uttarakhand, roughly 240 km north of Delhi. The twin suspension bridges — Lakshman Jhula (built 1929) and Ram Jhula — connect the eastern and western banks and anchor the pedestrian core. The city draws yoga practitioners, pilgrims, and white-water rafters in roughly equal measure. The 13-km Brahmpuri-to-Rishikesh rafting stretch runs Class II–III rapids, making it one of northern India's most accessible river-sport routes.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster in three zones: the Tapovan neighbourhood on the east bank, favored by yoga retreats and ashrams; the Laxman Jhula Road corridor with mid-range guesthouses; and the southern Muni Ki Reti area, closer to the railway junction at Haridwar (24 km south). Budget rooms begin around ₹600/night; Ganges-view properties with air conditioning typically start near ₹2,500.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 35 km west; trains run to Haridwar, then shared taxis cover the final stretch.
• Best season: October–March for rafting and trekking; the monsoon (July–September) suspends most river activities.
• Altitude note: Rishikesh itself is low-elevation, but many treks depart here for passes above 3,500 m — pack layers accordingly.
• Alcohol: The municipality is a dry zone; no alcohol is sold within city limits.