A good first weekend in Rishikesh fits one adventure activity, one evening at the Ganga aarti and one slow morning into two days. Raft in the morning, watch the aarti at sunset, and keep Sunday easy for the bridges, the Beatles Ashram and good food. Everything below is a short ride or walk from Tapovan.
This plan suits couples, friends and families with teenagers. If you are travelling with younger children, tell us and we will swap the rafting for something gentler.
Getting to Rishikesh
Rishikesh is about 21 km from Haridwar and about 21 km from Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun.
- By air: fly to Jolly Grant Airport, then take a taxi or bus.
- By train: Haridwar is the nearest major station. From there, a bus or taxi to Rishikesh takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
- From Delhi by road: a bus takes about 8 hours. Leave by midday to arrive in the evening.
We arrange airport and station pick-ups, and local taxis during your stay. The cost depends on the vehicle, the season and the number of days.
Day 1: the river in the morning, the ghat at sunset
- Early morning: rafting. Book a morning slot. For a first weekend, the shorter 9 km or 16 km stretches are plenty, at roughly 2 to 3 hours on the river plus transfers. The longer stretches take most of the day, so skip them on a two-day trip. Our rafting guide explains how to choose.
- Afternoon: slow down. Have lunch, rest, and wander the cafes in Tapovan. Two to try: Ira’s Kitchen and Cafe Karma.
- Evening: Ganga aarti. Triveni Ghat is the classic first visit. Parmarth Niketan, near Ram Jhula, is a more structured, quieter alternative. Both are free. The aarti follows sunset: roughly 5:30 to 6 pm in winter and 7 to 7:30 pm in summer. Try to arrive before sunset, around 30 to 40 minutes early, to enjoy the ambience and soak in the atmosphere. Dress modestly and keep flash off the priests.
If rafting is not for you, swap it for another activity. We can arrange short treks, waterfall visits, local sightseeing, a jungle safari and more. Ask us what is available on your dates.
Day 2: the bridges, the ashram and a slow morning
- Morning: the bridges. Laxman Jhula has been closed to crossing since 2019. A newer pedestrian bridge nearby, Bajrang Setu, has glass-floor sections and is open. Ram Jhula connects the town side with the Swargashram side.
- Late morning: the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia). It sits on the east bank in the forest area near Ram Jhula and Swargashram. Plan about 2 hours. The site is partly overgrown, with murals and graffiti on its walls, so wear sturdy shoes. There is a nominal entry fee, and opening hours vary, so check before you go.
- Lunch, then head back. Leave a buffer for your journey home.
If you have an extra half-day, consider Kaudiyala. It has a short trek, a beautiful beach and a hidden waterfall, and is sometimes called a mini Gartang Gali. It is secluded and quiet, a good place to slow down. Ask us for directions and timings.
Where to stay and eat
Tapovan is a good base for this plan. It is on the Badrinath highway, close to the rafting start points and a short ride from the ghats.
We run Tripti Boutique Hotel and Cafe Karma in Tapovan. The hotel has 5 rooms, 3 of them with balconies, and a small stream flows in the background. The food at Cafe Karma is Indian, Chinese and continental, and the shakes are worth a try. Guests can book directly with us.
What changes with the season
| Time of year | What to plan for |
|---|---|
| Mid-Sept–Nov | Rafting reopens, with the best rapids from mid-October. Aarti begins around 6:30 to 7 pm. |
| Dec–Feb | Cold mornings, early sunsets (aarti around 5:30 to 6 pm) and fewer crowds. |
| Mar–mid-Jun | Warm to hot. Raft in the morning and rest through the afternoon. Aarti around 7 to 7:30 pm. |
| Late Jun–mid-Sept | Monsoon. Rafting is closed and the ghat steps are slippery. Plan the ghats, cafes and ashram only. |
Timings are approximate and shift with sunset.
Plan your weekend with us
Tell us your dates, how many people are coming, their ages and what you would like to do. We will suggest a plan and send a quote. We price trips by your dates and group size. You can read more on how our pricing works.
WhatsApp or call: +91 99101 74883
Tripti Boutique Hotel, Main Badrinath Highway, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Plan a custom trip or get in touch.
Weekend in Rishikesh: common questions
Is a weekend enough for Rishikesh?
For a first visit, yes. You can fit one adventure activity, the evening aarti and two or three sights, as long as you do not rush.
When is the best time to visit?
Most people come between October and June. Rafting is closed through the monsoon.
Can I raft and see the aarti on the same day?
Yes. Raft in the morning, rest in the afternoon and reach the ghat 30 to 40 minutes before sunset.
How do I get to Rishikesh from Delhi?
By road it takes about 8 hours by bus. Alternatively, take a train to Haridwar and continue by bus or taxi, or fly to Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun.
Should I book in advance?
We recommend booking early for weekends and holidays, as there is a lot of rush and the good properties sell out early.
By Adventure Factory. Last updated 3 November 2026.