Nestled in the Himalayan foothills where the Ganges emerges from the mountains, Rishikesh is Uttarakhand's spiritual adventure capital. This holy city, located at 372 meters elevation, combines ancient spirituality with thrilling outdoor activities. The town straddles both banks of the Ganges, connected by the iconic Lakshman Jhula (450 ft suspension bridge) and Ram Jhula. Rishikesh has transformed from a quiet pilgrimage site to an international hub for yoga, meditation, and adventure sports while maintaining its sacred atmosphere. The climate remains pleasant year-round (15°C-35°C), though monsoon season (July-August) sees heavy rainfall.

Practical Information
Best Time to Visit: Sept-Nov & Feb-Apr
Nearest Airport: Dehradun (35km)
Railway Station: Haridwar (25km)
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, shared taxis
Accommodation: Budget ashrams to luxury resorts
Food: Vegan cafes, Italian restaurants, local dhabas

Why Visit Rishikesh?
Rishikesh uniquely blends:

World-class adventure sports

Authentic spiritual experiences

Stunning Himalayan nature

Global traveler community

Vegetarian food paradise