What Are the Top Things to Do in Rishikesh in 2 Days?
Summary
Two days is enough to see the best of Rishikesh. A good plan is: Day 1 – the ghats and temples (Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, the ashrams and the evening Ganga Aarti); Day 2 – adventure and cafes (river rafting in season, the Beatles Ashram, and Rishikesh’s famous riverside cafes). This guide lists the top things to do in Rishikesh, a ready-made 2-day Rishikesh itinerary, the Triveni Ghat aarti experience, the best Rishikesh cafes, and how to plan the trip from Faridabad. Timings, fees and bridge/activity access change, so confirm current details before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Day 1: Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, ashrams, evening Ganga Aarti.
- Day 2: rafting (in season), Beatles Ashram, cafes.
- Triveni Ghat Maha Aarti at sunset is the must-see evening ritual.
- Lakshman Jhula has been closed to the public for years – use Ram Jhula (a new glass bridge, Bajrang Setu, is being built).
- Rishikesh cafes with Ganga views are a highlight – great for chilling out.
- Rishikesh is a ~5–5.5 hr drive from Faridabad via the new expressway.
The 2-day Rishikesh itinerary at a glance
Here is a simple, well-paced Rishikesh itinerary for two days that balances spirituality, sightseeing and a bit of adventure:
| Time | Day 1 (Ghats & Temples) | Day 2 (Adventure & Cafes) |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive, check in, Ram Jhula walk | River rafting (in season) or yoga |
| Afternoon | Ashrams, riverside stroll, lunch | Beatles Ashram, cafe hopping |
| Evening | Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat | Sunset cafe by the Ganga, market |
You can flip the days to suit rafting slots and your arrival time – the point is to keep Day 1 relaxed and spiritual and Day 2 active. Below, each highlight in more detail.
Day 1: ghats, temples and the Ganga Aarti
Ram Jhula: this iconic suspension bridge over the Ganga connects the Swarg Ashram side with its temples, ashrams and shops – a lovely walk with river views. Note that the older Lakshman Jhula bridge has been closed to the public for several years on safety grounds; a new glass-floor bridge, Bajrang Setu, is being built to replace it, so check the current status before planning around either bridge.
Temples and ashrams: the Swarg Ashram area is dotted with temples (like the many-storeyed Trayambakeshwar/Kailash Niketan temple) and famous ashrams – Parmarth Niketan among them. It is a peaceful zone to wander, watch sadhus and pilgrims, and soak up Rishikesh’s spiritual atmosphere. Dress modestly for temple visits.
Triveni Ghat and the evening Ganga Aarti
The highlight of Day 1 is the evening Triveni Ghat aarti – the Maha Aarti held at sunset, when priests offer lamps to the Ganga amid chanting, bells and floating diyas. It is one of the most moving experiences in Rishikesh, drawing crowds of devotees and travellers alike. (The famous Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan’s riverfront is another popular option nearby.)
Arrive around 30–45 minutes early to get a good spot, as it fills up. Aarti timings shift with the season (roughly around sunset), so confirm the day’s timing locally. There is a morning aarti too. Keep your belongings safe in the crowd, and be respectful – this is a living ritual, not a show.
Plan your Rishikesh weekend
Book a Faridabad to Rishikesh cab timed for the evening aarti – door to door, no train or bus hassle.
Day 2: rafting, the Beatles Ashram and more
River rafting: Rishikesh is India’s rafting capital. In season (roughly late September to mid-June, closed in the monsoon), a morning raft on the Shivpuri or Brahmapuri stretch is the standout adventure. Always use a licensed operator with proper safety gear. If you are not rafting, a morning yoga or meditation session – Rishikesh is the “Yoga Capital of the World” – is a wonderful alternative.
The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia): the abandoned ashram where the Beatles once stayed, now famous for its graffiti art, meditation domes and forest setting – a favourite for photos and a quiet wander. An entry fee applies (confirm the current rate and timings). Other options include a short trek to a waterfall (seasonal) or simply relaxing by the river.
The best cafes in Rishikesh
Rishikesh’s cafes are a destination in themselves – many perched over the Ganga with cushions, chill music and long menus. They are perfect for a slow breakfast, a sunset chai or an evening with a book. A few well-loved spots and areas:
| Cafe / area | Known for | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside cafes, Laxman Jhula area | Ganga views, all-day menus | Sunset, chilling out |
| Tapovan cafes | Boho vibe, healthy food, coffee | Breakfast, working, yoga crowd |
| German Bakery / bakeries | Baked treats, desserts, coffee | Sweet tooth, quick bites |
| Cafes near Ram Jhula | Thalis, Israeli & global food | Lunch after sightseeing |
Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol-free holy town, so expect wholesome food and lots of healthy, international options (Israeli, Italian, cafe fare) alongside good Indian thalis. Cafe names and openings change often, so ask locally for the current favourites.
Comfortable car for your Rishikesh trip
From the aarti to the cafes – keep a clean cab and driver on hand for your whole 2-day plan.
Getting to Rishikesh from Faridabad
Rishikesh is roughly 250 to 270 km from Faridabad, now about a 5 to 5.5 hour drive via the new Delhi–Dehradun Expressway – an easy weekend escape from the NCR. Vehicles are not allowed right up to the pedestrian bridges and market lanes, so having your own cab for reaching your hotel, the ghats, the Beatles Ashram and the rafting point (a little outside town) makes the two days smooth.
A Faridabad to Rishikesh taxi service gives you a doorstep pickup and a driver who knows the town and the rafting areas, so you are not depending on autos or shared transport. For a group vehicle or a custom plan, Cab Rental Hub Faridabad can arrange the round trip around your dates and stops.
Combining Rishikesh with Haridwar
Since Haridwar is only about 20 to 25 km before Rishikesh, many travellers add it to the same trip – the grand evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, the temples, and the holy dip. It pairs beautifully with Rishikesh’s calmer, adventurous vibe, and needs only a few extra hours.
You can plan a cab from Faridabad to Haridwar to cover both towns on one itinerary with the same driver – Haridwar’s aarti and temples plus Rishikesh’s ghats, cafes and rafting make a wonderfully complete Ganga weekend. If you have a little more time, you can also fit in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (about 30 km from Rishikesh, up in the hills) or a short forest waterfall trek, both easy add-ons with your own vehicle.
One cab for Haridwar + Rishikesh
Do both towns in one trip – book a single Faridabad cab and keep the same driver throughout.
Conclusion
Two days in Rishikesh comfortably covers the best of it: spend Day 1 on the ghats, temples and the sunset Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, and Day 2 on rafting (in season) or yoga, the Beatles Ashram, and the town’s wonderful riverside cafes. Use Ram Jhula (the old Lakshman Jhula is closed; a new glass bridge is coming), dress modestly at temples, book rafting with a licensed operator, and consider adding Haridwar next door. From Faridabad it is an easy 5 to 5.5 hour drive, and a pre-booked cab makes both days effortless. Confirm current timings, fees and access before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the top things to do in Rishikesh?
The top things to do in Rishikesh are: watch the evening Ganga Aarti (at Triveni Ghat and at Parmarth Niketan), walk across Ram Jhula and explore the temples and ashrams of the Swarg Ashram area, go river rafting (in season, with a licensed operator), visit the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) for its graffiti and meditation domes, try a yoga or meditation session, and relax at the famous riverside cafes. Two days is enough to fit the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What is a good 2-day Rishikesh itinerary?
A good 2-day plan is: Day 1 – arrive and check in, walk Ram Jhula, explore temples and ashrams, and end with the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Day 2 – morning river rafting (in season) or a yoga session, then the Beatles Ashram in the afternoon, and cafe hopping by the Ganga at sunset. You can flip the days to suit your rafting slot and arrival time. Keep Day 1 relaxed and spiritual and Day 2 more active, and confirm current timings and access.
What time is the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat?
The Maha Aarti at Triveni Ghat is held in the evening around sunset, when priests offer lamps to the Ganga amid chanting, bells and floating diyas – it is one of the most moving experiences in Rishikesh. There is a morning aarti too. Exact timings shift with the season, so confirm the day’s timing locally, and arrive about 30 to 45 minutes early to get a good spot as it gets crowded. Keep your belongings safe and be respectful of the ritual.
Is Lakshman Jhula open in Rishikesh?
No – the historic Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge has been closed to the public for several years on safety grounds. A new glass-floor bridge called Bajrang Setu is being built to replace it. For now, use Ram Jhula, the other iconic bridge, which remains open for walking across the Ganga. Because the status of the bridges and the new Bajrang Setu can change, check the current situation before planning your visit around either bridge.
Which are the best cafes in Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is famous for its riverside cafes – many perched over the Ganga with cushions, chill music and long menus. Popular areas include the cafes around the Laxman Jhula area (great Ganga views), the Tapovan area (boho vibe, healthy food and coffee), bakeries like the German Bakery for sweet treats, and cafes near Ram Jhula for thalis and global food. Note Rishikesh is a vegetarian, alcohol-free holy town, so expect wholesome food. Cafe names change often, so ask locally for current favourites.
Can you do river rafting on a 2-day Rishikesh trip?
Yes, if you visit in season. Rafting runs roughly from late September to mid-June and is closed during the monsoon (about July to August). On a 2-day trip, a morning raft on the popular Shivpuri stretch or the easier Brahmapuri stretch fits perfectly into Day 2. Always book with a licensed, registered operator and use the provided life jacket, helmet and guide. If you are visiting during the monsoon or prefer not to raft, a morning yoga or meditation session is a great alternative.
How do you reach Rishikesh from Faridabad?
Rishikesh is roughly 250 to 270 km from Faridabad, about a 5 to 5.5 hour drive via the new Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, making it an easy weekend trip from the NCR. Since vehicles cannot go right up to the pedestrian bridges and market lanes, and the rafting point is a little outside town, having your own cab makes reaching your hotel, the ghats, the Beatles Ashram and the rafting area smooth. A pre-booked taxi gives a doorstep pickup and a local-savvy driver, and can be combined with Haridwar.
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