Rishikesh is the easiest mountain weekend from Delhi, and it’s getting easier: the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway opened in April 2026. Here’s a plan that fits into two days without rushing.
Getting there
- By car: roughly 240 km. Leave Delhi early on Saturday (or on Friday night) and allow about 4 to 6 hours depending on your route and traffic. Our hotel has parking.
- By train: Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains run to Haridwar and Dehradun; a few trains reach Yog Nagari Rishikesh. From Haridwar it’s about 25 km by taxi or bus (how to get from Haridwar).
- By bus: overnight Volvo buses leave from Kashmere Gate ISBT.
Day 1: river, cafés and the aarti
Check in, have lunch, and walk down to Laxman Jhula. In the evening watch the Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan and have dinner in Tapovan.
Day 2: rafting or sunrise, then home
In season (September to June), go rafting on the 16 km Shivpuri stretch in the morning and start back after lunch. Out of season, drive up for the Kunjapuri sunrise instead.
Make it three days if you can
A Friday-night arrival turns this into a real break. Our Adventure Weekend bundles two nights, rafting and a riverside evening, and the three-day itinerary has more ideas.
Frequently asked
How far is Rishikesh from Delhi?
About 240 km by road. Depending on the route and traffic, the drive takes roughly 4 to 6 hours.
Is 2 days enough for Rishikesh?
Two days covers Laxman Jhula, the Ganga aarti and rafting or a sunrise trip. Three days lets you add yoga, the Beatles Ashram or a waterfall walk.
