Ancient spiritual identity
Uttarakhand Tourism records traditions linking Rishikesh with the Skanda Purana and the Ramayana, including Lord Rama’s association with the area.
The story behind the place
An ancient pilgrimage town that became a global meeting point for yoga, music and adventure.
Rishikesh is rooted in Hindu pilgrimage traditions and is referenced in ancient religious narratives, while the modern city is equally famous as a global centre for yoga and meditation. In 1968, The Beatles stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, now widely known as the Beatles Ashram, connecting Rishikesh permanently with global music history. Today the same destination can combine temple-town spirituality, evening Ganga Aarti, yoga, cafés, waterfalls and some of India’s best-known white-water rafting.
The Beatles — 1968
The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in February 1968, where they studied transcendental meditation and composed many songs.
Adventure capital
Rishikesh is one of India’s best-known rafting centres; the official rafting season runs broadly from September to June.