Meerut/Delhi to Rishikesh

Are you ready to explore the Yoga Capital of India- a place where spirituality meets a laid-back hippie vibe, adventure blends with serenity, and echoes of its English charm still linger? Make your next destination Rishikesh. Meerut city in itself is neither an urban marvel nor a countryside calmer. It is an industrial and business-driven residential city of hard-working residents as well as a major military cantonment. However, the silver lining is its proximity to the Metro Cities like Noida, Ghaziabad and Delhi on one side, and the mesmerising hill stations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikesh and beyond on the other. The same Expressway connects both sides and is in excellent shape, thanks to our Road Minister and cheers to progressive India! The nearest popular hill station, Dehradun, is just a 2.5-hour drive from Meerut (add ~1 hour to the ETA if you are starting from Noida/Delhi or Ghaziabad). In just about 3 hours from Meerut (or roughly 4.5 from Delhi), a perfect short trip on a long weekend awaits you in Rishikesh.

Before you read further, here’s what you need to know

Meerut to Rishikesh distance: ~170 km

Meerut to Rishikesh time by car: Around 3 hours via NH34. If you’re driving from Delhi, it’s about 4.5 hours. With tea breaks or meal stops, add another 30–45 minutes.

Best time of the day to travel: Hit the road early in the morning. You’ll escape the city traffic, enjoy fresh countryside air, and catch a steaming cup of chai or breakfast at the countless dhabas along the way. If you’re new to the route, mornings also make navigation easier with daylight and less congestion.

Best time of the year to travel: Rishikesh is an all-year destination, but your experience depends on what you’re seeking. March to May is lively, with adventure sports and river rafting in full swing. September to November is cooler, calmer, and perfect for yoga retreats or riverside relaxation. Winters (December–February) are chilly yet serene, while monsoons (July–August) make the Ganga ghats magical but rafting may be restricted.

Accommodations or hotels: Rishikesh has something for every kind of traveler—from luxury resorts tucked along the Ganga, to peaceful ashrams, and budget-friendly hostels buzzing with backpackers. There are even Camping and Glamping sites for an extra 30 minutes drive to Tapovan, offering mystical day and night views of the valley from the hill top.

The Riverside royals

Luxurious stays where you wake up to the sound of the Ganga and indulge in wellness, yoga, and fine dining. These open up to the banks of Ganga creating opportunities for a riverside walk, bonfire, refreshing dips or meditational sessions at any time of your stay.

Aloha on the Ganges by Leisure Hotels – Stunning views, spa therapies, swimming pool, bonfire and peaceful ambience.
Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa – A blend of Himalayan serenity with five-star luxury.
Divine Resort & Spa – Overlooking the Ganga with modern amenities and yoga sessions. Offers Air Dining at SkyMax Lounge.
Lemon Tree Premier – Ultimate luxury, fits high to medium range.

The city centre shelters

Affordable, decent, and cozy stays close to popular attractions, market, riverside and cafés.

Here’s an insider– Do check out the last minute deals when booking for Rishikesh, a lot of premium, luxury hotels slash off their prices if they have rooms available on that day! A lot of foreigners come to Rishikesh for its Yoga Centers and the hotel display prices are therefore quoted much higher than they should be. So, you can think of it this way, if they do not get bookings from the high-paying crowd, they give off rooms at reasonable prices.

I have been to Rishikesh twice, one of the stays was at Tapovan at the glamping (luxury camping) site- Navira Hills Geo Domes, to quench my adventure thurst. This is a ~25 minutes drive uphill from Rishikesh. Road is broken and bumpy, but, opens access to several hotels on the way giving you the drone view of Rishikesh valley. They quoted a high price earlier, but, I could not book until on the way to Rishikesh, only to be rewarded with nearly a 50% off as a last minute deal!

Shalom Backpackers : I next checked into a riverside stay that was budget-friendly, neat and tidy, with good food and some recreation facilities to keep the evenings lively. Foreigners with their backpackers group and many working professionals working at peace on their laptops at this location were a sight. It is only walking distance from Lakshman Jhula.
Meeram Ganga: Excellent location and views of the Ganges, highly rated.
Madpackers: Right beside the river, highly rated.

Attractions and activities

If you are there for, say, Camping, reach Rishikesh in the evening, camp at night, wake up in the morning for adventure activities in the day, relax by the riverside for the Ganga Aarti, a must for everyone-even non-spiritual souls, and head back the next morning. If you have more days in hand, keep exploring the major attractions below:

Triveni Ghat

The spiritual heart of Rishikesh, this ghat is famous for its evening Ganga Aarti, when hundreds of diyas (lamps) float across the river creating a mesmerizing sight.

Trivia: It is believed that bathing here cleanses one of sins, as this is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are said to meet.

Tip: Arrive at least 10 minutes before the aarti to find a good spot and soak in the atmosphere.

River Rafting & Adventure Sports

Rishikesh is the adventure capital of India, offering white-water rafting on the Ganga, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and trekking trails. There are four main river rafting routes in Rishikesh—Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala—each offering a different level of thrill and challenge.

Shivpuri Route: A slightly longer and more exciting stretch of about 16 km, ideal if you’re looking for a mix of fun and adventure. Prices start at ₹599 per person.

Brahmpuri Route: The easiest stretch, about 9 km long, perfect for beginners and families. Costs around ₹399 per person.

Trivia: Avoid rafting during the peak monsoon (July–August).

Tip: There are several adventure sports agents at every corner in Rishikesh. Book your adventure sports only through licensed operators for safety. They will take you to the adventure spots.

The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

This is a lesser know abandoned Ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968. It is now an art-filled site with graffiti and meditation huts catching interest of the youth.

Trivia: The Beatles composed over 40 songs during their stay here, many of which were later released in their famous “White Album.”

Tip: Carry water and wear comfortable shoes—it’s a large, spread-out campus with minimal facilities.

Cafés and Market in Rishikesh

Near the Lashman and Ram Jhula, which are two iconic suspension bridges across the Ganga, there are pretty interesting cafes and shops which tourists are always found exploring. Good quality woolens, bags, sparkling stone jwellery (hand-picked stones from the river, some of which give you a cooling effect), spiritual articles, paintings and a lot more can be seen in little stores along the streets. The café culture in Rishikesh is vibrant, with eateries offering everything from local delicacies to global cuisines that attract a diverse international audience. Some of them are built on interesting themes and fresco on the walls.

Trivia: Laxman Jhula (currently closed for vehicles, open for pedestrians) is believed to mark the spot where Lord Laxman crossed the Ganga on a jute rope. Pedestrians click panaromic views on the bridge.

Tip: Try the wood-fired pizzas at Little Buddha Café and organic teas at Café de Goa.

Neer Garh Waterfall

A serene natural waterfall about 5 km from Rishikesh, perfect for a short trek and a dip in the cool water.

Trivia: The trail has a couple of small cafés offering Maggi and tea—ideal for a pit stop.

Tip: Wear shoes with good grip, as the trail and rocks around the falls can be slippery.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram

One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, famous for its spiritual retreats and the evening aarti at its private ghat. International Yoga Festival is hosted here every March, attracting seekers from around the globe.

Tera Manzil Temple (Trimbakeshwar Temple)

A striking 13-storey temple on the banks of the Ganga, each floor dedicated to different deities.

Kunjapuri Devi Temple

It is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in India, dedicated to Goddess Shakti. About 25 km uphill from Rishikesh, this temple offers breathtaking sunrise views of the Himalayas.

More to Explore Around Rishikesh

Vashishta Cave (for meditation along the river)
Rajaji National Park (wildlife and jungle safaris)
Shivpuri (base point for rafting and camping)
Raghunath Temple & Bharat Mandir (ancient temples with historic significance)

Unique Experiences in Rishikesh

1. Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Rishikesh is called the Yoga Capital of the World for a reason. From short drop-in classes to week-long retreats, you can find ashrams and studios offering authentic yoga and meditation practices.

Good to Know: Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, and Omkarananda are among the most respected centers.
Tip: Beginners can join evening drop-in sessions instead of committing to a full retreat—it’s flexible and easy to start.

2. Ayurveda & Wellness Therapies

Unwind with Ayurvedic massages, detox programs, and wellness treatments offered by many resorts and spas along the Ganga.

Good to Know: Treatments often use local herbs and traditional techniques for stress relief and rejuvenation.
Tip: Book an appointment in advance, especially on weekends, as most centers fill up quickly with tourists.

3. Ganga Beach Camping

Spend a night under the stars by the river, complete with bonfires, music, and the soothing sound of the flowing Ganga.

Good to Know: Campsites are usually set up near Shivpuri and Marine Drive, offering packages that include meals and adventure activities.
Tip: Choose eco-friendly campsites that maintain cleanliness and respect the river ecosystem.