In addition to countless opportunities for adventure and cultural exploration, nightlife in Rishikesh is another exciting side of this beautiful city in Uttarakhand. Also known as the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is surrounded by Shivalik Range of the lower Himalayas.
From scores of Hindu temples dotting its domains to the magnificent holy Ganges offering an exhilarating river rafting experience, the city presents a wide range of delights for all kinds of travellers. While there is a lot to explore and experience here during the day, the availability of numerous night-time spots ensures you also get to enjoy a pleasant nightlife experience in Rishikesh.
If you are looking out for some good places to visit in Rishikesh at night, you have numerous options in and around the city. You may dedicate your day partaking in sightseeing and action-packed adventures, and then wait for the sunset to revel in the unique nighttime offerings of the city.
Spending some quiet moments on the river bank is always a good plan, as it will surely fill your heart with a feeling of contentment. Sitting by the river and soaking up the beautiful vista of the river bank decked with numerous temples will get etched in your memory lane. For the most memorable experience, do not miss out on the evening aarti that is held at Triveni Ghat every day during the sunset hours.
One of the most recommended nightlife experiences available in Rishikesh is riverside camping. While capturing the nightly beauty of the place, you can spend some quality time with your loved ones and make lifelong memories.
But if you are looking for some laid-back fun, gorging in a delicious dinner at the riverside Little Buddha Café and catching the latest Bollywood flick at Rama Palace are also exciting plans which will let you get familiar with the nightlife of Rishikesh.
And if you do not have a lot of time on your hands, you can simply indulge in a stroll upon Laxman Jhula which will let you soak up some grand panoramas of the river and the gorgeous hillocks behind it.
1.Laxman Jhula: Running across the width of the river Ganges 70 feet above it, Laxman Jhula is a 137 metre long suspension bridge in Rishikesh, counted among the most iconic tourist attractions in the city. A popular legend involving Lord Laxman is associated with this bridge, giving it its share of fame and reverence.
It is said that Lord Lakshman had crossed the river on the same site where the bridge hangs. The bridge was constructed in 1929, and is frequented by both tourists and locals. Through this bridge, one can quickly traverse between the villages of Tapovan and Jonk.
Besides, a slow walk on the bridge offers a captivating panorama that covers the gushing blue waters of the river and its banks decked with numerous Hindu temples. Spending some moments here, capturing the beautiful ghats is a nice idea to enjoy the nightlife in Rishikesh.
2. Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is the most popular and the largest ghat on the banks of the river Ganges in Rishikesh. It is the spot where thousands of devotees gather everyday to take a dip in the holy waters of the river and cleanse their sins.
The evening arti that takes place here during every sunset makes it a prominent attraction among tourists as well. Owing to its religious significance and the entrancing aura it features, Triveni Ghat is certainly a good place to enjoy the joyful nightlife in Rishikesh.
Spending a couple of hours here will calm your senses as you soak up the soothing sounds of the chants and prayer bells and the aroma of incense.
3. Rama Palace: Rama Palace is a movie theatre, screening all latest Bollywood films, and is visited by not only locals but tourists too. After spending a long day of sightseeing and spiritual exploration, Rama Palace is one of the finest places to visit in Rishikesh at night.
The availability of late night shows here ensures that you have the chance to enjoy a film-watching experience at night. So if you are planning a Rishikesh trip with your family, this movie theatre deserves a spot on your itinerary.
4. Shivpuri: Located at a short distance of 18 km from Rishikesh city centre, Shivpuri is a small town which is popular among tourists for river rafting experience. Set on the banks of the river Ganges, this town has a very exquisite scenery which also makes it a favourite among the photographers visiting Rishikesh.
Owing to the range of exciting adventure sports one can enjoy here, this place is one of the most preferred spots among adventure junkies. You can enjoy a stay here at one of the holiday resorts or indulge in a riverside camping experience which is an experience worth taking.
5. Little Buddha Café: Best known for its chic interiors, overlooking the river Ganges, Little Buddha Café is an excellent spot to visit with your friends. Whether you are looking for some good delicacies to indulge your taste buds or a good location is your priority, this café will not disappoint you in any respect.
The menu is reasonably priced, and features a wide range of dishes from the local as well as international cuisines. Spend some delightful moments with your dear ones by relishing a memorable culinary experience while soaking up the beauty of the river Ganges right in front of your eyes.
Nightlife in Rishikesh does not get better than a dining experience in Little Buddha Café.
6. Camping Riverside: The banks of the river Ganges feature numerous campsites, tempting crowds of vacationers to visit Rishikesh and delight in a stimulating camping experience by the river stream.
With forested hills on one side and voluble blue water stream on the other, one is bound to feel connected with nature on a riverside camping experience in Rishikesh. You may also pair the activity with nature walks in the surrounding woods at night to add a sense of thrill to the affair.
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Nightlife in Rishikesh comes in various forms and has something exciting in store for everyone. Some of the highly recommended nightlife experiences in Rishikesh are:
- Witnessing the fascinating Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
- Taking lazy strolls across Laxman Jhula
- Camping by the river
- Dining at fancy riverside cafes
- Catching a movie at Rama Palace
No, since Rishikesh is a religious place, alcohol is banned here and you cannot consume alcohol in public places. However, you can get your hands on beer at some fine restaurants in the city.
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If you are visiting Rishikesh for river rafting, the post monsoon period, which is late September to mid November is the best time to be here. Though Rishikesh can be visited throughout the year, the months of March and April feature the most pleasant climate here, and are ideal for sightseeing as well as adventure sports.
An important pilgrimage of Hindus, Rishikesh features a long list of highly revered Hindu temples and ghats where Ganga Aarti is held everyday, attracting hordes of devotees throughout the year.
In terms of tourism, the city is a popular hub for adventure-filled experiences such as bungee jumping, river rafting, and camping. This mix of cultural richness and adventure opportunities make it a must visit destination in the Garhwal Himalayas.
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The climate of Rishikesh varies from moderately hot in summers when you will need to wear comfortable summer clothes to bearably cold in winter when you will need to wear warm woolen clothes. Since Rishikesh is a pilgrimage, wearing traditional Indian clothes would be a good idea. Though western attire, too, is fine as long as it is modest.
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Yes, Rishikesh is safe for couples and has a negligible rate of crime against tourists. However, it is still advisable to act wisely while dealing with strangers and stay cautious.