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Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh sits where the Ganges leaves the Himalayan foothills and begins its long journey across the plains, and the river's turquoise-green waters are the centerpiece of every walk. The iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges connect ashrams, temples, and cafes on both banks. The Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's former retreat), now a graffiti-covered ruin in the forest, is where the band wrote much of the White Album in 1968. Triveni Ghat hosts an atmospheric evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. The Tera Manzil Temple, a 13-story temple on the riverbank, offers views from its upper levels. Rishikesh's vegetarian food and cafe culture cater to the international yoga and wellness community, with organic restaurants and chai stalls lining the narrow lanes. For the adventurous, the riverside cliffs provide starting points for bungee jumping and white-water rafting.
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The paths along the river are narrow, steep, and shared with cows and motorbikes — wear sturdy sandals and watch your step, especially around the bridge approaches.
September through November and February through April offer comfortable temperatures. The monsoon season (July through August) brings heavy rain but dramatic green landscapes.