Rishikesh & Travel
Visiting Haridwar and Rishikesh for Yoga
By Yogishri ·
Haridwar and Rishikesh lie about 25 km apart along the Ganga, and many visitors pass through both. They are closely connected, but they feel quite different.
Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the most important pilgrimage cities in India, where the Ganga enters the plains. The evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri draws large crowds, and the city hosts the Kumbh Mela in its cycle of sacred gatherings. It is busy, devotional and intense — well worth experiencing, especially at dusk.
Rishikesh
Upstream, Rishikesh is smaller and greener, set among forested hills. Most yoga and meditation practice happens here, in ashrams, schools and with individual teachers, and its pace suits a longer stay.
Combining the two
- Arrive by train at Haridwar and continue by road to Rishikesh.
- Base yourself in Rishikesh for practice and visit Haridwar for an evening aarti.
- Allow extra time on festival days, when roads between the two can be very crowded.