Rishikesh Trip from Delhi (2 Days) – Rafting, Camping & Neer Waterfall Guide
Rishikesh, often known as the Yoga Capital of the World, is a perfect destination for both adventure lovers and peace seekers. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and blessed by the holy Ganga River, this place offers a unique mix of spirituality, natural beauty, and thrilling experiences like river rafting and camping.
I have visited Rishikesh many times, especially for rafting, but my trip in October 2022 was truly special. From an exciting night journey starting from New Delhi to riverside camping in Shivpuri, thrilling rafting, peaceful beach moments, and a refreshing visit to Neer Waterfall—this trip had everything. In this blog, I’ll share my complete experience along with useful tips to help you plan your own Rishikesh getaway.
🚗How to Reach Rishikesh
Reaching Rishikesh is quite easy as it is well connected by road, rail, and air.
By Road (Best Option):
- From New Delhi – approx. 240 km (5–6 hours)
- You can travel via car, bike, or bus
- Night travel is smooth and less crowded
By Train:
- Nearest railway station: Haridwar (25 km)
- From there, take taxi/auto to Rishikesh
By Air:
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (20 km)
- Easily accessible via taxi
👉 For short trips, road travel from Delhi is the most convenient.
Best Time to Visit & Weather
Rishikesh can be visited all year, but the experience changes with seasons.
Best Time:
- October to March – Pleasant weather, perfect for rafting & camping
- February to April – Ideal balance of weather and crowd
Avoid:
- July to September (Monsoon) – Heavy rain, rafting often closed
Budget for Rishikesh Trip
Rishikesh is a budget-friendly destination, and you can plan according to your comfort.
Camping Package (Best Value)
- ₹1800 per person (approx.)
✔ Stay in camp
✔ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
✔ Bonfire & music
✔ 16 km river rafting included
Rafting Only Cost
- ₹600 – ₹1500 (depending on distance: 9 km / 16 km / 26 km)
Food & Other Expenses
- Meals at cafes: ₹200 – ₹500 per person
- Local travel: ₹500 – ₹1500
👉 Total Budget (2 Days Trip):
- Budget trip: ₹2000 – ₹3500 per person
- Comfortable trip: ₹4000 – ₹7000 per person
Rishikesh Travel Blog – My October 2022 Adventure (Camping, Rafting & Waterfall Experience)
Journey from New Delhi
I started my journey from New Delhi around 12:00 AM on 21st October 2022. Night driving made the journey smooth and less crowded.
Early morning, I stopped for breakfast at:
Shiva Dhaba : –
After a refreshing break, I reached Rishikesh around 7:00 AM.
Where to Stay in Rishikesh : –
If you love cafes, shopping, and lively vibes, then Tapovan is the best place to stay.
But if you prefer peace and nature, then head towards:
Shivpuri : –
Located around 16–20 km from Rishikesh, Shivpuri is famous for riverside camping and adventure activities.
Camping in Shivpuri : –
Camping in Shivpuri is one of the best experiences if you want to stay close to nature.
Camps are available in:
- Double sharing
- Triple sharing
- Quad sharing
Cost: Around ₹1800 per person, which includes : –
- Stay in camps
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Bonfire & music in the evening
- 16 km river rafting
The camps are set near the river, offering peaceful surroundings and beautiful views.
👉 The best part is the evening vibe—DJ music, bonfire 🔥, tea & snacks, followed by dinner under the open sky.
Day 1 – River Rafting & Riverside Experience
River Rafting in Rishikesh : –
River rafting here is one of the top adventure activities in India. It takes place on the Ganga River, offering a mix of thrill and scenic beauty.
We opted for the 16 km rafting stretch from Shivpuri, which is the most popular route.
Before starting, trained instructors provided:
- Safety briefing
- Paddle instructions
- Emergency handling techniques
During rafting, you experience:
- Exciting rapids 🤩
- Calm stretches to relax
- Beautiful mountain views
👉 This was honestly one of the ultimate experiences of my trip!
Beach Point Swimming
After lunch, we visited a riverside spot known locally as Beach Point.
- Calm area for relaxation
- Allowed swimming with life jackets
- Deep water with strong currents
Swimming here was both refreshing and thrilling, surrounded by nature.
Evening at the Camp : –
In the evening, we enjoyed:
- DJ night
- Bonfire
- Tea & snacks
- Delicious dinner
A perfect end to an adventure-filled day.
Day 2 – Neer Waterfall Exploration
Next morning, after breakfast, we visited:
Neer Waterfall
- Distance: ~15 km from Shivpuri
- Entry fee: ₹30
About Neer Waterfall
Neer Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and peaceful natural spots near Rishikesh, perfect for those who want to escape the crowd and enjoy nature. Located around 10–15 km from the main town, this waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers crystal-clear, refreshing water.
The entry fee is around ₹30, and the place is well-maintained. Neer Waterfall has three levels—while the first level is easily accessible, the upper levels require a short trek of around 30–45 minutes.
The climb is totally worth it, as the top offers stunning views, less crowd, and a more serene environment. Visitors can relax, take a dip in the natural pools, and enjoy the calm beauty of the hills, making it a must-visit spot during a Rishikesh trip.
The waterfall has three levels:
- Lower level – easy access
- Mid level – short trek
- Top level – requires 30–45 minutes trekking
Trek & Experience
We decided to trek to the top level.
- Trek distance: approx. 2–3 km
- Time taken: 30–45 minutes
The climb was totally worth it! At the top:
- Crystal clear water
- Less crowd
- Stunning scenic views
We spent around 1–2 hours enjoying and relaxing before heading back.
Exploring Rishikesh – Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula
After visiting Neer Waterfall, I headed back towards the main town of Rishikesh to explore its most iconic landmarks—Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.
📍 Ram Jhula : is a famous suspension bridge built over the holy Ganga River. It connects important ashrams like Swarg Ashram and Sivananda Ashram. The vibe here is very peaceful, with spiritual surroundings, temples, and people walking calmly while enjoying the river view. It’s less crowded compared to Laxman Jhula and perfect for a relaxed walk.
📍 Laxman Jhula : is another iconic suspension bridge and one of the main attractions of Rishikesh. According to mythology, it is believed that Lord Laxman crossed the Ganga at this spot. The area around Laxman Jhula is more lively, filled with cafes, local shops, street food stalls, and tourists from all over the world. Walking here gives you a mix of spiritual and vibrant market vibes.
Local Food Experience
While exploring the local market, I tried Ramphal (a local fruit), which was very tasty and refreshing. Walking through the streets, enjoying local snacks and sipping hot tea ☕ added a simple yet memorable touch to the trip.
Rishikesh is also known for its:
- Street food
- Small cafes with river views
- Pure vegetarian meals
👉 Ending the trip with local food and a peaceful walk near the Ganga made the experience even more special.
Return to Delhi
After exploring Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, enjoying local food, and spending some peaceful time near the Ganga River, it was time to wrap up the trip.
By evening, we started our return journey to New Delhi. The drive back was smooth, and although the trip was short, it was filled with amazing experiences—rafting, camping, waterfalls, and local exploration.
Trip Summary
This 2-day Rishikesh trip turned out to be a perfect mix of:
- Adventure (River Rafting)
- Nature (Camping & Waterfall)
- Spiritual vibes (Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula)
- Local experiences
👉 If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Delhi, Rishikesh is always a perfect choice.
💡 Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Always wear a life jacket during rafting/swimming
- Choose Shivpuri for peaceful camping
- Carry comfortable shoes for trekking
- Start early to avoid crowds
Final Thoughts
This trip had everything—adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. From thrilling rafting to peaceful waterfall views, Rishikesh never disappoints.
If you’re planning a short getaway from Delhi, this 2-day trip is absolutely perfect.
Plan Your Next Trip with Us
If you are planning your next vacation or looking for reliable travel services, feel free to connect with us. At MTS Holiday, we help you create memorable travel experiences with customized packages and expert support.
Website: www.mtsholiday.com
Email: info@mtsholiday.com
Call/WhatsApp: +91-8285857956, +91-9891308470
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(FAQs)
1. What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
The best time to visit Rishikesh is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for rafting, camping, and sightseeing. Avoid the monsoon season (July–September) as rafting is usually closed.
2. What is the cost of river rafting in Rishikesh?
River rafting costs depend on the distance:
- 9 km: ₹600–₹800
- 16 km: ₹1000–₹1500
- 26 km: ₹2000–₹2500
👉 Many camping packages (like mine) include 16 km rafting in ₹1800 per person with meals.
3. Is camping in Shivpuri safe?
Yes, camping in Shivpuri is safe if you book through verified camps. Most camps provide proper facilities, meals, and guided activities.
4. How far is Neer Waterfall from Rishikesh?
Neer Waterfall is located around 10–15 km from Rishikesh and takes about 30–40 minutes by road.
5. Is trekking required to visit Neer Waterfall?
Yes, there are three levels of the waterfall. The first level is easy to reach, but to explore the upper levels, you need to trek for about 30–45 minutes.
6. Can beginners do river rafting in Ganga River?
Yes, beginners can easily do rafting. Professional guides provide training and safety instructions before starting, making it safe even for first-timers.
7. What is the budget for a 2-day Rishikesh trip?
A 2-day trip can cost:
- Budget trip: ₹2000 – ₹3500 per person
- Comfortable trip: ₹4000 – ₹7000 per person
8. How can I reach Rishikesh from Delhi?
- By road: 5–6 hours drive (best option)
- By train: Nearest station is Haridwar (25 km)
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (20 km)
9. What are the main attractions in Rishikesh?
Top attractions include:
- Ram Jhula
- Laxman Jhula
- Neer Waterfall
- River rafting & camping in Shivpuri
10. Is Rishikesh good for a short trip from Delhi?
Yes, Rishikesh is one of the best weekend destinations from Delhi, offering adventure, nature, and relaxation in just 2 days.
Rishikesh, often known as the Yoga Capital of the World, is a perfect destination for both adventure lovers and peace seekers. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and blessed by the holy Ganga River, this place offers a unique mix of spirituality, natural beauty, and thrilling experiences like river rafting and camping.
In this blog, I’ll share my complete experience along with useful tips to help you plan your own Rishikesh getaway.
👉 This Rishikesh trip from Delhi is a must for anyone looking to enjoy both adventure and tranquility.
