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Rishikesh — host of International Yoga Festival

Festival · UTTARAKHAND

International Yoga Festival.

March 1-7 · Rishikesh

Hundreds of yoga teachers from 100+ countries at Parmarth Niketan. Free sessions, Ganga aarti.

Why it mattersThe world's most famous yoga gathering in yoga's spiritual home.

Going for this? Rishikesh in March

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March is Rishikesh's marquee month. The International Yoga Festival runs for a full week at Parmarth Niketan (usually first week of March), drawing 1,000+ practitioners from 60+ countries. Temperatures are ideal: 12-27°C. The rafting season is in full swing with perfect water levels — the Ganges is cold but not January-cold, rapids are Grade III-IV, and every operator is fully staffed. Holi celebrations along the gh…

See the Rishikesh March guide →

Getting there

Elevation
340 m
Nearest airport
Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Nearest railway
Rishikesh / Haridwar

Live in Rishikesh

Where to stay in Rishikesh

  • Phool Chatti Ashram

    ₹500-800/night all-inclusive
    guesthouse · North of Laxman Jhula

    Genuine ashram experience — not a hotel pretending to be one. 5am yoga, vegetarian meals, silence hours. Basic rooms but clean. The Ganga access from the ashram is private and serene. Minimum 3-night stay for the full experience.

  • Parmarth Niketan Ashram

    Rs 500-2000/night
    guesthouse · Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh

    One of the largest and most renowned ashrams in Rishikesh on the Ganga. Daily yoga, meditation, Ganga aarti, satsangs and vegetarian meals included

  • Vedartha Trails

    Rs 500-1500/night
    hostel · Tapovan, Rishikesh

    Perfect mix of budget and comfort in the heart of Tapovan yoga hub, close to cafes and yoga centers

All stays in Rishikesh →

Where to eat

  • Chotiwala

    Legendary
    Swarg Ashram · ₹₹

    SignatureChotiwala special thali

    Both Chotiwalas are legitimate heirs — most regulars say the food is indistinguishable. Pick whichever has the shorter queue; the seated mascot will pose for a photo at either.

  • Neemrana's Glasshouse on the Ganges (Restaurant)

    Legendary
    Shivpuri (Village Kalthar) · ₹₹₹

    Signaturerustic hunter-style curry with pit-roasted meats

    It's a 45-min drive from Laxman Jhula on a single-lane mountain road — call ahead with arrival time so the chef can plan the pit roast. Day visitors can dine if they reserve, otherwise stay one night and take meals on the river-facing deck.

  • Geeta Bhawan Bhojanalaya

    Legendary
    Swarg Ashram · ₹

    Signatureashram thali

    Hours are strict — breakfast around 8am, lunch noon-1pm, dinner before 8pm. Drop a donation in the daan-patra; staying guests eat free, walk-ins are expected to contribute.

  • The Restaurant at Ananda

    Legendary
    Narendra Nagar (Palace Estate) · ₹₹₹₹

    SignatureAyurvedic dosha-balanced tasting menu

    Non-residents need to book a spa day or meal reservation in advance — gates don't open to walk-ins. Ask for the Tree Top Deck table at sunset; it cantilevers over the Sal forest with a clear line to the river valley below.

All eateries in Rishikesh →

What else to see in Rishikesh

  • Triveni Ghat

    Sacred confluence ghat with evening Ganga Aarti.

    ghat
    1 hour

  • Beatles Ashram

    Abandoned ashram where The Beatles stayed in 1968. Now a street art gallery.

    monument
    1-2 hours

  • Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti

    Largest ashram in Rishikesh hosting grand evening Ganga Aarti with hundreds of lamps on the riverfront.

    ghat
    1-2 hours

  • Neer Garh Waterfall

    Two-tiered waterfall near Laxman Jhula. Short hike through forest to a refreshing rock pool.

    waterfall
    1-2 hours

  • Rajaji National Park

    Tiger reserve and elephant corridor just outside Rishikesh. Jeep safaris to spot Asian elephants.

    viewpoint
    3-4 hours

Other festivals in March, elsewhere

See every festival in March →

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