11 Long Weekend Trips in India Perfect for Quick Breaks

8. Rishikesh — Yoga, Ganga, and Mild Adventure

Rishikesh balances spiritual calm and a dash of adventure. Start with an early Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, followed by a yoga class at a local ashram or a riverside café. If you want adrenaline, add a half-day white-water rafting trip or an easy hike on nearby trails. On quieter evenings, sample local thalis and listen to kirtan at a community ashram. Accommodation ranges from simple ashram stays to riverside boutique hotels. Approximate travel times (confirm before booking): Delhi — 4–6 hour drive or 6–8 hour train journey; Mumbai — 2–3 hour flight to Dehradun or Delhi + drive; Bengaluru — flight to Dehradun via connections + drive; Chennai — flights plus long drive; Kolkata — flights to Dehradun or Delhi + drive. The best months are September to November and February to April when the river is calm, and the weather is pleasant. Check river safety advisories and certified rafting operators.