Rishikesh

A spiritual mecca for Hindus and yogis, Rishikesh has been on the ‘hippie trail’ long before The Beatles put it on the map. Located along the banks of the River Ganges, it is best known for its evening aarti or ‘fire ceremony’ along the Dasaswamedh Ghat, near to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, there is far more to do in Rishikesh than practice your downwards dog: the fast-flowing Ganges and vertiginous hiking trails are a favourite attraction of adrenaline junkies. Best visited between October to April; December and January can be a little chilly.