At the foot of the Himalayas on the holy riverbanks of the Ganga river in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is a location that defies categorization. It is one of India's most holy tourist destinations, the renowned Yoga capital in the entire world, and also the adventure sports capital of the entire Indian subcontinent.
Very few places in the world provide an extensive and diverse selection of activities in this gorgeous environment. There are several things to do in Rishikesh which will make your trip here memorable and refreshing.
If you're looking for the roar of white-water raging rapids, the tranquility of a morning meditation class, the splendor of the ancient temples perched over the water, or the thrill of exploring the Himalayan town brimming with visitors from all over the world, Rishikesh will not disappoint.
This comprehensive guide will highlight the best activities to enjoy in Rishikesh, including adrenaline-inspiring Rishikesh adventures, transformational yoga experiences, and satisfying Rishikesh sightseeing, to get the most out of each moment you spend in this amazing location.
Rishikesh Adventure Activities: For the Thrill-Seeker
Rishikesh is well-established as the most sought-after adventure destination in India, with its wide range of activities, and the quality of Rishikesh adventures available is simply amazing. The Ganga River and the surrounding Himalayan terrain, along with the region's stunning topography, provide the ideal conditions for outdoor adventures with every level of difficulty.
White-Water Rafting
One of the best things to do in Rishikesh is rafting. Rishikesh river rafting is the thing that puts the town on the map of adventure in the world and remains the most sought-after activity you can do when in Rishikesh for those who are first-time visitors. The Ganga provides a number of stretches of rafting from the mellow 9-kilometer Brahmapuri up to the Rishikesh route for complete novices to the challenging 36-kilometer Kaudiyala stretch for paddlers with experience. The most well-known choice for travelers will be the sixteen-kilometer Shivpuri from the Rishikesh section, which can take between two and three hours. It traverses Rapids of Grade III and II that include the infamous Roller Coaster and Double Trouble. The season for rafting runs from September through June, from October to May, offering the best conditions overall.
Bungee Jumping
On the list of things to do in Rishikesh is Bungee Jumping. Rishikesh is the home of the world's tallest fixed-platform bungee jumping, with 83 meters of free drop from a platform that is located above a rocky cliff that lies on the fringes of town. It is operated by Jumping Heights, which runs the jump, and it is done with international-certified equipment and specially trained personnel. Additionally, there is a Giant Swing at the same spot, a pendulum swing that takes you across the gorge at a high rate that many people find more thrilling than the actual bungee.
Zip-Lining
There are a variety of zip-line courses operating within and around Rishikesh and around the city, including a stunning line that runs across the Ganga river, which runs between two hillsides. It provides a unique bird's eye perspective of the ghats, the river, as well as the hills that are forested. Zip-lining is among the most popular Rishikesh adventure activities for those seeking a taste of thrilling aerial adventure without the commitment of bungee jumping.
Camping and Trekking
The forested hills around Rishikesh are interspersed with treks that range from easy half-day hikes to long-distance Himalayan routes. The most well-known day hike from Rishikesh is towards Kunjapuri Temple, a hilltop temple that is situated at 1,650m. It provides panoramas over the Himalayan ranges, as well as the Ganga valley below, which is especially stunning in the morning. Staying overnight on the Ganga or in camp sites that have camping facilities and tents or in more natural riverside settings, is a fantastic option that blends the Rishikesh adventure with the serenity of a night under the stars of a Himalayan sky.
Kayaking and Body Surfing
If you're looking for more intimate interaction in the Ganga than rafting permits, kayaking is a great alternative. Both tandem and single kayaks are available for hire, with instructions for beginners as well as guided kayaking excursions that take in a variety of sections used in rafting. Body surfing on the gentler rapids wearing the safety of a life jacket and wetsuit is an alternative but a hugely popular sport especially in the gentler parts of the river in Brahmapuri.
Yoga in Rishikesh: The World's Yoga Capital
Before the advent of adventure sports, yoga was a popular activity at Rishikesh, which was the most important reason why people made the trek through the Himalayan town. Rishikesh has been a center of yoga practice for centuries. The yoga and ashrams that were established during the early 20th century and the ones that attracted the attention of the Beatles in 1968 consolidated their status as the place to be for spiritual yoga. Today, hundreds of ashrams, yoga studios, and wellness centers are operating in Rishikesh and cater to every level of yoga practitioner and every type of yoga that is possible.
Yoga Ashrams and Schools
Parmarth Niketan is the largest Ashram in Rishikesh and among the most revered in India. It provides daily meditation and yoga classes, spiritual discussions, and the spectacular nighttime Ganga Aarti on its private Ghat. Sivananda Ashram, established by Swami Sivananda, is among the most significant historical yoga centers located in Rishikesh and offers traditional Hatha yoga classes with a serene riverside location. If you're looking for more modern or internationally recognized instructor training for yoga, there are a multitude of Yoga Alliance-certified yoga schools operating in the city.
Yoga Retreats and Teacher Training
Next on the list of things to do in Rishikesh is yoga. Yoga classes in Rishikesh are available in many forms, from a one-time drop-in class to several weeks of immersive retreats and internationally recognized teacher training programs. A 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course offered by several yoga schools located in Rishikesh is among the most sought-after around the globe, drawing hopeful yoga teachers from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Even people who aren't looking to train will discover that a few days of regular yoga sessions in Rishikesh's Himalayan atmosphere is a deeply relaxing experience.
Meditation and Wellness
Beyond Yoga, Rishikesh has a wide variety of meditation techniques, Ayurvedic treatments, sound healing sessions, and wellness treatments. A lot of ashrams offer guided Vipassana meditation retreats. Ayurvedic centers in the town offer traditional treatments like the abhyanga massage, shirodhara, and panchakarma detox programs. Combining the Himalayan location, the sound of the Ganga, and the town's spiritual vibe makes Rishikesh an ideal location for any type of meditation or inner work.
Rishikesh Sightseeing: Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Rishikesh sightseeing provides an enjoyable mixture of spiritual sites, natural beauty, and the rich history and culture. These are the top destinations to see in Rishikesh that everyone must include in their travel itinerary.
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula
The two famous suspension bridges that span the Ganga are among the most well-known photographs of Rishikesh, and must-see stops on any Rishikesh tour. Laxman Jhula, the older of the two bridges, is over 137 meters above the river. It's named for its patron, the Hindu god Laxman, who is believed to have crossed over the Ganga from this point on a jute rope. The bridges afford spectacular views across the river, and connect the town's two major areas of ashram and commercial on the opposite banks. The experience of crossing them on foot, with the river rushing down below, and the Himalayan mountains rising above, is a classic Rishikesh experience.
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The most unique and interesting places to visit are Rishikesh, the ashram that was abandoned by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, where John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and other famous people came to explore Transcendental Meditation at the beginning of 1968. The ashram was abandoned and was later reclaimed by the surrounding forest for a number of years before it was opened to the public. It is now an enchanting open-air art gallery with its crumbling meditation domes and paths through the forest covered with elaborate murals and tributes to The Beatles and their transforming visit.
Triveni Ghat
One of the most revered bathing spots of Rishikesh, Triveni Ghat is believed to be the convergence of the holy rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna, as well as the mythical Saraswati. Tourists visit Triveni Ghat to bathe in the early morning hours, and the evening aarti that is performed in Triveni Ghat is one of the most dramatic rituals in Rishikesh, smaller and less intimate than Haridwar's famed ceremony, but incredibly emotional in its own way.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Located 32 kilometers from Rishikesh at an elevation of 1,330m, Neelkanth Mahadev temple is among the most revered Shiva temples located in Uttarakhand. The trek up through the sal forest is breathtaking in and of itself. The temple, which is situated within a small valley that is surrounded by two streams, is a truly holy and serene area. It is recommended to travel early in the morning, to give time to visit both the temple and the forest trail that is nearby.
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan
Every evening, at sunset at sunset, at sunset, the Parmarth Niketan ashram hosts one of the most stunning Ganga Aarti ceremonies in northern India. This is one of the best places to visit Rishikesh that you cannot miss. The ashram's residents and priests gather on the Ghat wearing white robes and saffron. Brass lamps are lit and presented to the river. Prayer music fills the air as dias that are floating off the ghats go on the Ganga. This ceremony is available to everyone regardless of their faith and is among the many spiritually rich events Rishikesh offers.
Eating, Shopping, and Street Life in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a totally vegetarian town and is alcohol-free, which is a rule that is abided by throughout all of the municipality to ensure respect for its religious significance. The town has developed an ethos of food that is innovative, nutritious, and tasty. The restaurants and cafes grouped in the vicinity of Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula serve traditional Indian cuisine, Himalayan specialties, and international cuisines.
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Little Buddha Cafe: An iconic multi-level riverside restaurant close to Laxman Jhula with sweeping Ganga views, great coffee, and a menu with Indian Thalis, wood-fired pizza and juices made from fresh fruit.
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Chotiwala Restaurant: One of Rishikesh's most popular and longest-running Dhabas that is famous for its delicious Rajasthani and northern Indian Thalis at a very affordable cost.
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The markets surrounding Laxman Jhula are lined with shops offering yoga clothes, jewelry, meditation beads, crystal singing bowls, Ayurvedic herbal remedies, rudraksha jewelry, spiritual books and handmade items from the Himalayan region.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rishikesh
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The ideal time to visit is from October through April, which provides the most relaxing conditions. The months of October and November are perfect for trekking and rafting. February and March make great months for yoga retreats as well as sightseeing. Beware of May and June, which are hot, as well as July and September, when the monsoon restricts the rafting experience and other outdoor activities.
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Rishikesh is around 250 kilometres away from Delhi and is easily accessible via roads. The closest airport can be found at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun located 35 km away. There are daily flights departing from Delhi. Haridwar, located 25 km away from Rishikesh, is the closest important railway station.
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Minimum of three nights is suggested to experience Rishikesh in all its dimensions. Five to seven days is the ideal time to mix yoga, adventure and a visit.
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Wear modest attire in town's main areas, especially near temples, ghats and Ashrams. The practice of revealing your clothes is considered disrespectful.
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Be mindful of the natural environment. Rishikesh is a city with a strong tradition of environmental consciousness. Avoid single-use plastics, use a reusable water bottle, and observe the principle of no-trace for any river or trek activities.
Create Your Rishikesh Trip with Janu Private Tours
Rishikesh is located in the northern part of one of India's best travel routes, just a few hours away from Delhi, and can easily be combined with the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan into a complete northern India trip. We at Janu Private Tours have been helping travelers create memorable India itineraries for years. We are experts at weaving Rishikesh's unique mix of spirituality and adventure into a larger itinerary that includes the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, as well as the sand dunes of Jaisalmer and the pristine lakes of Udaipur.
If you are traveling with Janu Private Tours:
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We develop 100% customized itineraries that blend exploration, culture, spirituality, and relaxation in accordance with your individual preferences.
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We can arrange the entire range of Rishikesh adventure activities like rafting, hiking, bungee and camping with certified safety-first, certified operators.
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We take care of all transport, accommodation, and logistics efficiently, so you can concentrate on your enjoyment.
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Our knowledgeable local guides offer the cultural context and insider information that makes every visit unique.
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Pricing that is transparent No hidden costs 24/7 on-ground support right from the moment you arrive.
Conclusion
The best things to do in Rishikesh offer a wide range of adventure activities, from the heart-pounding roar of Grade III rapids to the quiet morning meditation, from the surreal surroundings to the ancient religious fervor that is that of the Ganga Aarti at sunset. Few places in India provide this depth of adventure in the same compact and gorgeous location.
If you're looking for adventure, yoga, sightseeing, or simply to sit in the Ganga and enjoy the beauty and calmness of the Himalayas, it is sure to provide everything you require and probably more than you thought.
