The Ganges is beautiful, the chants of Hindu prayers are soul-stirring, the natural surroundings are rejuvenating, and the nerve-wracking experiences are just enough to make you feel adventurous. Since Rishikesh is a blend of thrill and piety, it is frequently included as a highlight on most Uttarakhand trips. For this reason, the city also goes by the labels Land of God and The Adventure Capital of India. There are a lot of activities in Rishikesh for individuals of all ages, thanks to the countless chances in this small city of Uttarakhand. See our best things to do in Rishikesh.
14 Best Things to Do in Rishikesh: A Blissful Vacation Amidst the Enchanting Surroundings
You can familiarize yourself with the best adventure activities in Rishikesh by reading this list. Pack your bags and head off on vacation to experience the attractions listed below for a wonderful getaway in a peaceful setting.
- River Rafting at Shivpuri
- Camping
- Bungee Jumping
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Sightseeing
- Kayaking
- Ganga Aarti
- Meditation
- Shopping
- Cliff Jumping
- Flying Fox
- Cafe Hopping
- Ayurvedic Massage
- Giant Swing
1. River Rafting at Shivpuri: The Hub of River Rafting
A Rubber boat is used for river rafting, which entails navigating rapids. It's an adventure-filled pastime that has become increasingly popular in India's adventure sports community. Due to its proximity to the upper Himalayas and the Ganges' passage through the city, Rishikesh is a very well-liked location for river rafting and a popular adventure sport in Rishikesh. Due to its favorable location, people travel in droves to Rishikesh for this activity. Put river rafting on your list of must-do activities in Rishikesh if you're a visitor looking for an exhilarating excursion.
- Ideal Time: The best months for white water rafting are November through March
- Nearby Attractions: Pawa Waterfalls, Madhav national park
- Opening hours: 9am to 5 pm
- Location: Shivpuri
2. Camping: A Stay Amidst Lush Green and Tranquil Mountains
Campers may enjoy an amazing experience thanks to Rishikesh's clean air, stunning mountains, and serene Ganges. Camping would be one of the most soothing and therapeutic adventure sport to do in Rishikesh, from eating meals, listening to music, and playing games around the bonfire on chilly evenings to waking up to the sounds of the river and singing birds. You can go for a morning stroll and engage in several adventurous pursuits, like rafting and bodysurfing, later that day.
- Ideal Time: March through June and September through November
- Nearby Attractions: River side camping, forest camp
- Opening hours: 12pm to 12pm
- Location: Forest camping, Riverside camping and Jim Corbett
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3. Bungee Jumping: Exhilarating Excursion
Bungee jumping, or as we may also refer to it, "adrenaline junkie's fuel," is yet another enjoyable adventure activity to do in Rishikesh. At a height of more than 80 meters above the ground, feel your heart race as you kiss gravity and let go of the ground. Many tourists from all around India get shivers just thinking about bungee jumping in Rishikesh. The city takes pride in operating the highest bungee in the nation with extensive experience. Adventure enthusiasts don't need any additional encouragement to pack their bags and visit Rishikesh because it is also a pilgrimage destination.
- Ideal Time: March to April and September to mid-November
- Nearby Attractions: Shivpuri, Kunjapuri temple
- Opening hours: 9am to 4pm
- Location: Mohanchatti
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4. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Admire the Heavenly Vistas
Note: Above picture is for reference only
The refreshing breeze above or the view of this amazing city make hot air ballooning one of the most alluring sports activities in Rishikesh, if not the easiest. Due to the less age restrictions and physical fitness requirements, hot air ballooning is one of the top family attractions in Rishikesh.
- Ideal Time: April to May
- Nearby Attractions: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Triveni ghat
- Opening hours: 9am to 8pm
- Location: Tapovan
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5. Sightseeing: Witness the God’s Luxury Creation
If you don't see the temples in Rishikesh, which are rich in culture and history, your trip would remain incomplete. With a wide variety of temples, town provides visitors with a clear view of the culture and customs upheld in the town since ancient times which is the best thing to do in Rishikesh. Do not forget to visit the temples if you enjoy learning about religious history and need some peace and quiet after a long day. If you only have a day in Rishikesh and want to see the main attractions. Visits to Bharat Mandir, Sivananda Ashram, Vashitha Cave, Lakshma Jhula, the Ganges, Ram Jhula, Gita Bhawan, and Parmarth Niketan are all included in this full-day sightseeing.
- Ideal Time: October to February
- Nearby Attractions: Ganga aarti is at Triveni Ghat
- Opening hours: Morning to evening or to late night
- Location: Rishikesh
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6. Kayaking: Expedition on Soothing Ganges
Compared to the adrenaline-pumping activities in this holy city, it is one of the most tranquil and peaceful activities to do in Rishikesh that teaches you about balance and patience. The difficulty levels of kayaking in Rishikesh range from moderate to difficult. Beginners can learn how to kayak securely and develop their sailing skills by taking lessons from the instructors.
- Ideal Time: September to June
- Nearby Attractions: Narwar Fort, Madhav villas palace
- Opening hours: 8am to 3pm
- Location: Shivpuri
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7. Ganga Aarti: Experience the Delightful Ceremony
Attending the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat is yet another must-do activity in Uttarakhand. The Triveni Ghat's Maha Aarti, a stunning ceremony, begins with the chanting of bhajans and prayers as drums are being beat, bells are ringing, and glowing Diya's are lit. Visitors from all over the world can attest to how harmonious the environment is when this spiritual rite is taking place. An outstanding sight is created by the gorgeous images that the lighted lamps create on the lake.
- Ideal Time: Throughout the year
- Nearby Attractions: Ganga aarti sthal, Triveni ghats
- Timings:6pm to 7pm Daily
- Location: Ganga Ghats
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8. Meditation: Spiritual Elevation in Lap of Nature
You may find that visiting Rishikesh provides the ideal setting for you to do yoga and engage in spiritual practices like meditation. You can practice various forms of yoga and meditation to unwind your body, clear your mind, and calm your soul thanks to the abundance of yoga retreats (or ashrams) and knowledgeable teachers of this age-old practice. What are you waiting for—millions of tourists from all over the world travel to Rishikesh which is known as one of the best places to travel in India to practice yoga. Make reservations for a stay at any of the renowned yoga retreats in the area, including Rishikesh Yogpeeth, Yoga Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Sadhana Mandir, and Parmarth Niketan.
- Ideal Time: Throughout the year
- Nearby Attractions: Rishikesh yogpeeth, yoga niketan, sadhana mandir
- Timings: According to the batches
- Location: Rishikesh
9. Shopping in Rishikesh: Buy the Best Souvenirs
Due to Rishikesh's year-round popularity as a tourist destination, the city is lined with stores selling a wide variety of handcrafted and religious goods. Genuine fabrics and Woollen goods can be purchased at fair pricing from UP Handloom, Garhwal Wool, or the Khadi Shop. You can bring lovely sarees, shawls, pearls, and beaded items home to remember your travels by.
- Ideal Time: Throughout the year
- Nearby Attractions: Laxman jhula market, Ram jhula market, Rishikesh downtown
- Timings: All day long
- Location: Rishikesh
10. Cliff jumping: Let Go the Fear of Heights
Cliff jumping was first practiced in Rishikesh because it is located in the Shivalik region, which has cliffs of various heights that are caressed by the holy Ganges and one of the best activities in Uttarakhand. This may be done by novices and specialists alike, much like many other adventure activities in Rishikesh. But overall, you'll discover that it is one of the most daring things to do in Rishikesh or one of the stunning nearby hill stations.
- Ideal Time: March and June
- Nearby Attractions: Shivpuri River Rafting
- Timings: 6am to 7pm
- Location: Geeta Nagar, Rishikesh
11. Flying Fox: Experience Thrills & Freedom
Embark on an exhilarating adventure in the heart of Rishikesh with Flying Fox, an adrenaline-pumping experience that lets you soar through the skies like a bird. With breathtaking views of the Ganges River and lush Himalayan foothills, Flying Fox offers an unforgettable blend of excitement and natural beauty. Get ready to unleash your inner adventure as you zip line through the stunning landscapes of Rishikesh, creating memories that will last a lifetime which should be added to the list of things to do in Rishikesh.
Ideal Time: September to November & February to April
Nearby Attractions: Kunjapuri, Kunjapuri Temple, Neer Waterfall, Chandrabadani Temple
Timings: 3 to 4 hours
Location: Shivpuri
12. Cafe Hopping: Where Every Cup of Coffee Tells a Tale
Indulge your senses in the vibrant culinary scene of Rishikesh with our guide to café hopping. Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayan foothills and the spiritual vibes of the Ganges, Rishikesh offers a plethora of charming cafes serving up delectable delights and refreshing beverages. Join us on a journey of exploration as we wander through the quaint streets, sampling local flavors, international cuisines, and artisanal treats. Never forget to visit the most iconic Beatles Cafe, one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh, if you are a diehard fan of the Beatles.
Ideal Time: Evening, during any month
Nearby Attractions: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Patna Waterfall
Timings: 4 to 5 hours
Location: Near Laxman Jhula
13. Ayurvedic Massage: Healing Hands Meet Serenity
Embark on a journey of holistic healing and rejuvenation in the serene city of Rishikesh, where the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda intertwines with modern wellness practices. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas and blessed by the sacred waters of the Ganges River, Rishikesh offers a haven for seekers of tranquility and vitality. In this tranquil setting, Ayurvedic massages emerge as a timeless tradition, offering a profound blend of therapeutic touch, herbal remedies, and spiritual harmony and one of the best things to do in Rishikesh. Book your stay at Maharishi Ayurveda Retreat and get pampered by their world-class spa treatments for a holistic experience.
Ideal Time: Throughout the year
Nearby Attractions: Parmarth Niketan, Lakshman Jhula, Laxman Temple
Timings: 1 to 2 hours
Location: Tapovan
14. Giant Swing: Experience Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
Dive into the heart-pounding excitement of Rishikesh's Giant Swing, where adventure meets breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas and overlooking the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh sets the stage for an adrenaline-fueled experience unlike any other. The Giant Swing offers thrill-seekers the chance to soar through the sky, suspended high above the valley floor, for an exhilarating rush of adrenaline and unmatched views of the surrounding landscape and one of the best things to do in Uttarakhand for a lifetime treasure. Never miss out on this activity to experience real fun.
Ideal Time: March to June
Nearby Attractions: Kunjapuri, Kunjapuri Temple, Neer Waterfall, Chandrabadani Temple
Timings: 15 to 20 minutes
Location: Shivpuri
Much excitement? Send your friends a quick text to get your trip to Rishikesh organized! Enjoy the much-needed holiday and experience the best places to visit in Rishikesh. Have pleasure learning about these activities in the Yoga Capital of the World! Rishikesh is a great place to go for pilgrims as well as people who wish to learn more about yoga, spirituality, and a lot of adventure activities for thrilling experiences and other parts of traditional practices with Rishikesh tour packages.
FAQs
It is primarily well-known among Sanatan Dharam believers for its spiritual significance. It is well-known for its adventurous activities, historic temples, well-liked eateries, and other things. The best aspect, though, is that it's also referred to as the global capital of yoga.
A total of 4 days is good enough to explore all the adventurous sites of Rishikesh including Shivpuri, MohanPatti village and camping at Ganga banks.
November to march is considered as the best time to visit Rishikesh for exciting and thrilling activities.
A ghat called Triveni Ghat is located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. On the banks of the Ganges, it is the largest and most well-known ghat in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh offers paragliding at extremely reasonable rates. One of the main tourist destinations in Uttarakhand is the lovely city of Rishikesh, which is situated in the shadow of the Himalayas.
Numerous thrill-seeking tourists flock to the Uttarakhand city of Rishikesh because it is recognized as the "capital of adventure sports in India." All types of travelers can find much to do in Rishikesh, from bungee jumping to marveling at the magnificence of the Neer Gaddu Waterfalls.
Rishikesh is home to some of the most renowned yoga schools and ashrams in India and around the world because of its extensive yoga and spiritual legacy.
The months of March to June are a peak season because many tourists escape to this wonderland during summer because the destination offers serene weather which will complement your journey through the lush green meadows and snow-capped mountains.
Yes, 2 days in Rishikesh is enough to experience the best of the town and to cover its main highlights. Starting from visiting the religious sites to carrying out the adventure activities, Rishikesh has everything for you.
Since Rishikesh is the home to a plethora of religious landmarks and natural splendors, you can have a great time here. You can spend a day in Rishikesh doing the following things.
- Shivpuri
- Triveni Ghat
- Ram Jhula
- Beatles Ashram
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
