You’d be slightly off the mark if you thought Rishikesh was all about yoga and spirituality. Yes, it is the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and the most popular starting point for the Hindu ‘Chota Char Dham’ pilgrimage, but there is much more to Rishikesh than this. Rishikesh, a historic city in Uttarakhand, is a haven for adventurers and thrill-seekers. Want to know what is ahead? Find out about the finest things to do in Rishikesh:
First on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Table of Contents
Whitewater Rafting
What is a trip to Rishikesh without whitewater rafting? Choose from four rafting routes to Rishikesh: Brahampuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala. Except during the rainy season, Rishikesh offers rafting (July-mid Sep).
Ride the rapids at Rishikesh — not in a raft, but by just letting your body float with the current. If you love adventure, you must try bodysurfing!
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Bungee Jumping
Among other things to do in Rishikesh, bungee jumping is an adrenaline-pumping event. Bungee jumping includes leaping from a high cliff or building while attached to a rope harness or cord. In the air for a while before the cord recoils and pulls you back up makes bungee jumping an unforgettable experience.
Jumpin Heights in Rishikesh is the highest bungee in India, at 83m above the Ganges. This is one of the top things to do in Rishikesh. Bungy is a physically difficult activity that demands basic fitness. Healthy people should avoid it.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Camp on the Ganges
Campers will enjoy the fresh air, gorgeous mountains, and the serene Ganges at Rishikesh. Camping is one of the most soothing and revitalizing activities in Rishikesh. You can also go for a morning stroll and then go rafting or bodysurfing during the day.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Enjoy the Giant Swing’s Thrill
The Giant Swing is similar to bungee jumping, but not quite. Unlike bungee jumping, the Giant Swing allows you to swing through Rishikesh’s deep valleys. The exercise requires a rope harness attached to a fixed location. Jumping swings you like a pendulum from side to side. Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health issues should consult a doctor before participating.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Zip Across the Rishikesh Valleys
Adventure junkies must try flying fox zip-lining. Your safety line and harness are then used to send you soaring across the valley on a cable. The operator controls the speed mechanically, so there is no need to worry. Zip-lining in Rishikesh offers stunning vistas of the Ganges valley. Like bungee jumping and the Giant Swing, only go zip-lining if you are healthy or after seeing your doctor.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Do some cliff jumping
Cliff jumping is a popular activity in Rishikesh, near the sacred Ganges. The practise entails jumping down a cliff 20-50 feet high into the Ganges. It’s safe to say that Rishikesh is the best site to try cliff jumping. This engaging exercise will excite you and make you remember the place. Cliff leaping, while simple, is not for the faint-hearted. Anyone in decent shape can try it.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Kayak the Ganges
Rishikesh offers kayaking for all skill levels. This sport requires you to safely navigate rapids and tides in a kayak or canoe-like vessel. The experts here make it easy for beginners to try this thrilling pastime. Kayaking on Rishikesh’s waterways is unparalleled. Aside from the pure waters
and rapids, the stream’s rocky portions add to the fun.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Mountain Bike Around Town
This is a great activity for couples or groups of friends. The town’s beauty and hilly topography make mountain riding an exciting and unforgettable experience. To explore the forest and river routes, or just ride around town. Cold, fresh air will keep you from getting tired or dizzy.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
See Rishikesh’s Hindu Shrines
The adventure sports arrived later; Rishikesh is essentially a Hindu pilgrimage hub and one of India’s holiest places, as seen by the abundance of gorgeous temples. Any visitor to Rishikesh should visit as many as possible to obtain blessings. These are some of the top temples to visit in Rishikesh: Trayambakeshwar (aka Tera Manzil), Neelkanth Mahadev (Kunjapuri Devi), Lakshman (Raghunath), Shri Bharat Mandir (Bhootnath).
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Yoga and Meditation Rejuvenate
A yoga and meditation retreat in Rishikesh might help you connect with your spiritual side. There are several yoga retreats (or ashrams) and qualified yoga teachers to learn different forms of yoga and meditation to relax your body, mind, and soul. So, what are you waiting for? Accommodations include Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Sadhan Mandir, Yoga Niketan, Rishikesh Yogpeeth and more.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Visit Beatles Ashram’s Street Art
When the Beatles visited Rishikesh in 1968, they stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Chaurasi Kutia ashram. Once an international meditation academy, the ashram declined in the 1990s. As a tribute to the musical greats that lived here, two street artists, Pan Trinity Das and Kyrie Maezumi, turned it into a gallery. Beatles Ashram, open to the public since 2015, is a must-see for its colourful graffiti and stunning surroundings.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Lakshman Jhula’s Spectacular Views
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rishikesh, you must see the breathtaking panoramic views from the Lakshman Jhula — the city’s most famous monument. En way to Swarg Ashram and Gita Bhavan, this 450-foot suspension bridge built across the Ganges offers scenic panoramas of the calm surroundings.
Next on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Shivpuri Day Trip
This little village in the Himalayan foothills is notable for its Shiva Temple. But this temple town has more. If you want to spend a day in Rishikesh, Shivpuri has the best beach camping locations where you can see the dawn and sunset. Shivpuri, on the Ganges, boasts an exciting and scenic rafting section with white rapids below. The Neer Garh Waterfall walk is an exciting trip to Neer Garh Waterfall in Shivpuri.
Last on the list of 14 things you should do when you visit Rishikesh is:
Ram Jhula’s Stunning Himalayan View
The famous Lakshman Jhula is often featured in Rishikesh travel photos. But the Ram Jhula, another famous suspended bridge, bypasses numerous routes. Do not repeat the error. The 450-foot suspension bridge over the Ganges, erected in 1986, connects the two mountains. The Ram Jhula connects Swarg Ashram on one side of the valley to Sivananda Ashram on the other. Take a walk across the bridge and enjoy the stunning views of the valley and river. Both sides of the Ram Jhula have temples and ashrams.
So, are you ready to experience the best of Rishikesh? Obtain a hotel reservation and leave. We hope you find this information useful! Don’t forget to share your favourite moments in the comments.
