Best Things to Do in Rishikesh

River rafting in Rishikesh is a thrilling adventure that tops the list of "things to do in Rishikesh." The Ganges River offers an exciting and picturesque backdrop for this adrenaline-pumping activity, attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world. With various rapids and courses suitable for all experience levels, Rishikesh is the ultimate destination for a heart-pounding and scenic river rafting experience.

Cost : INR 450 to INR 1800 per person depending upon the stretch, time and difficulty level

The opulence of the majestic Himalayas, the clear waters of the Ganges and the mesmerising beauty of the adjoining forests make Rishikesh the ideal spot for adventure sports like camping and rafting. The hill-town brings to you the world class camping experience with umpteen camping and rafting services available in the area. Make sure to put this under your bucket list of things to do in Rishikesh while you are at it.

Lakshman Jhula, a prominent suspension bridge in Rishikesh, is not only a key transportation link but also a significant landmark for things to do in Rishikesh. It provides awe-inspiring views of the sacred Ganges River and the Himalayan surroundings, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks, photography, and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. 

Timings : 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Note : As of July 20, 2019, this bridge is only accessible for pedestrians and both sides are blocked to prevent vehicles. A replacement bridge is getting built next to this bridge due to its deteriorating condition.

Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh is unlike any other aarti ritual held to worship the holy Ganges. These aartis are usually attended by a number of devotees and tourists. The rituals are authentic and provide a highly soulful and peaceful experience. Those seeking a divine escape are often drawn to these rituals held in Rishikesh on the banks of River Ganga. Performed with a big pomp and show, this is definitely one of the must things to do in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh, often referred to as the "Yoga Capital of the World," is a haven for yoga enthusiasts. This spiritual and serene city, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and along the banks of the holy Ganges River, offers a plethora of yoga classes and ashrams for those seeking to deepen their practice or embark on a yoga journey.

Some famous yoga centres in Rishikesh: The Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram), Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh Yog Peeth, Sivananda Ashram, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan

Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Triveni Ghat, as per its name, is the spot of the confluence of the three sacred rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. These rivers are considered extraordinarily pious and pure in the Hindu religion and are celebrated by every follower of this faith. It is believed that a dip in the holy waters by Triveni Ghat can purify you and cleanse you of all sins, worries and fears.The experience of walking into the widely worshipped River Ganga is one among the most essential things to do in Rishikesh.

If you are an adventure seeking soul, then Rishikesh offers you one of the best professionally managed bungee jumping in India. Infact, bungee jumping is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh. With an impeccable safety record, their operation and equipments are very safe. The bungee jumping spot is situated about 20 kms from main city and proves to be a most thrilling experience of your life.

Timings : Time Slots : 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM, Closed on Tuesday
Entry Fee : Entry Fee - INR 100, Bungee Jumping - INR 355

At 380 m high, Kaudiyala is a popular rock climbing destination surrounded by dense forests. It also offers white river rafting tracks, and the sports is organized by the camping facilities around the place. The place also offers perfect camping opportunity which is also one of the most thrilling things to do in Rishikesh.

The alpine meadow of Kuari Pass has been attracting backpackers from around the globe for decades. Being in close proximity to Nanda Devi biosphere, Kuari Pass is at the center of the most remarkable regions of Garhwal known for its unique wild grandeur. Lighting a bonfire and camping at the base is one of the most preferred things to do in Rishikesh. The place also offers several trekking opportunities.

Initially known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, the Beatles Ashram was named so after the Beatles visited the ashram in 1968 to get trained on the advanced techniques of Transcendental Meditation. The ashram is now an eco-friendly tourist attraction located in the Rajaji National Park and offers a serene ambience located close to the mesmerising River Ganga. It is one of the attractions that is sure to take one close to nature and visiting here is one of the most essential things to do in Rishikesh. 

Entry Fees : Indians: INR 150
Foreigners: INR 600
Timings : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tips : Visit during late afternoon for a stunning view of the Ganga during sunset

Shivpuri is a picturesque town located on the foothills of the Himalayas. It has a thrilling rafting stretch amidst beautiful natural surroundings and is, therefore, famous for River Rafting. The town is often referred to as the River Rafting destination in India. It also has a number of camps that draw tourists pretty often for a weekend getaway from nearby cities. One of the popular places in the region, rafting here is among the top things to do in Rishikesh.

An iconic landmark, Ram Jhula, built in 1986, is a suspension bridge that runs across the sacred River Ganga connecting Shivananda Nagar to Swargashram. The bridge spans 750 feet and is a splendid work of engineering that connects the religious ashrams situated on both sides of the river and offers a splendid bird's eye view of the mighty Ganges and the serene nature at the foothills of the Himalayas. Offering picturesque views of the hills in the backdrop, walking over the Jhula is one of the top things to do in Rishikesh.

Rishi Kund is a natural hot spring pond which is considered as a sacred water body in the town. The pond is believed to be filled with water only after a sage was blessed by River Yamuna. Locals also believe that Lord Rama had bathed in the kund during his exile and that the rivers, Ganges and Yamuna meet each other at this point. No matter what the legend is, the pond has a serene vibe that cannot be missed while here.

Jumpin Heights is a famous extreme adventure zone in Rishikesh perfect attraction for adventure freaks seeking to get their adrenalin pumping. Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox and Giant Swing are some of the adventure activities that one can go for in the midst of clean, fresh air and serene lush greenery on the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. Make sure you try some or all of the exciting activities here. And don't forget to put this under your list of top things to do in Rishikesh.

Bungee Jumping: Cost: Typically ranges from INR 3,000 to INR 3,500 per person.
Flying Fox (Zipline): Cost: Usually ranges from INR 1,800 to INR 1,900 per person.
Giant Swing: Cost: Generally falls in the range of INR 2,500 to INR 2,800 per person.

Spa & Wellness centres in Rishikesh offer a variety of therapies including rejuvenation and relaxation treatments. The centres offer extensive treatments and massages with the help of traditional Ayurveda and Yoga along with other spiritual stress-relieving activities. Enrolling for one of the treatment packages is one of the best ways to spend a vacation in the holy abode of the Ganges. It is also one of the best things to do in Rishikesh.

Some popular Spa & Wellness in centre: Ananda in the Himalayas, Sanskriti Vedic Retreat, & Naturoville Vedic Retreat

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Shiva as Neelkanth is his another name. This temple is located around 7km from Swarg Ashram and the route is a 3 hour long walk along a forest path. Besides the verdant green forests, the path also offers beautiful picturesque views of the valley below. Make sure to put it under your top things to do in Rishikesh.

Also popularly known as the Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, the Geeta Bhawan is a vast and spacious complex that is located on the banks of the river Ganga in Swargashram in Rishikesh, at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The Geeta Bhawan is visited by a large number of people each year, who flock to here to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges, listen to the discourses and meditate. Touring the Bhawan is one of the most common things to do in Rishikesh.

Timings : 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Rappelling and Rock Climbing are two of the most popular and sought after activities in Rishikesh. Rappelling is basically roping down a cliff, instead of climbing up a rock. The expeditions are available and suitable for both amateurs and professionals. One of the most sought-after activities, these are two of the most thrilling things to do in Rishikesh.

Trimbakeshwar Temple or Tera Manzil Temple is the thirteen storey temple situated on the banks of river Ganges in Rishikesh. Located right opposite the Lakshman Jhula, the temple enshrine several deities under one roof. Popular for its striking architecture, the temple also offers panoramic landscape view from the top of its 13th floor. Along with the several other unique things to do in Rishikesh, make sure to try this one too.

Flying Fox is another one of the exciting adventure sports and top thrilling things to do in Rishikesh. In this sport, you are harnessed to a rope and literally sent 'flying' on a cable. The speed is accelerated or slowed down through machinery. You can get an enthralling view of the mighty Himalayas and soar over the majestic Ganges with a beautiful view in front of you and even below you.

Muni ki Reti is a religiously important pilgrim centre near Rishikesh considered as the gateway for the pilgrimage of Char Dham. It, therefore, has a number of ashrams providing basic facilities for the pilgrims to help them on their spiritual journey. Muni ki Reti literally means the 'sand of the sages' and is believed to be the place where King Bharat performed penance.

When in Rishikesh, you have to try mountain biking as it is one of the most essential activities and things to do in Rishikesh. The hilly terrain with a backdrop of the mighty Himalayas and the serene Ganges makes the ride worthwhile. Other than just exploring the town in an exciting manner, you will also enjoy the cool fresh wind against your face. It is more than just a bike ride, it is an experience of its own.

Set amidst peace and tranquillity, Rishikesh has a lot more to offer than it's been given credit for. The solace and the ultimate gateway for spiritual seekers, it has a variety of cafes ready to serve you the best dishes in town. This place pulsates and witnesses a great variety of people coming from all over the world to be with oneself. Set amidst nature's bliss, this holy city offers a mouthful of delight to a connoisseur. It should be noted that since Rishikesh is considered as a sacred Hindu place, meat and alcohol are strictly off limits.

Cliff jumping in Rishikesh is a thrilling adventure that allows you to take a leap of faith into the crystal-clear waters of the Ganges River. It's an adrenaline-pumping experience set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan foothills.

Skill Level: Be a confident swimmer; choose cliffs within your comfort level.
Cost: Varies (typically INR 500 to 1500 per person) depending on operator and number of jumps.
Booking: Pre-book through operators or local travel agencies.
Timings: Available throughout the day, but prefer daylight hours for safety.

Kayaking or Canoeing is one of the most unique things to do in Rishikesh. The activity involves a person in a small boat or kayak to ride down the river. The activity requires a small training to ride through the rapids and tides, for the first timers. After that, you will be good to go on your own.

Soaring high above the picturesque landscape of Rishikesh, hot air ballooning offers an exhilarating adventure for those seeking a unique and breathtaking experience. Drift with the wind as you take in the stunning vistas of the Himalayan foothills and the meandering Ganges River below.

Best Time: September to June
Duration: Rides last 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather.
Cost: Typically INR 5000 to 8000 per person; check with your operator.

Indulge in a week-long rejuvenation ritual at the International Yoga Festival at Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The festival is an international extravaganza with workshops, demonstrations, cultural shows, and much more.  Physical, mental and spiritual well-being is assured to a dedicated follower of this art.

International Yoga Festival Dates 2024 : March 8-14, 2024
Venue for International Yoga Festival : Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh
International Yoga Festival Registration Fee :  INR 6,000(75 USD)- INR 56,000 (700 USD)

Also popularly known as the Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, the Geeta Bhawan is a vast and spacious complex that is located on the banks of the river Ganga in Swargashram in Rishikesh, at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The Ashram is renowned as an important institution that preserves Hindu literature since it houses the Gita, which symbolizes the Hindu Vedas and epics.

Timings : 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Experience the adrenaline rush in Rishikesh, a small yet beautiful city in Dehradun District of Uttrakhand. The city is known as an 'adventure capital of India', surrounded by magnificent locations, whether it is the gushing rivers, beautiful valleys or amazing greenery. Experience the feeling of wind sigh and see the world go by. Paragliding in Rishikesh is an unforgettable experience, giving you a chance to see the world from the top.

Best Time: September to June
Paragliding Packages: 1. Kitty Hawk - 10-12 minutes Air Safari. INR 4400 Per Person
2. Explorer - 18-22 minutes Air Safari. INR 6999 Per Person
3. Valley Expedition - 25-30 minutes Air Safari. INR 10999 Per Person
4. Rishikesh Expedition - 60-70 minutes Air Safari.INR 20499 Per Person

Rajaji National Park is home to the Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Cheetal, hog deer, barking deer, Sambar deer, wild boar, antelopes such as the Nilgai, Goral, Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Civets, Himalayan Yellow-Throated Marten, Sloth Bears, Pythons, King Cobra, Common Krait, Indian Cobra and the Monitor Lizard and above All the Asian Elephant.

Entry fee: For Indian Nationals: INR 750 per person; For Foreign Nationals: INR 1500 per person; For Jeep Safari: INR 1500 per Safari (INR 150 per person)
Timings: Typical timings are 6 AM - 11 AM for morning sessions, 11:30 AM - 1 PM for birdwatching in the forest, and 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM for afternoon sessions.

Best Time: Mid November to Mid June

Nestled in the serene and spiritual town of Rishikesh, Vashishta Gufa (also known as Sage Vashishta Cave) is a sacred and tranquil place of deep meditation and spirituality. It is believed to be the ancient abode of Sage Vashishta, one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) in Hindu mythology. This mystical cave is perched alongside the Ganges River and offers a serene ambiance for meditation and self-discovery.

Note: Before entering the cave, it's customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect.