Rishikesh is filled with the charm of the Ganga river, the scenic beauty of the Himalayan mountains, chants of Hindu prayer, the magic of Ganga Aarti, and adventurous activities that pump your hearts.
Situated in southwest Uttarakhand and often referred to as a Getaway to the Garhwal mountains & Yoga Capital of the world, Rishikesh is a tranquil place blessed with numerous adventurous things. From river rafting to bungee jumping this place has it all.
For peace seekers, there are ashrams to do yoga and calm your mind & soul and for adventure seekers, there are plethora of activities like river rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, cliff jumping, waterfall rappelling etc. So, here we listed the 20 exciting things to do in Rishikesh that fill your soul with adventure and peace –
Adventurous Things To Do In Rishikesh
1. River Rafting
Rafting is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh and the most popular spot for white water rafting in India is Rishikesh itself. Every year many adventure seekers visit Rishikesh for rafting only.
Rafting is the supreme experience in Rishikesh that makes you feel the adrenaline rush in your body. There are many authorized and certified rafting operators available to make your rafting experience memorable and safe. And there are many rafting spots where you can enjoy rafting depending on the grade and length.
- Best time for rafting in Rishikesh – March to June and September to November. Skip monsoon due to unexpected weather and heavy rains.
Rafting points in Rishikesh
- Brahampuri Club house to Rishikesh 9 KMs
- Shivpuri to Rishikesh 16 KMs
- Marine drive to Rishikesh 26 KMs
- Kaudiyala to Rishikesh 35 Kms
Avg. Cost – 400 to 1500 Rs (Depending on the length and season)
2. Bungee Jumping
After white water rafting bungee jumping is the best thing to do in Rishikesh. Jumping height at Mohan Chatti has India’s highest Bungy with a height of 83 meters. It is operated by a highly experienced team from New Zealand. After completing it you’ll be rewarded with a dare to jump certificate. After the bungee, you can see the photograph and video of the jump at the cafeteria.
Falling from a height of 83 meters while suspended from a rope harness is something not everyone’s cups of tea. It is one of the fewest activities in which you would face the fear of death. So, for those who want to enjoy adrenaline pump, bungee jumping is the best thing you can do in Rishikesh.
- Minimum Age – 12 Year
- Weight – 35 to 110 Kgs
- Location – Jumping Heights, Mohan Chatti, 25 Km from Rishikesh.
- Time – Takes around 1.5 hour. Though the jump takes only 2 minutes.
- Cost – 3700 Rs and 900 Rs For Video
Note: People who are suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes or any medical issue should consult the doctor before doing bungee jumping.
3. Camping
Camping is one of the recreational activities that everyone should try in Rishikesh. Sleeping under the millions of shining stars and waking up with the melodious sound of birds and the gushing Ganga river is the experience you’ll surely want to enjoy.
Rishikesh is one of the few places which is not overly modernized but not completely dwelling in the past. So, camping would be the best way to explore the hidden beauty of this place.
There are many campsites in Rishikesh where you can enjoy luxurious camping with nature. And if you’re like me who love set camp on your own then there are many places but you need to ask permission from local authorities.
- Best places for camping in Rishikesh – Shivpuri, Byasi and many more.
- Avg. Cost – 600 to 3000 INR
- Best time for camping – Anytime of the year except for monsoon.
4. Giant Swing
After trying Bungee jumping and rafting if you’re still craving for more thrill then try the Giant swing. As the name specifies Giant Swing means swinging like a pendulum in ranges between 1 to 1.5 KM. It is like Bungee jumping but unlike free fall in a giant swing, a person swings between the two cliffs while clinging to a rope.
Due to the similarity of Bungee jumping, it is conducted at the same spot. This adventurous activity makes sure to pump your heart with a thrill.
- Location – Jumping Height, Mohan Chatti, Rishikesh (25 KM Away)
- Avg. Cost – 3700 and 900 to 1800 to make video
5. Flying Fox
Experience the thrill of flying above 7 meters from the river Ganges with a speed of 140 KM/hr. Usually, flying fox in Rishikesh is done by 3 people in Tandem but if you want to do it alone then you’ve to pay extra cost. So, if you’re traveling to Rishikesh with your mates then this is the best group activity to do.
After the activity, you can chill in the cafeteria while watching the photographs and videos of your experience.
- Best time to do – Any time of the year.
- Location – Jumping Height, Mohan Chatti Village, Rishikesh
- Avg. Cost – 2000 per person.
6. Waterfall Rappelling
Imagine yourself in the middle of the free-flowing waterfall while tied to a rope. Feeling excited, so experience this thrilling activity on your next trip to Rishikesh. It is one of the most daring activities which tests your strength, endurance and stamina as you’ve to move towards the waterfall while balancing out yourself irrespective flow of water.
Moving against the flow of the water while hanging with a rope would be a true test of your body. And the enticing Neel Garh waterfall is the perfect place in Rishikesh to experience this adventurous activity.
- Best time to do – March to June
- Location – Neel Garh Waterfall
- Avg. Cost – 500 to 700 Per person.
7. Rock Climbing
Situated at the foot of the Himalayan mountain range, Rishikesh is one of the best spots to try rock climbing in India. Rishikesh is surrounded by many steep rocks and cliffs of Shivalik hills.
In rock climbing, you’ve to climb up gradually while tied to a rope for safety. It tests your physical strength and mental strength. As while climbing up, you’ve to maintain your body in such a way that you would not fall and during that process your mind become alert then you start enjoying the fear.
It is best for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts.
- Where to try – Shivpuri, 18 KM from Rishikesh
- Avg. Cost – 1000 Rs per person
- Best season – Any time of the year.
8. Cliff Jumping
Cliff jumping is one of the best ways to take a cool dip inside the river Ganges in Rishikesh. It involves jumping from a 30 to 40-meter cliff into the refreshing water of the Ganges. Most of the time river rafting includes cliff jumping if not then you can do it separately as well.
This activity test your body and mental strength. Like most of the other activities in Rishikesh, this can be done by both beginners and experts. Rishikesh has a plethora of cliffs with various heights as it falls in the Shivalik mountain range. So, whenever you visit Rishikesh don’t forget to try out this adventurous sport.
- Best time to do – Summer due to the ideal water temperature.
- Price – 1700 to 4000 Rs
- Where to try – 2 KM from Lakshman Jhula in Brahmpuri.
9. Trekking
Being a hilly region Rishikesh is blessed with various kinds of treks that are meant for everyone; From a small trek to a waterfall to multi-day treks of Chandrashila trek. Due to the proximity to places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri, Rishikesh is an ideal place to start your trekking journey.
Traversing through the jungles with lush green meadows, refreshing streams and snow-capped mountain peaks is something that excites every nature lover.
- Best trekking trails in Rishikesh – Waterfall trek, Neelkanth Mahadev trek, Chandrashila trek, Neer Garh Waterfall trek, Patna Waterfall trek, Kanjapuri temple trek, Kuari pass trek, and Gomukh trek.
- Best time to do – Anytime of year except monsoon season.
10. Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the activities that teach you the real meaning of balance and patience. In this activity, you have to balance your kayak boat with a paddle while rushing through rapids. And river Ganges gives the perfect platform as the water is clear and rapids are good enough to make the ride bumpy.
If you’re wondering about how to do this activity then don’t worry many experts would help you to master the skill of Kayaking. It is the kind of activity that can be done by anyone,
- Best time to do – March to June and September to November is the best time to do kayaking in Rishikesh as the weather and water temperature stay ideal.
- Price – 600 to 2000 Rs
- Best place to try – Shivpuri.
Free Things To Do In Rishikesh
11. Seek Blessing at Ganga Aarti
Every evening lots of locals and tourists gather around Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan to experience the magical Ganga Aarti. It is a ritual of worshiping the river Ganges. It looks so magical when hundreds of lamps light up the bank of the river Ganges. Bhajan, prayers and ringing bells create an atmosphere that you’ll not find anywhere else in the world.
A visit to Ganga Aarti will introduce the power of spirituality when hundreds of people pray to Goddess Ganga. As river Ganga is one of the oldest rivers in India. And the name of this river is mentioned in many holy books of Hindus along with the epic Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Timings – 6 PM to 7 PM Everyday
- Location – Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan
- Entry Fees – Free
12. Take a Dip Inside River Ganges
A visit to Rishikesh can’t be complete without taking a dip inside the river Ganges. It is one of the activities that everyone would love to do as the water is so fresh & clean that for a moment you’ll forget all the problems. According to legends, a holy dip inside the river Ganges will clean away all the sins and help to attain moksha.
Taking a dip inside the refreshing water of the Ganges will be the perfect start to your day in Rishikesh. You can spot hundreds of locals and tourists who are taking a dip in the water. No worry if you don’t know how to swim as there are many places where you can easily dip inside the water without being worried about water levels.
- Location – Triveni Ghat
13. Yoga
Yoga and Rishikesh are the two things that you can’t separate them. The yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is the best place in the world for yoga. In the early morning with fresh air of Rishikesh, you can spot many people doing yoga on the bank of the Ganga river.
The refreshing breeze through the Himalayan mountains along with the soothing sound of the Ganga river creates an auora that calms your mind. It is one of the activities that help you to seek the peace which everyone lacks in the modern world.
If you don’t how to do then no worry as Rishikesh has the number of yoga centers where you join other people and master the art of Yoga.
- Locations – Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Beatles Ashram, Yoga Niketan and around the bank of Ganga river.
14. Temple Tour
Rishikesh is blessed with many temples where you can stop and feel the magic of spirituality. If you’re one of them who loves to explore the culture and traditions then don’t forget to visit the local temples in Rishikesh. A visit o temple will get you a glimpse of the culture that is followed by locals from ancient times.
A temple tour in Rishikesh will also help you to regain your calmness and spirit after a long day.
- Top temple to visit in Rishikesh – Raghunath temple, Hanuman Mandir, Parmarth Niketan temple, Bharat Mandir, Tera Manzil temple, Triveni Ghat, Veerbhadra Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and Kunjapuri Devi temple.
15. Explore Jhulas
Jhulas are the most prominent part of a Rishikesh trip; You can see lots of images of Jhulas when you type Rishikesh on Google. Mainly there are 3 Jhulas in Rishikesh- Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula and Jankti Setu. Lakshman jhula is the most famous one from where you can enjoy the epic view of the vast flowing Ganga river that flows below and Tera Manzil Temple. It connects the Tapovan village of Tehri Garhwal to the Jonk village of Pauri Garwhal.
You can also find the mention of Lakshman jhula in the Hindu Ramayana. According to the legends, this is the place where Lakshman crossed the Ganges using a bridge made of rope during the exile period of 14 years.
Apart from religious significance, it is one of the places where you can see the most amazing sunset of your life. And the best place to click some instagrammable pictures.
16. Stay in Ashrams – Geeta Bhawan
Geeta Bhawan is one of the few Ashrams in Rishikesh that offers free stays to all the devotees who come here to attend Satsang and other devotional purposes. It has 1000 rooms and a facility of staying 2000 devotees. They provide delicious food at reasonable prices. Also, there are many spiritual books like Ramayana by Ramcharitmanas and Bhagwat Geeta which you can buy at reasonable prices.
There are bathing ghats where you can take a holy dip inside the Ganga river. Also, they offer free stay and food for saints. No matter whether you’re staying here or not but it is a must-visit place in Rishikesh.
- Location – Swargashram
17. Take A Walk at Marine Drive
6 KM long and 20-15 feet wide road that is known as Marine drive or Asthapath is the perfect place to spend an evening in Rishikesh. A walk on Marine along with the Ganga river is the best thing to do in Rishikesh for free. There number of benches on the road where you can do yoga and do a one-on-one chat with the river Ganges.
Marine drive starts from the Triveni Ghat and ends at Barrage. To reach there you need to descend 50 to 60 stairs. The whole road is traffic and pollution free.
Interesting Things to do in Rishikesh
18. Ayurvedic Massage and Therapies
After lots of adventurous things, it’s time to take care of your body by taking an ayurvedic massage. It is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh for relaxation. It will not only loosen up your tensed muscles but also gives you the sense of calmness in your mind and body that everyone seeks in a modern hectic life.
Rishikesh is filled with many ayurvedic massage and therapy centers where they will treat your body with natural and organic products. After an eventful day of Rafting, cliff jumping or any other adventure activity this is the best thing you can do at night in Rishikesh.
19. Cafe Hopping
After all the activities now it’s time to fill your yummy tummy and apart from the cafe what could be the best place to eat in Rishikesh? Eating your favorite food while watching the amazing views of the river Ganges or snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas or picturesque Lakshman Jhula.
Cafes not only fill your stomach but the best way to learn about the local culture of Rishikesh. In cafes, you’ll meet many locals and tourists with whom you can connect and make new friends. Overall cafe hopping is the best thing to do in Rishikesh.
- Best cafes in Rishikesh – The Beatles cafe, Little Buddha cafe, Ellbee Ganga view, Bistro Nirvana, Freedom cafe, Cafe Karma, the Pyramid cafe and many more.
20. Shopping
After a long trip now it’s time to do some shopping in Rishikesh and buy souvenirs to make your trip memorable. From religious books to handicrafts and shoes to apparel there are many shops in Rishikesh. And region around Lakshman Jhula is the most famous one where you can find many local bazaars and markets for shopping. Roaming around this region and shopping for your favorite thing is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Rishikesh at night?
Here are the top 5 things to do in Rishikesh at night
- Enjoy the magical experience of Ganga Aarti at triveni Ghat
- Take Ayurvedic Massage
- A long walk at Marine Drive
- Feel the magic of nature at the bank of Ganga river
- Camping under billions of stars.
What are the top things to do in Rishikesh in one day?
Start your day with a dip inside the river Ganges then go for river rafting and cliff jumping and at the end of try some delicious food at the Beatles cafe then take a relaxing ayurvedic massage.
What are the best water activity to do in Rishikesh?
White water rafting, Kayaking, Cliff jumping and swimming are the best water sports you can enjoy in Rishikesh.
What are the best things to do in Rishikesh with family?
Here are the best things you can do in Rishikesh with family and Kids –
- Take a temple tour
- Witness the magical experience of Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat
- Visit Swargashram, Beatles Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, Neergarh Waterfall, and marine driver.
- Do yoga
- Take ayurvedic massage and therapies
- Take a dip inside the Ganga river
- Click pictures at Lakshman Jhula.