Things to do in Rishikesh

Rafting in Rishikesh particularly is hands down the best; one could endeavour in India. From the gifted natural circumstances to the top professional assistance, the place has just the best to offer. There are some certified operators, whose safety arrangements are well in place, and there are customised packages for camping and rafting at Rishikesh. Your food, water and rafting arrangements are taken care of by operators if you want a stress free outing. If you want to look into matters yourself, you can also make your arrangements while you're there. As this is literally one of the most popular things to do in Rishikesh, the peak season is pretty crowded, so you can keep a check over that detail when you are planning.

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.

The Lakshman Jhula is a famous hanging bridge across the river Ganga that connects two villages, Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district. Located 5 kilometres to the northeast of the town Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the entire bridge is made up of iron, is 450 feet long and is situated at the height of 70 feet from the river. The Lakshman Jhula is extremely well known amongst tourists because of the rich mythological associations that are connected with the bridge. Walking across it is one of the top things to do in Rishikesh.

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.

Yoga originated in ancient India nearly 5000 years ago. It comes from the Sanskrit word 'yuj', meaning the union of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Today, various ashrams and institutions are dedicated to spreading the goodness of yoga. In India, Rishikesh is called the 'Yoga Capital of the World'. It is also one among the holiest places for Hindus. Since ancient times, the site has been a hub for meditation for saints in search of salvation. You can visit some or all of the famous Ashrams situated here to find peace.

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. Many followers of the Hindu religion believe in the magical powers of these waters. 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.

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. People, therefore, visit the attraction for soothing nature walks, trekking and bird watching sessions too.

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.

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.

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 Ashram is renowned as an important institution that preserves Hindu literature since it houses the Gita, which symbolizes the Hindu Vedas and epics. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cliff Jumping is another one of the exciting activities in Rishikesh. The activity is mostly done when you are down in the river, swimming or rafting or just taking a dip. It is basically just jumping down in the river from a considerably a height i.e. from a high cliff. Considered one of the most thrilling water sports, this is one of the top things to do in Rishikesh.

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.

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.