Best Things To Do in Rishikesh

The beautiful Ganga is a charmer. The chants of prayers touch the soul, the magnificent backdrop refreshes the mood, and the adrenaline-pumping activities wreck the nerves. Rishikesh is a mixture of piousness and adventure, which is why the place has two titles- Land of God and The Adventure City of India. Much thanks to the lucrative opportunities in this tiny city of Uttarakhand, there are many things to do in Rishikesh for people of all age groups. Check out our top best things to do in Rishikesh.

Located in the splendid state of Uttarakhand, there is no shortage of unique activities to try in Rishikesh. This list will make you acquainted with the top thrilling activities in Rishikesh. Pack your luggage now and leave for a vacation to try the below-listed Rishikesh attractions for blissful relaxation amidst peaceful surroundings.

• Cliff jumping: Swash Into cold waters
• Bungee jumping: Be courageous
• Ganga aarti at Triveni ghat: Get captivated
• Lakshman jhula: A divine heaven
• River Rafting: Fight the waters
• Trekking: Nature escape
• Kayaking: A great sport
• Ayurvedic massage and therapies: Get relaxed
• Parasailing and Paragliding: See the world from the sky
• Yoga and Meditation: Get some peace
• Cafe Hopping: Try different cuisines
• Hot air ballooning: A fantastic experience
• Wildlife sighting: Adventure into the wild
• Camping: Beneath the stars
• Trayambakeshwar Temple: Get blessings

1.    Cliff jumping

This involves jumping off a cliff from 20 to 50 feet into the water. It’s a frenetic activity that is not taken trivially as it requires guts to jump into cold waters. It’s an adventure sure to delight you and one of the awesome things to do in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is the best spot to indulge in this. So, leap glory as you splash into the water and come out with many great memories.

Perfect Season: Go in summer because of the pleasant season and the proper water temperature.

Approximate Cost: Around 1700 to 4000 Rs.

Difficulty Level: This activity can be availed by anyone with essential physical fitness.

2.    Bungee jumping

This fun activity involves jumping from a tall structure while suspended from a rope harness. The fun is in the jump and the recoil one gets when bounced back. It’s a unique adventure in the country, starting in Rishikesh a few years back. For those who enjoy an adrenaline rush, this activity should be on your list of the best things to do in Rishikesh.

Perfect Season: This activity can be done throughout the year.

Approximate Cost: Around 2000 to 4000 Rs.

Difficulty Level: It’s a less demanding activity as physical fitness is a requisite for this activity.

3.    Ganga aarti at Triveni ghat

Not many places in Rishikesh can boast the peace and calm one experiences at Triveni Ghat, which is a lot. It is a peaceful experience that will surely fill you with a sense of calm and quiet introspection. This place is a mark of respect and devotion to Goddess Ganga and is attended by hundreds and thousands of locals and tourists daily. Rishikesh is a sight to behold, and the power of spirituality can be truly understood and experienced, making it a must-see in Rishikesh.

Perfect Season: The Ganga aarti is performed throughout the year.

Approximate Cost: Free.

4.    Lakshman jhula

Take a walk on LakshmanJhula and enjoy the soft breeze of air that passes past you, giving you much refreshing fresh air. Just stand in the middle of the jhula and enjoy the splendid view of the river Ganga that flows below. It is an iron bridge made on suspension across the Ganga, and it is of great importance as it connects the ‘Tapovan’ village of Tehri Garhwal on the western side with the ‘Jonk’ village of Pauri Garhwal on the eastern part. According to the Ramayana, Lakshman crossed the Ganga using a bridge with Lord Ram and Sita during his exile.

Perfect season: Visit anytime.

Approximate cost: Free

5.    River Rafting

This is an activity that involves sailing on a rubber boat. It’s an adventure-filled activity that has gained popularity in the Indian adventure sports list. Rishikesh’s proximity to the upper Himalayas and the passing of the Ganga through this city make it a trendy spot. People visit Rishikesh for this activity due to its location.

Perfect season: During summers and monsoons.

Approximate cost: Between 1500 to 3000 Rs.

Difficulty level: This activity can be availed by anyone with essential physical fitness.

6.    Trekking

Witness giant mountains, freshwater rivers, streams, beautiful valleys, flora, and fauna. Imagine trekking through them and basking in the glory. If this is something that excites you, then Rishikesh is the best spot for you to go trekking. Located at the foothills of the upper Himalayas, this is the perfect spot for anyone to trek. Rishikesh’s closeness to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath makes it the best place to hike in or start trekking from.

Perfect Season: Summer, autumn, and spring.

Approximate Cost: Between 3000 to 10000 Rs

Difficulty Level: This activity can be availed by anyone with essential physical fitness.

7.    Kayaking

This is a water activity that involves paddling across on a kayak. A kayak is a boat in which you sit facing the front. This is a fun activity, especially on the Rishikesh streams, because of the crystal waters that make for a bumpy and fun thing to do. Go kayaking on the Ganga, meander through patches, and take in the water’s rush and force. Look no further and try kayaking for anyone looking for the best things to do in Rishikesh.

Perfect season: Summer and spring.

Approximate cost: Between 600 to 2000 Rs

Difficulty level: This activity can be availed by anyone with essential physical fitness.

8.    Ayurvedic massage and therapies

After discovering so much in and around Rishikesh, you would need some rest. And what is better than an Ayurvedic massage? It is amongst the best things to do in Rishikesh to make your body feel relaxed. We go through tremendous pressures, tensions, workload, etc., and we get fatigued in our daily lives and start craving a break that will refresh us. The therapists will treat you with fragrance-filled, herbal, and ayurvedic oils that free the stress and pressure out of your mind and body and loosen up and relax your muscles.

Approximate cost: Between 750 to 3000 Rs.

9.    Parasailing and Paragliding

Fly in the sky and see the land from a different angle as you do Parasailing and paragliding in Rishikesh. This activity is among the best things to do in Rishikesh with family, as it suits all age groups and can be done at affordable rates.

Where to try: Mazari Grant, Doiwala

Best season: Anytime. Try avoiding monsoon as it is cloudy.

Minimum age requirement: 14 years

Weight requirement: 35-100 kg

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Average cost: Rs 2,000

10. Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are the souls of Rishikesh, and one can find many Yoga and meditation centers in this city. This is the best thing to rejuvenate yourself here.

Best ashrams: Parmarth Niketan, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Sivananda, and Mahesh Heritage School.

Yoga festivals: In March

Average cost: Rs 600

11. Cafe Hopping

The food in Rishikesh is varied and impressive, especially when feasted in a cafe with a natural view of the Ganga. The food here comes with several options for food lovers. Most of the cafes of Rishikesh are pocket-friendly and also provide free wi-fi.

Popular cafes: Pure soul cafe and organic kitchen, Little Buddha Cafe, Beatles cafe, The 60’s Cafe, Bistro Nirvana, Chatsang cafe, and Ellbee Ganga View, among others.

What’s different: Asian-fusion cuisines, beautiful backdrops.

Average cost: Rs 1,000

12. Hot air ballooning

Maybe one of the most leisurely sports activities in Rishikesh, hot air ballooning is bewitching in every sense, whether it is the cool breeze above or the scene of this beautiful city. This is among the best tourist attractions in Rishikesh with family, as there is no specific age requirement or fitness prerequisite.

Where to do: Mazri Grant

Best season: Winter

Minimum age: 5 years

Timings: 6 am to 8 am

Average cost: Rs 1,000

13. Wildlife Sighting

If you’re pondering what to do in Rishikesh, venture into the Asiatic Elephants and the Bengal Tigers home for a day amid the wilderness that you’ll cherish forever. Take a jeep safari through the wild terrain of Rajaji National Park. This is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh. Book a guided jeep safari tour and sight Nilgai, Leopards, Indian Hare, Jungle Cats, and Indian Sloth, among others.

Timing: 7 am to 5 pm

Average cost: Rs 150 (Indians) | Rs 600 (Foreigners) | Rs 300 (Guided tour)

14. Camping

There are various best activities to do in Rishikesh at night, and one is camping at Brahmpuri. A few minutes’ drive from Rishikesh, Brahmpuri is one of the perfect spots if you want to try camping by the riverside, besides staying in the luxurious villas. The sound of the river through the terrain of the Himalayas, dancing, and waking up in the morning to fresh air is what you can best experience here.

Best season: September to June

Things to do: Camping, bonfire

Average cost: Rs 1,000

15. Trayambakeshwar Temple

This is a 13-story temple perched along the banks of the river Ganga that stands tall and reflects so much beauty and a charm against a charming background visible from the Lakshman jhoola. It is dedicated to multiple gods and goddesses on different levels, with Lord Shiva first. The temple offers stunning views of the river Ganga.

Location: Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh

Timings: 6 am – 12 pm

Are you excited? Quickly message your group and plan your Rishikesh trip. Take a refreshing break and try out the best things to do in Rishikesh listed here. Have fun in discovering these best things to do in the Yoga Capital of India. Is there anything different that you have given a try in Rishikesh? We’d love to hear from you. Drop your experience in the comment section below.