Best Things to do Rishikesh is an ancient town situated in the Uttarakhand state of North India, in the Himalayan foothills. The city is renowned worldwide for being the world’s capital of spiritual and yoga. It has been a beacon of spirituality in India since time immemorial, with the Ganga river flowing through the city in all its might and glory. “Mother Ganga” across India. While the town has been known for its many temples, ashrams, spirituality and yoga, due to the multiple adventure sports that can be experienced here, it has also recently bagged the title of “Adventure Capital of India.” From the world-renowned white water rapids of the Ganga River to the many campsites that dot the banks of the river, from hot air ballooning to bungee jumping, the town has it all for adventure enthusiasts. We mention a few must do Rishikesh experiences and events that should not be missed by a traveler if he / she visits Rishikesh.
Go for White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting is very common in Rishikesh for its rafting on the Ganga River (Ganges). Season: September-November and March-April-May are the perfect rafting destinations. The rafting can continue for several kilometers, and in order of difficulty, the trail is interspersed with rapids, ranging from level 1 to level 5. You have the option to leap some 20 feet at the end of the journey from a ledge into the water. There are many nearby travel companies that sell these rafting excursions. Usually the kit includes an overnight stay on the banks of the river, with a brilliant and dangerous morning trek across the hills. When one has time, rafting courses are also offered.
Try your hands at Flying Fox
Flying Fox is entertaining, thrilling, adventurous and full of thrilling sporting events, it is also also known as the Zip Line. During this operation, at the higher end you’ll be attached to a thick wire and fall to the lower end of the rope. Normally it’s done by three men but by charging some extra charges you can do it alone too. All in all a fun thing to do on your Rishikesh trip.
Flying Fox Rishikesh, located at Snow Leopard Adventures, NH 58, Shivpuri, Uttarakhand, is one of the best places to try Flying Fox in Rishikesh. The minimum age limit is 12 years, and it takes care of all safety precautions.
Take up the Waterfall Trekking challenge
The place of natural beauty is known as the Rishikesh. With the majestic Ganges flowing through the city, and the thick woods covering the nearby hills, the city looks hypnotic. In that context, the enchanting Rishikesh waterfalls cascading through steep rocks and cliffs only add to the place’s alluring beauty. Such beautiful layers of water falling down many feet and forming a pool at the base are a treat to the eyes. Such waterfalls, in addition to making the region exceptionally rich and fertile for flourishing a variety of flora and fauna, improve the area’s esthetics. Even the Rishikesh waterfalls are a popular tourist destination for both tourists and localities. You can find several people dushing or bathing in the crystal clear waters at any time of the day of the pool formed at the bottom of the waterfall. They are in any case a beautiful sightseeing place and you should certainly visit if you’re in or around the city. Look at our elaborately curated list of Rishikesh’s most stunning waterfalls, and head out now.
Enjoy Cliff Jumping
When Rishikesh falls in Shivalik area there are cliffs with varying heights, cliffs which are embraced by holy Ganges, this geological phenomenon led to the introduction of cliff jumping in Rishikesh. Like many other Rishikesh adventure sports, this too can be done by both beginners and experts as they please. Yet all in all, you will find it really is one of the most adventurous things to do in Rishikesh in one of the beautiful hill stations near Rishikesh.
Revel in Camping and Bonfire
Camping in Rishikesh is one of those when the fast speed of city life takes away harmony there are serene hideouts to bring you together. As the Ganges flow right next to you, and stars begin to twinkle over you, you can grab your guitar and shake a tune that you love. The flicker of bonfire will keep you company and the fun will increase multifold if it makes its winters it one of the best things to do in Rishikesh in winters.
Get ready for Body Surfing
Surfing is with a board, facing the waves in mud. Body surfing is about counteracting those waves with only lying flat on the bottom! As intriguing as it sounds, the activity is a lot of fun that where you just lie in Ganga’s cold waters and feel the gentle waves gushing through your body.
Take the leap of faith with Bungee Jumping
Perhaps one of the daringest action sports ever, bungee jumping involves taking a free fall into the deep gorge, with a harness attached of course. The fall usually takes place from a height of 150 metres. Bungee jumping exposes you to the beauty of the valleys of Rishikesh which may not have been visible from a normal standstill. It, by far, will be among the most endearing things to do in Rishikesh.
Partake in Kayaking
In Rishikesh kayaking is the use of a kayak to travel across water. The fact that a kayak has a closed cockpit and a canoe has an open cockpit differentiates Kayaking from canoeing. Use a two bladed paddle, too. The major difference is the way the paddler lies inside the boat. Kayakers sit in a seat at the bottom of the boat, with their legs stretching out before them. Canoeists may either sit on an elevated bench seat or kneel straight on the boat’s bottom. Kayaking in Whitewater is the sport of paddling a kayak on a flowing water body , usually a whitewater river. Kayaking in whitewater can range from easy, carefree, gentle flowing water to challenging, dangerous whitewater.
Have a bird’s eye view of Rishikesh with Zip Lining
The Flying Fox is a somewhat similar practice to zip lining. The movement includes sliding down a horizontal fall from two connected points. The whole cycle replicates a flying fox’s moments, and thus the term. In Rishikesh, a number of tour operators, such as Zipline Tour Adventures, perform the operation over the Ganges (and the rapids).
Take some time out for Rock Climbing/Rappelling
Rock Climbing is a common activity in Rishikesh and the region’s terrain lends itself to this activity very well. There are several rock surfaces and your operator must make the arrangements based on the level of difficulty you wish to opt for. Rock climbing tour operators have all the facilities and supplies with them and you have absolutely nothing to think about. There will be coaches to track you and you’ll end up having quite an fun time even though you’re a beginner. There are higher and more challenging rock surfaces even in the mountains for experienced rock climbers.
Fly in the air with Paragliding
Paragliding Have You ever dreamt of Flying in Rishikesh? If so then you certainly should try this good adventurous sporting practice. Imagine flying over the Ganga River, mountains, Rishikesh countryside and greenery. Isn’t that something that you can experience? Rishikesh is a very popular place for paragliding and by exploring this sport you can create plenty of wonderful memories the beauty of Rishikesh from sky.
Best of Rishikesh Paragliding experience are Hawks’ Fly Adventure (Rishikesh Paragliding), G5 Adventure, Rishikesh India Air Safari, and Rishikesh Holiday and Adventure Tour Package-River Rafting, Camping, Paragliding in Rishikesh.
Test your driving skills with Mountain Biking
Mountain biking For those who want to take the less traveled path on their bike, Rishikesh mountain biking is something that will leave them in awe. Pedal the rugged terrains, mud and woods and let the adrenaline rush through you.
Various bicycle / bike rentals are available Businesses in Rishikesh where you and your friends can take advantage of. Also many camps and tour agents offer mountain biking as one of Rishikesh ‘s activities.
Take a walk on the Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh ‘s iconic religious landmark, is a 450-long iron suspension bridge that links the Tehri and Pauri district boundaries. And though the building of the bridge was fraught with tragedy, in 1929 it became a beautiful example of urban architecture. The bridge got its name from the facts that Lord Ram’s younger brother Lakshman uses two jute ropes to cross the Ganga. A 284 ft long, hanging rope bridge was constructed at the same point to honor this location. In 1924 Rai Bahadur Sherprashad designed a massive iron bridge in his father’s honour. Another bridge was built later in 1930, and it was open to the public. There are few important temples including Terah Manzil and Lakshman temple, located near this Lakshman Jhula, as well. When one passes through the bridge, one can see how life unfolds in Rishikesh – various shades of the Ganga river dotted with fish swimming in the current of the water, see the sun coloring the orange sky, a beautiful view of the mountain ranges, and hear the devotees’ bell-clanging and chanting early morning and evening. Tourists can wander around Lakshman Jhula area, Twinkling stalls, quirky cafes and a handicrafts store. Tourists will even go on boating, which will take them around the water. The best time to visit Lakshman Jhula is to sunset.
Attend yoga and meditation classes
Meditation is a skill which needs the right training and a great deal of experience. Rishikesh Meditation classes are the most serene experiences that one may have. Swoop into the city’s state of self-awareness known as the Meditation Center along the Ganges River. Time needs a break to attend the soul, and to reconnect with the higher self to clear the boundaries. Stay ready for the higher possibilities with the Rishikesh Meditation course.
Meditation is considered to be one of the greatest and safest forms of maintaining a calm and healthy mind. Regular meditation practice can make you ocean-like, calm and quiet, but when disrupted, it can wreak havoc on others. Meditation helps you find inner peace when taking care of unnecessary and unpleasant thoughts as well, and when these thoughts stop there is the wave of meditative energy that creates one healthy and peaceful internal outlook.
It makes us engage in the quiet contemplation of past events themselves And therefore the garbage that is often generated in one’s heads because of adverse circumstances is cleared away and the conditions are now starting to fall in.
Take a holy dip in the Ganga
A journey to Rishikesh without taking a dip in the holy Ganga is incomplete. It is one of the best things in Rishikesh and Haridwar that one can do. Taking a dip in the sacred waters of Ganga is said to wash away all the sins that someone has committed and its this belief that moves people and the reason you’ll always find Ganga ghats crowded.