Things to Do in Rishikesh: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Rishikesh, India offers numerous things to do for spiritual seekers as well as adventure freaks. The contrast in activities here gives Rishikesh the names Land of God and The Adventure Capital of India. From thrilling water activities to pious rituals, you will find things to do in Rishikesh as per your liking. In addition to this, the sparkling river Ganga and the panoramic Himalayan views make this an ideal holiday spot for many.

This city is perfect for relaxing as well as having the time of your life. When in Rishikesh, your itinerary can have many things to do that can range from rafting to meditation. Additionally, if you are someone who likes to explore new cafes, you will also find many cute cafes in every nook and corner of this city. There is so much to do here, but one constant thing is the tranquil vibe of Rishikesh that explorers from around the world come to experience. Listed below are the 10 things to do in Rishikesh that you can enjoy on your next trip to the Yoga capital of India:

Enjoy White-water Rafting

When in Rishikesh, one of the activities that you cannot miss is the white-water rafting. Whether you are with a group of friends, your family, or travelling solo, rafting is a great option that will offer you a thrilling experience. It does not matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned rafter, rafting is one of the things to do in Rishikesh where everyone is welcome to have some fun! You can choose any route as per your preference of rapids and follow the route that follows the stunning views of the Ganges and Himalayas.

Witness the Holy Ganga Aarti

If you are travelling with family and wondering about the things to do in Rishikesh you should definitely consider witnessing the Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat. Organised at the banks of the holy Ganges, it is an experience that people from around the world come to witness. Ganga aarti is one of the best things to see in Rishikesh if you are a spirituality seeker. The sacred rituals that take place in the Triveni Ghat fill the entire town with tranquil vibes as the priests offer prayers to the Gods.

Camp Near the Ganga River

Looking for fun things to do in Rishikesh? Then do consider camping near the Ganga River which will make your trip an unforgettable memory. Rishikesh is a great location for camping as the weather conditions are not extremely harsh and you get the best views of the moonlit river at night. Additionally, you can enjoy bonfires along with music and games with your camping group and wake up to some of the best sunrises of your life. Apart from camping, some other activities that you can enjoy in Rishikesh are taking morning walks alongside the river or joining a morning yoga session to start your day on a high note.

Feel Your Adrenaline Rush by Bunjee Jumping

Rishikesh offers several thrilling activities to do to tourists and one of them is bungee jumping. Located a few kilometres away from the main city, it is quite a popular extreme adventure experience that offers world-class safety standards to adventure seekers. Bungee jumping in Rishikesh is among the best things to do as it is India's highest bungee jumping platform at a height of 83 meters which will give you a bone-chilling yet exciting feeling. However, it is important to note that this adventure experience is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions so make sure you check them out before enrolling for the experience.

De-stress with an Ayurvedic Massage

There are numerous rejuvenating activities to do in Rishikesh that will take relaxation to the next level, taking an ayurvedic massage is one of them. After exhausting yourself from all the adventure activities, you can get a calming ayurvedic massage from a well-known massage centre. The massage experts use ayurvedic oils and herbs that will relax the sore muscles of your body while clearing your mind from all the hustle and bustle of the city. It is among the best things to do in Rishikesh as it is a unique experience that you can hardly get elsewhere.

 Explore New Cafes

There are numerous cafes in Rishikesh where you can sit with a cup of coffee, chill, and have meaningful conversations while looking at the picturesque views of the mountains. You will find multiple cuisines here as many global citizens have settled here due to their spiritual inclination to this holy city. The aesthetic ambience and lip-smacking food on offer make café-hopping one of the most fun things to do in Rishikesh. Some tourist favourite cafes are Ganga View Cafe, Little Buddha Cafe, Freedom Cafe, and more that you can try out on your next trip to the Yoga Capital of India.

Attend a Yoga and Meditation Session

Being the Yoga capital of India, how can you miss out on attending a yoga and meditation session here? These two are essential activities to do in Rishikesh as you can get an opportunity to learn from celebrated teachers of these ancient practices. You can enrol yourself in an ashram or yoga retreat centre where you can practice yoga and meditation to get the ultimate relaxation in soul, body, and mind. Yoga and meditation are among the best things to do in Rishikesh in one day as travellers from all around the world come here to have a memorable experience of their life.

Visit the Beatles Ashram

If you are a rock and roll lover, then one of the most iconic things to do in Rishikesh, India is to visit the Beatles Ashram. It was in the 1960s when the widely loved band, The Beatles came to this ashram to meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a saint who taught them transcendental meditation. During this time the band composed many hits. However, after some time the ashram was abandoned and later reopened for tourists in 2015. Some of the things to see in Rishikesh’s Beatles Ashram include eye-catching graffiti, dome-shaped buildings, and meditation chambers. The ashram also offers beautiful views of the entire city and the Ganges that will leave you in awe.

Try Our Sound Healing

One of the most offbeat things to do in Rishikesh is to take a sound healing session. It is a therapeutic practice that is known for relaxing the body and mind in just one session. The sound healing expert uses the power of sound with different instruments like sound healing bowls, gongs, and more that can address physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances in an individual. Being in Rishikesh, India, this is one of the things to do that will give you a holistic healing experience that you cannot get elsewhere.

Take a Waterfall Trek

The nature lover in you will be delighted by the numerous things to see in Rishikesh which include the incredible waterfalls of this town. There are many popular and undiscovered waterfalls here that you can explore. The best time to enjoy the sights of any waterfall is after monsoon as the surroundings are filled with lush trees and the cascading waters enhance the beauty of this view. Some of the most popular waterfalls of Rishikesh include Beer Ghar Waterfall, Patna Waterfall, Garud Chatti Waterfall, and more.

While planning a Rishikesh trip make sure you do not miss out on these experiences as they will make your trip unforgettable.