Top 10 Things To Do In Rishikesh
Rishikesh cannot be clubbed with the usual categories of tourist attractions in India! It is not just a temple town with intense spiritual energy, nor the hill-station of daze, also not the city of a vibrant nightlife or the gastronomical underbelly, but is a mixture of all the things mentioned and a lot more.
Rishikesh has it all, the glistening charm of the serene Ganges and the same Ganges gushes in between rocks to form great rapids ideal for adventurous to river raft! The temples all around spreading spiritual vibes throughout the city, then again, there is something for the foodies as well with several delicious eateries, spas and other little spots for teetotalers and those seeking some relaxation from their urban hell.
Rishikesh has the full spectrum of tourist attractiveness that lures in the young and wild, the holidaying family, and the elderly pilgrims. Here is a list of Top 10 Things To Do In Rishikesh, but as they say the best tours are those where you find your own adventure! So, go ahead and have one at this Land of God, where Adventure throngs in the state of Uttarakhand.
1. River Rafting
This is presently by far the most popular thing to do for the young and adventurous in Rishikesh, that will do right by your nerves when being lashed against the rapids of the torrential Ganga gushing through the mountainous rocks! Camping and river rafting trips in Rishikesh are so popular, that they have even been featured in Bollywood movies!
Here are key points to know before you go river rafting in Rishikesh:
Best Time for River Rafting in Rishikesh: Almost throughout the year except monsoon months, as the river gets too violent to traverse. The months of October to June are ideal for river rafting in Rishikesh which is also the peak tourist season here.
Rafting Grade Levels: Rishikesh rapids have all the three grades for rafting which is Basic (Grade I and II), standard (Grade III) and expert (Grade IV).
River Rafting Stretch: The river rafting rapids stretches from Kaudiyala to Lakshman Jhula (36 km) and has more than 13 major rapids.
Read More : Top 5 Places for White River Rafting Destinations in India
2. Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is yet another thing to try in Rishikesh with friends. Scream your lungs out and feel the thrill as your heart beats to hyper-drive when you take a leap of faith from the height of a mountain range into nothingness! Kissing gravity at its best and losing all bounds to hang above 80 metres from the ground!
Where in Rishikesh: Mohanchatti, Jumping heights
Age Limit: 12 years (min)
Weight Requirements: 35-110 kg
3. Bonfire and Camping
Yet another thing to indulge in when the busyness of city life takes a toll on your soul is to sit by candle lit mountain valleys, singing and breathing the moist breeze of calmness under the stars, as the river Ganga flows calmly beside you. The best time for camping in Rishikesh is in between the months of February to May and then from September to November.
Read More : 5 Great Places to Explore When Camping in India
4. Mountain Biking
Still hungry for adventure? Then try peddling through the roads less travelled in Rishikesh with a mountain bike, taming the rocky terrain! Simply rent a mountain bike from one of the providers in Rishikesh and strap up to beat some rubber against rocks!
5. Be a Flying Fox
There will be a harness tied to you, and you roll in free fall towards the earth with a height of 7 m above the ground at the thrilling speed of 160km/hr! Adventure enough? Then you go back up to do the same!
Minimum age requirements: 12 years
Weight: 20 – 130 kg
Where is Rishikesh: Shivpuri
6. Cliff Jumping and Body Surfing
Prepare for more adventure at Rishikesh where you can also indulge in these two famed adventure sports! And like most other adventure sports offered here, cliff jumping too can be done by beginners with strict supervision of experts and help at hand always! The mountainous terrain coupled with one of the biggest rivers of the country beside it makes up for the perfect cliff jumping location.
Body surfing is yet another water sport, but not so much thrilling as it is relaxing. One can almost do it for free with guidance from instructors while you go river rafting.
7. Trekking
Take one of the many trekking routes from Rishikesh, as it offers beginners to expert level trekking experiences. A popular one is a trek to the waterfalls that can be done to reach the breathtaking waterfalls.
Also Read : Top Trekking Places in Ladakh (For Trekking Lovers)
8. Rock Climbing, Rappelling and Kayaking
No, we are not done yet! Rishikesh with its treasure trove of adventure sports also has these three to entice adventure junkies into its galore! From moderate to challenging all three levels of sports enthusiasts have something to look forward to in Rishikesh when it comes to either Kayaking or rock climbing and rappelling.
9. Para Gliding
Still not over with the list of adventures, Para gliding is offered here. You get to kiss the blue azure as you lift earthly bounds into the open air. This sport is the most popular in Rishikesh as it can be done by almost all age-groups and families and are offered in affordable rates.
10. Ayurvedic Spa and Massage
The birthplace of Ayurveda is in India and it is the Holy Grail when it comes to massages and relaxation. Find serenity and perfect harmony between your mind and body with the best Ayurvedic massages offered here at Rishikesh.
Read More : 10 Signature Spa and Ayurveda Resorts in India
Suggested Tour : 12 Days - Yoga Tour with Haridwar & Rishikesh
11. Meditation and Yoga
Yet another Indian-born treasure that can calm your senses and nerves and help you feel rounded and peaceful. Practice yoga in the open, surrounded by panoramic mountain views, instructed by some of the best yoga gurus in Rishikesh.
Suggested Tour : 9 Days - Relaxing Yoga Tour in Himalayas
And that’s not all! You can relive the music at The Beatles Ashram, attend the enchanting Ganga Aarti, indulge in hot air ballooning and go cafe-hopping to taste amazing delights! Rishikesh is so much more than just a weekend destination with too many spoils of options! Packing your bags yet?
Also Read : Handpicked 10 Life-Changing Adventures in India
Top 10 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
Best Selling Tour Packages of Rishikesh :
