Best Things to Do in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Discover the best things to do in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, a spiritual and adventure hub in India. From exploring ancient temples and participating in yoga retreats to experiencing thrilling river rafting and serene nature walks, our guide covers top attractions, activities, and travel tips for an unforgettable visit to Rishikesh.

Nature and Wildlife Activities in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Discover the top adventure activities in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. From river rafting and bungee jumping to trekking and camping, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for an adrenaline-pumping trip. Get travel tips and official website links for an unforgettable adventure in Rishikesh.

1. Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Spread over 820 square kilometers, it is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and numerous bird species.

Activities

Jungle Safari: Embark on a jeep safari to explore the park’s diverse wildlife.
Bird Watching: With over 315 bird species, it’s a haven for bird watchers.
Nature Walks: Guided walks offer an up-close look at the park’s natural beauty.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: November to June. The park is closed during the monsoon season.
Cost: Safari costs range from ₹1500-₹3000 per person.
What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, water, and comfortable clothing.
Official Website: Rajaji National Park

2. Neer Garh Waterfall

Neer Garh Waterfall, also known as Neer Gaddu, is a picturesque waterfall located a few kilometers from Rishikesh. It’s a perfect spot for a refreshing dip and nature photography.

Activities

Trekking: A short trek through lush greenery leads to the waterfall.
Swimming: Enjoy a swim in the natural pools formed by the cascading water.
Picnicking: A great spot for a peaceful picnic amidst nature.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon (September to November) and spring (March to May).
Cost: Entry fee of ₹30-₹50 per person.
What to Bring: Trekking shoes, swimwear, snacks, and water.
Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

3. Kunjapuri Temple Trek

The Kunjapuri Temple Trek is a popular sunrise trek offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and the Ganges River. The temple itself is a significant spiritual site dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Activities

Trekking: A moderate trek suitable for all fitness levels.
Sunrise Viewing: Witness a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas.
Temple Visit: Explore the sacred Kunjapuri Temple.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: September to November and March to May.
Cost: Trekking guides charge around ₹1000-₹2000 per group.
What to Bring: Warm clothing for early mornings, trekking gear, and water.
Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

4. Patna Waterfall

Patna Waterfall is another beautiful waterfall near Rishikesh, known for its serene environment and scenic beauty.

Activities

Hiking: A gentle hike through forests leads to the waterfall.
Photography: Capture the stunning natural surroundings.
Relaxation: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and natural sounds.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: October to June.
Cost: Free entry.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, and snacks.
Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

6. Nature Camping

Camping in Rishikesh offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Campsites along the Ganges or in the surrounding forests provide a perfect retreat.

Activities

Riverside Camping: Set up camp along the banks of the Ganges.
Forest Camping: Enjoy a more secluded experience in the lush forests.
Bonfires and Barbecues: Relax with evening bonfires and barbecue sessions.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: October to April.
Cost: Campsite fees range from ₹1000-₹3000 per night, including meals.
What to Bring: Camping gear, warm clothing, and personal toiletries.
Official Website: Rishikesh Camping

7. Ganga Beach

Ganga Beach offers a peaceful escape where you can relax by the river, meditate, and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Activities

Meditation and Yoga: Practice yoga and meditation by the serene riverbanks.
Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic with stunning views of the Ganges.
Nature Walks: Explore the riverbanks and surrounding areas.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: October to April.
Cost: Free entry.
What to Bring: Yoga mat, picnic supplies, and comfortable clothing.
Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

Adventure Activities in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

1. River Rafting

Rishikesh is renowned for its thrilling white-water rafting on the Ganges River. With rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade V, it’s a prime destination for both beginners and experienced rafters.

Best Rafting Routes

Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km): Perfect for beginners, featuring mild rapids.
Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km): The most popular route with moderate rapids.
Marine Drive to Rishikesh (24 km): Ideal for adventure seekers with more challenging rapids.
Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (36 km): For the ultimate thrill, this route includes Grade IV and V rapids.

Travel Tips

Best Time: September to mid-November and March to early May.
Cost: Approximately ₹600-₹2000 per person depending on the route.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, waterproof gear, and a change of clothes.
Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

2. Bungee Jumping

Experience the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping at India’s highest bungee jump platform located in Rishikesh.

Jumpin Heights

Location: Mohanchatti, Rishikesh.
Height: 83 meters.
Safety: Operated by experts with international safety standards.

Travel Tips

Best Time: Year-round, except during extreme weather conditions.
Cost: Approximately ₹3500 per jump.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, closed shoes, and your ID.
Official Website: Jumpin Heights

3. Trekking and Hiking

Rishikesh offers numerous trekking and hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes, with stunning views of the Himalayas.

Popular Treks

Kunjapuri Temple Trek: A popular sunrise trek offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Neer Garh Waterfall Trek: A short, scenic trek to a beautiful waterfall.
Chandrashila Trek: A moderate to challenging trek with spectacular views from the summit.

Travel Tips

Best Time: September to November and March to May.
Cost: Guided treks range from ₹500-₹3000 per person.
What to Bring: Trekking shoes, water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

4. Camping

Enjoy the great outdoors by camping along the banks of the Ganges or in the lush forests surrounding Rishikesh.

Best Camping Sites

Shivpuri: Known for riverside campsites and adventure activities.
Kaudiyala: Offers a serene environment with fewer crowds.
Marine Drive: Ideal for combining rafting with camping.

Travel Tips

Best Time: October to April.
Cost: Campsites range from ₹1000-₹3000 per night including meals.
What to Bring: Warm clothing, sleeping bag, and personal toiletries.
Official Website: Rishikesh Camping

5. Kayaking

Kayaking on the Ganges offers a unique and thrilling way to experience the river’s rapids and calm stretches.

Best Spots

Brahmapuri to Rishikesh: Ideal for beginners.
Shivpuri to Rishikesh: Suitable for intermediate kayakers.

Travel Tips

Best Time: September to mid-November and March to early May.
Cost: Approximately ₹1000-₹2500 per session.
What to Bring: Waterproof gear, change of clothes, and safety equipment.
Official Website: Red Chilli Adventure

6. Rock Climbing and Rappelling

Test your climbing skills with rock climbing and rappelling adventures in the rugged terrains around Rishikesh.

Best Spots

Shivpuri: Popular for rock climbing and rappelling activities.
Byasi: Another great location with various climbing routes.

Travel Tips

Best Time: October to April.
Cost: Approximately ₹1500-₹2500 per session.
What to Bring: Climbing shoes, comfortable clothing, and safety gear.
Official Website: Himalayan Adventure

7. Paragliding

Soar high above the majestic landscapes of Rishikesh with paragliding, offering breathtaking aerial views.

Best Spots

Mohan Chatti: Known for safe and exciting paragliding experiences.

Travel Tips

Best Time: October to April.
Cost: Approximately ₹3000-₹5000 per flight.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, closed shoes, and your ID.
Official Website: Paragliding in Rishikesh

8. Mountain Biking

Explore the rugged terrains and scenic trails of Rishikesh on a mountain bike.

Best Trails

Shivpuri to Rishikesh: A scenic route with moderate difficulty.
Rishikesh to Narendra Nagar: Challenging yet rewarding with stunning views.

Travel Tips

Best Time: September to November and March to May.
Cost: Bike rentals range from ₹500-₹1500 per day.
What to Bring: Mountain bike, helmet, water, and snacks.
Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

Spiritual Things to Do in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Discover the top spiritual activities in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, the Yoga Capital of the World. From yoga and meditation retreats to sacred temples and Ganga Aarti, our guide covers the best spiritual experiences in Rishikesh. Get travel tips and official website links for an enriching spiritual journey.

1. Yoga and Meditation

Rishikesh is globally recognized as a hub for yoga and meditation, attracting seekers from around the world. The city offers numerous ashrams and centers where you can practice and deepen your spiritual journey.

Top Yoga and Meditation Centers

Parmarth Niketan Ashram: One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, offering daily yoga and meditation classes.
- Travel Tips: Open year-round. Classes are typically donation-based.
- Official Website: Parmarth Niketan

Sivananda Ashram: Known for its traditional yoga and spiritual teachings, it offers courses and retreats.
- Travel Tips: Prior booking is recommended for retreats and courses.
- Official Website: Sivananda Ashram

Vashishta Gufa: An ancient cave along the Ganges, perfect for meditation.
- Travel Tips: Best visited early in the morning for a serene experience.
- Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

2. Attend Ganga Aarti

The Ganga Aarti is a powerful and mesmerizing ritual performed on the banks of the Ganges River every evening. The most famous aartis are held at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

Top Ganga Aarti Locations

Triveni Ghat: Known for its vibrant and energetic aarti ceremony.
- Travel Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot; the aarti starts around sunset.
- Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

Parmarth Niketan: Offers a more peaceful and organized aarti.
- Travel Tips: Open to all visitors; donations are welcome.
- Official Website: Parmarth Niketan

3. Visit Sacred Temples

Rishikesh is home to numerous sacred temples that provide spiritual solace and insight into Hindu mythology and traditions.

Must-Visit Temples

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at a height of 1330 meters.
- Travel Tips: Best visited early in the morning. It’s a 12 km trek from Rishikesh or accessible by road.
- Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

Tera Manzil Temple (Trimbakeshwar Temple): A 13-storey temple near Lakshman Jhula with each floor dedicated to different deities.
- Travel Tips: Open from early morning until evening. Best visited during daylight hours.
- Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

4. Ashram Stays

Staying in an ashram offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in spiritual practices, including yoga, meditation, and selfless service (seva).

Top Ashrams for Stay

Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Offers various spiritual programs and comfortable accommodations.
- Travel Tips: Advance booking is recommended. Donations for accommodation and food.
- Official Website: Parmarth Niketan

Sadhana Mandir Ashram: Founded by Swami Rama, offering meditation and spiritual retreats.
- Travel Tips: Prior registration is required for retreats.
- Official Website: Sadhana Mandir

5. Ayurvedic Treatments and Healing

Experience holistic healing through Ayurvedic treatments and wellness therapies in Rishikesh.

Top Centers for Ayurveda

Ananda in the Himalayas: A luxury spa resort offering Ayurvedic treatments and wellness programs.
- Travel Tips: Advance booking is essential.
- Official Website: Ananda

Ayuskama Ayurveda: Provides traditional Ayurvedic treatments and courses.
- Travel Tips: Consultations and treatments should be booked in advance.
- Official Website: Ayuskama Ayurveda

6. Spiritual Discourses and Satsangs

Rishikesh offers numerous opportunities to attend spiritual discourses and satsangs (spiritual gatherings) led by enlightened masters and teachers.

Top Places for Satsangs

The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia): Known for its association with The Beatles and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s teachings.
- Travel Tips: Open from 10 AM to 4 PM. Entry fee applies.
- Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

Ram Jhula Area: Various ashrams and spiritual centers offer regular satsangs.
- Travel Tips: Check local schedules for timings and availability.
- Official Website: Uttarakhand Tourism

7. Participate in the International Yoga Festival

The International Yoga Festival, held annually in Rishikesh, attracts yoga enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival includes yoga classes, workshops, and lectures by renowned yoga teachers.