Top 10 Things to do in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is world-famous as the yoga capital of India. The town is bisected by the sacred Ganges in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Rishikesh is one of the most prominent destinations for various pilgrims.

Rishikesh is a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility. From ashrams to adventure sports; it offers the best of both worlds. Rishikesh appeals to the soul of both spiritual as well as adventure seekers. This pilgrimage town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern India and attracts millions of domestic and international tourists all year round.

Below are some points why Rishikesh is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India.

CAMPING IN RISHIKESH

Camping sites in Rishikesh offer its guests an immersive experience with Mother Nature. It is the best way to complement your rafting adventure. There are plenty of camping options in Rishikesh to suit all kinds of travelers with different budgets. One of the most famous campsites amongst tourists is Camp Brook which boasts of its proximity to various tourist attractions and avails all the facilities and luxuries to its guests. Whether you want to lay back and unwind or witness an exhilarating experience by rushing down the rapids; this camping site gets you all covered. The camping in Rishikesh with tidy surroundings, and panoramic views of uninterrupted vales and hills, makes an ideal place to spend a day or two. A camping stint in these places could be the best bargain for the weekend.

Rafting in Rishikesh

Whenever you plan a trip to Rishikesh, do not miss this adrenaline-pumping experience of rafting through the tempestuous waters of Ganga. As your raft glissades down the swift river, you will also have a chance to savor the charisma of the Himalayan foothills in its truest form. Three different bands of the river, ranging up to 26km, are open for rafting. These bands are categorized as grade 3, grade 4, and grade 5 rapids, so whether you are seeking hardcore adventure or even if you want to go a little milder, river rafting in Rishikesh is ideal for all. To escalate the thrill even more, the rafting experience also offers opportunities for body surfing and cliff jumping. Out of all the rivers of the Indian subcontinent, the Ganga is perhaps the most proclaimed and beautiful. It originates from Gaumukh and is a superb river for inflatable rafts. Rafting on its waters is an indelible experience and one to cherish for the rest of your life.

ASHRAM AND TEMPLE VISITS

Being a pilgrimage center, life in Rishikesh oscillates around festivals and prayers. Rishikesh is the gateway to the Char Dhams- Yamnotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Filled with temples and ashrams in Rishikesh, It is a gateway for people who wish to seek spiritual practice. Some of the best ashrams here include the Parmath Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Yoga Niketan, and Swami Dayananda Ashram. The retreat of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (now popularly known as The Beatles’ retreat) became popular after the famous group “The Beatles” visited in 1968. The international group visited Rishikesh with their families, support staff, and some journalists to study the philosophy of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram. After their visit, the place has become a popular destination for tourists. While the overall tourism industry in Uttarakhand is growing, temple tourism is one of the main activities of the state and provides a huge boost to the overall tourism industry. Some of the most famous temples in Rishikesh are –

• Bhootnath Temple
• Raghunath Temple
• Trayambakeshwar Temple
• Lakshman Temple
• Parmarth Niketan
• Gita Bhawan
• Swarg Niwas
• Hanuman Mandir
• Shatrughna Temple
  

GANGA AARTI

Rishikesh is renowned all over the world for the Ganga Aarti; which occurs without fail every day; at dawn and dusk. The Ghats in Rishikesh; during the Aarti delve into a mystical veil and can sway you away from all the mundane tribulations in one go. The array of huge diyas by the Ghats blinds you with its brilliance and symphony and gives you an experience that transcends you above the world. Little lamps are afloat on the river every day and give you a mesmerizing sight as if the star-laden sky has itself come down to the lands. A prayer ceremony comprising of assonant hymns uplifts the atmosphere, during the arti, each of which pays homage to the sacred river Ganges. There are various ghats in Rishikesh where you can witness the grandeur of the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh. However, the two ghats are profoundly famous for organizing the most splendid Ganga aarti by the bank. One of which is Parmarth Niketan, near the Ram Jhula. It is surreal and ideal for individuals looking for solitude and peace of mind; while the aarti takes place. Another famous ghat is the Triveni Ghat which is comparatively more crowded.

RISHIKESH SIGHTSEEING TOUR

There is no such tour in Rishikesh that requires a guide or needs local help. However, there are a few travel agents who organize planned day tours along with small treks, visits to waterfalls, and some famous temples. There are a few wonderful cafes with a view of the Ganges that can also be explored. Adventure activities like rafting, bungee, etc. are very famous in Rishikesh and can be done. We recommend prior booking for Bungee, whereas rafting can be booked on the spot.

CAFES VISITING IN RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is a tourist destination and a place with amazing natural beauty. There are plenty of beautifully located cafes in Rishikesh. To get an amazing pristine view of the Ganges while feasting on your scrumptious meals, we can visit the Freedom Café, Little Buddha café, Beatles Café, and plenty more. One of the best cafés, if you enjoy continental and healthy food, is Pure Soul Café. Some of the other options to spoil yourself with some ambrosial food are- Bistro Nirvana; The Pyramid Café; Madras Café. The suggestion is to keep some time in the itinerary for visiting different eating joints.

JUNGLE SAFARI

Rajaji National Park is an Indian national park that is enveloped by the Shivalik range. Rajaji National Park contains a tropical canopy of thick vegetation. The park is spread over an area of 820 square km. The Park is located in the Dehradun and Haridwar districts. Haridwar & Rishikesh are the closest cities. Rajaji National Park offers an astounding experience to nature lovers to enjoy the picturesque landscape & wildlife. It is famous amongst tourists for the Jungle Safari. The notable animals that you can cite in this safari are gorals, tigers, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, jackals, Civets, Martens, etc. There are many such safari parks in Rishikesh that offer jungle safari where you can discover the hidden chief.

YOGA & MEDITATION

There is a reason why Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of India, We invite you to come and explore the reason in your next trip to Rishikesh. There are some fantastic teachings and learnings to be done in Rishikesh. The yoga and meditation schools of the highest level are available here. Yoga allows you to unveil your inner self and accept your true being. You will feel energetic, rejuvenated, and soothed after each yoga session. “Yoga can be an important instrument in the collective quest of humanity for promoting sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth.” Parmarth Niketan and Anand Spa are some places that are good options for yoga retreats.

WATERFALL VISITS IN RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is nestled in the lap of the mountain ranges and boasts splendid waterfalls that weave a magical drapery with their smooth and silky waters rushing down the mountains. These waterfalls create a majestic sight as the water dances and culminates over the rocky bases. If you are looking for the glory of nature’s beauty, these hidden treasures are a must-visit within the spiritual hub of Rishikesh. Some famous waterfalls in Rishikesh are – NeerGarh waterfalls, Patna waterfalls, Himshail waterfalls, etc.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN RISHIKESH

Also known as the adventure capital of India, Rishikesh has an array of adventurous activities for you to choose from. Since it has an abundance of looming mountains, you can indulge in activities like rock climbing, hiking, trekking, and mountaineering and give your tissues some good experience. You can enjoy various adventure activities in Rishikesh like rafting, Kayaking, Bungee jumping, camping, and a lot more.

CONCLUSION

All in all, Rishikesh is for everyone. Be it adventure enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, nature lovers, groups of friends, families, or corporate outings, the place has enough for all types of travelers. The ideal time is from September till the end of April to visit Rishikesh. The place has budget-friendly stays and some super luxurious options as well. 

Must Read: Top 7 must visit places in Rishikesh.

FAQ’s