Rishikesh is also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is located at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas along the bank of the river Ganga. If you want to feel the serenity of spirituality with the thrill of adventure, Rishikesh should be on your radar. Whether you are visiting for peace of mind or a rush of adventure, Rishikesh has something to offer everyone.
If you are looking for a place where you can test your limits, find inner peace and experience something truly unique, then the answer is Rishikesh. Make sure you should plan your trip according to the season.
The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September and March when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
If you are in Rishikesh, then below are some of the things to do that you should try:
1) River Rafting
There is no better place to experience river rafting than in Rishikesh. The Ganga River here is famous for its thrilling rapids which is perfect for adventurers looking for an adrenaline rush. It is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned rafters. The most popular stretches of the river for rafting include Shivpuri, Marine Drive and Brahmpuri.
You can choose from a variety of rafting routes that range from easy, scenic to challenging, high-intensity rapids.
2) Trekking and Hiking
Rishikesh is a gateway of numerous trekking routes in the Himalayan foothills. Here are some top trekking experiences:
Chandrashila Trek:- For seasoned trekkers, this trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike that leads to stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
Neer Garh Waterfall Trek:- A short, scenic trek that leads to a beautiful waterfall, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Kunjapuri Temple Trek:- A popular sunrise trek that takes you to the Kunjapuri Temple with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
3) Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula
The Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula is a suspension bridge through the Ganges river. The bridge connects 2 villages. Ram Jhula and These bridges across the Ganga River are not only beautiful but also hold spiritual significance. Legend believed that Ram Jhula is where Lord Rama crossed the Ganga here and Laxman Jhula is where his younger brother Laxmana crossed the Ganga here.
The area around these bridges is lined with temples, ashrams and cafes that offer a peaceful view of the river. Thousands of tourists visit the bridge not just because of religious myth but also because of the recent development of the bridge. It is one of the amazing hanging bridges.
4) Yoga and Meditation Retreats
Rishikesh is the ultimate destination for yoga enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner. You will find a class or retreat that suits your level.
The city is dotted with numerous yoga ashrams.
The Yoga Study Center
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Sivananda Ashram
5) Ganga Aarti in Triveni Ghat
If there is one thing that defines the spiritual essence is Ganga Aarti. Every evening, hundreds of devotees gather at Triveni Ghat to witness a soul-stirring ritual. The chanting of the mantra, the flickering flames of the diyas and the setting sun over the Ganga create an ethereal atmosphere.
If you are in Rishikesh try zip-lining over the Ganga River. The experience allows you to fly through the air with stunning views of the river. It’s an exciting way to see from a completely different angle and trust me, the view is absolutely breathtaking.
7) Bungee Jumping
If you are seeking great adventure and thrill this is your thing. The bungee jumping is offered from helicopters, tall buildings, hot air balloons and high bridges all over the world, but in Rishikesh, it is done on a specially made platform on a cliff. This bungee jumping site has been designed and set up by a New Zealander – David Allardice. The height of the bungee jumping is 83 meters. It is an experience worth trying. The minimum age for doing this is 12 years and the minimum and maximum weight should be 35 kg and 110 kg respectively.
8) Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at an altitude of 1330 meters. The temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. A trek to the temple also promises a scenic view and a peaceful environment.
Camping in Rishikesh is a must-do thing. Several campsites are located along the Ganga river, where you can spend the night under the stars, surrounded by nature. Many camping sites offer bonfires, riverside activities and nature walks.
10) Shopping at the Local Markets
Swarg Ashram Market and Laxman Jhula Market are the most popular spot for shopping. You can find everything from colorful beads, handwoven clothes and incense to organic teas and healing crystals.
Don’t forget to try the local sweets like chocolate bars and sweets made of jaggery and samosa.
You can find many options in Rishikesh, but I will suggest you book the accommodation from the website yatradham.org. Booking from this is very easy and fast. You will get many different options for Dharamshala on this site.
For booking the accommodation visit yatradham.org. Here, you can get such information and an interesting fact about different tourist places in India by visiting our latest blogs.
Rishikesh is truly a destination for everyone from the thrill of rafting and bungee jumping to the peace, it offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. Whether you are visiting to seek spiritual enlightenment or simply to enjoy the natural beauty and adventure sports. Rishikesh never fails to captivate and leave visitors with memories that last a lifetime.