25 Best Things to do in Rishikesh for Memorable Holidays

Not only the spirituality but also a number of things to do in Rishikesh lure numerous tourists to the mystical town. Titled as the ‘Yoga capital of the world’, the sacred city offers adventure, peace, rejuvenation and so much more. Besides river rafting in Rishikesh, camping, cliff jumping, kayaking, etc. send the adrenaline rush in the holidaymakers. Bungee jumping is the emerging trend and slowly grabbing the center stage.

Out of the many, the Ganga Aarti held at the Triveni Ghat every evening presents a unique spectacle. Witnessing this spectacular sight and many more such activities are included on the list of must-do things in Rishikesh. Read on to know everything about them in detail.

Go for White Water Rafting

The pride of Rishikesh, White Water Rafting attracts many adventure enthusiasts to pacify their adrenaline rush. Surprisingly, many of the travelers feel that a trip to Rishikesh is incomplete without trying this enthralling activity. Take up the challenge posed by the gushing River Ganga and test your rafting skills while passing difficult grades. Whether solo or with a group, do add river rafting on your bucket list of best things to do in Rishikesh. The town has four grades to offer – Grade I and II (Basic), Grade III (Standard) and Grade IV (Expert).

Ideal Duration: 8-10 hours  

Best time for River Rafting: Except January and monsoon, all other months are ideal for river rafting in Rishikesh.

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Try your hands at Flying Fox

Another retreat for adventure junkies, Flying Fox is the next fun thing to do in Rishikesh. Quite similar to Zip Lining, the activity takes place over the furiously flowing Ganges. The speed of sliding between two cliffs or through a valley raises the fun quotient to next level. The feel of rolling down at a speed of about 160 km/hr and then going up again is beyond description. Done in a trio, the activity will leave your heart pounding for a long time.

Ideal Duration: Approx. 45-60 min

Best time for Flying Fox in Rishikesh: The activity can be tried throughout the year.

Take up the Waterfall Trekking challenge

How does it sound to trek a waterfall? A few of you might have goosebumps after listening about this one of the must do things in Rishikesh. But, as a matter of fact, the exciting task offers incredible experiences. Be it the rhythmic sound of water or some of the best sights of vibrant fluttering butterflies, everything is so magical. Birds flying in the soaring blue sky motivate you to complete your task easily. Garud Chatti Waterfall, Neergarh Waterfall Trekking and Phool Chatti Waterfall are places offering the desired respite to trekking lovers.

Ideal Duration: More than 2 hours 

Best time for Waterfall Trekking in Rishikesh: Any time of the year except monsoon is best for waterfall trekking.

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Enjoy Cliff Jumping

True to its name, Cliff jumping involves jumping from a cliff and is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Outstanding amongst rest of the top things to do in Rishikesh, the activity evokes the daredevil in you. Not only this but also jumping into river Ganga from a height helps you curate memories of a lifetime. Usually, the height of the cliff is at least 35 meters high from the water level. But, if you have the guts you can choose to jump from a cliff with more height.

Ideal Duration: The free fall time spans just 3 seconds.

Best time for Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh: Cliff jumping can be enjoyed all-round the year except for the monsoon season.

Delight in the Air Safari

One of the most exciting activities in Rishikesh that you can look forward is Air Safari. Embark on the light sports aircraft and you are ready to fly like a bird. Aerial views of the town and its attractions are sure to mesmerize you. As soon as your air safari plan takes off, you will get enchanted to discover the unexplored areas which are usually not accessible with any other vehicle. Also known as the bush flying, the activity is worth trying at least once in a lifetime.

Ideal Duration: 10-70 min

Best time for Air Safari in Rishikesh: Any time of the year is perfect for air safari in Rishikesh.

Revel in Camping and Bonfire

Waking up to the best of the sights and sounds while spending a few days along the banks of River Ganga is truly blissful. Thus, one must choose camping in Rishikesh in order to have the firsthand experience of the activity. Chit-chat, sing songs, eat flavorsome dishes, gossip till your heart’s content or simply enjoy the solitude. Grab your guitar and match your tunes with the melodies of the flowing water. Evenings turn into a memorable affair with bonfires lit outside the camps. One of the best ways to call it a day is with star gazing.

Ideal Duration: 2 days

Best time for Camping and Bonfire in Rishikesh: February to May and September to November is the best time for camping.

Get ready for Body Surfing

Unlike other watersports in Rishikesh, Body Surfing is unarguably relaxing. Let yourself loose in the water and bask in the sunshine. The easy activity is all about lying bare on your back while experiencing the highs and lows of the river. Not requiring too many techniques, the sport can be enjoyed by people of all the ages. Body Surfing in Rishikesh is a must thing to do for unlimited excitement and fun. Imagine there will be no surfboard but just your body moving along the waves.

Ideal Duration: As long as you want to

Best time for Body Surfing in Rishikesh: March end – June and September – November is the right time for body surfing.

Take the leap of faith with Bungee Jumping

Add a touch of adventure to your Rishikesh trip with Bungee Jumping. The sport offers an adrenaline rush that is second to none. Owing to the highest bungee jump in India, Rishikesh adds a different layer of excitement to the entire activity. Feel the thrill and scream your lungs out as you jump from the mountain into nothingness. Further, delight in an otherworldly experience as you bounce back. Dare to witness River Ganga from close quarters while being suspended upside down?

Ideal Duration: 4-5 seconds

Best time for Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh: Any time of the year is perfect for bungee jumping in Rishikesh except for the monsoon season. The activity might be put on hold due to heavy rainfall.

Partake in Kayaking

The treasure trove of adventure sports in Rishikesh is incomplete with Kayaking. Much like Canoeing, the watersport allows you to paddle across the waters on your kayak. With challenging rapids offering a bumpy ride, the fun-filled activity is for everyone. Appealing to the adventure junkie in you, the scintillating sport surely accounts for one of the best things to do in Rishikesh. With an increase in the level of grades, the difficulty also increases. Thus, you can try Kayaking in Rishikesh the way you want it to be.

Ideal Duration: 4 hours

Best time for Kayaking in Rishikesh: Except for the monsoon season, which stretches from mid-June to September, Kayaking can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Brace yourself for the Giant Swing

Relive your childhood but this time on a giant swing! Much akin to the Bungee jumping, the activity comes with a small yet notable difference. Reckoned as one of the amazing things to do in Rishikesh, the task allows you to swing from one end to the other. The superb adventure activity poses a challenge even for the daring souls. If you want to double the fun of bungee jumping, then you must try Giant Swing. The enthusiasm for taking up the swing will last lifelong. Get ready to swing like a pendulum and make your friends envy you.

Ideal Duration: 10 seconds

Best time for trying giant swing in Rishikesh: Again except for the monsoon seasonany time of the year is perfect for trying the giant swing.

Double the fun with Paintball

In spite of having so many top things to do in Rishikesh, fun lovers never forget to get a taste of thrill through paintball. This one of the best recreational activities keep you and your family on toes. Offering one-of-a-kind adventure, the game arouses a competitive team spirit. Ideal for the visitors in groups, the sport is a stress buster and allows you to experience a hefty dose of color bombs. It is good to see your team members working with full devotion to eliminate the opponents from the game. Indeed the team shooting sport has a lot in store for you to learn and cherish.

Ideal Duration: 40-45 minutes

Best time for enjoying paintball in Rishikesh: You can try paintball anytime during your Rishikesh tour.

Have a bird’s eye view of Rishikesh with Zip Lining

Excitement seems to know no limits with adventure options abound in Rishikesh. Zip Lining is apparently ranking on the bucket list of visitors who are in town to make their holidays memorable. How about reaching at a great height at one end and them jumping off from there to reach the next end? Savor breathtaking views as you slide from one end while being catapult across the white water rapids. In addition to all this, the speed along with the gushing air make you scream out loud.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour

Best time for zip lining in Rishikesh: The adventure sport can be tried throughout the year.

Take some time out for Rock Climbing/Rappelling

Once in Rishikesh, you will be intrigued by the irresistible charm of the uneven Himalayan cliffs. The grueling rock climbing or rappelling is for all those who aim high and have the guts to face any challenge. Luring climbers from all over the country, the activity tests all the limits of your endurance. There is definitely nothing better than taking up this challenge to overcome your fear of water, height or speed. Yet another delight, this is something that you shouldn’t miss. Also, don’t forget to pat your back when you reach on the top of that mountain.

Ideal Duration: 5 hours

Best time for rock climbing in Rishikesh: February to April and then September to late December is the best time of the year to go for rock climbing.

Fly in the air with Paragliding

Actualize your childhood dream of spreading your wings and flying like a bird. Flying high above the serene town will bring cartloads of memories. This is paragliding for you. The latest addition to an already interesting list of things to do in Rishikesh enables you to have a bird’s eye view of the city. Soar high at the time of sunrise and witness a unique spectacle to behold. Also, this will bring you the joy that knows no bound. Lift the earthly bounds into the open air and conquer the azure sky. Fall past the tall peaks and see the dainty valleys go by.

Ideal Duration: 10-70 minutes

Best time for paragliding in Rishikesh: The best time for paragliding in Rishikesh is between September and June.

Test your driving skills with Mountain Biking

The list of best things to do in Rishikesh is still not over. Set on a quest to discover what lies in heart of the mighty Himalayas. Follow an unwinding trail full of surprises. Pass by many hairpin bends. Treat your eyes to some of the best views. Spare some time to observe the rituals taking along the banks or River Gaga. Mountain Biking in Rishikesh offers all this and much more. Take out your bike and proceed to beat some rubber against rocks. Peddling through rocky terrains will leave you in awe.

Ideal Duration: 2 hours

Best time for mountain biking in Rishikesh: Anytime except for monsoon season is best for bicycle tours in Rishikesh.

Take a walk on the Lakshman Jhula

A famous hanging bridge known as the Lakshman Jhula boasts of rich mythological associations. According to the folklores, Lord Rama and Lakshman had crossed the holy river at the same site. For this reason, the 450 feet long bridge enjoys extreme repute amongst the devotees. Perched on a height of 70 meters above the river, the iron bridge appears to be swinging in the air at times. Stand in between the jhula and gaze at the awe-inspiring views of the river flowing beneath.

Ideal Duration: 2 minutes

Best time for visiting Lakshman in Rishikesh: You can visit Lakshman Jhula at any time you are in the town.

Play Beach Volleyball

Yes, you read that right! Playing beach volleyball is also one of the unique experiences in Rishikesh. Indulge in this in-house sport and return with wonderful memories of a frolic stay. Partaking in this game on the soft sand of the river is just amazing. Seeking participation from all the age groups, the fun-filled activity is one of the best ways to spend the day leisurely. The friendly match between you and your buddies or family promises to rejuvenate your senses.

Ideal Duration: You can enjoy the game as long as you want to

Best time for playing beach volleyball in Rishikesh: Winter season is surely the best time to play a match unless you want to tan your skin in summer.

Gorge on delicious food at Chotiwala

Serving scrumptious dishes since 1958, Chotiwala is a famous restaurant in Rishikesh. Nestled on the bank of the River Ganges, the age-old restaurant excels in tempting with South Indian Vegetarian delicacies. Another point to note about the food served here is that besides being tasty, the food is equally nutritional. Moreover, the traditional Garhwali food lovers can also head to this eatery to satiate their hunger. Apart from all this, getting clicked with the Chotiwala mascot is something that everybody loves to do.

Ideal Duration: Eat till your heart’s content

Best time for eating at Chotiwala in Rishikesh: Head to this restaurant whenever you are in Rishikesh.

Explore a number of temples

Chanting of the mantras, sounds of the bells, the fragrance of incense sticks and what not! You can experience all these at the innumerable temples in Rishikesh. Bask in the spiritual bliss or listen to several folklores associated with the sanctum sanctorum. Outstanding amongst rest of the places to visit in Rishikesh are the Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple, Bharat Mandir, Trimbakeshwar Temple or Tera Manzil Temple, etc. Along with the unwavering faith of the pilgrims, the architecture of these temples is worth witnessing.

Ideal Duration: Till your heart’s content

Best time for visiting temples in Rishikesh: You can go on the spiritually-awakening sojourn at the temples any time of the year.

Visit ashrams in Rishikesh

Obviously, Rishikesh is incomplete without its ashrams. Be it the Beatles Ashram, Sivananda Ashram or the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, each one of them exude their own charm. Besides offering a comfortable stay, these ashrams also help the visitors to achieve their spiritual goal. Above all, there is no other place that offers a heavenly experience the way these tranquil places do. Waking up to the mesmerizing views along the Ganga Ghat is blissful beyond description.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

Best time for exploring ashrams in Rishikesh: You can plan a stay in the ashrams of Rishikesh anytime you are here.

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Attend yoga and meditation classes

There is nothing better than practicing yoga at its birthplace. Titled as the ‘yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh makes you practice ancient science like no other. Get utter relaxation while unwinding yourself amidst the lap of nature. The unpolluted environs, spiritual vibe, tranquil banks of River Ganga and above all, a number of yoga centers account for a soul-soothing experience. Partaking in the International Yoga Festival is surely one of the must-do things in Rishikesh.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

Best time for practicing yoga and meditation in Rishikesh: You can learn about yoga and meditation throughout the year.

Witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti

Next on the list of popular things to do in Rishikesh is to attend the Ganga Aarti. Held at the Triveni Ghat every evening, the age-old ceremony is a visual retreat. Tiny lamps floating on the river mirrors small gems on the attire of a beautiful bride. During dusk, priests carrying huge fire lamps and along with a number of devotees gather at the Ghat to honor the River Goddess. The sound of the conch shells and the hymns sung to praise the goddess appear euphonious.

Ideal Duration: 30 minutes

Best time for attending Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh: You can attend the Ganga Aarti throughout the year.

Rejoice in Hot Air Ballooning

Another unique experience in Rishikesh which is tremendously delightful is hot air ballooning. Fly high in the sky and admire the surreal beauty of town from there. The hot air balloon passes by the town at its own pace and gives you ample time to get spellbound. Unveil the mysteries of the remote areas while traveling across the Great Indian Himalayas. When done at the time of sunset or sunrise, the overwhelming ride casts a spell. Enjoy the freedom of flight and create memories that will last forever.

Ideal Duration: 12 minutes

Best time for Hot air ballooning in Rishikesh: September to February is the best time for hot air ballooning.

Rejuvenate yourself at the best spa in the town

All your weariness and stress will vanish with the Ayurvedic treatments offered by the renowned Spa Centers in Rishikesh. A leading name amongst the best luxury spa resorts in India is Ananda in the Himalayas. Tucked beautifully amidst lush Sal forest, the spa resort provides holistic wellness retreat. Well-planning Ayurvedic therapies guarantee result-oriented healing experiences. Experts from all over the world visit the resort to teach the basics of a healthy life.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

Best time for availing Ayurvedic treatments in Rishikesh: Ayurvedic therapies work wonders during monsoon season. Due to this June to September is the best time to receive Ayurvedic treatments.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Spa and Ayurveda Resorts in India that breathe a new life in you!

Take a holy dip in the Ganga

One of the best ways to complete your Rishikesh tour is by taking a holy dip in the River Ganga. Doing so absolve all your sins and make you souk free from impurities. To make the experience more divine, you can choose to bathe at the Triveni Ghat. Doing so, you get the blessings of the sacred River Goddess and ultimately take one step closer to salvation.

Ideal Duration: As long as you want to

Best time for bathing in river Ganga in Rishikesh: You can take the holy dip whenever you are in the town except for the monsoon season. Do try the aforementioned things to do in Rishikesh and share your memorable experiences.

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