Things to Do in Rishikesh – A Complete Travel Guide ️️
Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, is a spiritual, adventure, and wellness paradise nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganges River. Whether you’re looking for adventure sports, peaceful yoga retreats, historical temples, or breathtaking nature, Rishikesh has something for everyone.
Here’s a detailed guide on the best things to do in Rishikesh, including Google Maps links for easy navigation!
️ Adventure Activities in Rishikesh
River Rafting on the Ganges – A Thrill Seeker’s Dream
Location: Shivpuri Rafting Point, Rishikesh
Best Time: September – June
Cost: ₹600 – ₹2,500 per person
One of the most famous adventure activities in Rishikesh! You can choose between 9 km, 16 km, and 24 km rafting stretches, passing through exciting rapids like Roller Coaster, Golf Course, and The Wall.
✔ Pro Tip: Wear light clothes, avoid carrying valuables, and book in advance for peak seasons.
Bungee Jumping – India’s Highest Bungee Spot
Location: Jumpin Heights, Mohanchatti
Best Time: Year-round
Cost: ₹3,500 per jump
️ At 83 meters, this is India’s highest bungee jump! If you’re an adrenaline junkie, jumping off a cliff with the Ganges below is an unforgettable experience.
✔ Pro Tip: You must be above 12 years old and weigh between 40-110 kg to participate.
Giant Swing & Flying Fox – More Adventure Fun
Location: Jumpin Heights, Mohanchatti
Cost: ₹3,500 for Giant Swing, ₹1,800 for Flying Fox
✔ Giant Swing – Swing across the valley after a bungee-like drop.
✔ Flying Fox – Glide across a 1 km steel cable at 160 km/h.
✔ Pro Tip: Book a combo package to experience Bungee + Swing + Fox at a discount.
️ Spiritual & Yoga Experiences in Rishikesh
Visit Triveni Ghat for Ganga Aarti – A Divine Experience
Location: Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
Aarti Timings: 6:00 AM & 6:00 PM daily
Cost: Free
Triveni Ghat is the most famous ghat in Rishikesh, where you can experience the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing evening prayer ceremony with lamps and chanting.
✔ Pro Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early for the best view.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram – The Heart of Yoga in Rishikesh
Location: Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free entry (yoga programs have fees)
One of the largest and most peaceful yoga ashrams in Rishikesh. It offers yoga classes, spiritual talks, and a serene environment along the Ganges.
✔ Pro Tip: Stay for their famous evening Ganga Aarti at 6:30 PM.
The Beatles Ashram – A Must-Visit for Music & Meditation Lovers
Location: The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutiya)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: ₹150 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
The legendary Beatles stayed here in 1968 to learn Transcendental Meditation. Today, it’s a beautiful abandoned ashram covered in murals and graffiti.
✔ Pro Tip: Bring a camera and wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
Nature & Sightseeing in Rishikesh
Neer Garh Waterfall – A Hidden Natural Beauty
Location: Neer Garh Waterfall
Best Time to Visit: October – April
Cost: ₹30 entry fee
A beautiful two-tiered waterfall located in the hills, perfect for hiking, photography, and relaxing in nature.
✔ Pro Tip: Wear trekking shoes, as the 1 km hike to the falls is slightly steep.
Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula – Iconic Hanging Bridges
Laxman Jhula: Laxman Jhula
Ram Jhula: Ram Jhula
Best Time: Early morning or late evening
Cost: Free
These suspension bridges over the Ganges River are symbols of Rishikesh and offer spectacular views of the Himalayas and temples.
✔ Pro Tip: Laxman Jhula is temporarily closed for vehicles, so walk across for the best experience.
Best Food to Try in Rishikesh
Enjoy a Meal at The Famous Little Buddha Café
Location: Little Buddha Café
Cost: ₹300-500 per meal
A must-visit riverside café serving vegetarian and vegan dishes with stunning Ganga views.
✔ Must-Try: Israeli Hummus, Vegan Pancakes, and Masala Chai.
Ayurvedic Massage & Wellness Retreats
Location: Ananda in the Himalayas (Luxury) | Ayurpak Rishikesh (Budget)
Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹7,000 (depends on treatment)
Experience authentic Ayurvedic massages, Panchakarma treatments, and stress relief therapies at renowned wellness centers.
✔ Pro Tip: Book a detox or rejuvenation package for the best experience.
How to Reach Rishikesh?
✔ By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (21 km away).
✔ By Train: Nearest station is Haridwar Railway Station.
✔ By Road: Well-connected by bus/taxi from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
Final Thoughts
Rishikesh offers adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty all in one place. Whether you're rafting down the Ganges, meditating at an ashram, or exploring hidden waterfalls, this town will leave you rejuvenated.
Which activity in Rishikesh excites you the most? Have you been here before? Share your experiences below! ️
Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, is a spiritual, adventure, and wellness paradise nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganges River. Whether you’re looking for adventure sports, peaceful yoga retreats, historical temples, or breathtaking nature, Rishikesh has something for everyone.
Here’s a detailed guide on the best things to do in Rishikesh, including Google Maps links for easy navigation!
️ Adventure Activities in Rishikesh
River Rafting on the Ganges – A Thrill Seeker’s DreamLocation: Shivpuri Rafting Point, Rishikesh
Best Time: September – June
Cost: ₹600 – ₹2,500 per person
One of the most famous adventure activities in Rishikesh! You can choose between 9 km, 16 km, and 24 km rafting stretches, passing through exciting rapids like Roller Coaster, Golf Course, and The Wall.
✔ Pro Tip: Wear light clothes, avoid carrying valuables, and book in advance for peak seasons.
Bungee Jumping – India’s Highest Bungee SpotLocation: Jumpin Heights, Mohanchatti
Best Time: Year-round
Cost: ₹3,500 per jump
️ At 83 meters, this is India’s highest bungee jump! If you’re an adrenaline junkie, jumping off a cliff with the Ganges below is an unforgettable experience.
✔ Pro Tip: You must be above 12 years old and weigh between 40-110 kg to participate.
Giant Swing & Flying Fox – More Adventure FunLocation: Jumpin Heights, Mohanchatti
Cost: ₹3,500 for Giant Swing, ₹1,800 for Flying Fox
✔ Giant Swing – Swing across the valley after a bungee-like drop.
✔ Flying Fox – Glide across a 1 km steel cable at 160 km/h.
✔ Pro Tip: Book a combo package to experience Bungee + Swing + Fox at a discount.
️ Spiritual & Yoga Experiences in Rishikesh
Visit Triveni Ghat for Ganga Aarti – A Divine ExperienceLocation: Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
Aarti Timings: 6:00 AM & 6:00 PM daily
Cost: Free
Triveni Ghat is the most famous ghat in Rishikesh, where you can experience the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing evening prayer ceremony with lamps and chanting.✔ Pro Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early for the best view.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram – The Heart of Yoga in RishikeshLocation: Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free entry (yoga programs have fees)
One of the largest and most peaceful yoga ashrams in Rishikesh. It offers yoga classes, spiritual talks, and a serene environment along the Ganges.
✔ Pro Tip: Stay for their famous evening Ganga Aarti at 6:30 PM.
The Beatles Ashram – A Must-Visit for Music & Meditation LoversLocation: The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutiya)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: ₹150 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
The legendary Beatles stayed here in 1968 to learn Transcendental Meditation. Today, it’s a beautiful abandoned ashram covered in murals and graffiti.
✔ Pro Tip: Bring a camera and wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
Nature & Sightseeing in Rishikesh
Neer Garh Waterfall – A Hidden Natural BeautyLocation: Neer Garh Waterfall
Best Time to Visit: October – April
Cost: ₹30 entry fee
A beautiful two-tiered waterfall located in the hills, perfect for hiking, photography, and relaxing in nature.
✔ Pro Tip: Wear trekking shoes, as the 1 km hike to the falls is slightly steep.
Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula – Iconic Hanging BridgesLaxman Jhula: Laxman Jhula
Ram Jhula: Ram Jhula
Best Time: Early morning or late evening
Cost: Free
These suspension bridges over the Ganges River are symbols of Rishikesh and offer spectacular views of the Himalayas and temples.
✔ Pro Tip: Laxman Jhula is temporarily closed for vehicles, so walk across for the best experience.
Best Food to Try in Rishikesh
Enjoy a Meal at The Famous Little Buddha CaféLocation: Little Buddha Café
Cost: ₹300-500 per meal
A must-visit riverside café serving vegetarian and vegan dishes with stunning Ganga views.
✔ Must-Try: Israeli Hummus, Vegan Pancakes, and Masala Chai.
Ayurvedic Massage & Wellness Retreats
Location: Ananda in the Himalayas (Luxury) | Ayurpak Rishikesh (Budget)
Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹7,000 (depends on treatment)
Experience authentic Ayurvedic massages, Panchakarma treatments, and stress relief therapies at renowned wellness centers.
✔ Pro Tip: Book a detox or rejuvenation package for the best experience.
How to Reach Rishikesh?
✔ By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (21 km away).
✔ By Train: Nearest station is Haridwar Railway Station.
✔ By Road: Well-connected by bus/taxi from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
Final Thoughts
Rishikesh offers adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty all in one place. Whether you're rafting down the Ganges, meditating at an ashram, or exploring hidden waterfalls, this town will leave you rejuvenated.
Which activity in Rishikesh excites you the most? Have you been here before? Share your experiences below! ️
