Things to Do in Rishikesh, India | Top 10 Activities for Travelers

Rishikesh, located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a spiritual and adventure hub that attracts visitors from all over the world. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and on the banks of the holy Ganges river, Rishikesh is a place of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural significance. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things to do in Rishikesh, so you can make the most of your visit.

1. Practice Yoga

Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of the world, and for good reason. The city is home to numerous yoga schools and ashrams, where you can learn and practice different styles of yoga, including Hatha, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and more. The city is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and provides a perfect environment for practicing yoga and meditation. Some of the popular yoga schools in Rishikesh include:

• Rishikul Yogshala: This yoga school is located near the Ram Jhula area and offers various yoga courses such as Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Meditation.
• Parmarth Niketan: This ashram is situated near the banks of the holy river Ganges and offers a wide range of yoga and meditation courses. They also conduct daily Ganga Aarti (worship of the river Ganges) and other spiritual activities.
• Tattvaa Yogashala: This yoga school is located near the Laxman Jhula area and offers traditional Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga courses. They also provide teacher training programs and retreats.
• Sivananda Ashram: This ashram is situated in the serene location of Netala village and offers various yoga courses, meditation, and spiritual activities.
• Yoga Vidya Mandiram: This yoga school is located in the Tapovan area and offers a wide range of yoga courses, meditation, and Ayurveda treatments.

These are just a few of the many yoga schools in Rishikesh that you can explore to enhance your yoga practice and immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural atmosphere of the city.

2. Go Rafting

Rishikesh is also a popular destination for adventure seekers, especially those who love water sports. The city is located on the banks of the Ganges River, which offers some of the best rafting opportunities in India. You can choose from different levels of difficulty, from easy to extreme, and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Himalayas while paddling down the river. Some of the popular rafting stretches in Rishikesh include:

• Brahmapuri to Rishikesh: This is a 9-kilometer stretch that takes around 2-3 hours to complete. It is ideal for beginners and offers some of the best views of the surrounding hills and forests.
• Shivpuri to Rishikesh: This is a 16-kilometer stretch that takes around 3-4 hours to complete. It is perfect for those who want to experience some thrilling rapids and is recommended for experienced rafters.
• Marine Drive to Rishikesh: This is a 25-kilometer stretch that takes around 4-5 hours to complete. It is the longest rafting stretch in Rishikesh and offers some of the most exciting rapids.
• Kaudiyala to Rishikesh: This is a 36-kilometer stretch that takes around 7-8 hours to complete. It is recommended for experienced rafters who are looking for a challenging and adventurous rafting experience.

3. Visit Temples

Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus, and there are many temples and shrines that you can visit to experience the spiritual side of the city. You can also attend the evening aarti ceremony at the Parmarth Niketan, where you can witness the beautiful ritual of offering prayers to the Ganges River.

Temples in Rishikesh

• Trayambakeshwar Temple: One of the most ancient and revered temples in Rishikesh, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Lakshman Jhula: A famous suspension bridge over the Ganges, it is home to several temples including the Lakshman Temple.
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Situated at a height of 1330 meters, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by dense forests and mountains.
• Bharat Mandir: One of the oldest temples in Rishikesh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and built by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Raghunath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple is situated near Triveni Ghat and is famous for its evening aarti.

These are just a few of the many temples that you can visit in Rishikesh. Make sure to dress modestly and follow the customs and traditions of the temples while visiting.

4. Explore Ashrams

Ashrams are spiritual retreats where you can learn about yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices. Rishikesh is home to many ashrams, both traditional and modern, where you can stay and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the city. Some of the most popular ashrams in Rishikesh include the Beatles Ashram, the Anand Prakash Ashram, and the Swami Dayananda Ashram.

5. Meditate

Meditation is an integral part of the spiritual practices in Rishikesh, and there are many places where you can learn and practice meditation. Some of the most popular meditation centers in Rishikesh include the Osho Ganga Dham Ashram, the Vipassana International Academy, and the Art of Living Ashram. You can also attend meditation classes at many of the yoga schools and ashrams in the city.

6. Attend a Music Festival

Rishikesh is not only a spiritual destination but also a cultural hub, and there are many music festivals and events that take place throughout the year. The International Yoga Festival, the Beatles Festival, and the Rishikesh International Film Festival are some of the most popular events that attract visitors from all over the world. You can enjoy live music, dance performances, film screenings, and more during these festivals.

7. Trek in the Himalayas

Rishikesh is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, and there are many trekking routes that you can explore to experience the natural beauty of the region. You can also go camping and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and the valleys. Rishikesh has several beautiful trekking routes that offer stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys. Some of the popular trekking routes in Rishikesh include:

• Neer Garh Waterfall Trek: This is a short and easy trek that takes you to the beautiful Neer Garh waterfall. The trek starts from the Neer Garh waterfall parking area and takes around 1-2 hours to complete.
• Kunjapuri Temple Trek: This trek takes you to the Kunjapuri Temple, which is situated at a height of 1645 meters and offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. The trek starts from the village of Kharsali and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
• Nag Tibba Trek: This is a moderate-level trek that takes you to the Nag Tibba peak, which is situated at a height of 3022 meters. The trek starts from the village of Pantwari and takes around 2-3 days to complete.
• Valley of Flowers Trek: This is a challenging trek that takes you to the Valley of Flowers, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its colorful meadows and rare flora and fauna. The trek starts from the village of Govindghat and takes around 6-7 days to complete.
• Rupin Pass Trek: This is a difficult trek that takes you to the Rupin Pass, which is situated at a height of 4650 meters and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The trek starts from the village of Dhaula and takes around 8-9 days to complete.

8. Shop for Souvenirs

Rishikesh is not just a hub for adventure sports and spiritual tourism, but also a shopper’s paradise. The city is famous for its vibrant markets and shopping spots where you can find a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and other handicrafts. Some of the popular shopping spots in Rishikesh include:

• Laxman Jhula Market: This is a bustling market located near the famous Laxman Jhula bridge. Here, you can find a wide range of items such as clothes, jewelry, bags, and souvenirs.
• Rishikesh Main Market: This market is situated near the Triveni Ghat and is known for its colorful shops and stalls selling handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs.
• Haridwar Bazaar: Located near the Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar, this market is famous for its traditional handicrafts, brassware, and textiles.
• Kashyap Goofa: This is a unique shopping experience where you can find organic products such as herbal medicines, natural beauty products, and spices.
• Shri Bharat Mandir Khadi Bhandar: This is a popular spot to buy khadi (handspun) clothes, a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and a sustainable textile industry.

9. Try Ayurvedic Treatments

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on holistic healing and wellness. Rishikesh is home to many Ayurvedic centers and spas, where you can try different treatments such as massages, herbal baths, and detox programs. Some of the most popular Ayurvedic centers in Rishikesh include the Ananda in the Himalayas, the Ayurveda Bhavan, and the Himalayan Yog Ashram.

10. Attend a Cooking Class

Indian cuisine is famous all over the world, and Rishikesh is a great place to learn how to cook traditional Indian dishes. Many cooking classes are offered in the city, where you can learn how to prepare dishes such as dal, chapati, and biryani. Some of the most popular cooking classes in Rishikesh include the Cooking Masala School, the Ganga Valley Cooking School, and the Ayurvedic Cooking School.