The southwestern city of Uttrakhand, Rishikesh aptly fits the phrase ‘best of both worlds. From ‘The Land of Adventures’ to ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, the activities in Rishikesh quench every age group’s peace and thrill yearning!

You can go bungee jumping, river rafting, kayaking, camping, or acquire insights into the sphere of yoga and meditation by visiting ashrams, temples, and much more. The list of things to do in Rishikesh is limitless as the events are happening around the clock. Hence, attracting millions of tourists every year. 

The tranquil aura at Ganges Ghat with the serenity of mountainous backdrop and gazillions of adventure activities makes the places to see in Rishikesh memorable for a lifetime!

We present to you our favorite things to do in Rishikesh- 

River Rafting in Rishikesh 

This one is for all who seek adventure in the lap of ice-cold rivers! Gear up in your life jackets and experience rafting in Rishikesh and wallop on the electrifying currents of the River Ganges.

River rafting is a water sport open to the newbies and the pros. The city’s proximity to the upper Himalayas and passage of the Ganges has made rafting in Rishikesh emerge as the most popular activities in Rishikesh. Sit tight and enjoy the raft because fun is guaranteed! 

The best time to indulge in this riveting activity would be during the strong stream seasons in summers and monsoons. It must make your list of things to do in Rishikesh by all means.

Best time- summers and monsoons

Level- Open to all enthusiasts

Cost - Between 2000 to 6000 rupees

Must Read: Things to do in Goa

Giant Swing

If life has ever made you feel like a pendulum, then the Giant Swing of Rishikesh will manifest it! Much like the Bungee jumping activity, you will find yourself hanging in the air, but unlike it, you will be swaying from side to side!

The mere thrill of participating in this activity makes Giant Swing one of the things to do in Rishikesh when in an adventurous mood. 

Distance covered - 1-1.5 km.

Level - Open to all. Do consult a doctor in case of any comorbidities. 

Best time- Throughout the year

Price Range- 2000 to 6000 Rupees

Flying Fox

If riding through the air is your sweet spot, then flying foxes seem perfect, as one of the activities to do in Rishikesh. You will be attached to a harnessed rope and then start your ride from a higher altitude to a lower one at a speed that will send chills down your spine!

When facing the what do in Rishikesh question then, flying between two cliffs is the answer for all ages.

Best time- Throughout the year

Price Range- 2000 to 5500 Rupees 

Level - Open to all. Do consult a doctor in case of any comorbidities. 

Camping in Rishikesh

One of the best things to do in Rishikesh is camping under the marvel of the stars and the city’s escapades. Camping in Rishikesh will delight all your senses with its aesthetic sights and stories lapping with old wonders of time. Rishikesh serves as a testament to preserving the old while modernizing its ways, and camping unfurls stunning ways to unravel its tranquility!

We promise that your trip to Rishikesh would be a memorable one if you set up a tent and let the view amaze you. 

Best Time - Try to go camping in the Summer and Spring seasons

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Riding in Hot Air Balloon 

Soar up to the sky and gaze at the magnificent sights of Rishikesh!

Fly while dropping down all your worldly woes and move with the wind through this unique experience of riding in a Hot Air Balloon in Rishikesh. Rishikesh adventure activities are endless, and riding in a hot air balloon will fill you up with a feeling, unlike any plus, the panoramic view of the valleys and river is a bonus to see! It is an activity that fits the list of things to do in Rishikesh for adventure as well as peace seekers. 

Best Season: Summers

Price Range: 6000 to 15,000 rupees 

Level: Open to all

Beatles Ashram

For someone still grooving to the tunes of the Beatles and touring Rishikesh, not going to the Beatles Ashram would hardly make any sense! 

Whether you are a Beatles fan or not, you have to visit this Ashram during your Rishikesh sightseeing tour and fill up the grandeur surrounding their fame and glory captured in the Beatles Ashram. 

The Beatles have even written some of their songs while traversing the terrains of Rishikesh and spent time with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The

Ashram tells a tale worth listening to and adding to the list of best places to visit in Rishikesh!

Location: The Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh

Must Read: Places to visit for peace

Walk on the Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Legends tell that Lord Lakshmana crossed the Ganges with his elder brother Lord Rama and his wife Sita during his exile. Years later, a bridge stands still on that very exact spot known as the Lakshman Jhula. One of the best things to do in Rishikesh at night is looking down at the peaceful waves of the Ganges while perched on the middle of Lakshman Jhula Rishikesh and letting the cold wind make you feel alive!

A replicating bridge devoted to Lord Rama stretching 450 feet is the Ram Jhula. Walking across this magnificent piece of architecture is one of the most popular things to do in Rishikesh. The Ram Jhula connects Swarg Ashram and Sivananda Ashram and parades a million more temples to pay a peaceful visit. 

Strolling across these bridges standing atop gushing waves of the Ganges embellished with mountains must be on your list of places to see in Rishikesh itinerary!

Yoga in Rishikesh

Rishikesh adorns the crown of the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. And the placidity of the city justifies it. Saunter around town, and you will feel a calm spirit looming in the air calling you out to relax your mind and let go of troubles.

Ashrams in Rishikesh for yoga and meditation: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Sivananda Ashram, and Shree Mahesh Heritage School are among the best ashrams to visit in Rishikesh for the same. 

We have various yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh to help you gain composure and skills!

Yoga in Rishikesh makes it to the top of things to do in Rishikesh.

Also, in this pandemic-ridden world, online yoga & wellness is always the option!

Must Read: A Guide to Yoga Teacher Training Program 

Satsang at Geeta Bhawan 

A stay at Geeta Bhawan is affordable and peaceful, hence, attracting millions of travelers in search of spiritual fulfillment on their Rishikesh trip. The minimal cost of stay and legions of books on spirituality tagged with daily bhajans and satsangs will surely soak you up with a sense of serenity. 

You can take a dip or two at the river Ganges and add Geeta Bhawan Rishikesh to your list of places to visit in Rishikesh!

Location: Gangapar, P.O, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh

Timings: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Mon-Sun)

Price: No entry fee

Waterfall Rappelling 

Waterfall Rappelling is one of the most daring and thrilling activities in Rishikesh, one not built for the shirkers! 

With a rope around you, you will make your way down amidst the intensely cascading waves causing you to trip at least once or twice. An adventurous activity in Rishikesh, unlike the other, waterfall rappelling must be on your list of things to do in Rishikesh.

Best Location: Neer Garh Waterfalls 

Season: March to June

Price: 600 per person

Level: Difficult

Rock Climbing in Rishikesh

Rock climbing at Shivalik Hills is worth adding to your list of activities in Rishikesh to experience. The mere adrenaline rush coupled with the atrocious sweaty trek makes rock climbing a memorable escapade!

It is one of those adventure activities in Rishikesh which require mental grit as well as physical strength. While being suspended from the top with only a rope, you have to make it to the top by crook or hook!

Season: October to February

Price: 1,000 per person

Level: Beginner/Medium

Kayaking in the Ganges

This one is for the group adventure junkies to satiate their adrenaline rush! 

You will find yourself face front on a Kayak paddling and dogging surging waves of Ganges. A few bumps along the ride are to expected, but the fun is guaranteed. 

Hands down, one of the most thrilling things to do in Rishikesh, kayaking in this peaceful city must make your list of Rishikesh travel plans!

Season: Summer and Spring 

Price Range: 600 to 2000 rupees

Level: Open to all

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Mountain Biking

An activity not for the faint but brave hearts! 

An emerging sport in India, Mountain Biking in Rishikesh, has to be on all the thrill-seekers bucket list of things to do in Rishikesh. 

Remember to do your research and find the mountain biking trails in harmony with the highest and best peaks of Rishikesh and your comfort zone. 

Be safe and fun with your bike trips engulfed by nature!

Season: March to May and October to December

Must Read: Tips for first-time bikers