Waterfall Rappelling
Have you ever imagined yourself amidst gushing waterfalls, tied to a rope and slowly treading downwards? On your next visit to Rishikesh, you can experience this. It is most definitely one of the most exciting activities in Rishikesh.
Waterfall rappelling will give you the right amount of adrenaline rush as your body is forced down by the water and you have to step down one step at a time while maintaining your balance. The picturesque Neer Garh Waterfalls are one of the best waterfalls in Rishikesh to try your hand at this activity. But this one’s not for the faint-hearted.
Best season: March to June
Approx. cost: 600 per person
Rock Climbing
If you have done your research, you already know that Rishikesh is one of the best places for rock climbing in India. Lots of people from around the world flock to this town to try out various adventure sports. If you are one of them, then you must try rock climbing on the Shivalik Hills.
This range is considered to be one of the best due to the steep incline and topography. This activity not only requires basic strength but also requires you to maintain mental stability. While you are suspended on ropes and you have no option but to climb up gradually, your mind and body become more alert and you start enjoying the adrenaline rush.
Best season: October to February
Approx. cost: 1,000 per person
Mountain Biking
Are you environmentally conscious? Do you ride a bicycle to work? Well, you could spillover your habit while you’re visiting Rishikesh. One of the best activities in Rishikesh, mountain biking is the perfect way to explore this hilly town.
Boasting of varying topography and steep roads, biking is a thrilling experience in itself. If you think you have the stamina to ride on the mountains, then you should try this out.
Various forest and river trails are at your disposal for experiencing this. Gather your friends around and go for various cycling tours in Rishikesh which will reveal the best sights in your entire journey.
Best season: March to May and October to December
Approx. cost: Rs 450
Difficulty level: Medium
Kayaking
Kayaking is a water activity, much like canoeing, that involves paddling across on water on a kayak. A kayak is a canoe-like boat but unlike a canoe, you sit facing the front. Kayaking is a fun activity especially on the streams of Rishikesh because of the clear waters and the rapids that make for a bumpy and fun activity.
Go kayaking on the Ganges and meander through rough patches along the stream and truly take in the rush and force of the water as it charges downhill. For anyone looking for things to do in Rishikesh, look no further and try kayaking in this beautiful city.
Best Season: Summer and Spring are the best time because of the pleasant weather and the force of the water.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 600 to 2000 Rs depending on the size of a group.
Difficulty Level: This is an activity that can be availed by anyone with basic physical fitness.
Visit Rajaji National Park
One of the famous national parks of India is Rajaji National Park, located in Uttarakhand. The park has 3 different entry points, one of which is near Rishikesh and is known as Chilla range. One of the best activities to do in Rishikesh is to take a safari along with a local guide, across Rajaji National Park. Jeep Safari in Rishikesh is an adventurous thing to do in the city.
The park is known to have the maximum number of elephants across India. It also has a wide variety of wild animals such as Sambar deer, barking deer, Antelopes like Nilgai and Goral, tiger, leopard and monkeys. Adding to this kitty, there is a huge variety of Himalayan birds, numbering up to 400 species.
Some of the most sought-after birds by tourists and bird-watchers include Scaly Thrush, Rusty Treecreeper, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Bush Warbler, Leaf Warbler, Black-necked Stork and Blue Magpie.
Best Season: Winters- because of the pleasant weather
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 500 to 2000 Rs for jeep safari.
Trekking
Imagine Majestic Mountains, freshwater rivers and streams, picturesque valleys and beautiful flora and fauna. Picture trekking through them and basking at the glory of all of these. If this is something that interests and excites you then Rishikesh is the perfect spot for you to go trekking.
Being at the foothills of the upper Himalayas, this is the ideal spot for anyone to trek in. Rishikesh’s proximity to places such as Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath makes it an ideal place to trek in or start trekking from. For a trip through nature and its preciousness, do put it on your bucket list of things to do in Rishikesh.
Best Season: Summer, Autumn and Spring are the best time because of the pleasant weather.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 3000 to 10000 Rs depending on the location of the trek.
Cliff Jumping
Much like the name suggests, cliff jumping involves jumping off a cliff ranging from 20 to 50 feet into waters. It’s a fierce activity and not to be taken trivially as it requires a strong will to jump into cold waters. You could do it for the sport or as a hobby but it’s an activity that is sure to delight and excite you and one of the best activities to do in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the perfect spot to indulge in this. So, take charge and take the leap of glory as you crash into the water and come out with a ton of good memories.
Best Season: Summer- because of the pleasant weather and the ideal water temperature.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 1750 to 4000 Rs.
Difficulty Level: This is an activity that can be availed by anyone with basic physical fitness.
Visit the Ancient Vashishta Gufa
Vashishta Gufa or Vashistha Cave is an ancient cave where sage Vashistha had once meditated. This cave is located on Rishikesh-Badrinath road in Uttarakhand. One of the popular activities in Rishikesh for meditation lovers, a visit to this cave is a must. Located among the trees of a small village known as Gular, this place is peaceful and pristine. While the entrance to the cave has some light, as you go deeper into it, the cave gets pitch dark.
But, it is very well maintained with clean floors and mats laid out to accommodate almost a dozen people. At the end of the cave, you can spot a shiva linga and a flickering oil lamp that fills this cave with aroma and making it a must things to see in Rishikesh.
Location: Haridwar Rishikesh Badrinath Road, Shivpuri Range, Uttarakhand 249192
Timings: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM everyday
Visit Kunjapuri Temple
If you are still looking for peaceful things to do in Rishikesh then you might want to check out Kunjapuri Temple, located on top of a hill. This will become your favourite place for spending some time by yourself on your trip. This temple is of immense significance to Hindus as the chest of burned Sati had fallen here.
Situated at a height of approximately 1,700 mts on a hill, this temple offers a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains and peaks around it. Many devotees believe in starting their new year by seeking blessings at this temple. You can visit this temple for blessings or just to spend some peaceful time by yourself.
Location: Hindolakhal Rd, Adali, Uttarakhand 249175
Timings: Open 24 hours
Visit Swarg Ashram
Built in the memory of Swami Vishudhanand, the Swarg Ashram is better known as Kali Kamli Wala. This little township upstream from Rishikesh has a very peaceful vibe to it. While you can take a strolling visit to this place, we recommend staying here to feel the peace within. This is one of the most calming activities in Rishikesh.
There are various places of worship inside the Ashram that are dedicated to various Hindu Gods. This place is also famous for yoga and meditation which you can indulge in, while being here. Few eateries, stores, libraries and parks line this ashram and these will surely prove as a holistic experience when you visit this place.
Location: Near Ram Jhula
Timings: 6:00 – 8:00 PM everyday
Treat Yourself With Ayurvedic Massage
After you have discovered so much in and around Rishikesh, surely you would need some rest and relaxation. And what better than an Ayurvedic massage. It is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh at night , to make your body feel special and cared for. I will quote a well-known saying- “If you take care of your body, it will take good care of you”. That’s the case with about everyone.
We in our daily lives, go through tremendous pressures, tensions, workload, etc. that we get fatigued out. We start craving for a break, one that will rejuvenate, refresh and heal us. Ayurvedic massage in some of the best massage centres of Rishikesh is just what you need.
They will treat you with fragrance-filled, herbal and ayurvedic oils, that will not only free the tension and pressure out of your mind and body; but will also loosen up and relax your tense muscles.
Attend Yoga Classes
If you are in Rishikesh and don’t try your hand in Yoga, that would be like going to Delhi and not indulging in the local food. Rishikesh is the Yoga capital of the world and has a lot of people who practice and teach this ancient exercise and meditation activity.
Yoga helps in attending physical and mental prowess and calmness and is a very relaxing activity to indulge in. A lot of places in Rishikesh offer Yoga classes for you to choose from. So, warm up and loosen those muscles as you take part in this ancient Indian tradition.
Best Season: This activity can be availed throughout the year.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 900 to 2000 Rs.
Go Cafe Hopping
Once you have traveled across the length and breadth of Rishikesh, you can hop-in to one of the many cafeterias that line its streets. It’s not just about having a coffee, it’s about having coffee in a café near the banks of river Ganga, or about having the same in the lap of Himalayas or yet, about enjoying a hot mug of coffee in the downtown across LakshmanJhula.
One of the famous downtown cafes is the ‘Beatles Cafe’. It is said that ‘The Beatles’ band members visited this café, and ended up making lyrics of a new song in this café. Since then this café got a new name- The Beatles’ Café. Having coffee here should be on your list of things to do in Rishikesh.
The flavours are many, right from regular to choco latte to cold coffee to choco-ice-cream or the black coffee, and so on.
Best Season: This activity can be availed throughout the year.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 500 to 2000 Rs.