Often called the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh boasts of pristine natural landscapes which entices travelers to keep coming back to explore the opulent beauty. If you are vacationing in Rishikesh, then you must try the spectacular river rafting and a camping tour to experience the true paradise which leaves every visitor spellbound. Camping is one of those recreational activities which is best to discover the unexplored and appreciate the company of families and friends in the most immaculate natural setting. Ideal for backpackers and families alike as there are a lot of amazing places to visit in Rishikesh, there is no age limit for camping in Rishikesh and offers the most awe inspiring adventures in the scenic backdrop by the river Ganges with the Himalayas in the backdrop. It doesn’t matter whether your vacation goal is adventure or leisure, the best camping tours in Rishikesh are a worth cherishing activity to be enjoyed on your trip.
Spend a night gazing at the stars and wake up to the melodious chirping of the birds while you behold a spectacular sunrise while camping in Rishikesh. Share some beautiful memories with your loved ones or your fellow adventurers during your camping activity in the lap of nature. You can also choosefrom some must to do things like trekking and rafting combined with camping. While camping in Rishikesh, you may get to see a variety of animals, for the hills around the city are thickly forested and rich in wildlife.There are various types of camps organized in Rishikesh like luxury camps, jungle camps and beach camps each offering a different experience. Many campsites are located on the sandy banks of the Ganga River, and the beaches here make excellent spots to enjoy various sports. If you truly wish to make your dream alive and engage in the enthralling activity, Rishikesh proves to be the most ideal location to go for an exciting holiday. The captivating beauty of the landscape is a dream destination for adrenaline seekers which makes camping in Rishikesh all the more exciting. Look at the handpicked selection of the best camping tours in Rishikesh here.
Rishikesh Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula happens to be one of the famous hanging bridges across the holy river Ganga. The jhula is a link in between two important villages in Rishikesh. It connects the Tapovan village in Tehri Garhwal and Jonk village in Pauri Garhwal. The bridge is made up of iron and it is almost 450 feet long, which is suspended at an elevation of almost 70 feet above the river. Lakshman Jhula has been one of the centres for tourist attraction since its inception for its amazing association of the Hindu Mythology. As per the popular Hindu mythology, Ramayan, it is believed that Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman had crossed the Ganga river at the same place, where the bridge has been built. The bridge was opened for public in the year 1929. In recent times, in order to boost the tourist footfall, many other developments have been carried out around the famous Lakshman Jhula. Tourists now love to spend a considerable amount of time in these places in the course of their Rishikesh Trip. You can not only visit the Lakshman Jhula, but you can also spend time in some of the other nearby tourist attractions like Tera Manzil Temple, Ram Jhula, and Lakshman temple. Let us get to know more about this religious place of worship.History of Lakshman Jhula- Lakshman Jhula has its significance in the most popular Hindu Mythology, Ramayana. As per the tales, Lord Ram and Lakshman had crossed the river Ganga at this place. The duo crossed the river Ganga with the help of just two ropes. In order to praise this act of fearlessness, Lakshman Jhula was built. This 284 feet long suspended bridge was the main point of contact between the villages until the year 1889. However, one of the floods in the year 1924 completely washed away the bridge. Initially the Lakshman Jhula was made up of jute, however, after the floods, it was replaced by a much stronger and sturdier iron bridge in the year 1939. The reconstruction was instigated in the same place and the name of the bridge was also not changed as per the significances. The bridge now stands tall above the river Ganga and happens to be one of the major tourist attractions in the tourism corridor of Rishikesh. However, the Lakshman Jhula is no more used for communication from 12th July 2019 for safety concerns. This bridge is almost 96 years old and it is not capable of handling the load of the current traffic. In order to preserve this iconic tourist attraction, one more bridge has been built and the Lakshman Jhula stands as a mere tourist attraction near to it.
Ram Jhula is one of the most iconic places in Rishikesh and if you are planning a pilgrimage to the city, or just visiting for a holiday, you must stop by this iconic bridge. It is a suspension bridge, built entirely out of iron and the length of the bridge is around 450 feet. It was constructed in the year 1986, by the PWD. The bridge is located over the holy Ganga river and it connects Sivananda Nagar in Muni Ki Reti, in the district of Tehri Garhwal in the west to Swargashram in the district of Pauri Garhwal, in the east.This bridge can be found in the state of Uttarakhand, approximately 3 kilometres away from the main town of Rishikesh. It is a comfortable walking distance from Rishikesh, and if you like long walks in the midst of stunning scenery then you can walk the length of the bridge as well. People can also traverse the bridge with bikes or cycles. A number of holy ashrams and Hindu religious centres and temples can be found lining the side of the bridge. These ashrams encompass the true essence of Rishikesh, with their peace, hospitality and piety. Another well-known bridge in the area is the Lakshman Jhula, which is lengthier than Ram Jhula and is situated 2 kilometres upriver, on the banks of the Ganga. One of the most memorable experiences you can enjoy at the Ram Jhula is overlooking the holy city of Rishikesh from the bridge itself in all its natural and historical glory, surrounded by the river and the mighty mountains. History of Ram JhulaThe famous Ram Jhula was initially a bridge made of very strong jute ropes, tightly intertwined to give it strength and to help it bear the weight of passers-by. It did not have any pillars to provide structural support in the beginning. Later, it was re-constructed with iron in the year 1986 by the PWD under government supervision. Since it is located in the spiritual and holy city of Rishikesh, the name of the bridge is derived from the Aryan King- Lord Ram- the protagonist of the epic Ramayana. The other famous bridge on the river is the Lakshman Jhula. The story goes that in the era of Ram’s reign, Lakshman had crossed the Ganga with the help of two ropes. To commemorate this mythological event, the Lakshman Jhula was constructed with ropes, in the year 1889. Therefore, a gesture of sibling love and camaraderie between the two brothers- Ram and Lakshman, the second bridge was named ‘Ram, indicative of the divine bond between the two brothers. About Ram Jhula MarketKeeping in mind the vast number of tourists and pilgrims who visit the place every year, there are innumerable shops and markets near the starting and ending point of the bridge. The Ram Jhula Market can be found in the point where the bridge ends, where you can find shops selling everything imaginable- from groceries to mementoes and religious tokens. You can find religious sculptures, statues and framed pictures of different gods and goddesses, dress materials, jewellery and other artefacts available in the markets. One can buy authentic semi-precious stones and gems at reasonable prices from here as well. Shoppers can choose from beautiful, ethnic, locally sourced handicraft items to bright and comfortable cotton clothes like sarees, lehengas and cholis, all at reasonable prices.
Adventurers know Rishikesh as the land of river rafting as it is one of the most popular destinations for this activity anywhere in India. So if you are planning a trip to Rishikesh, make sure not to skip this adrenaline-pumping adventure of rafting through the blustery waters of River Ganga. As your raft glides along with the swift river, you will also have a chance to catch the undiluted charm of the Himalayan foothills.Three different stretches of the river, ranging from 9 km to 26 km, are open for rafting. These stretches feature grade 3, grade 4, and grade 5 rapids, so whether you are seeking hardcore adventure or you are a beginner, rafting in Rishikesh is ideal for all. To give a boost to your adrenaline rush, the rafting experience also offers opportunities for cliff jumping and body surfing.Highlights: Long stretches, various rapid grades, and beautiful scenery.Timings: 7 am to 10 pmPrice: INR 600 per person
Popular Camping Destinations
Rishikesh Travel Guides
People Also Ask About Camping in Rishikesh
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What is the price for camping in Rishikesh?
Every group has a different pricing point considering the inclusions and experiences it offers. If you just want to camp, you’ll get a tent between INR 500 and INR 700. If you want a complete adventure sport or sightseeing package along with camping in Rishikesh, then the price varies from INR 1,200 to INR 4,000. -
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh for camping?
Though adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts visit all year round the best time to visit Rishikesh for camping is early summer and post monsoon i.e. February to mid-May and September to November. It is the time when the Himalayan snow begins to melt and pleasant weather prevails all around and nature adorns itself with lush attire.
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Is December a good time for camping in Rishikesh?
December, even though a bit chilly, can be a fairly good time to opt for camping experiences in Rishikesh. However, if you’re looking to have a pleasant camping experience, visit between October and November end, or between January and March. Avoid the hotter months or the rainy season, because adventure activities become difficult to conduct during the monsoons. -
Where is Rishikesh located? How can I reach Rishikesh from Delhi?
Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the northern state of Uttrakhand. It is 242 km from Delhi via NH 334. It is 25 km north of Haridwar and 43 km southeast of the state capital Dehradun. You can reach Rishikesh by air, train or bus.
- Air: Jolly Grant is the nearest airport to Rishikesh, approximately 15 km away. Multiple direct flights are available from Delhi, making it affordable and faster to fly to the area.
- Train: From Delhi it is an 8-10 hour journey to Haridwar and then continue on by bus/taxi for about 45 min. A quiet route connects Rishikesh to Haridwar and there are just three slow trains daily, therefore making it a little difficult.
- Road: From Delhi, it is a 6-7 hour journey and the city is about 230 km away. It is well connected by buses or you can even choose to drive down.
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Where to camp in Rishikesh?
Places like Shivpuri, Brahmpuri, Marine Drive and Kaudiyala offer the most wonderful camping sites, where you may enjoy quality time with family and friends while enjoying the scenic beauty and reconnecting with nature.
The recently opened campsites in these places are Aspen Adventure Camp, Camp Wildex bordered by Rajaji National park on either side, Red Chilli Beach Camp known for its well-experienced guides which offer better commitment and utmost safety of participants, Camp Aqua Terra, an ideal holiday retreat and Ravers Beach Camp, a common destination among those who travel for adventure and some action are some of the primary options on the list.
You can also camp on the bank of the Ganga river or Camp Roller Coaster that offer a fun filled outdoor experience. There are many camps in Rishikesh like Camp River Zone, Camp 5 Elements, Adventure Inn, Leopard Beach Tent Camp, Byasi Beach Camp etc. to name a few more. -
What is the cost of camping in Rishikesh?
Cost of camping depends on the type of camp and the number of people sharing the camp. For eg. Triple / quad tents are shared by up to 19 people, then price per head would be INR 1400 (with activities) and INR 1100(without activities).
And if twin sharing occurs between 2-10 people, price ranges from INR 1900 on a weekend and INR 1400 on weekdays (with activities) and INR 1600 and INR 1100 respectively (without activities).
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Is it worth visiting Rishikesh for camping?
Rishikesh is one of the prime spots for camping in the Himalayan region. Who wouldn’t love the idea of spending a night under billions of stars in the lap of nature? Since Rishikesh radically defines the beauty of nature and is loved by all.
Rishikesh isn’t just a spiritual destination but is renowned for the adventurous activities it holds. This multihued destination, with abundant nature and a charming quiet vibe, is no doubt one of the best places to be visited for camping.
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Can I camp at Ramganga Beach?
Yes, of course. It’s a perfect place to explore adventure as it takes you to secret cave explorations, high waterfall splash, body surfing etc. due to its modest elevation you can enjoy cool sunny days and cool plunges in the river.
Here you’ll get to live in alpine tents on the beach, enjoy delicious Kumaoni meal in the village and sleep every night under the star clustered night along with campfires on the beach.
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Is it safe to go for camping in Rishikesh?
Yes! It’s really safe and that’s because so many travelling organizations arrange camping sessions along with the various adventurous activities. Camps are put up at decent places which are safe from wildlife attacks and where resources are easily available.
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Why is camping in Rishikesh so famous?
Camping brings you an opportunity of staying amidst the emerald beauty and tranquility of nature. The appeal and magnificence of Rishikesh, the powerful Himalayas and the sputtering Ganges makes it a hotspot for the adventure addicts.
Be it trekking, white water rafting, kayaking, the city offers mind boggling run down of choices and goals. Quite naturally travel freaks love to visit Rishikesh to admire nature and to experience various adventurous activities.
For them, camping here is a must. And it isn’t just them. So many families come to Rishikesh to spend quality time together in the lap of nature.
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What all things will be included in my camping package of Rishikesh?
- Accommodation: The most popular kind of accommodation are the makeshift tents on the beachside or in the forest. Apart from these are concrete cottages or bamboo huts which also come with a package.
- Activities: Most of the camping packages include adventurous activities like kayaking, river rafting, swimming/body surfing with life jackets(if near the beach), mountain biking, hiking through hills, flying fox, bird watching and wildlife trekking with experts, caving and angling, volleyball(at the beach).
- Food:They provide healthy veg and non-veg meals, including breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner.
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What sort of camps are there in Rishikesh?
There are forest camps and riverside/beach camps based on the activities organised for its participants. Most of the camps are makeshift to give a true experience of adventure.
Other kind of camps for families or couples are bamboo tents, thatched huts and concrete cottages which also have adventure activity packages as part of the experience.
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Is it safe for solo women travelers to camp in Rishikesh?
Yes, it’s really safe to travel solo and camp in Rishikesh. Lots of solo women travel here and there have hardly been any complains of eve-teasing etc.
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What sort of food will be there during camping? Will we get non-veg food as well?
Food that is locally available will be provided to you. You’ll get both veg and non-veg food depending on your preference.
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What are the activities during camping?
The most primary activity is carrying out chores like building a campfire and cooking in it. Apart from that you can indulge in adventure activities in Rishikesh like:
- mountain biking
- hiking through hills
- flying fox
- bird watching and wildlife trekking with experts
- caving and angling.
- River Rafting
- Bungee Jumping
- Flying Fox
- Air Safari
- Giant Swing
- Body Surfing
- Rock Climbing
- Kayaking
- Rappelling
- Beach volleyball and badminton
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Is rafting included in the camping package?
In some of the camping packages, it is included but not in all.
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Can we smoke and drink at our campsites in Rishikesh?
No, you should not, since most of the campsites prohibit it but if they do not, then, you should avoid it
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What sort of toilet facility will be there at campsites?
For luxury camping, you’ll have well maintained washrooms at both forest and beach campsites.
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What is the difference between a Beach Camp and a Jungle Camps?
Beach camp is near a water body while jungle camp is within the forest surrounded by trees from all sides. Due to its lower altitude, the temperature around beach camps is moderate.
You can enjoy sunny beaches and swim in the cold water of the river while in the jungle, you will be surrounded by icy cold peaks and flamboyant green cover. Life is easier, more fun filled near the beach while it’s difficult but thrilling in the jungle.
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Will we get mobile network at the campsite?
Mobile network of different private companies isn’t always available. But BSNL provides coverage in most areas and is pretty consistent.
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Is electricity available in tents everytime?
Depends on the type of tent. It’s mostly available in riverside/beach camps but it isn’t always available in remote areas of the jungle.
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Can we have a DJ and Loud music in the camp?
No, playing loud music is strictly prohibited. You are expected to enjoy the calm and serene environment of the place, listening to the sound of birds, observing the sound of gushing water, and by letting yourself indulge in the music of nature you'll gradually find peace here.
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What all things can I do in Rishikesh besides camping?
Most of the adventure activities are included as part of the camping package but you can also book your accommodation separately and then choose the activities of your choice.
- River Rafting
- Bungee Jumping
- Rafting
- Flying Fox
- Air Safari
- Giant Swing
- Body Surfing
- Rock Climbing
- Kayaking
- Rappelling
- Mountain biking
- Yoga
- Beach volleyball
- Cave exploration
- Sightseeing
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Which are the sightseeing places in Rishikesh?
Here are some of the major tourist attractions in Rishikesh:- TriveniGhat for Ganga Aarti
- ParmarthNiketan Temple
- LakshmanJhula
- Ram Jhula
- NeelkanthMahadev
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple
- The Beatles Ashram
- NeerGarh Waterfalls
- Jumpin Heights
- GeetaBhawan
- Byasi
- Kaudiyala
- Bharat mandir
- Rishi Kund
- Terahmanzil temple
- Vashishtha cave
- Shivananda ashram
- Nirmal ashram; the list is endless