Best Local Experiences in Rishikesh

Escape the ordinary and experience Rishikesh the way locals do with slow walks along the Ganga and delicious street food from the stalls. These local experiences in Rishikesh can help you know the core of the city, beyond the ashrams and adventure sports in Rishikesh, whether you're here to relax or to enjoy.  

You can enjoy the heartfelt Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat to float a diya and to receive blessings. Avoid the typical tourist route and experience life like a local by strolling down the Aastha Path riverbank, to observe street performers, chai sellers, and sadhus granting blessings. At a small café by the river, you can enjoy fresh wood-fired pizza or ginger lemon tea while watching the sun go down. You can indulge in a quick yoga or meditation session at Omkarananda Ganga Sadan or go to Parmarth Niketan for satsangs and kirtans. For a quiet moment, you can listen to sadhus as they talk about spiritual beliefs along the riverbanks. You can also taste snacks like Indian chaat, momos, and chow mein at the busy stands next to Triveni Ghat. 

Moreover, you can shop at the markets around Ram Jhula for spiritual items like brass idols and Rudraksh beads, books, and ethnic clothing. Therefore plan wisely to enjoy the city like a native with these exclusive Rishikesh local experiences.

Some of the Best Local Experiences in Rishikesh:

1. Explore the temples: One of the best experiences in Rishikesh is to explore its temples, which allows you to engage with its rich spirituality and culture. To begin, you can go to Raghunath Temple close to the Triveni Ghat that is dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita. Then, you can visit Maya Kund's Hanuman Mandir, which is well-known for its Tuesday offerings to Lord Hanuman. In the evening, you can visit the Bharat Mandir to offer prayers to the Saligram idol of Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. To end the day, you can visit Tera Manzil Temple near Lakshman Jhula and witness its multiple idols and beautiful views of the sunset.

2. Enjoy a stroll on Aastha Path: Strolling along the Aastha Path is among the most delightful local experiences in Rishikesh. This peaceful path along the Ganga River connects the Triveni Ghat to other parts of Rishikesh passing through tall cliffs on one side and calm water on the other. Along the way, you can spot small temples and ghats that provide peaceful places to pray and relax. Moreover, you can also take in the beautiful views of the river while lounging on benches or practicing meditation in gazebos.

3. Trek to Tapovan waterfall: One of the unique local experiences in Rishikesh is seeing the Tapovan Waterfall or the ‘Secret Waterfall’. This trek, which is only 2 kilometers from Tapovan, offers you breathtaking views and quiet surroundings as it follows a narrow trail alongside the river valley. You can enjoy the waterfall's beauty and the fresh air since not many people go there. However, your journey can become even more magical if you hike here during sunrise or sunset. Hence, if you are a nature enthusiast or a thrill-seeker looking for a calm, relaxing break, this hidden gem is perfect.

4. Experience the hostel culture: One of the best ways to explore Rishikesh like a local is to immerse yourself in its active hostel culture. These hostels here are safe and affordable, and they also bring together people from all over the world who share stories and travels. With hostel groups like Live Free and Madpackers, you can do yoga lessons, group outings, and activities that promote a sense of community. Additionally, you can still experience the famous Hippie culture and coffee shops nearby. These hostels provide you one of the best local experiences in Rishikesh as you get to enjoy and meet other travellers, when traveling alone or with friends.

5. Indulge in a Yoga session: One of the finest local experiences in Rishikesh is going to a yoga session as that is an important part of the spiritual and cultural life here. Here, yoga comprises physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation with the goal of promoting health, peace, and soul freedom. As the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh has long drawn yogis and sages who performed penance by the holy Ganges. Here, you can learn genuine yoga forms like Hatha, Ashtanga, and Kundalini in the peaceful backdrops of the river, mountains, and forests. Moreover, you can make your yoga trip truly unique by going to ashrams like Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda which offer yoga classes for all skill levels.

5. Participate in the Ganga Aarti: One of the most interesting Rishikesh local experiences is to watch the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. The lively ritual happens every morning and evening at 6 o'clock near Ram Jhula when chants, lamps, and devotion fill the air. Amid kirtans and bhajans, you can light lamps and float them on the holy Ganga. As a bonus, you can watch the aarti either from the side of the Raghunath temple or the quiet bank of the Ganga river across the ghat, which is only a short walk from the nearby guesthouses. On quiet days, when sadhus talk about spiritual beliefs like attaining moksha, you can join them quietly for greater soul connection.

6. Drink a glass of cold lassi : Visiting Pappu Lassi which is the most well-known lassi restaurant is one of top Rishikesh local experiences for a refreshing break. This small shop on the main road in Old Rishikesh market, near Triveni Ghat, has been known to serve tasty cold lassi for more than 41 years. It is loved by both locals and tourists as it can help you cool you down in the intense summer. Moreover, since this place is kept very clean, therefore you can relax and enjoy your drink without any worries.

7. Go on a street food tour: Taking a half-day street food tour of the city to try its flavors is one of the best experiences in Rishikesh. Therefore, you can visit the Little Buddha Café near Laxman Jhula and then eat some of the best snacks in the city. Taste items like Kachori, Chole Bhature, and crispy Samosas from Shyam Sweets. You can tTry cooked or fried Momos from Momo Shomo and cool drinks like Thandai honey ginger tea, and Masala Chai from Chai Point. Lastly, you can end your tour with something sweet, like Rabri and a hot jalebi from Ankur Sweet Shop.

8. Shop in local markets: Shopping in the bazaars is one of the best experiences in Rishikesh as it lets you experience the heart and spirit of the town. Here, you can find handmade gems like shawls with embroidery to natural health products, tie-dye clothes and yoga gear in each market lane. At Tapovan Market, you can buy a lot of spiritual items like beautiful carvings made of wood, metal idols, and candles. You can look for ethnic jewelry, hand-made bags, and stitched purses in the markets near Laxman Jhula. In the Shiv Gauri Pashmina World you can purchase handmade carpets, block-printed bed linens, silk jackets, and extravagant Pashmina shawls. Moreover, if you are into Ayurveda, you can buy herbal teas, organic soaps, essential oils, and ayurvedic goods from Shri Ganga Ayurvedic store.