Best Things To Do in Rishikesh

What You Should Know More About Things To Do in Rishikesh

• What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?

  Popularly known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’ and the ‘Yoga capital of the world’, this city in the northern state of Uttrakhand, lies on the foothills of Himalayas besides Ganges River.

   

  Since May June here is quite hot, late September to mid-November and March to early May is the best time to visit.

• Where is Rishikesh? How can I reach Rishikesh from Delhi? What is the distance?

  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.

• What all things I must carry while visiting Rishikesh?
  • Men must carry swimming trunks, while women need not because they can bathe in full clothes in the Ganga River
  • For both extremes of temperature here, you must carry a down jacket, warm pullover, warm pants, light loose cotton pants, warm windproof jackets, cotton full sleeve Tees, thermals, light tennis shoes or light rubber sandals.
  • Don’t forget to carry a cap, towel and a washing kit.
  • Tevas, chacos, old sneakers or water shoes for river rafting
  • Proper shoes or hiking boots
  • Sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses(optional)
  • Reusable shopping bags (it’s a no “plastic bag town”)
  • Water proof camera
  • Flash light with extra batteries
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Insect repellant

• What is the ideal duration for a holiday in Rishikesh to do various activities?

  Depends on what activities you want to pursue. This charming city on the foothills of Himalayas, offer adventure lovers a plethora of exciting activities amidst the tranquility and gushing sound of crystal clear waters.

   

  A week would be enough if you want to try most of the adventures activities in Rishikesh like river rafting, cliff jumping, rappelling, kayaking, bungee jumping etc and you’re not hard pressed for time.

   

  However, if you’re in a hurry, one day is enough to touch the most important sites.  I’d suggest you should enjoy your stay here for 2-3 days, visiting various temples and ashrams, in this revered religious destination.

• What places should I visit in Rishikesh?

  From adventure activities to temple pilgrimages and a quiet life for travellers, there are many tourists attractions in Rishikesh that will excite you.
  

  • TriveniGhat for Ganga Aarti
  • ParmatNiketan 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

• What different activities can be done in Rishikesh?
  • River Rafting
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Luxury Camping
  • Camping
  • Flying Fox
  • Air Safari
  • Giant Swing
  • Body Surfing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Kayaking
  • Rappelling
  • Mountain biking
  • Yoga
  • Beach volleyball

• Can we river raft in Rishikesh? Where can we do it?

  Yes, you can do river rafting in Rishikesh. Over here, it’s a fantastic opportunity to raft down river Ganga. Experiencing distinctive thrill, savoring the gentle touch of shining blue water, enjoying the freshness of the surrounding woods while moving across the unstable rapids, gives you your dose of adrenaline and an experience to cherish forever.

   

  It can be done at Camp River Zone, Rishikesh River Rafting Tours, Hill Wars Adventure, Outbound Adventure etc. Famous rafting sites are from Kaudiyala, Marine drive, Brahmpuri and Shivpurito Rishikesh.

• How much will river rafting in Rishikesh cost?

  750/- per person for 24 kms and 1850/- per person for 36 kilometers which includes cliff jumping and body surfing.  Rates may vary w.r.t. the organization you’ve contacted.

• Is it safe to do River rafting in Rishikesh? How many people are there on the raft?

  90% of the times, yes! The remaining 10% is highly unpredictable and beyond human control or predictions.

   

  A normal raft can easily handle up to 6-8 people. However, it totally depends on the size of the raft and the route you to choose.

• Are there any camping opportunities in Rishikesh?

  Yes, there are plenty. Since camping brings you an opportunity of staying amidst the emerald beauty and tranquility of nature, you should definitely try it.

   

  Places like Shivpuri, Brahmpuri, Marine Drive and Kaudiyala offer the most wonderful camping sites in Rishikesh, where you may enjoy quality time with family and friends while enjoying the scenic beauty and reconnecting with nature.

• Are there any river beach camp locations in Rishikesh?

  Yes, there are many. This tourist attraction has recently become very popular for beach camping at locations like: Marine Drive, Brahmpuri, Byasi, Shivpuri, Kaudiyala and Sinthali.

   

  These camps let you enjoy white water rafting, rock climbing, jungle walk, cliff hanging, mountain trekking etc.

• What kind of tents will be provided to us?
  • Dome Tent
  • Quick Pitch Tent
  • Inflatable Tent.
  • Geodesic Tent.
  • Large Family Tent.

• What kind of trekking options are there in Rishikesh? Which all treks are a must do?

  Camping Trek, Tea house trek are the common types of treks in Rishikesh.

  • Waterfall Trek
  • KedarNath Trek
  • Gaumukh Trek
  • Pindari Glacier
  • Kunjapuri Temple trekking
  • Sukanda Devi Trek
  • Kuari Pass trek
  • Valley of Flowers trek
  • Roopkund trek

• Can we do Rappelling in Rishikesh? Where we can do it?

  Yes. Rishikesh isn’t just a holy town where pilgrims throng, but is renowned among adventure seekers.

   

  Rappelling is a very exciting and exotic adventure sport, in which you’ll be descending the terrain from a height. You’ll need a good instructor and best equipments for a safe, fun-filled experience.

   

  The best place for rappelling in Rishikesh would be the famous Shivalik Himalayas which have steep cliffs and a charming landscape.

• Can we do Rock Climbing in Rishikesh? Is it safe? Do they train you before Rock Climbing session?

  Yes, the Himalayan town of Rishikesh is a preferred destination for rock climbing in India.  Yes, it’s safe as it's done in the supervision of technically qualified extreme adventure sports experts with a proper gear to ensure safety.

   

  Yes, before the take you out for rock climbing, a basic session is organized which helps you understand the basic techniques of this adventure sport. Rock climbing isn’t just about physical strength but it’s about controlling your mind. The basic training includes top roping, easy bouldering and lead climbing.

• Where is Bungee Jumping done in Rishikesh? How much it will cost us?

  Jumping from a tall structure while being connected to a large elastic cord, is one of the most exciting adventure sport, Rishikesh is famous for. The thrill comes from free falling and the rebound.

   

  You can do Bungee jumping at Mohan Chatti near Rishikesh. It’s the highest fixed platform for Bungee Jumping. Jumping Heights Bungee Bridge is another famous spot.

   

  Normal Bungee Jumping costs around 3500 per person while the cost of combos like bungee with swing and bungee with flying fox ranges from 4500-6000.

• Is Bungee Jumping advisable for the faint hearted?

  No, you’d do it at your own risk and it’s obviously not advisable. Further, you’re prohibited from jumping or flying if you have heart conditions, back or neck injury, recent fracture or dislocation, high BP, neurological disorders, epilepsy, osteoporosis etc. and any other relevant condition.

   

  Especially above the age of 40, you’re obliged to inform the crew and may be allowed to jump at their discretion.

• What things need to kept in mind before doing a bungee jump?
  • Be Confident
  • Don’t Believe In the myths
  • Choose your surroundings with a picturesque environment
  • Wear Comfortable clothes

• Can we do kayaking in Rishikesh?

  Yes, you can do kayaking. In fact kayaking in Rishikesh has achieved much admiration among adventure freaks from all over the globe. River Ganges tenders many superb rapids to commence on the kayaking expedition.

   

  So with the essential apparatus(life jacket, kayak boat, helmet and paddle) you can easily do it. Kayak School and Expeditions and Red Chilli Adventure etc. arrange kayaking experiences.

• What all activities can be done by kids in Rishikesh?

  Children may do mountain biking, flying fox, bungee jumping, Giant Swing and River Rafting etc. It’s safe and is done under expert supervision.

• Which are some nearby places to visit from Rishikesh?

  Haridwar, Kanatal, TehriGarhwal, Devprayag, Rajaji National Park, Dhanaulti, Chamba.

• Is it safe to travel Rishikesh for solo female travelers?

  Yes, it’s really safe to travel solo. Lots of solo women travel here and there have hardly been any complains of eve-teasing etc.

• Where can we see evening aarti in Rishikesh?

  ParmarthNiketan Ashram and TriveniGhat are famous for evening aarti.

• Can we swim in Ganges?

  Yeah, you can swim if you want to just be careful because the flow of water is high. You’ve travelled closer to the origin of Ganga where water is extremely clear.

   

  Pollution in the mountains is far less than the city (almost negligible) so there are no reasons to avoid taking a dip in holy waters of Ganga that are believed to purge your soul.

• Which are the famous yoga ashrams in Rishikesh?
  • ParmarthNiketan
  • Sivananda Ashram
  • Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
  • Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School
  • Yoga Niketan Ashram
  • Himalayan Yoga Ashram
  • SaadhnaMandir Ashram
  • Natur-O-ville Vedic Retreat
  • Anand Prakash yoga ashram
  • Phoolchatti