60 Things to Do in Rishikesh 2023: Upto 40% Off

Activities to Do in Rishikesh

Rafting, Flying fox, Giant swing, Cliff jumping, Kayaking, Camping, Bungee Jumping, Hot Air Ballooning, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, Visit Lakshman Jhula, Visit Shivpuri, Visit Ram Jhula, Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Visit Tera Manzil Temple and many more.

If you are one of those people who enjoy exploring places with a mountainous backdrop, Rishikesh is the ideal place for you to visit. The beautiful tranquil city of Rishikesh is located in southwest Uttarakhand and is termed as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Mountains”. Be it Bungee Jumping or Kayaking, this place has it all. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there is the Beatles Ashram to visit or attend a Yoga class.

After all, Rishikesh is termed as the “Yoga capital of the world”. So saddle up and have a fun time discovering the things to do in Rishikesh, a place that should be on your bucket list. The glistening Ganges is a charmer, the chants of Hindu prayers touch the soul, the scenic backdrop refreshes the senses and the adrenaline-pumping adventures wrecks the nerves the way it should. This list will get you in acquaintance with activities in Rishikesh. Pack your bags now and leave for a vacation to try the listed activities in Rishikesh.

Here are some of the best things to do in Rishikesh:

1. River Rafting:

River Rafting is an activity that involves sailing on rapids on a rubber boat. It’s an adventure filled activity that has gained a popular momentum in the Indian adventure sports scene. Rishikesh’s proximity to the upper Himalayas along with the passing of the Ganges through this city makes it a very popular spot for River Rafting in Rishikesh.

People flock to Rishikesh for this activity due to the virtue of its location. If you are visiting and want to go on an adrenaline-pumping activity, do put river rafting on your bucket list of things to do in Rishikesh.

Best Season: Summers and monsoon are the best time for this activity because the stream is stronger.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 1500 to 3000 Rs.
Difficulty Level: This is an activity that can be availed by anyone with basic physical fitness.
Also Read: A Detail Guide for River Rafting in Rishikesh

2. Camping:

The beautiful mountain scenery along with the old world feeling of Rishikesh makes it a camper’s delight. Rishikesh is one of those places which seems to be stuck in a time limbo, not overly modern but not completely dwelling in the past.

A place such as this has a lot of stories to be discovered making it the perfect spot to camp under the stars and marvel at the sight and sounds of the surroundings and the city. Camping here will have a transcendental effect and is sure to delight you. Make your trip a memorable one at some of these best camps of Rishikesh.

Best Season: Summers and spring are the best time because of the pleasant weather.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 1000 to 6000 Rs.
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3. Giant Swing:

Much like Bungee Jumping, giant swing works on the same principle. But unlike Bungee Jumping which is a free fall, on a giant swing, a person’s rope harness is connected to a holding point from where he swings. To put it simply, imagine the person being a pendulum ball and swinging from one end to another.

It is usually conducted at the same spot as Bungee Jumping because of the similarity between the activities. The distance covered in a Giant Swing adventure ranges between 1 - 1.5 km. It’s a thrilling activity that is sure to tickle your adventure bone.

Best Season: This activity can be availed throughout the year.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 2000 to 6000 Rs.
Difficulty Level: This is an activity that can be availed by anyone who meets general physical fitness levels. For those who have heart conditions, blood pressure or diabetic, consult a doctor before participating in this activity.
Must Read: Camping in Rishikesh For an Adventurous Trip

4. Bungee Jumping:

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh is a fun activity that involves jumping from a tall structure like a vertical rail, building or cliff while suspended from a rope harness. The fun lies in the jump and the recoil one encounters when they are bounced back and the rope is completely stretched out.

It’s a very unique activity in India, having been introduced to Rishikesh a few years previously. For those who enjoy an adrenaline-filled activity, this is one should be on your list of things to do in Rishikesh.

Best Season: This activity can be availed throughout the year.
Approximate Cost: Between 2000 to 4000 Rs.
Difficulty Level: It’s a slightly demanding activity as physical fitness is an absolute requisite for this activity. People with conditions such as blood pressure or diabetes should consult a doctor before indulging in this activity.
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5. Flying Fox:

Flying Fox is basically another name for zip lining. Zip lining is an activity that involves sliding through a horizontal rope while attached to the rope through a harness. The starting point is generally located at a higher altitude than the ending point in order to allow one to slide through the rope.

The speed of sliding through a valley or between two cliffs is reason enough to try this at least once. It is an activity for all ages and is a lot of fun to participate in. You can also check here the list of thrilling & adventurous activities in Rishikesh.

Best Season: This activity can be availed throughout the year.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 2000 to 5500 Rs.
Difficulty Level: This is an activity that can be availed by anyone who meets general physical fitness levels. For those who have heart conditions, blood pressure or diabetic, consult a doctor before participating in this activity.
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports in Rishikesh for an Exciting Vacay

6. Hot Air Ballooning:

There is still one big thing left out for all those of you, adventure seekers and thrill lovers. And that thing is Hot Air Ballooning over the skies of Rishikesh. It should be at no.1 on your list of things to do in Rishikesh as the kind experience and excitement it brings with it, is comparable to none.

You will get to sit in an air balloon, which will be tied to, lifted up, and floated by a light aircraft to get you to the required heights. Once you have reached the correct altitude, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the valley and mountains, with birds chirping close to you in the sky and it is one of the best activities to do in Rishikesh

You will feel like flying, free from all the hullabaloo of the world that dwells below. This ride is counted as Air Safari, one of the best ways to enjoy the natural scenic beauty of Rishikesh.

Best Season: Summer- because of the pleasant weather.
Approximate Cost: Ranges Between 6000 to 15,000 Rs.
Difficulty Level: This is an activity that can be availed by anyone with basic physical fitness.
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7. Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat:

Not a lot of places in Rishikesh can boast the peace and calm that one experiences at Triveni Ghat and that is saying a lot. Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is a tranquil and peaceful experience that is sure to fill you with a sense of calm and quiet introspection.

The Ganga Aarti is performed as a mark of respect and devotion to Goddess Ganga and is attended by hundreds and thousands of locals and tourists every day. After sunset, the ghat lights up with the light from the lamps that are set afloat on leaf boats after the Aarti.

It is truly a sight to behold and the power of spirituality can be truly understood and experienced making it a must things to see in Rishikesh . And also there are many beautiful places to visit in Rishikesh near the Triveni Ghat.

Best Season: The Aarti is performed throughout the year.
Approximate Cost: Free of cost.
Must Read: Best Trekking Sites in Rishikesh

8. Visit Lakshman Jhula:

Another one of the things to do in Rishikesh at night is taking a walk on LakshmanJhula and enjoying the soft breeze of air that gushes past you, giving you a much refreshing fresh air, which is hard to get these days in cities, due to pollution. Just stand in the middle of the bridge and enjoy the majestic view o the massive river Ganga that flows below.

LakshmanJhula is an iron bridge made on suspension across the Ganges. The bridge is of great importance as it connects ‘Tapovan’ village of Tehri Garhwal on the western side, with ‘Jonk’ village of Pauri Garhwal on the eastern side.

According to the legend of Ramayana, Lakshman crossed the Ganges using a bridge made of the rope during his exile with elder brother Lord Ram and his wife Sita. Later an iron bridge was constructed at the same place from 1927-1929, which today is known as LakshmanJhula.

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9. Visit The Beatles Ashram:

What do Beatles have in common with India? It’s The Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh. The Beatles are most renowned for their universal appeal and their flare but they are also popular for their travels to Rishikesh.

The Beatles Ashram is a beautiful testament to the grandeur that was John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo and George Harrison’s Beatles and has a lot of memoirs and artefacts that give information about their time in India and their interaction with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

It was also the spot where they formulated a lot of their songs and some albums were even created there. For Beatles fans or fan of their genre of music, this is a definite place to add to their list of things to do in Rishikesh.

Best Season: The Aashram can be visited throughout the year.
Approximate Cost: Free of cost.
Also Read: Best Time & Season to Visit Rishikesh

10. Visit Shivpuri:

As the name suggests, Shivpuri, literally means home of Lord Shiva and this place is renowned for the Shiva temple. When you are visiting Rishikesh, do not miss this lovely locale. There are so many things to do in Shivpuri that you will be spoiled for choice.

From camping to river rafting, rock climbing and cliff jumping, you can experience everything right here. You can enjoy the mesmerising sunrise and sunset from the various camping sites at Shivpuri. If you’re seeking some adventure, then head to this place that boasts of up-to-date equipment, trained guides and impeccable safety standards to suit the needs of every tourist and it is the best things to do in Rishikesh at night.

Location: Located 19 km away from Rishikesh
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Rishikesh Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Rishikesh

Explore Rishikesh

Tera Manzil Temple

On your visit to Tera Manzil Temple, visit each of its thirteen floors and witness the devotion that engulfs the entire place! Unlike other Rishikesh temples that are dedicated to a single deity, this temple has multiple deities and offers you an amazing opportunity to worship all of them at the same time. Symmetric architecture, pleasant location and the sanctity that fills in the ambience makes it one of the pious temples in the entire vicinity. Also known as the Trayambakeshwar or Trimbakeshwar Temple, one can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings from the temple top. A short walk from other landmarks of the city like Lakshman Jhula will get you to this devout temple in Rishikesh.

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Maa Yoga Ashram, rishikesh Osho Gangadham, rishikesh Rishikund, rishikesh Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, rishikesh Vashistha Cave, rishikesh Swami Dayananda Ashram, rishikesh Sadhana Mandir, rishikesh Rishikesh School Of Yoga Bharat Mandir, rishikesh Swarga Ashram, rishikesh Omkarananda Ashram, rishikesh Shiva Yoga Peeth, rishikesh Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, rishikesh

Rishikesh Things To Do Reviews

NIKETH MENON Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh With Camping

Excellent

"Nestled in the midst of 9 hills offers breathtaking views of the Ganges. The camping experience is great. Hospitable staff. Food is decent. Weather is great. Its a little far off and drive might be a bit tiring considering lot of stoppages in the road up here due to road construction. If you expect it to be along the river on a beach then you shall be disappointed. In fact its located at a steep height from the road and for guys from the plains it shall be a pretty steep climb of 50 odd steps with luggage. For the price it offers a lovely memory. "

+10

31 August 2019

Divyani Divyani Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh With Camping

Excellent

Camp located around hills which gave such a amazing view.. Gaurav and staff was so good..and so helpful and make us comfort so we can enjoy our full. Food, camp, cleaning and view all are amazing.. Thank you guyz..the camping was unforgettable for me and my friends..

+7

25 June 2015

Nalini Sharma Trek To Chandrashila Peak Via Tungnath

Excellent

The trekking experience was fine and good. To be honest, the trek was really good. We had a great time. It was one of the really nice treks that I have had.

+7

13 June 2015

Ashlesh Varrier Trek To Chandrashila Peak Via Tungnath

Excellent

We were hoping to feel tired and worn out but surprisingly despite the tough trek it was nice and enjoyable and we were with high energy levels even after the trek. This was definitely a nice trekking experience. We had some great memories to take back home and share. I really loved the whole travel too as it was a road trip for us.

+5

10 April 2015

Kumuda Shah Trek To Chandrashila Peak Via Tungnath

Excellent

I am out of words. This was a great trekking in Uttarakhand. The place is splendid and classy beauty. This is what a perfect vacation looks like.

+4

22 March 2021

Souvik Sadhu Beach Camping In Rishikesh

Very Good

Overall it was a nice experience at the camp. The members were supportive & cordial. The foods were tasty & good too. But the reception needed to improve soon as we reached Rishikesh for rafting.

26 February 2021

Mayank Singh Bungee Jumping Rishikesh

Excellent

The operator has enjoyed monopoly in India in bungee jumping for more than a decade now and truly deserves the same because of their world class infrastructure, equipment and trained staff. As for the activity, it is so thrilling in itself that gives the person a lifelong bragging right. The only suggestion I want to give to the operator is to manage the jumps of their guests on a strict first come first serve basis using a token number or something like that to avoid arguments among the guests at the jumping site.

08 February 2021

akshaysinghal93 Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh With Camping

Excellent

It was an awesome experience overall. We went through the picturesque canal road and reached there. The camphouse was huge and the best part was that we were the only one there. The food is one of the best we've had in the Himalayas and I have visited the entire himachal. The breeze, the river view and pool are best. They took us to a nice small trek in the evening. Easy access to activities also. Service wise also these guys are the best, they let us connect our phone to the speakers for our music. Tents of nice qualities. Amazing time we had there.

+4

15 January 2021

SHUBHAM PALIWAL Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh With Camping

Excellent

Had a great experiance. We did trekking, rafting, bonfire and the place, view was really nice.

06 January 2021

Anand Kumar Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh With Camping

Superb

Amazing experience. Has a great view of Ganges, surrounded by hills. The drive from Rishikesh isn't that great because of ongoing road construction plus reaching the campsite itself would be a small trek for some people. Great staff, good food. I traveled solo, met an amazing family there, so all in all it was a fun trip.