Things to Do in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The undisputed hub for adventure, meditation and yoga in North India, it is an unmissable highlight on India's tourist map.

The city is home to ancient temples and ashrams that have been spreading the knowledge of yoga and meditation to tourists from across the world. The global interest in this small town in Uttarakhand only gives rise to widespread tourism and encourages travellers to explore this beauty. There are an array of things to do in Rishikesh to ensure you have an unforgettable trip.

Rishikesh’s claim to fame is the river rafting opportunity it offers travellers. The Ganga River flows through this beautiful town and offers just the right conditions for a memorable rafting experience. Most travellers plan their things to do in Rishikesh itineraries according to the rafting season which is summer and winter. The monsoon months come with torrential rainfall making it impossible to take a raft into the gushing river. 

The rafting excursions are broadly divided into three options and you can include any one in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, depending on your budget and interests. The most popular rafting excursion is from Shivpuri to Rishikesh. Suited for travellers of all ages, the rapids in this stretch are Grade 2 and 3. The excursion is not recommended for children below 12 years. For young adults, there is a 15-minute introduction to the sport as well as safety guidelines. If this is your first rafting experience, we recommend starting with this stretch since it’s the smoothest. The 16-kilometre stretch takes between three and four hours to complete so ensure you keep aside sufficient time in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. 

 
The second stretch is between Marine Drive and Rishikesh. If you are an adventure enthusiast and have experienced the joy of rafting before, this is the perfect excursion to include in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. The rapids are Grade 2 and 3 and there is more acceleration and speed during the journey. If you are interested in including the 24-kilometre rafting excursion in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, we suggest keeping aside at least four to five hours. 

Kaudiyala to Rishikesh is a favourite with expert rafters. The 34-kilometre challenging excursion takes about eight hours to complete and is physically exhausting. With Grade 4 and 5 rapids, the route is full of unexpected twists which leave you asking for more. The excursion takes around eight hours and you should keep aside the entire day if you intend to include this in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. To accentuate your experience, you can also combine rafting and camping in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. There are numerous tours that can be customised according to the duration of your trip. 

Cost: A rafting tour in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary can cost between Rs.400 and Rs.2500. This cost only includes the price for rafting and will depend on the kind of tour you choose.

Rishikesh is the unofficial yoga capital of India which means that you can’t miss including a session to learn the basics of this ancient science in your list of things to do in Rishikesh. There are a number of ashrams and resorts in the city that organise customised yoga retreats suited to your preferences. 

If this is your first tryst with yoga and meditation, you can include short sessions in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. There are different types of meditation and yoga retreats and these can be customised depending on your budget. If you are interested in learning yoga for professional purposes, you will have to include an extensive course in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. The course can be designed for a duration that can range from six days to six months. On the other hand, shorter programs which are aimed at self-learning can last anywhere between five and twenty days. The teachers at most of the ashrams here boast years of experience and an opportunity to learn from them is priceless.

Meditation is an integral part of yoga but that is not to say that you can't enjoy a meditation retreat without yoga in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. There are a number of ashrams which combine meditation with nature retreats. Nature walks, short treks, silent retreats, meditation through dance and creativity are some of the interesting activities that you can include in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary.

If you want to truly enjoy the yoga and meditation experience that the city offers, we recommend keeping aside between four and five days in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary and explore the sessions offered by numerous ashrams and wellness centres.

Cost: A yoga and meditation retreat in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary can cost you anywhere between Rs.2000 and Rs.25,000 depending on the duration of the trip.

Adventure enthusiasts have always been fascinated with the beautiful city of Rishikesh. Its unique landscape has made it possible for travellers to enjoy the myriad adventure activities and questions of what to do in Rishikesh will hardly arise. Besides rafting and camping, two activities that keep adventure buffs busy are rappelling and rock climbing. 

If you want to include both these activities in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, we suggest booking tours in advance. There are numerous sites around the city which are ideal for rappelling and rock climbing. The site will depend on your fitness level as well as your expertise. All rock climbing and rappelling tours are done by experts and are preceded by an introduction as well as a session on safety guidelines. 

Rappelling is an activity that requires you to come down a rock using your legs. You will have a security harness to support you and will have to use your lower body strength to find dents for your descend. The most exciting rappelling tours are organised around waterfalls with the gushing water above you. The waterfall rappelling session ends with a victorious jump in the pool. Rock climbing in Rishikesh is especially rewarding owing to the perfectly suited landscape. Craggy rocks serve as the perfect site for rock climbing and you can expect a fulfilling experience. The activity is physically challenging and you will need to keep aside at least four to five hours in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. 

Cost: A rock climbing and rappelling tour in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary will cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.1500 per person.

Rishikesh is one of the few places in India where you can experience the thrill of free falling and how! Bungee jumping is an activity which is usually performed solo. You are tied with a safety rope and are simply required to jump from an elevation. The sport has gradually gained immense popularity and is among the top things to do in Rishikesh. 

If you are worried about safety, you can rest assured since the activity is safe and is performed under the supervision of experts. The free-falling experience is incomparable to any other sport and we promise that you’ll keep coming back for more. If you want to include bungee jumping in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, you can get in touch with Jumpin Heights. An adventure sports company, the sports company offers tailor-made things to do in Rishikesh packages for adventure buffs. The experts are from New Zealand and assure amateurs and hesitant adventure enthusiasts to take the plunge. There is a short training session of about 10 to 15 minutes in which you are taken through the safety guidelines.

The thrill of free falling in the midst of surreal natural beauty is unreal and truly an experience of a lifetime. The activity takes place in Mohanchetti which is situated 52 kilometres from Rishikesh. As is with most activities in Rishikesh, it’s best to plan this activity during summer or winter. During monsoon, unpredictable rainfall can upset your plans. The altitude of bungee jumping here is the highest in the country and a must-include for adventure buffs in their things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. 

Cost: If you want to include bungee jumping in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, you should be prepared to shell out between Rs.3500 and Rs.4000 per person.

How can trekkers resist exploring Rishikesh’s unique landscape, which promises abundant beauty as well as challenging routes? Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, this sacred town has been a favourite with trekkers for decades. Adventure enthusiasts can include one-day treks around the city or longer duration treks around Rishikesh, depending on interest and budget. What’s also great about including trekking in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary is that it’s ideal for beginners as well as experts. The tour agencies here offer several options which include camping and trekking together or short one-day treks which include a drop-off to the base site. 

If you intend to include trekking in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, the best time to plan your tour is between October and March. The most popular options for one-day treks around Rishikesh are the Garud Chatti and Phool Chatti Waterfall trek, Patna Waterfalls trek and the Kunjapuri Temple trek. If Rajaji National Park is part of your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, you can expect a few exciting trekking opportunities. 

At the same time, expert trekkers prefer venturing to areas around the city for their trekking excursions. Trekking tours of this nature can last for ten days and include numerous adventure activities including camping. Most of these tours take place in a group which makes it easier for newbies. The treks also include support and guidance from a tour guide who will help you navigate the area and share enthralling information about the local flora and fauna. The Valley of Flowers trek, the Kuari Pass trek and the Surkanda Devi Temple trek are some of the most beautiful treks which experts can include in their things to do in Rishikesh itineraries.

Trekking tours are inclusive of camping costs, travel and the assistance of a local guide. While these tours take place throughout the year, it’s best to book in advance if you are looking at a particular trekking excursion which requires detailed planning such as the Valley of Flowers trek.

Cost: A trekking tour in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary can cost you between Rs.800 and Rs.4000 depending on the duration.

The thrill of exploring a city on a cycle is an experience unlike any other. You feel as though you are one with nature as you make your way across small lanes, busy markets and scenic roads. It’s no surprise then that mountain biking is part of most things to do in Rishikesh itineraries, especially if you are an adventure enthusiast.

Cycles are available on rent from most tour agencies situated in the main bazaar. You can also book a customised cycling tour in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary if you are interested in riding in a group. There are numerous tours for different budgets which suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Typically a cycling tour can take between two and six hours so we recommend keeping aside enough time in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. The cost of the tour will depend on the distance and the kind of bike you opt for. Most cycling tours include a circuit which takes you through the busy lanes of the main market, the wide roads of Shivpuri and Kaudiyala and back to the city. Another popular cycling circuit is from Rishikesh to Rajaji National Park. Taking you across wide roads flanked by verdant fields and the mighty River Ganges, this cycling tour is the ideal way to explore Rishikesh. 

The best time to include a cycling tour in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary is between April and June in the summer and from September to January in the winter. Monsoon is typically considered off-season owing to incessant rainfall.

Cost: Adding a cycling tour in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary will cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.2000 per person. This amount will depend on the route and the kind of cycle.

Good health and natural beauty are intertwined together and the spiritual abode of Rishikesh is a haven for fitness enthusiasts. Rishikesh is home to several health and wellness centres that offer a series of rejuvenation programmes. The spa resorts in the city provide a unique combination of yoga, Ayurveda, natural treatments and meditation. If you are interested in taking a break from the busy city life, we recommend including a stay at one of the many resorts here in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. The tours are customised according to budget but it’s important to remember that a spa vacation in a five-star property is not suited for budget travellers. At the same time, if you book in advance or opt for a more basic programme in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, it will certainly reduce the cost. 

A health and wellness retreat can be customised for three to ten days depending on the time you have in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. Besides nature walks, wellness programs and meditation, the retreats also offer a tour of the ashrams in the city, a visit to Rajaji National Park, short treks around the city and a basic yoga course. The constant flow of tourists has brought immense popularity for the health and wellness resorts here. While earlier the majority of the guests were foreigners, locals have also begun to recognise the importance of a wellness retreat in this beautiful hill station. 

The best luxury resorts in Rishikesh are Aloha On The Ganges, Ganga Kinare, Veda5 Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat, Shaantam Resorts and Spa, The Roseate Ganges and Ananda Spa Resorts. The resorts offer tailor-made holiday packages based on the duration of your trip. 

Cost: Including a stay in a spa resort in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary will cost you between Rs.7000 and Rs.20,000 per night.

As the sun sets, the air in Rishikesh changes and one can almost feel the excitement. The maha aarti at Triveni Ghat is the most awaited event in the city and sees numerous locals as well as tourists.

The maha aarti begins around 6:00 pm and lasts for about an hour. Marked by beating drums, soothing chants and the fragrance of incense, the maha aarti is an experience that you must include in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. The energy and excitement during the maha aarti are almost palpable and we promise you will be back for more. 

After the maha aarti, you can spend time on the steps lined along the River Ganga. This is the best time to observe the vibe of the city as the day is coming to an end and the city is preparing for a quiet evening. Besides the peace, the sight of the city lit up with lights is mesmerising and an experience you can’t ignore in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary.

Cost: Including a visit to Triveni Ghat in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary will cost you around Rs.100.

Shopping enthusiasts will be happy to know that the markets in Rishikesh offer a plethora of interesting artefacts, old records, posters, apparel, boho jewellery and hand-knit woollens. Colourful shawls and sweaters are displayed in most make-shift shops and showrooms. The amount of variety the markets offer is simply unbelievable and the most intriguing part is the willingness of shopkeepers to bargain.

Lakshman Jhula Market and the market close to Parmarth are the best places to take home souvenirs. Some of the shops also sell handmade diaries which are a must-buy besides the endless varieties of scented incense cones. The shops usually offer great discounts and if your bargaining skills are up to the mark, you are in luck. Since the markets are spread across the city, shopping here will take three to four hours and you will not regret keeping aside that time in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. As they say, time spent shopping is time spent well! 

Cost: A shopping tour in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary will cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.1500. This amount will depend on the inclusions in your itinerary.

Jumpin Heights, a one-of-its-kind adventure agency in India, offers an incomparable experience for adventure enthusiasts. The team at Jumpin Heights includes experts from New Zealand who have helped design the highest bungee jumping platform in India and also assist in the safe execution of the various adventure activities offered here. 

We recommend keeping aside a day in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary if you want to add some adventure to your trip. The adventure sports centre is situated 25 kilometres from the city and you can either drive to the site or hire a cab for the hour-long journey. Since Jumpin Heights has gained immense popularity in the last few years, it’s best to call and fix a tour for your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. 

The activities offered here include bungee jumping, giant swing and the longest zip-lining experience in India. All activities are executed under the supervision of experts with proper protection. The instructors take you through the activities, the safety guidelines and also a few tips. The giant swing can be experienced solo or with a friend depending on your comfort. You will be tied to a back harness which will be attached to a safety rope. The activity takes place from the same platform as bungee jumping. The free fall can be compared to a pendulum where you will be swinging back and forth till you are lowered to the ground.

An exhilarating experience, a visit to Jumpin Heights is a must-add in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary if you are looking to experience a different side of the city. You can relive your memories through a CD that the tour agency provides at an additional cost. There is a small cafe onsite where you can enjoy beverages and snacks. It is important to remember that you will need to embark on a short trek after the giant swing activity and bungee jumping. If you intend to include all three activities in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary, we suggest keeping aside an entire day. 

Cost: You must keep aside between Rs.2000 and Rs.10,000 if you want to include the activities at Jumpin Heights in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary.

Rishikesh sees thousands of tourists from across the globe. This has gradually led to an increase in cafes and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Owing to the prominence of religion in the city, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is restricted. However, this in no way hampers the exciting tour of local cafes that you can include in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary.

There are cafes in the market as well as across the city which are situated amidst natural beauty. Most cafes offer uninterrupted views of the Ganges River and add so much more to a simple meal. The food served in cafes boasts local pahadi delicacies along with Chinese, Italian and even French food. The cafes in the market next to Parmath offer a savoury brunch complete with vegan pancakes, sandwiches and bagels. The coffee served in most of the cafes is always the highlight but a delicious meal is never too far away.

The Indian food in local dhabas is a must-try and you should include a visit to Chotiwala Restaurant in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary. The parantha and dal fry are exceptional but the highlight of this 61-year old restaurant is the warm service. Travellers have also given great reviews to Little Buddha, Freedom Cafe, Oasis Cafe, Urban Sip, Ramana’s Organic Cafe and Chatsang Cafe for their stunning views, the delicious food and the feel-good vibes.

Cost: Including a cafe tour in your things to do in Rishikesh itinerary can cost travellers between Rs.500 and Rs.1000, depending on the number of people.

Written by Kirat Sodhi. She is a proud mom of three cats and lives for lemon tea, a good book and spontaneous travel plans.

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