Rishikesh just has this energy. It’s calm when you want it to be, but there’s always a buzz, stuff happening on every corner. Temples, wild rapids, people watching by the river, take your pick. Something always grabs your attention, as there are numerous things to do in Rishikesh.
When I visited, the place honestly floored me. It went way beyond what I had pictured. And if you’re even half-thinking about a trip, keep reading to know about the best things to do in Rishikesh. You’ll probably end up searching for tickets before you know it.
Rishikesh is a popular tourist attraction due to the wholesome experience it provides to visitors. This includes spiritual places, adventures like river rafting and trekking, among others.
Being a place where the holy river, the Ganga, flows, Rishikesh attracts devotees across the world. It is the home to various ashrams, with several legends tied to the place, making them a crucial part of the Rishikesh itinerary. Some also believe that Lord Ram came to Rishikesh after killing Ravana to do penance.
Thus, along with countless things to do in Rishikesh, its spiritual significance makes it a must-visit destination.
Also Read: 40 Best Places to Visit in South India: Top Tourist Destinations & Travel Guide
My one-week trip to Rishikesh included temple visits, Ganga aarti, Ram and Lakshman Jhula, ashram visits, and adventure activities.
Check out the pointers below to know precisely about each of the things to do in Rishikesh.
Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge and one of the most important places to see in Rishikesh. Crossing the bridge is a fun activity, and it also provides scenic views of the surroundings and the holy river Ganga. Also, it is believed that many saints and sages have meditated in the vicinity of the place.
Location – Ram Jhula
Walking around the Lakshman Jhula is the next in the list of things to do in Rishikesh. As per legend, the place holds a mythological significance due to the belief that Lord Lakshman crossed the Ganga River from this spot with a jute rope. Although the bridge has been closed for over 5 years, you can find various local markets and eateries in its surroundings.
Location – Lakshman Jhula
Offering scenic views of the Ganga and Himalayas, Janaki Setu is a 274-meter bridge named after Goddess Sita. The bridge connects Triveni Ghat to the other side of Rishikesh and is a suitable alternative to Ram and Lakshman Jhulas for photography and relaxing walks.
Location – Janki Setu Rd
If you actually want to feel the divine presence, you should attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. The melodious sound of bells, combined with the aarti, lights up and awakens the entire Ghat. Even if you are planning a trip of 1–2 days, you cannot miss the Ganga Aarti.
Location – Triveni Ghat
Although located a bit far away from Rishikesh, you should definitely visit the Neelkanth Mahadev temple if you are in Rishikesh. The vibrant architectural structure of this Shiva temple will take you by surprise and force you to admire its beauty.
Location – Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Beatles Ashram was truly a unique experience for me. With graffiti art, this place has a cool vibe, making it an ideal spot to visit with friends. The famous international band, the Beatles, visited this ashram to learn meditation and ended up giving the popular album, White Album.
Location – The Beatles Ashram
Gita Bhawan is a prominent attraction among those wanting a religious trip. It is famous for its various ashrams and temples, making it a significant spiritual hub. One of the unique features of Gita is that you’ll notice that the holy text, Bhagavad Gita, is inscribed on its walls.
Location – Gita Bhawan
Vashishtha Gufa Ashram is named after Lord Brahma’s human son, Guru Vashishtha, who meditated here to seek solace. People believe that meditating at this place provides peace to the soul, hence making it one of the most significant spiritual things to do in Rishikesh.
Location – Vashishtha Gufa Ashram
Swami Dayananda Ashram is another well-known ashram, and a must-include place in your Rishikesh trip plan. Established by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the ashram offers various courses and teachings on yoga and meditation. If you are also looking for a yoga retreat place, don’t forget to visit Swami Dayanand Ashram.
Location – Swami Dayananda Ashram, Sri Gangadhareswar Trust
Virbhadra temple is one of the most favourite parts of my Rishikesh trip. Dedicated to Virbhadra, an avatar of Lord Shiva, this place attracts devotees of the supreme deity, Shiva, worldwide. Evidently, the place witnesses large crowds during Saawan and Shivratri due to night-long Jaagrans and poojas.
Location – Virbhadra Temple
The next on our list is the Triyambakeshwar temple. I am highly confident that you’ll be mesmerised by the appearance of the temple and the surrounding views it offers. It is a 13-storey temple, hence it got the name Triyambakeshwar temple. All the gods of Hinduism are placed according to levels in the temple, with Lord Shiva being the supreme god.
Location – Trayambakeshwar Temple, Rishikesh
As the name suggests, the Swarg Ashram complex can literally be compared to heaven. It has everything from cafés to temples, meditation centres, and even libraries. Plus, the surrounding atmosphere of beautiful forests is the cherry on the cake. All these things make it an unmissable place, especially for nature lovers.
Location – Swarg Ashram
The story of Bharat Mandir is enough to make anyone visit this temple. It is believed that after the penance of Raibhya Rishi, Lord Vishnu himself appeared before him in the avatar of Hrishikesh Naryana at this temple. That’s how the town got the name Rishikesh, and Bharat Mandir became a prominent destination.
Location – Shri Bharat Mandir
I was around 7 years old when I first visited the Mansa Devi temple via a trolley, and revisiting it recently brought back so many memories for me. As the temple is located on the top of the Shivalik Hills, these ropeways are highly convenient. Otherwise, you also have the option to trek 3 km to seek the blessings of Maa Mansa Devi.
Location – Mansa Devi temple Rishikesh
The legend says that Kunjapuri temple is the place where the chest of burned Sati Mata fell, and hence it is one of the Shakipeethas in Uttarakhand. Although the temple is around 25 km away from Rishikesh, it has become a common tourist destination. You can reach the temple via bike riding or hiking, as you have to climb around 300 stairs to finally reach it.
Location – Kunjapuri Temple
A visit to Rajaji National Park should be a must in your Rishikesh tour plan. You’ll be able to spot asian elephants, leopards, wild cats, and a wide variety of birds during the Jungle safari. Plus, the surroundings of flora and fauna will freshen up your mind and make your heart happy.
Location – Rajaji National Park
Now it’s time for the adventure part. Of course, river rafting has to be the first among other adventure activities to do in Rishikesh. Your trip is literally incomplete if you skip this. Rishikesh has become the most popular destination in India for rafting, and many people visit here specifically for this activity.
Where to Try – Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala
The next on the list of adventurous experiences is something that most people are afraid to do: bungee jumping. You’ll be excited to know that the place has the highest bungee jumping platform in the country. It literally made my heart race and body sore when I fell from a height of about 100 meters above the ground.
Where to Try – Jumping Heights, Mohanchatti
Spending a night under the stars with a bonfire and music is what I call pure bliss. Recently, it has become one of the best things to do in Rishikesh, as the area has developed numerous campsites. Away from the bustle of the city, you’ll experience a calm and peaceful night in the lap of nature.
Where to Try – Riverstone Camps and Resorts, Camp Brook, Jugnu Forest Camp
As the name suggests, this adventurous activity involves swinging in the air from a height of about 50 m above the ground. While swinging between the two cliffs, I could literally feel my increased heartbeat; that’s how high the adrenaline rush is.
Where to Try – Mohan Chatti
Just imagine how exciting it would be if trekking were combined with climbing a waterfall. Neer Garh Waterfall allows you to experience this unique combination, and hence is one of the most thrilling things to do in Rishikesh. Waterfall trekking is especially popular among people who are neither afraid of height nor of water.
Where to Try – Neer Garh Waterfall
Parasailing and paragliding are other worth-trying activities among adventurous people. And the best part about paragliding in Rishikesh is its affordability, as it costs only about ₹ 2000 per person. Honestly, I don’t think you should miss this activity if you are getting the mesmerizing view of the holy Ganga from the top at this price.
Where to Try – Mazari Grant, Doiwala
One thing is clear: there is no shortage of adventure in Rishikesh. The experience is somewhat similar to bungee jumping, as you’ll experience flying up and down a rope from a height of about 8 meters above the ground. Undoubtedly, Flying Fox is known to be one of the unique things to do in Rishikesh.
Where to Try – Shivpuri
There is no better way to take a dip in the Ganga River than cliff jumping into it. It can be done by people of all age groups, as there are cliffs of varied heights in the region, and hence it comes in the list of top things to do in Rishikesh.
Where to Try – Brahmpuri (close to Lakshman Jhula)
Kayaking is something that could be an adventurous activity or even a calming activity, depending on your mood. Most people try kayaking to enjoy the serene view of the Ganga waters, while others try to experience the thrill. Irrespective of your purpose, it is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh.
Where to Try – Shivpuri
Shopping also has a spot in the best things to do in Rishikesh. The markets of Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are the most popular among others. You can find everything from clothes, jewellery, to all the religious and spiritual stuff in these markets.
Where to Try – Ram Jhula Market and Lakshman Jhula Market
For me, even 7 days were not enough to cover everything in Rishikesh, but since most travelers plan a short trip to Rishikesh, I’ll tell you the perfect Rishikesh trip plan if you want to do all the main activities within two days.
Day 1
Day 2
Thus, these are the major places to visit and popular things to include in your Rishikesh itinerary for a 2-day trip.
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Hence, with so many options, now the question has changed from What to do in Rishikesh to What to leave in Rishikesh.
Thus, being a prominent tourist destination in India, there are numerous things to do in Rishikesh. For a spiritual and religious person, this place is literally a heaven. Also, the place offers various adventure activities and is an excellent option for a trip with friends.
Exploring the Beatles Ashram, trekking against the Neer Garh waterfall, witnessing the Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, and trying sports like the Giant swing and flying fox are some unique things to do in Rishikesh.
Camping under the starlit sky and witnessing the Ganga aarti are popular things to do in Rishikesh at night.
River rafting, visiting the Mansa Devi and Kunjapuri temple, walking through Ram and Lakshman Jhula, and witnessing the Ganga aarti are the things to do in Rishikesh in a day.
Walking through Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, visiting temples like Triyambakeshwar, Mansa Devi, and Kunjapuri, and attending the Ganga aarti are the things to do in Rishikesh with family.
River rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, flying fox, giant swing, and kayaking are adventurous things to do in Rishikesh with friends.
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