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The Ultimate list of Things to do in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. Located where the Ganga River comes down from the Himalayas.
Recognized as the "Yoga capital of the country", Rishikesh is a magnet for spiritual seekers with its variety of Ashrams and all kind of yoga and meditation classes. Be it a family trip, or a trip with friends Rishikesh entertains all irrespective of age. The most important thing here is, this city is Vegetarian and Alcohol-free city by the law and Plastic is also banned here.
From Yoga to Meditation to Rafting and Bungee Jumping, there are many things to do in Rishikesh.
Before starting what to do in Rishikesh you should know how to reach there.
How To Reach:
- Drive: Using your own or rental vehicle will take your 5 to 6 hour as it is 230Km from Delhi.
- Fly: The Nearest airport is Dehradun which is 35km from Rishikesh.
- Train: There is only a single Train which takes you directly to the Rishikesh but as this is a passenger train it will take around 11 hours. The best way is to take Train from Delhi to Haridwar and after that take another Train or taxi or Bus to Rishikesh.
When to visit:
- Peak travel is March - June, When trekking, paragliding, and camping are popular activities.
- July - August is monsoon season and it is not good to travel in these months.
- September - November is rafting season.
- December - February can be cold, better to take winter clothes.
Budget:
If you are Travelling from Delhi
- Normal Traveler: 800 to 1200 per day.
- Average Traveler: 1500 to 3000 per day.
- High-Range Traveler: 3000 upwards per day.
Things to do:
1. Calm your mind with Yoga:
Rishikesh is not only "Yoga Capital of India" but also "Yoga Capital of World". Yoga poses are great to strengthen and relax the body. Breathing exercise or Pranayams are a central part of Yoga and help calm the mind. You can try hasya yoga(laughter therapy), practice humming or meditation.
2. Rafting:
Rafting is one of the most engaging things to do in Rishikesh. Whitewater rafting in Rishikesh is a must do for anyone wanting to take the big dip. Every year thousands of people head to Rishikesh from September onwards up to April to experience the thrill of Whitewater rafting.
Rafting is one of the most engaging things to do in Rishikesh. Whitewater rafting in Rishikesh is a must do for anyone wanting to take the big dip. Every year thousands of people head to Rishikesh from September onwards up to April to experience the thrill of Whitewater rafting.
River Rafting routes:
- Kaudiyala - Marine Drive ( 10 km )
- Marine Drive - Shivpuri ( 11 km )
- Shivpuri - Brahmpuri ( 11 km )
- Brahmpuri - Lakshman Jhula ( 9 km )
Rafting charges in Rishikesh: Rs 400 - 1500.
3. Camping on the River Side:
credit:haridwarrishikeshtourism.com
When the rapid pace of city life takes away the peace away there are serene hideouts to get yourself together, camping in Rishikesh being one of those. 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. The flicker of bonfire will further keep you company.
4. Bungee Jumping:
It's a 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.
Where to do bungee jumping in Rishikesh: Jumping Heights, Mohanchatti.
Age limit: Minimum 12 years.
Weight requirement for bungee jumping in Rishikesh: 35-110 kg.
Timings: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
5. Trekking:
image credit: DNA India
Being in the foothills of the upper Himalayas, this is the ideal spot for anyone to trek in. Rishikesh's proximity to places such as Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath makes it an ideal place to trek. For a trip through nature and its preciousness, do put it on your bucket list of things to do in Rishikesh.
Best time for trekking in Rishikesh: Anytime is the best time. Try to avoid in monsoon season.
Best trekking route in Rishikesh: Waterfall Tek, Kunjapuri Trek, and Neelkanth Mahadev Trek.
6. Lakshman Jhula:
Lakshman Jhula 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.
Walk on Lakshman Jhula and enjoy 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 of the massive river Ganga that flows below.
7. Ram Jhula:
Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge across the river Ganges, located 3 km from the town Rishikesh. The bridge connects the Shivnanda Nagar of Garhwal district to Swargashram in Pauri Garhwal district. It was built in 1986, the bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh.
There are many Ashrams and Religious centers established on both sides of the Ganges.
Ram Jula is also known as the Shivnanda Jhula. like the Lakshman Jhula, it was also once a jute bridge and serves as an important name in the list of places to visit in Rishikesh.
While crossing the bridge, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Ganges.
8. Ganga Aarti:
Ganga Aarti in other places like Haridwar and Varanasi too, but they are a crowded noisy ritual with loud screaming speakers. Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh is a contrast to it, held in a small place with a few people and is a comparatively quiet affair. You can sit calmly in a corner and witness the ritual or join the crowds singing Bhajans with them.
It is truly a sight to behold and the power of spirituality can be truly understood and experienced making it a must thing to do in Rishikesh.
9. Visit Cafe`:
Once you have traveled across the length and breadth of Rishikesh, you can hop-in to one of the many cafeterias that line its streets. It's not just about having a coffee, it's about having coffee in a cafe` near the banks of river Ganga, or about having the same in the lap of Himalayas or yet, about enjoying a hot mug of coffee in the downtown across Lakshman Jhula.
One of the famous downtown cafes is the "Beatles Cafe`". It is said that The Beatles band members visited this cafe`, and ended up making lyrics of a new song in this cafe`. Since then this cafe` got a new name "The Beatles` Cafe`. Having coffee here should be on your list of things to do in Rishikesh.
10. Ayurvedic Massage:
After you have discovered so much in and around Rishikesh, surely you would need some rest and relaxation. And what better than an Ayurvedic massage. It is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh, to make your body feel Special and cared for.
Best Places: Hemadari Ayurveda Centre, Ayurveda Bhavan, Ananda in the Himalayas and Braham Yoga Healing.
*So pack your bag and go feel the Health-Adventure-Peace in your life.
Happy Travelling...
6. Lakshman Jhula:
Lakshman Jhula 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.
Walk on Lakshman Jhula and enjoy 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 of the massive river Ganga that flows below.
7. Ram Jhula:
Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge across the river Ganges, located 3 km from the town Rishikesh. The bridge connects the Shivnanda Nagar of Garhwal district to Swargashram in Pauri Garhwal district. It was built in 1986, the bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh.
There are many Ashrams and Religious centers established on both sides of the Ganges.
Ram Jula is also known as the Shivnanda Jhula. like the Lakshman Jhula, it was also once a jute bridge and serves as an important name in the list of places to visit in Rishikesh.
While crossing the bridge, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Ganges.
8. Ganga Aarti:
Ganga Aarti in other places like Haridwar and Varanasi too, but they are a crowded noisy ritual with loud screaming speakers. Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh is a contrast to it, held in a small place with a few people and is a comparatively quiet affair. You can sit calmly in a corner and witness the ritual or join the crowds singing Bhajans with them.
It is truly a sight to behold and the power of spirituality can be truly understood and experienced making it a must thing to do in Rishikesh.
9. Visit Cafe`:
Once you have traveled across the length and breadth of Rishikesh, you can hop-in to one of the many cafeterias that line its streets. It's not just about having a coffee, it's about having coffee in a cafe` near the banks of river Ganga, or about having the same in the lap of Himalayas or yet, about enjoying a hot mug of coffee in the downtown across Lakshman Jhula.
One of the famous downtown cafes is the "Beatles Cafe`". It is said that The Beatles band members visited this cafe`, and ended up making lyrics of a new song in this cafe`. Since then this cafe` got a new name "The Beatles` Cafe`. Having coffee here should be on your list of things to do in Rishikesh.
10. Ayurvedic Massage:
After you have discovered so much in and around Rishikesh, surely you would need some rest and relaxation. And what better than an Ayurvedic massage. It is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh, to make your body feel Special and cared for.
Best Places: Hemadari Ayurveda Centre, Ayurveda Bhavan, Ananda in the Himalayas and Braham Yoga Healing.
*So pack your bag and go feel the Health-Adventure-Peace in your life.
Happy Travelling...
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