Tucked between the foothills of Himalayas and the holy river Ganges, Rishikesh is one of the most spiritual destinations to visit. It is an experience which has a magnetic pull on its seekers, explorers, and adventurers. Also known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is all about rivers, mountains, peace, spirituality, yoga practices, and a community of yogis who are here to slow down.
Rishikesh is a special destination that beautifully combines two different worlds. On one side, you can easily find tranquil ashrams where time is still, monks are chanting continuously sitting by the river banks, and temples where you can understand the deeply rooted traditions of India. On the other hand, you can also explore a place which excites the adventurous side of you. Strapping on life jackets while river rafting, backpacking and hiking into hidden forest trails and waterfalls, or explorers sipping masala tea in spaces overlooking the Lakshman Jhula.
You can quietly meditate while witnessing the gorgeous sunset or raft down the roaring rapids along with watching the Ganga Aarti in the evening. Whether you are here for a weekend or for a longer period of time, exploring Rishikesh will give you a unique experience and a chance to live your life fully. In this blog, there are some unmissable things to do in Rishikesh. Make sure that you are covering everything from food, culture, spirituality, to yoga, adventure and everything in between.
Immerse into the World of Yoga
Rishikesh is called the Yoga Capital of the World for a reason. Wellness enthusiasts from all around the world prefer coming here to start their yoga journey or refine their yogic skills to improve their overall lifestyle. This is where people deepen their practices and learn from authentic sources.
You will see drop-in classes of yoga at every corner of the city. If you are visiting for a shorter duration of time, then enroll yourself in one of these drop-in classes to learn some beginner-friendly yoga asanas. In this way, you will be introduced to the world of yoga and can learn the basics of how yoga helps in enhancing your overall wellness. Along with the asana practices, you can join the classes which include pranayama, meditation, and philosophical teachings of yoga. This way you will get a brief idea about yoga and its importance.
Another opportunity is to enroll in a 200 hour yoga teacher training program in Rishikesh, if you are planning to stay for a longer period of time. there are a variety of yoga schools in the city which are accredited by the Yoga Alliance, USA. This means that the programs offered by these schools are certified and have met the global standards of yogic education. Yoga schools like India Yogashala are perfect if you want to learn yoga in its most authentic form combined with the modern techniques. Learn the different styles of yoga like Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, Iyengar, and Vinyasa from some of the most experienced yogis spending their lives here.If you are interested in teaching yoga professionally in the future, then these programs are going to be your best investment for it. Stay in beautiful, cozy ashrams and consume three sattvic meals daily along with an amazing connection with nature. You can also learn mantra chanting, ayurvedic practices, and have a disciplined routine.
Experience the Bliss of Ganga Aarti
In Rishikesh, every evening you can experience the unforgettable energy, with the sun setting behind the Himalayas and the banks of river Ganga getting ready for its famous Ganga Aarti. One of the most famous places where this spiritual aarti takes place is Parmarth Niketan. It is also the largest ashram in Rishikesh and is extremely famous amongst tourists. Another place which is popular for its Ganga Aarti is Triveni Ghat. Just before the actual sunset, hundreds of people gather along the ghat and sit quietly for the rituals of the Aarti. The air fills with the sound of bells and devotional chanting. The priests performing the Aarti are dressed in saffron robes, holding large diyas.
There is no need to be extremely religious to feel the energy of this ritual. The firelight starts dancing on the water and the rhythmic chanting fills the entire ghat in the most mesmerizing way. Locals bring flowers or diyas so that they can float on the river. You can feel the vibration of the mantra chanting and have the most unforgettable time of your life.
River Rafting on the Ganges
For the seekers of adrenaline, Rishikesh is one of the best destinations to explore. The white water rafting on the Ganga river is a playground for every adventure lover. Imagine you being surrounded by the big Himalayan foothills, cold spray hitting your face and the roar of the rapids in water echoing everywhere. This is the feeling rafting gives you in Rishikesh.
- Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km): This is the perfect stretch for beginners and families who want to go rafting without much intensity. It consists of mostly grade I and II rapids which are gentle but also fun enough to give you the adrenaline rush.
- Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km): This is the most famous rafting option which has the perfect balance of thrill and safety. You will encounter many rapids with quirky names like Golf Course, Return to Sender, etc.
- Marine Drive to Rishikesh (24 km): For people who wish for longer and more challenging rafting, this is the perfect option to consider. Here you can expect higher grade rapids and more paddling. It can be demanding but the end is very rewarding, especially if you are up for teamwork.
The Iconic Bridges- Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula
Ram jhula and Lakshman jhula are two suspension bridges which span the Ganges. These are not just random river crossings but have been woven into the culture, tradition, and history of Rishikesh. Lakshman jhula is named after Lord Lakshman who crossed the river Ganga using just the jute ropes here. To honor it, a hanging bridge was built in 1929, which later became an important part between the two sides of Rishikesh. You can find multiple temples and yoga schools near the jhula to explore and connect with the history of the city.
Another iconic bridge is the Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. It was built in the 1980s and connects the Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram areas with vibrant markets near Muni ki Reti. while crossing the Ram Jhula, you might share the walkway with the monks in saffron robes and the cows and monkeys eying on the edibles. These bridges are not just a structure but metaphors for what this city represents.
Hidden Waterfalls and Nature Trails
Apart from the yoga and spiritual energy, you will notice that Rishikesh is also surrounded by raw Himalayan beauty. Here, you can find roaring waterfalls and mesmerizing nature trails tucked into the forested foothills. These little escapes are worlds apart from the bustle of the ghats and city markets. Just 3km away from Lakshman Jhula, you can reach the Neer Garh waterfall. There is a short and scenic trek to the waterfall which has serene forest paths and some tea stalls run by the locals. Neer Garh is a beautifully cascading waterfall which also forms natural pools where you can take a refreshing swim.
Another beautiful location is the Patna Waterfall, which is hidden in the green forests of Rishikesh and is about 6km away from Lakshman Jhula. It has a slightly longer hike which weaves through the dense forests and limestone caves. This area is mostly untouched and consists of breathtaking wild beauty. Garud Chatti is another small but beautiful waterfall which is closer to Rishikesh. It is so secluded and quiet that it almost feels like a private area as compared to the others. This is a good excursion for someone who wants to reconnect with nature but has limited time to explore.
Be a part of Spiritual or Meditative Workshop
Rishikesh is a destination where people from all over the world come to escape from their stressors in life, pause, and unwind themselves. This city has a deeper pull to give you space and let you reconnect with yourself. You will find a variety of options when it comes to spiritual and meditative workshops in Rishikesh. From 3-day immersions to a month-long yoga programs, you can find anything which suits your requirements. If you wish to attend a spiritual retreat here, then be ready to dive deeper into its importance in one’s life.
A typical day in such retreats always begins with the morning yoga sessions along the banks of river Ganga. It is then followed by a guided spiritual teaching or meditation class in order to quiet your mind. Your afternoons will be busy with yoga philosophy lectures, where you will understand the importance of yoga in your daily routine. There are some ayurvedic retreats as well, which teach you the necessity of detox diets, herbal therapies, and ayurvedic treatments for your overall wellness. These retreats are designed in such a way that they focus on introspection and mindfulness. You can dive into the workshops like one-day sound healing sessions, evening meditation classes, or basic pranayama teachings, especially if you are visiting for a shorter period of time.
Adventures beyond River Rafting
River Rafting in Rishikesh is the main highlight but there are other adventurous activities which are equally interesting and will give you the adrenaline rush you desire. With the dramatic Himalayan backdrop and rugged cliffs, this city has multiple stages for activities which will push your limits and leave you with the best experiences of your lives. Bungee Jumping at Mohan Chatti is one of the most famous adventurous activities in Rishikesh. This is the highest fixed platform bungee in India and will drop you from a staggering 83 meters of height. The entire activity is managed by professionals trained in New Zealand, the country where modern bungee was introduced.
Apart from bungee jumping, you can also try Flying Fox. Here, you will be harnessed to a cable and glide horizontally over the river Ganga. You can either team up with your friends or go solo to experience the bird-eye view of the forest as well as the river. Giant Swing is also an adventurous activity which leaves you with the adrenaline rush you want. Instead of free fall like bungee jumping, here you will be released into a massive pendulum swing which goes across the gorge. The special part about these adventurous activities is that they follow the international safety standards, with certified and experienced instructors.
A Holy Dip in the River Ganges
The trip to Rishikesh is incomplete without taking a dip in the sacred river Ganga. In this city, the river is not just any water body but a living goddess with a power to cleanse and heal you from within. Bathing in river Ganga has been considered as a spiritual tradition for centuries and connects you with the timeless flow of devotion in every way. Triveni Ghat is the heart of Rishikesh and is the most famous river bank for pilgrims. The name Triveni refers to the confluence of the three rivers here, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. According to the Hindu religion, bathing here can wash away your past sins and will also bring a lot of blessings for your future.
The moment you put your first step into the river, you can feel the shift from the inside. The cold rush from the water against your skin, undeniable sense of presence and the mesmerizing sound of flowing water. Every dip into the river is like a reset button from nature to heal and transform you completely. Many visitors meditate and watch the river flow endlessly after they have taken the holy dip. This helps in fostering a sense of enlightenment and calmness from the inside.
