Last Updated At: 18-Apr-2025
Did you also think that Rishikesh is all about spirituality and yoga? If yes, then you need to read this blog till the end! Yes, we agree that it is one of the most famous ‘Chota Char Dham’ pilgrimages for Hindu devotees and it has also earned its epithet of ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ but there are numerous things to do in Rishikesh that you may not know about. A little slice of heaven for the adventurous and outdoorsy kind of travelers, Rishikesh is a historic city in the state of Uttarakhand.
Curious about what Rishikesh has in store for you? Here are the best things to do in Rishikesh. Keep reading!
Can you even imagine a trip to Rishikesh without experiencing the thrills of whitewater rafting? From Kaudiyala and Shivpuri to Marine Drive and Brahampuri, you can choose any pickup point depending on whether you are a noob or an expert. Except for the monsoon season, whitewater rafting can be enjoyed in Rishikesh any time of the year.
Amongst other fun things to do in Rishikesh, Bungee Jumping is an adrenaline-pumping experience. With your feet and body secured with a cord or a rope harness, bungee jumping involves jumping from a cliff or a tall building. The fun thing about jumping from a cliff or a building is the thrill of free-falling through the air for some time.
Read More : Top Destinations For Bungee Jumping In India
The Giant Swing is as exhilarating as bungee jumping but it is a bit different from it. Secured with a rope harness that is connected to a fixed point, Giant Swing allows you to swing through the deep valleys of Rishikesh. All you have to do is jump and you will be swinging like a pendulum from one side to the other.
One of the most exciting and must-try adventurous things to do in Rishikesh is flying fox zip lining. This activity requires you to be secured with a safety harness and then fly across the valley on a cable. Don’t worry about the speed, it is controlled mechanically by an operator. It is an adrenaline-pumping activity that offers scenic views of the Ganges flowing through Rishikesh.
Cliff jumping is a famous adventure activity in Rishikesh, with cliffs of different heights near the River Ganges. All you have to do is brace yourself and jump off about a 20 to 50-feet high cliff into the river. If you are a water child and have no fear of heights then Rishikesh is the right place for you to try cliff jumping.
From beginner to expert, Rishikesh has different levels of kayaking to suit everyone. Kayaking requires you to sit in a canoe or a kayak and row through the rapids and tides of the river. For beginners, there are trainers available to make it simple. Kayaking through the Ganges in Rishikesh is a must-experience activity.
With the tranquil Ganges flowing through the city, fresh air, and beautiful scenery, Rishikesh offers an unbeatable experience to campers. You can enjoy the fun games, luscious meals, and music around the campfire in the evenings and wake up to the melodious sounds of the chirping birds and the flowing river while camping in Rishikesh.
Read More : Best Camping Places In India
With the enticing beauty of Rishikesh and the hilly terrain, mountain biking in Rishikesh is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Bikes for hire are easily available in Rishikesh for you to explore the town or the forest.
One of the holiest places in India for Hindus, Rishikesh is primarily a religious center with a huge number of beautiful temples in the vicinity. The trip to Rishikesh for any traveler should start by visiting the temples and seeking blessings from the deities. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Raghunath Temple, Bhootnath Temple, Trayambakeshwar Temple, Shatrughna Mandir, Lakshman Temple, and Shri Bharat Mandir are some of the most famous temples in Rishikesh.
A trip to the Yoga Capital of India is incomplete without doing or learning some asanas. With ample opportunities to reconnect with your spiritual sides and so many yoga retreats, Rishikesh is the perfect place to learn different styles of yoga and meditation to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. A huge number of yoga enthusiasts visit Rishikesh to learn yoga each year.
Read More : Most Popular Yoga Retreats In India For Revitalizing Experience
The Beatles stayed at the Chaurasi Kutia ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi when they visited Rishikesh in 1968. The ashram became an international academy for meditation but later on, it fell into disrepair. However, to pay their homage to the legendary band who stayed here, Kyrie Maezumi and Pan Trinity Das, two street artists, made the remains of this ashram their canvas and started their art gallery here. A visit to the Beatles Ashram should be on everyone’s list wanting to visit Rishikesh. visit Rishikesh.
The city’s most iconic landmark - Lakshman Jhula is probably the most touristy place in Rishikesh as it offers amazing panoramic views of the city and the River Ganges. The Lakshman Jhula was built in 1929 which is a 450 feet-long suspension bridge connecting both the banks of the holy Ganges.
Popular for housing the Shiva Temple, Shivpuri is tucked away on the foothills of the Himalayas that is also known as the “Abode of Lord Shiva”. To enjoy beautiful views of sunrise and sunset, Shivpuri is the perfect place as it offers beach camping sites where you can relax and bathe in the open sun. It also has picturesque and exhilarating rafting stretches along the River Ganges.
Read More : 3 Day Rishikesh Itinerary
You may have heard and may have seen mind-blowing pictures of Lakshman Jhula but there is another iconic suspension bridge in Rishikesh known as Ram Jhula, which skips many itineraries. Built over the Ganges, this 450-feet long bridge was made in 1986 which connects Sivananda Ashram on one side and Swarg Ashram on the other. Stroll around the bridge and witness the awe-inspiring views of the valley.
If touring the city has left you exhausted and drained, and if you want to give your body a chance to recover from all the thrilling activities then go for an Ayurvedic massage for relaxation. Rishikesh is dotted with several massage centers. With the finest herbs and Ayurvedic oils, these massage centers will relax your muscles and soothe your body. These Ayurvedic oils have an enticing fragrance that helps to calm your mind.
So these were the best things to do in Rishikesh to fully experience the Yoga Capital of India. You can plan your thirling vacation in Rishikesh with Adotrip because, with us, nothing is far!
FAQs About Rishikesh
Q1. What are the top things to do in Rishikesh in 2025?
A. In 2025, the top experiences include white-water rafting, attending the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, yoga and meditation at ashrams, visiting The Beatles Ashram, trekking to Neer Garh Waterfall, and indulging in Ayurvedic spa therapies.
Q2. Is Rishikesh good for adventure activities?
A. Absolutely! Rishikesh is India’s adventure hub offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, cliff jumping, rock climbing, and camping by the river.
Q3. Are yoga and wellness retreats available year-round?
A. Yes, most yoga schools and wellness centers operate throughout the year, offering certified courses, drop-in sessions, and multi-day retreats suitable for all levels.
Q4. Is rafting in Rishikesh open in 2025?
A. Rafting is expected to remain open from March to June and September to November in 2025, subject to river conditions and government guidelines.
Q.5. Can I attend the Ganga Aarti daily?
A. Yes, the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat is held every evening and is open to all. Arrive early to get a good spot along the banks.
Q6. What are some peaceful things to do in Rishikesh for non-adventure seekers?
A. You can visit ancient temples, explore local art at Beatles Ashram, take a heritage walk, enjoy riverfront cafés, attend sound healing or satsangs, or simply relax with a book by the Ganga.
Q7. Are there any new attractions or events in 2025?
A. Yes, in 2025, look out for international yoga festivals, curated wellness programs, and newly introduced eco-tourism trails around Rajaji National Park and Kunjapuri Temple.
Q8. Is Rishikesh suitable for solo travelers or digital detox?
A. Definitely! Rishikesh is one of India’s top solo travel destinations. Many ashrams encourage unplugging from digital devices, making it ideal for self-discovery and inner peace.
--- Published By Vineet Gupta
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