15 Unmissable Things to do in Rishikesh

Rishikesh – the home of Yoga in India, is a fusion of spirituality and adventure, calmness and thrill, culture and nature. Let’s dive into the best and most unmissable things to do in Rishikesh.

A short ride away from Dehradun, Rishikesh is considered one of the most spiritual places. 

Rishikesh is even more special as it is nestled along the banks of the holy river Ganga at the foothills of the Himalayas.

While all the places to visit in Rishikesh can be covered within 2 days, a yoga retreat for a month may seem like a short time for others.

If Rishikesh trip is on your cards, here is the ultimate guide on things to do in Rishikesh that covers the stay and food guide options.

Local transportation in Rishikesh

Being a small town, most places in Rishikesh are accessible on foot.

However, it is important to know the topography of Rishikesh and where you stay. The east side of Ganga is walk-friendly as any mode of transportation is not allowed.

The west side of the town also known as the ‘Yoga side’ is accessible via auto and bikes. Renting a bicycle/scooter/motorbike is also possible in Rishikesh. 

Motorbikes can be easily hired around Laxman Jhula area or it is best to ask your hostel/hotel to arrange one.

The average cost per day for renting a motorbike is Rs. 350-400, the motorbike is Rs. 500-1200. Auto-rickshaw or tuk-tuk is also available across the town but will charge you heavily. 

Best Things to do in Rishikesh

There is no dearth of amazing places to visit in Rishikesh and visitors can plan these activities to do in Rishikesh depending upon the time availability!

Walk on the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula

Jhula can be translated as Bridge and Laksham Jhula is one of the most popular attractions in Rishikesh.

Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are huge iron suspension bridges over the river Ganga. The names of bridges are based on Indian mythology and are named after Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman who had crossed the river through this bridge. 

Both bridges are pedestrian bridges but two-wheelers are allowed to pass through. It makes a bit congested to walk but nevertheless do it. The view of flowing water from the bridge is mesmerising

Chill at the banks of the Ganga river in Rishikesh

This was my favourite activity to do as I stole moments from my work schedule during the morning and evening to simply walk over the rocks on the banks and sit by the calming waters of the Ganga.

There is something unique and soothing about the waters that truly calms the body and mind – maybe it is the cold water touching your feet, or maybe the rippling sound of water over the rocks or the sound of bells from a nearby temple aarti.

The whole thing just works and you will find a lot of people actually meditating on the banks.

Learn Yoga in Rishikesh

Whenever someone says Yoga in India, the first place that comes in mind is Rishikesh.

Yoga and Rishikesh go hand in hand, quite literally. So, there is a high possibility to get overwhelmed by seeing posters and banners on literally every street and corner advertising the best yoga course.

There is also a chance that the hotel you are staying at would also have an early yoga/meditation class. But let’s face it, Rishikesh is not called a yoga capital for no reason!

There are 1-day classes and then there are courses spanning weeks and months. Hatha Yoga is the most popular yoga type in Rishikesh. Other than that, Kundalini and Vinyasa yoga is also preferred choice by visitors. Visitors can also enrol for Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.

If you are in Rishikesh for a weekend or a short while and want to learn yoga, the best is to take up the class which is generally offered by your hotel/hostel. If you wish to go to a professional class or in an ashram, the cost is Rs. 200-300 for 90 minutes duration.

Enrol in various courses in Rishikesh

Other than yoga, there are many kinds of courses up for grabs such as meditation, body massage, aromatherapy, breathing course, nutrition, Ayurveda, singing, music, Indian cooking, and many many more! If you have the time and enthusiasm, I say go for it.

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

Rishikesh has India’s first highest Bungee Jumping platform at a height of 83 metres which is located just outside Rishikesh. This one is for all the adrenaline junkies who have waited for a long to have this thrill in India. The jump needs to be pre-booked and visitors should keep aside a day for this as the to and fro transfer would easily take up 5-6 hours.

Camping in Rishikesh

Camping in Rishikesh along the Ganga river is an extremely popular activity. Camping can be combined with white water rafting and there are many camps offering 1N2D packages with strict environment measures.

Experience nature and wildlife in Rajaji National Park

If you are a wildlife enthusiast like me who tries to find every possible opportunity to spot a wildlife park on every work trip, then Rishikesh will not disappoint. If you fancy trying to spot some wildlife including Tigers whilst in Rishikesh then get booked onto a Jungle Safari! 

Unlike other national parks, Rajaji National Park does not need advance booking and the tickets can be purchased from the gate. Like all national parks, it is closed from 15th June to 15th October and the safari is done in an open jeep vehicle. The duration of the safari is the standard of 3 hours.

Though claimed to spot tigers, there have been few instances of actually spotting one! However, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Barking deer, Goral, Himalayan Black Bear and Sloth Bear are some of the wildlife that can be seen here!

White Water River Rafting in Rishikesh

Probably one of the top things to do in Rishikesh, white water rafting Rishikesh is not to be missed! I did white water rafting in Goa and it was an amazing experience I wanted to try it in Rishikesh, probably combining it with camping.

There are many adventure enthusiasts who go to Rishikesh just for White water rafting specifically. Rafting rapids in Rishikesh are distributed under various grades (I, II, III, IV and IV+) which are the highest in India and the most adventurous.

Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh

Ganga aarti in Rishikesh happens at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram after the Ram Jhula Bridge.

It is unlike what happens in Haridwar with big diyas which are nothing less than mesmerizing. So I was a bit disappointed with the Rishikesh aarti where there was some chanting and people left their diyas in the river.

There is a Lord Shankar statue which has a bridge and visitors can go on top of this and watch the aarti from here.

Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise

I love trekking and I love sunrises! Combine the two at Kunjapuri temple to witness a stunning sunrise overlooking the Himalayan mountains and an even more incredible view of the glistening Ganga river.

Kunjapuri temple sunrise is one of the offbeat things to do in Rishikesh. It is approximately 25km away and an easy walk so one has to wake up super early and start by 4:30 am to reach the sunrise point. There are group tours to the sunrise point with transportation or you can even take a car if you are lazy to trek. 

Drench in the Neergarh Waterfall

Neergarh waterfall in Rishikesh also known as ‘Neer Gaddu’ is a lovely waterfall, situated about 7 km from Lakshman Jhula. The trek through the misty forests really sets the scene and makes the adventure all the more worthwhile. Be careful as there are monkeys on the trail.

The crystal blue colour of the pool is soothing and the cold water is super refreshing from the one-hour trek! Yes, swimming or bathing is possible and allowed here but since the pool is shallow diving and jumping are not allowed. 

Birds and Butterflies will be seen on the trail and wildflowers will be in bloom, adding beauty to this wonderful spot. There’s also a rich variety of flowers and trees for real nature lovers.

Water, soft drinks, noodles and tea are available at Neergarh Waterfall from a small tin shack across the bridge.

Explore the Beatles Ashram

The Beatles Ashram features in Rishikesh visiting places and is on the list by both foreign visitors and Indian visitors. Basically, your visit and my Rishikesh travel guide are incomplete without this featuring here. You can read more about its history here.

Shopping in Rishikesh

Whether it is a souvenir, woollen clothes and shawls or ayurvedic products – Rishikesh shopping is fun. Must buy from Rishikesh includes essential oils, natural beauty products, candles and mountain fruit squash – Ramphal juice, Rhododendron juice, Leh berry juice and others! I shopped for some Rajma (kidney beans) as they grow in these mountainous areas and are so yummy and cheaper than in the cities!

Best Places to Eat in Rishikesh | Best Cafes in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is abundant in cafes and restaurants offering good, healthy food. Be aware that since it is a holy place you will not find non-vegetarian food or alcohol here. However, there are plenty of Vegetarian and Vegan options at a great price! The following places were highly recommended.

Little Buddha Cafe

So many people recommended I visit this when I asked on my Instagram stories so I just had to check this out. I went for dinner and it was jam-packed. And 2 of my colleagues got a table here after 45 minutes of waiting. I bet the view from here must be great as I could hear the Ganga waters rippling in the distance. 

I tried the watermelon juice and thukpa on a friend’s suggestion and both were good!

Ganga View Cafe 

As the name suggests, it has a fantastic view of the Ganga from its balcony. A few meters from Lakshman Jhula, it is known for its multi-cuisine food.

Other great cafes are Shambala for live music, The Beatles Cafe – I rest my case, The Bakeries and TAT cafe.

Where to Stay in Rishikesh

It is best to choose a place in the north of Rishikesh that is near the Lakshman Jhula as everything is in walking distance. There are many options to choose from – hotels, hostels and even ashrams.

Hotels in Rishikesh

Hotels are abundant in Rishikesh. Kunwar Residency is a good-budget hotel. Hotel Ishan provides spectacular river views.

Guest House in Rishikesh

I stayed with the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) as I was on a work trip. It is also called the Ganga Resort. The view from my balcony was breathtaking and I simply crossed the guesthouse wall to soak my feet in the icy cold Ganga water. It is as good as a hotel and very cosy, and clean, with homely food. The price is on the higher side as it is a government guest house.

There are many guest houses which do not book online. They may reserve a room on call in the offseason but it is best to just go and book in person with luggage. Generally, the rooms are basic but available. 

Hostels in Rishikesh

There are a lot of good hostels in Rishikesh. Shiv Shakti Hostel, Live Free Hostel and hostel chains such as Hosteller and Zostel Rishikesh are also good options.

Ashrams in Rishikesh

Rishikesh has a lot of Ashrams wherein one can stay for a longer duration especially if you have enrolled for yoga courses. Ashrams in Rishikesh offer a one week package which includes daily yoga, activities and meals. It is best if you are looking to detoxify as the good meals, silence, meditation and yoga, will be soulful for mind and body.

Sivananda Ashram, The Omkarananda Ashram, Parmarth Niketan Ashram are some of the recommended ones.

How to reach Rishikesh

By Train

Rishikesh does not have its own train station but Haridwar does which is about 20km away and an easy auto-rickshaw ride away. Haridwar can be easily reached by many trains coming from Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. 

By Bus

You can reach Rishikesh from Delhi, Mumbai and even from other hill states of India such as Manali and Dharamshala. There are many options to choose from – sitting coaches, sleeper coaches, AC, Non AC and price is generally from Rs 500-2500 depending upon which kind of bus you choose.

By Air

The closest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 25km from Rishikesh. You can get a taxi or auto-rickshaw to take you to Rishikesh. 

Sustainable tips for Things to do in Rishikesh

• Rishikesh is a hill town and already reeling under the heavy influence of polythene. It is best to avoid polythene bags so do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Dispose of biscuit wrappers, wafer packets, and juice boxes in designated bins. Do not litter the highways, places of tourist interest or riverbanks.
• Be a responsible and respectful tourist. Do not bring alcohol or non-vegetarian items into the holy city.
• Respect nature during adventure activities and do not harm it in any form. A single cigarette butt can give rise to fires hurting the economy of the entire region.

I hope this blog on things to do in Rishikesh will help you to plan your trip. Did I miss out on any places to visit in Rishikesh? Let me know in the comments below and I would check it out the next time I am in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand aka Rishikesh.

Read More Uttarakhand posts here:

• Places to visit in Nainital
• Pangot, Bhimtal, Sattal Birding
• Guchhu Pani, Dehradun
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Chopta Chandrashila Trek

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