Rishikesh is one of the most popular destination where you can discover lots of things and activities. Rishikesh is a city set in the beautiful mountainous state of Uttarakhand and a location so serene that it can melt the heart of the Gods. Often known as the Gateway to the Garhwal mountains, the city has a rich cultural past that blends with the modern city that it has become. There are a plethora of things that people in Rishikesh can do, here are our top picks for things to do in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh
1) Ride an e-Bike
This is for the ones who like to ride rough and test their guts - perfect for adrenaline junkies! Mountain biking involves riding bicycles off-road and over rough terrain. Do some rigorous exploration and add to it a tinch of exercise, ride your bikes on the uphills overlooking the Ganges and rituals of the city of all sorts of positive spirits.
And don’t worry you won’t be breathing like an angry beast, just simply activate your support systems and accelerate your ride up the hill. And this is not all!
2) Witness the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
The Ganga river has been considered as one of the holiest rivers in India. The aarti that is performed at the Triveni Ghat is a testament to the devotion of the people of Rishikesh towards the river.
Every evening the area lights up with the aarti and it is truly a majestic sight to witness. After sunset, several diyas (lamps) are set afloat in leaf boats in the holy river. One can truly feel the spirituality when witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh.
3) Go River Rafting
The proximity of Rishikesh to the Himalayan range with the Ganga river flowing through it makes it an ideal place to go rafting. The sport has been gaining in popularity lately.
The activity caters to every adventure junkie’s need to feel the adrenaline rush. The chilly waters of Ganga add a different layer of excitement to the entire activity.
White water rafting in Rishikesh is largely concentrated around Kaudiyala and its banks. It is a major tourist destination. This 16 km stretch of Kaudiyala is one of the best white water rafting zones in the world. Do try it on your trip to Rishikesh.
4) Visit the Beatles Ashram
The Beatles have a fair history with Rishikesh than what most people might think. Rishikesh had a certain kind of appeal that made the Beatles undertake several trips to this beautiful city. Many of their songs had been formulated and created here.
The Ashram, although now abandoned, has a lot of memoirs and paintings that shed light on the Beatles’ time in India and their interaction with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. For any Beatles fan, this place is a must visit.
5) Try your hand at Yoga
Yoga has been part of the culture in Rishikesh for centuries. There are many practitioners who are willing to teach you this exercise and activity in Rishikesh. Engaging in yoga not only proves to be a good physical activity but also helps calm the mind and encourages focused clarity.
Yoga in Rishikesh
Rishikesh happens to be the yoga capital of the world and people from all around the world flock here to practice yoga. Anand Prakash and Rishikesh Yogpeeth are famous centers.
6) Visit Rishi Kund: Hot water springs for sages
Rishikund, also known as the Pond of Sages, is a place you wouldn’t want to miss. The hot water spring with various mythological references attracts many pilgrims every year. Being part of Raghunath temple and close to Shani and Triveni Sangam, this place is easily accessible and is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh.
7) Visit Lakshman Jhula
According to lore, it is said that Laxman of the Ramayana epic made a bridge out of rope to cross the Ganga river, along with Lord Ram and Lady Sita. The Lakshman Jhula is said to be constructed in the exact same spot.
You can enjoy a walk on the bridge in the evenings and can feel the cold air. During the day the bridge is bumbling with activity as the bridge connects the two important sides of Rishikesh.
So if you are looking for top things to do in Rishikesh, do try our mentioned picks and yes, don’t forget to share your experience with us.
