Before you soak in the vibe of Rishikesh, it is difficult to presume that peace and tranquility can drift through the air existing in harmony. Set on the banks of river Ganga, with the smell of burning herbs wafting through the air and people coming from all walks of life, religion, and countries. Rishikesh is slowly becoming the new hippie destination in Uttarakhand.
If you are planning to visit the beautiful city, here are 9 fun things to do while in Rishikesh:-
1. River Rafting:-
Rafting is a heady cocktail of thrill and pumping adrenaline and Rishikesh’s close proximity to Himalayas and Ganges flowing through the city makes up for a perfect place to ride the waters. Over the years Rafting has become a major activity to indulge in when in Rishikesh. If you are visiting and are planning to tickle your thrill bone, Rafting should be a must on your to-do list.
– Depending on the adventure they offer, there are 4 stretches on which rafting can be done
1-a. Brahmpuri to Rishikesh
It is a 9 km stretch with Grade I (basic) difficulty, takes about 1.5 hours to complete, and is the most preferable choice among the enthusiasts. The cost of this can go up to ₹450 per person.
1-b. Shivpuri to Rishikesh
About 16 km long with Grade I&II (basic-standard) difficulty, this stretch is more challenging than the Brahmpuri-Rishikesh stretch, non-swimmers should avoid this route. It takes about 3 hours to complete with cost up to ₹700
1-c. Marine drive to Rishikesh
Rafting from Marine Drive to Rishikesh is a complete package, from violent rapids to water as calm as a lake in heaven, this has it all. It’s a 24 km stretch with up to Grade III+ rapids, it takes about 5 hours to complete and the cost can go up to ₹850 per person.
1-d. Kaudiyala to Rishikesh
One of the toughest rafting routes on the Ganges, Kaudiyala to Rishikesh is about 36 km long with Grade IV+ rapids like The Daniels dip, Three blind mice, and many more, this stretch is recommended for experienced raftsman. The estimated time taken is 8 hours and the cost can go up to ₹1800 per person.
2. Camping:-
Camping in the Himalayas is always a rejuvenating experience. Tranquility feeding the mountains adding to the lush green forests and meadows, on the banks of Ganges while stars twinkle above you is an experience which always outweighs a night in some hotel room especially if you are in Rishikesh. So, why miss a chance?! . Create a bonfire, pick up the guitar and hum some Pink Floyd while you’re at it.
Best Time – February to May & September to November
3. Yoga:-
Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the world. Every year thousands of people from all over the world travel to Rishikesh to experience this divine practice for a healthy body and calm soul. Therefore being in Rishikesh and not indulging in Yoga is like going to a movie without popcorn, you’ll still watch the movie but it won’t be as fun.
A lot of places in Rishikesh offer Yoga classes for you to choose from. So, go ahead and be a part of this ancient Indian tradition our culture has given to the world.
4. Trekking:-
Lying on the foothills of the upper Himalayas and rich in flora and fauna. Rishikesh is a mother lode for trekking enthusiasts. There are umpteen Waterfall and temples in and around Rishikesh where you can trek to wash that city life off of you for a while.
Also read:- Kedarkantha trek
5. Bungee Jumping:-
If you’re among those who enjoy when it feels like your guts are going to burst out of your body, in other words, if you’re an adrenaline junkie. Bungee jumping should be on your bucket list for all the right reasons. Feel the rush of adrenaline pumping through your veins as you jump off a height equivalent to a 20 story building.
Venue – Mohanchatti, Rishikesh
Time – 9 AM to 4 PM
6. Cafe Hopping:-
When it comes to food, Cafes in Rishikesh are a gastronomic delight. Given the huge number of foreign tourists, food in the city is also widely influenced. Food in Rishikesh comes with several options for the foodies. Visit a cafe near Laxman jhula to soak in the hipster vibe the city has to offer, some delicious belly-timber with mesmerizing views of the Ganges and Reggae music in the background.
7. Jungle Safari:-
Bestowed with vast wilderness areas, verdant landscapes and wild animals, Rajaji National park near Rishikesh is a perfect safari destination. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Shivalik as you ride through the jungle. With more than 400 species of birds, the highest number of elephants than other national parks in Uttarakhand, and wild animals like tiger, leopard, sambar deer, wild boar, and lots more, treat your eyes and observe the flora and fauna in close proximity.
Best time – 15th November to 15th June
Entrance fees – 150 per person for Indian visitors and 600 per person for foreign visitors.
8. Kayaking:-
Kayaking as a sport has gained a lot of popularity in recent years in Rishikesh. It is quite similar to canoeing instead you face forward and paddle across on water. The Ganges flowing through Rishikesh makes an ideal spot for Kayaking because of the simultaneous patches of clear water and rapids. No need to worry if you haven’t tried it before, trainers here provide classes for the dilettante. If you love to try your hand at new things, Kayaking is for you.
9. Attend the Ganga Aarti :-
It is difficult to fully understand the meaning of calm in chaos unless you attend the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh. Every evening as the sun sets, multiple banks along the Ganges lighten up with lamps and people gather in large numbers to sing alongside the devotees and worship the holy river. With bells chiming from the temples nearby and hundreds of people singing in synchronicity, fills the air with tranquility and soul with calm. Watching the evening Arti is certainly a superlative experience. The spectacular event must be viewed from either Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan.
Hope you enjoy it. Peace Out!