10 Things To Do In Rishikesh: A Refreshing Exploration

A beautiful lake to see, one of the popular things to do in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is a place every tourist visits for their rich heritage and adventure sports. Rishikesh, an iconic destination, is one of the major pilgrimages in India. It attracts people to its premises for yoga practices, meditation sessions, and the calming view of the Ganges among other attractions. There are so many things to do in Rishikesh that visitors are left dumbfounded after their wonderful experiences.

10 Things To Do In Rishikesh

Here are 10 things to do in Rishikesh and enjoy the place in its full glory during your unique trip to Uttarakhand:

1. Try Adventure Sports In Rishikesh

A group of tourists river rafting which is one of the fun things to do in Rishikesh.

Photo: EzhilanG / Wikimedia Commons

River rafting, specifically the Ganges, is one of the most highlighted attractions in the region. Bungee jumping from the tallest bungee platform in India here makes the destination a hot spot for any adventure quenchers. Besides these, cliff jumping, kayaking and zip lining are other activities. Also, trekking and camping in the nearby Himalayan foothills is soothingly satisfying. Rishikesh tourism is a class apart and lets people quench their thirst for adventure without compromising inner peace.

Location: Shivpuri
Timings: 12 AM – 11:59 PM
Best Time To Visit: Depends on the sports
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

2. Witness Ganga Arti At Parmarth Ghat

Paramath-a place to witness the Ganga Aarti, one of the things to do in Rishikesh.

Photo: Billjones94 / Wikimedia Commons

Tourists are drawn into Paramath Ghat by the sanctity of the Ganga Aarti performed there. Parmarth Niketan Ashram Aarti is performed every day outside its gates every evening, a riverbank event infused with devotion. Most of the devotees participate in the performance of rituals. Priests chant Vedic hymns, offering lamps, flowers, and incense toward the holy river. Parmarth’s aarti is held in a family-like atmosphere and is composed of devotional songs and sermons. It is a healing place that provides a quiet place to practice yoga, meditate, and contemplate.

Location: Geeta Bhavan
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
Best Time To Visit: October-March
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

3. Explore Laxman Jhula Market

Shopping for items at the market is one of the interesting things to do in Rishikesh.

Photo: Dmgultekin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Laxman Jhula Market in Rishikesh is a thriving area around the famous suspension bridge Laxman Jhula. The market is a jumble of small and large shops with items like spiritual gifts, stone merchandise, jewelry, and ethnic wear and crafts of India. Yoga accessories, books on spirituality, Ayurvedic treatment products, and burner sticks complement the overall religious structure of the town. It’s a fun place to be as cafes and food stalls tempt the patrons with local and continental cuisines. As the market is alive with many travelers, the killer view of the Ganges and the Himalayas makes this place an ideal rest stop.

Location: Laxman Jhula
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

4. Take Blessings At Triveni Ghat

Devotees participating in the Ganga Aarti, one of the spiritual things to do in Rishikesh.

Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This ghat is located on the banks of the Ganga River and is one of the biggest and most famous spots. It is a place of historical significance as there is a legend of Lord Krishna taking refuge when he was wounded by an arrow in this ghat. Ganga Aarti has been held daily for centuries and helps calm the people attending it. The seats are filled fast so try to go early and pick a spot. The setting is magical, with beautiful green spaces and high mountains!

Location: Mayakund
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: None
Best Time To Visit: October-March
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

5. Admire Bhootnath Temple

The mesmerizing architectural beauty of the Bhootnath temple.

Photo: VikramSingh Valera / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bhootnath Temple, located in Rishikesh, is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It lies on the route to the well-known Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Locals believe that the exact place where Lord Shiva stopped and performed penance before proceeding to Neelkanth to wed Goddess Parvati is here. The place is calm and pleasant with a breathtaking view of the nearby hills and river Ganges. The lack of many visitors in the temple enhances its peaceful surroundings and allows visitors to meditate. The Rishikesh Temple vistas attract visitors, who seek spirituality with gaiety in nature.

Location: Swarg Ashram
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: None
Best Time To Visit: October-March
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

6. Wander In Rishikesh Main Market

Shop at Rishikesh Main Market, exploring various activities around.

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Rishikesh’s main market is a vibrant and bustling area famous for its culture and street food. It is near the Triveni ghat, this market boasts of having hundreds of stalls of everything under the stars. It is an ideal place to get perfumes, footwear, accessories and many more. It is also the best hang-out place for foodies because of the delicious street food available in this market. There are temples and other attractions around the market and the sound of the joyful ringing of bells makes Triveni ghat the favorite place for pilgrims and tourists.

Location: Main Market, near Triveni Ghat
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

7. Visit Neer Garh Waterfall

The beautiful waterfall is a respite for tired trekkers on the way to Neer Garh Waterfall.

Photo: Noodle snacks / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Neer Garh Waterfall is an outstanding place to hang out with your pals. It is possible to do a beautiful trek to Neer Garh Waterfall in one one-day tour from Shivpuri to the people who are adventure lovers and trekkers. This is one of the places you should visit in Rishikesh. It would be a nice, enjoyable trip, away from the hectic life. This is to spend some time in nature and create memorable moments with your near ones.

Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: October-November
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

8. Pray At Kunjapuri Temple

A beautiful sunshine seen in the holy shrine of the Kunjapuri Temple.

Photo: Travel & Shit / Wikimedia Commons

The Kunjapuri Temple in Rishikesh has gained broad fame due to its sacredness and unique architectural beauty. It is devoted to Mother Kunjapuri. It is one of the most worshipped shrines in the Hindu religion for it is one of the thirteen shakti peeth in Uttarakhand. The temple is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views, thus, you can try the famous sunrise trek in this temple.

Location: Adali
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
Best Time To Visit: May-October
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

9. Explore Beatles Ashram

The beautifully decorated egg-shaped Beatles ashram.

Photo: Chris Dyer Peru / Wikimedia Commons

The Beatles visited this place in 1968 where they meditated and composed pieces of their music. It is one of the famous places where fans and admirers of the famous band Beatles flock in. This is to witness their place of meditation and the record-breaking music that was created as a result of their meditation in this ashram.

Location: Swarg Ashram
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: ₹150
Best Time To Visit: September-April
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Rishikesh is a gateway hub to the great Himalayas. This makes them even more conducive for activities like trekking, river rafting, and all those efforts to explore nature. There are views to be seen, adventures to be undertaken, and a serene landscape laced with the wonders of nature. With adventure sports galore, Rishikesh is a paradise for those who love to chase thrills. Book a trip to Rishikesh with TripXL which promises the best of the times.

Cover Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly, the Kumbh Mela is a religious event that takes place in Rishikesh after about 12 years, attracting a huge population of pilgrims. The next biggest Mahakumbh is expected in 2027, with Ardh Kumbh Melas scheduled every 6 years after that.
The trekking options are equally exciting with the popular trekking trails accessible from Rishikesh including the Neer Garh Waterfall trek, Kunjapuri Temple trek, and Rajaji National Park treks, which include stunning views of the Himalayas and the river valleys.
Of course, both places are well known for their effective Ayurvedic treatment. Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, established by Swami Ramdev provides Ayurvedic medicine and therapy. In Rishikesh, many Ayurvedic centers, including Ananda in the Himalayas and different ashrams incorporate Ayurvedic medicines and detox sessions, massages, and treatment for well-being.
Religious tours may also be enjoyed by the families by visiting some temples within the city, such as Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, and Parmarth Niketan. Ganga Aarti ceremonies can be enjoyed by all ages, enjoyment of river rafting, wildlife safari in Rajaji National Park, and nature trekking are a few of the exciting activities that can be undertaken by families.
Of course, Rishikesh is very apt if you're a beginner and wish to learn how to practice yoga. Most ashrams and other centers provide yoga classes for beginners, including Hatha Yoga and Pranayama techniques. Well-known places such as Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, and Rishikesh YogPeeth have ready-made packages for students of all categories.

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