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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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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
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