BEST THINGS TO DO IN RISHIKESH, IN INDIA

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THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN RISHIKESH, IN INDIA

Rishikesh is the adventure capital of India. From white water rafting to Yoga there are so many things to do in Rishikesh that you will want to return again and again.


Whether you are visiting India for the first time or have already explored other regions of the country, Rishikesh offers you a great escape from the hustle and bustle of other Indian cities.


THE 12 BEST THINGS TO DO IN RISHIKESH


Located in the foothills of the Himilayas and positioned along the holy river the Ganges, this is a perfect place to try your hand at some adventure activities.


Or if you are looking for something a little more laid back, you can explore the beautiful holy sites or get a heavenly Ayurvedic Massage.

Whatever your pleasure this guide will explore all of the cool things to do in Rishikesh, India.

When is the best time to visit Rishikesh?

The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September and June. Especially if you want to do river rafting or trekking. The summer months are quite hot.


How many days should I stay in Rishikesh?

3 to 4 days should be enough in Rishikesh. If you want to delve deeper into the culture or do a Yoga retreat then 1 week or more is recommended.


What are the top things to do in Rishikesh?

The top things to do in Rishikesh are Whitewater Rafting, Yoga and trekking.


1. WHITEWATER RAFTING

If you are looking for some adventure on the water then river rafting in Rishikesh is something you have to do.

We have rafted in places like New Zealand, Ottawa, and Fiji and we can honestly say this is one adventure sport that allows you to witness the beauty of a destination while getting your adrenaline pumping at the same time.


Places like Marine Drive, Shivpuri, Brahmapuri, Phoolchatti, and Kaudiyala are all excellent places for adventure.


2. VISIT THE MANY HOLY PLACES

Experience the harmony of Rishikesh by visiting its Holy places.


Rishikesh is known as the Land of Gods


. The town is considered to be one of the divine places in India. Every year, hundreds of pilgrims visit the holy land to find solace.

It is also a popular retreat where many Ashrams offer bliss and ecstasy for a spiritual escape.


THE TOP TEMPLES AND ASHRAMS TO VISIT IN RISHIKESH

  • Rishi Kund
  • Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
  • Parmarth Niketan
  • Swarg Ashram
  • Geeta Bhawan
  • Shivananad Ashram
  • Lakshman Temple
  • Kunjapuri Devi Temple
  • Raghunath Temple

Visit these places to do meditation or witness the seraphic environment. You can also attend or participate in spiritual meets like Satsang or Kirtan.


3. GO TREKKING IN THE HIMALAYAS

You can't come to Rishikesh and not venture into the mountains for some hiking.

Depending on what your comfort level is you can hike to many of the hill stations around Rishikesh like Dehradun, Sattal, or Kanatal.


If you are looking for something a little more challenging then something like the Valley of Flowers Trek or the Kunjapuri Trek might be more up your alley.


There are also some amazing waterfall hikes that take you into some of the most beautiful scenes you will see in the area.

The Neer Garh Waterfall is probably the most popular as it is the easiest to access


4. WITNESS THE GANGA AARTI ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER GANGES

he Ganga Aarti is a ritual that takes place every evening on the banks of the Ganges river in Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Haridwar.

It is a beautiful thing to witness and photograph as the students from the Parmarth Niketan Ashram chant and set forth fire offerings into the river.


This is always at the top of my things to see in Rishikesh list.

Make sure to get there early to get a great seat as this is something you do not want to miss.


5. SINK INTO THE DIVINITY OF THE RIVER GANGES

The energy of the river Ganges is palpable and sacred. It is considered that a dip in the holy river Ganges can relieve a person from all their sins.


Triveni and Parmarth are the two famous Ghats in Rishikesh. Triveni Ghat is famous for the confluence of three holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna (Jamuna) and Saraswati.


6. YOGA AND AYURVEDA

Unwind With The Magic Of Yoga And Ayurveda in Rishikesh

Being the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is the hub for many renowned yoga schools and meditation centers.


Yoga is one of the greatest gifts to the globe and many aspiring yogis visit this divine land to seek authentic and traditional teaching of yoga by the yoga aficionados.


You can undergo a yoga retreat program or yoga teacher training for in-depth knowledge of yoga.

Also, you may want to experience the relaxing therapies and healing treatments of Ayurveda for the body and mind rejuvenation.


7. VISIT THE BEATLES ASHRAM

Back in 1968, The Beatles visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram for Transcendental meditation. It really put Rishikesh on the map.

Nowadays the Ashram is abandoned but it is still an interesting place to visit.


The lecture hall has been turned into an art project called the Beatles Cathedral complete with Beatles' lyrics and pictures.

It is worth seeking out especially if you have any interest in the band.


8. CHILL IN A CAFE AND TAKE IN THE VIEWS

Rishikesh has the power to add colors and beauty to every being’s life who visits it. The quaint scenic beauty of the town has is one of the reasons people come from all around the world to visit.