Rishikesh, also known as Hrishikesh, is a city in the Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, situated on the bank of the Ganga River. It is a pilgrimage town for Hindu and is considered to be the alcohol free city and hosts the International Yoga Festival annually.
The city is known as the world capital of yoga and meditation, also famous for adrenaline adventure, outdoor activities, and religious beliefs. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Northern India, where most people come to find peace, and some are here for adventure.
In this article, we’ve discussed the things to do in Rishikesh in detail; let’s explore.
Quick Answer: Top things to do in Rishikesh include Laxman Jhula, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Shri Bharat Mandir, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, River Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Cliff Jumping, Kayaking, Giant Swing, Trekking, Rajaji National Park Safari, Yoga & Meditation, Mountain Biking, and The Sitting Elephant.
Rishikesh is one of the most spiritual places that is a blend of spirituality, calmness, thrill, and adventure. It offers river rafting, yoga retreats, scenic temples, forest trails, and riverside stays. If you’re a nature lover who also likes some adventure, then visiting Rishikesh is a must-do road trip in India.
Let’s explore things to do in Rishikesh in detail, which will help with your Rishikesh trip plan.
Laxman Jhula is a famous and older bridge on the River Ganga, built during the time of the East India Company. The bridge connects two villages named Tapovan and Jonk, stretching 450 feet across the river and 70 feet in height.
This bridge is one of the well-known landmarks in Rishikesh, and it is believed that Lord Lakshmana crossed the River on jute ropes where the bridge is built.
Note: Laxman Jhula was closed on 12 July, 2019 due to safety concerns for the public, but a new glass-floor bridge called Bajrang Setu has been built right next to it.
Ganga Aarti is also called Maha Aarti, a very famous and grand evening aarti at Triveni Ghat. It is one of the most popular and well-attended rituals of the town, which is performed by chanting bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva.
The devotees release floating leaf boats with oil lamps or diyas in them; the entire river is filled with these burning flames, and the beauty of yellow flames twinkles in the dark water.
| Evening Aarti Timings in Summer (April-September) | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti Timings in Winter (October-March) | 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Morning Aarti Timings | 5:45 AM to 6:30 AM |
Kunjapuri Devi is one of the most popular temples in Rishikesh, dedicated to Goddess Durga, and is positioned at a height of 1676 meters on the Himalayan peak to the north. It is the most visited place not only as a religious site but also for its scenic views of the Himalayan peak.
If you’re a nature lover and love to go trekking also, then this place is for you; there is a trek from a village to the temple through the green forests.
| Location | Opposite Uttar Dakshin Restaurant, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192 |
| Temple Timings | 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Aarti Timings |
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| Entry Charges | Free Entry |
Shri Bharat Mandir, also known as the Hrishikesh Narayan Temple, is a famous and ancient Vishnu temple in Rishikesh, and the idol of Lord Vishu is carved out of a single piece of Shaligram. It was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 9th century and is known for its architecture and peaceful nature.
| Location | 9, Ghat Rd, Mayakund, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201 |
| Temple Timings | 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM, then again 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Aarti Timings |
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Neelkanth Mahadev is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shivji, surrounded by dense forests, and is famous for its Dravidian architectural style and peaceful surroundings.
It is said that Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison to save the gods and demons, and his throat turned blue; that’s how he got the name Neelkanth. Devotees visit throughout the year, especially during Sawan and Mahashivratri.
| Location | 38JR+C7F, Kotdwar – Pauri Rd, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand 249304 |
| Temple Timings | 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Aarti Timings |
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River rafting is the most popular adventurous activity in Rishikesh that operates seasonally, generally from September to June. The adventure spot closes from July to August due to the peak monsoon season and high water levels.
This outdoor activity is a must-try experience for adventure lovers, taking you through the Ganga River and offering a blend of thrills, scenic mountain views, and adventure.
There are some popular rafting routes:
Rishikesh is the well-known spot for bungee jumping in India, where you can jump from an 83-meter-high or more platform above the river valley. It is one of the most thrilling activities in Rishikesh, offering a combination of excitement, fear, and adrenaline. The jumper falls from the tower; the cord stretches and safely slows down before pulling the person back upward.
| Prices | Starts from ₹3800-4500 |
| Requirements |
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Cliff jumping is another exciting, adventurous activity in Rishikesh that involves jumping from a natural rock into a deep body of water. It typically ranges from 25 to 30 feet, depending on the water level and current.
The well-known cliff jumping site is located in the lower part of the Brahmapuri stretch, just 2 km before Laxman Jhula. You can also enjoy cliff jumping while you go for river rafting.
| Prices | Starts from ₹500-1200 |
| Best Time to Visit | February to May |
Kayaking is a water activity that lets you paddle through the water of the Ganga River and offers you the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayan surroundings.
It blends adventure, fun, and a little physical challenge that makes it an adventurous activity on a flowing river.
| Prices | Starts from ₹400-4500 |
| Best Time to Visit | October to June |
The giant swing is one of the adrenaline activities to do in Rishikesh that gives you a thrilling experience as you swing high above the ground; it free-falls from the heights with a thrill and scenic view of the Himalayan mountains. It ranges from 55 meters to 83 meters, depending on the operator.
| Prices | Starts from ₹1000-3700 |
| Weight Requirements | 40-120 kg |
Rishikesh is well known for adventure, travel, and spiritual retreats, and trekking is one of them. It offers mountain views, a spiritual atmosphere, waterfalls, and water trekking. Some of the popular treks in the town are Kunjapuri Temple Trek, Valley of Flowers, Kuari Pass Trek, Nag Tibba, Dodital to Yamunotri, etc.
| Trekking Packages | Starts from ₹1500-5000 per person |
| Trekking Includes |
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Rajaji National Park, located near Rishikesh, is known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. In 1983, three sanctuaries in Uttarakhand, Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla, were amalgamated into a large protected area and named Rajaji National Park.
The park is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers and a home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, gorals, and a wide variety of birds.
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| Jeep Charges | Starts from ₹3000-3500 |
Rishikesh, also known as the yoga capital of the world, offers a peaceful environment and surroundings for yoga and meditation that create a deep connection with spirituality.
Practicing yoga and spending your quiet time near the Ganga River is very relaxing and can calm your mind and body. Travellers can also join yoga classes, meditation sessions, or wellness retreats in serene surroundings.
Mountain biking offers you the opportunity to explore the mountains through rugged backroads, forest trails, and landscapes.
There are routes available from easy to challenging rides. You may discover villages, natural landscapes, lesser-known spots, and busy tourist areas during the ride.
Some famous mountain biking trails are Shivpuri to Kaudiyala, Rishikesh to Neel Kanth, Rishikesh to Chilla Gate of Rajaji National Park, Rishikesh to Narendra Nagar Road, and many more.
There are many famous eateries in Rishikesh; some of them are The Sitting Elephant, Sky Deck restaurant, Bistro Nirvana, The Food Loft, and Anna’s Mess. Here’s everything in detail.
The Sitting Elephant is a theme-based rooftop restaurant on the bank of the Ganga River in Rishikesh. It offers a Ganga view and scenic nature and provides a peaceful environment. They serve North Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisines and are also popular for their local Garhwali specialties.
| Location | Hotel EllBee Ganga View, 355, Haridwar Rd, Palika Nagar, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201 |
| Timings | 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM, then again 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM |
| Prices | ₹400-1600 per person |
| Special Dishes |
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Sky Deck Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant in Tapovan, famous for its rooftop, open-air views, live air music evenings, and surrounding hills and mountains. They offer North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental, and fast food options.
| Location | 19, Dehradun Rd, Adarsh Gram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201 |
| Timings | 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Prices | ₹400-800 per person |
| Special Dishes |
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Bistro Nirvana is a popular cafe and restaurant in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh that is known for its comfortable seating and calm, relaxed environment. It serves Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine, making it a good option for travellers, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
| Location | Swami Omkarananda Saraswati Rd, Near Green Valley Cottage, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192 |
| Timings | 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM |
| Prices | ₹200-600 per person |
| Special Dishes |
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The Food Loft is a dining restaurant in the IDPL Colony in Rishikesh, offering indoor and comfortable seating and a good option for families, friends, and travellers. It serves North Indian, Chinese, Asian, and Continental cuisine, mouth-watering mocktails, and shakes.
| Location | Shop No. 9A, 4th floor, Complex AIIMS Road, near SBI Bank, near Seema Dental, Aam Bag, IDPL, Col. Veer Bhadra, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249203 |
| Timings | 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM |
| Prices | ₹200-1200 per person |
| Special Dishes |
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Anna’s Mess is a popular South Indian restaurant in Tapovan, Rishikesh, known for its homestyle flavours. It has a peaceful atmosphere, with outdoor and indoor seating, and is also a good option for breakfast and casual meals. They offer South Indian cuisine, including dosa, idli, vada, uttapam, and filter coffee.
| Location | Next to Hashtag Hostel, Lower Balaknath Mandir Road, NH 58, Badrinath Marg, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192 |
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| Prices | ₹200-400 per person |
| Special Dishes |
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The best places to stay in Rishikesh include Zostel Rishikesh, Nirvana Riverside Resort, Sanskriti Vedic Retreat, Rishikesh Valley Resort, and Ganga Kinare-A Riverside Boutique Resort. Here’s everything in detail.
Zostel Rishikesh is a famous hotel in Tapovan, Rishikesh, offering a relaxed stay for families and travellers. It provides mountain views and easy access to popular attractions like Laxman Jhula and so on. They offer free wifi, hot water, a common lounge, a house cafe, and indoor games.
| Location | Plot No.1, near Post Office, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249302 |
| Prices | Starts from ₹1500 per night |
Nirvana Resort is a comfortable riverside stay in Tapovan, Rishikesh, located near Laxman Jhula. It offers a peaceful atmosphere that is close to the Ganga River. They provide various amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, balconies, free wifi, and room service.
| Location | Nirvana River Resort, Near Jumpin Heights, Mohanchatti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249304 |
| Prices | Starts from ₹1000 per night |
Sanskriti Vedic Retreat is a peaceful riverside retreat in Rishikesh, located near Ram Jhula and the Ganga River. The retreat combines comfortable housing with wellness experiences such as yoga, meditation, and spa treatments. They provide clean, spacious, air-conditioned rooms; a private balcony; free wifi; and much more.
| Location | Ram Jhula, near Shivanand Hospital, Ganga Vatika, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192 |
| Prices | Starts from ₹3800 per night |
Rishikesh Valley Resort is an eco-friendly retreat surrounded by Himalayan forests and offers a nature-focused stay away from the busy parts of Rishikesh.
The resort features wooden cottages with private bathrooms and verandas; you can enjoy yoga and meditation, spa therapies, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
| Location | Kunja Puri, Village Dhaul Soot, Tapovan, Trek Road, next to Secret Waterfall Road, Rishikesh, Sakalana, Uttarakhand 249192 |
| Prices | Starting from ₹4000 per night |
Ganga Kinare is a 5-star riverside resort located on the bank of the Ganga River in Rishikesh. The resort offers scenic views of the river, the mountains, and Rajaji National Park; it also creates a peaceful environment and setting for a relaxing stay.
They offer yoga and meditation, an Ayurvedic spa, spiritual walks, river rafting, and a private Ganga ghat that also hosts Ganga Aarti.
| Location | Barrage Road, 237, Virbhadra Rd, near AIIMS, Sturida Colony, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201 |
| Prices | Starts from ₹12,800 per night |
Rishikesh Itinerary becomes easier when you know a few useful things, so here are some tips you may consider while visiting:
Rishikesh is a place that can be suitable for every kind of traveller, that combines spirituality, adventure, and thrill in one place. You can consider several things to do in rishikesh from exploring the Ganga River and rituals and practicing yoga & meditation, to enjoying mountain biking, trekking, and other adrenaline activities.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous trip, the town has everything to offer. Hope this article helps you to explore new things and what to do in Rishikesh.
A two-day trip to Rishikesh is the perfect amount of time to experience its unique blend of spiritual serenity and high-adrenaline adventure. Base your stay in the vibrant Tapovan or Lakshman Jhula area to easily transition between cafes, ashrams, and the river.
Avoid visiting Rishikesh during the monsoon season from July to September, when heavy rains bring high risks of floods, landslides, and dangerous river currents that shut down rafting.
Rishikesh is famous for spiritual souvenirs, brass items, and boho clothing.
Rishikesh is most famous for aloo puri, a traditional breakfast of deep-fried bread served with spiced potato curry.
Wear loose, modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, such as cotton kurtas, palazzos, and breathable layers, to respect local traditions and stay comfortable.
A typical 3-day, 2-night trip to Rishikesh costs between ₹4,000 and ₹15,000 per person, heavily depending on your travel style and choice of adventure sports. Because Rishikesh is a holy city where meat and alcohol are prohibited, food expenses remain remarkably affordable.
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