Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is a stunning alpine city that draws the footfall of Indian & international tourists. And this is all because this place has so much serenity in its atmosphere, making it a perfect weekend getaway to escape city stress. With so many activities to do in Rishikesh, you can have a great time losing yourself in its peaceful ambience. It does not matter whether you visit this place with your family or as a lone traveller. Every moment you spend in this spiritual city will turn into reminiscing memories.
If you want to experience a spiritual sojourn in this divine city, then besides experiencing peace, you can also indulge in a lot of activities that will make your journey more exciting & thrilling. The city holds a significant significance in being a starting point of the Char Dham yatra, which makes this pilgrimage town a famous tourist destination among the people of India. Owing to its popularity, couples now even go for the destination wedding in Rishikesh amidst scenic backdrops. So, if you are ready to explore this little slice of heaven in Uttarakhand with its adventure sports, consider this brief travel guide on Rishikesh.
Listing the popular adventure activities to do in Rishikesh
If you have decided to visit Rishikesh on your weekend holiday, ensure that your journey is not limited to the divine sites. Below are some of the best things to do in Rishikesh. Check out what they are:
- River rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Parasailing
- Kayaking
- Camping
- The Flying Fox
- Trekking
- Cliff jumping
Offbeat things to explore in Rishikesh
Apart from seeking exciting adventure activities, you must not miss out the offbeat attractions in this divine city of Uttarakhand, which are:
- Garud Chatti Waterfall
- Jhilmil Gufa
- Rishikund hot water springs
- Astha Path
- Forest Checkpost
- Goa Beach, Shivpuri
- Kaudiyala Village
- Smart Village Ouni
Top tourist attractions in Rishikesh
Besides being a major pilgrimage destination, Rishikesh is called the ‘Yoga Capital of India’. It is an ideal retreat for peace seekers, adventure enthusiasts & fitness lovers. If you wish to make a divine visit, the places to visit in Rishikesh are as follows:
- Triveni Ghat
- Ram Jhula
- Laxman Jhula
- Karnaprayag
- Tera Manzil Temple
- The Beatles Ashram
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Vashishta Gufa
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple
- Bharat Mandir
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram
- Neer Garh Waterfall
- Sivananda Ashram
- Bhootnath Temple
- Swami Dayananda Ashram
- Osho Ganga Dham Ashram
- Phool Chatti
Top local delicacies to taste in Rishikesh
Refrain from confining Rishikesh merely for its spirituality, yoga, & adventure activities. The city also holds importance in its local street foods that must be added in your Rishikesh itinerary list. The restaurants here welcome foodies to try during their stay. So, let us list the top must-try delicacies to savour in this spiritual town.
- Thukpa
- Chur Chur Naan
- Aloo Ke Gutke
- Kumaoni Raita
- Thichwani
- Bal Mithai
- Kafuli
- Bhang Ki Chutney
- Phaanu
- Chainsoo
- Dubuk
- Falafel
Best time to visit Rishikesh
After getting a synopsis of the attractions in Rishikesh, you would like to know when to visit this divine city. To understand this, let us bifurcate it into 3 categories so that you get a clear idea of the climatic conditions. Let’s begin with:
- Summer (March to May)
If you plan to visit Rishikesh in the summer, you should prefer to see it from March to May. The weather during these months is very humid & sweltering, with temperatures going up to 39°C. If you choose to tour this city during this season, then mind you, it can be very tiring for you. Those who are vulnerable to cold can opt to visit Rishikesh in summer.
- Monsoon (June to September)
Monsoon does come as a significant relief from sweltering summer heat & sticky humidity, but there are chances of floods & landslides due to continuous downpours from June to September. If you want to visit Rishikesh at a time when it is not much thronged with tourist crowds, then you can see during this season & witness the magical ambience created by raindrops & mist. The temperature during this time rises from 24°C to 35°C.
- Winter (October to February)
Winter is ideal for you, as you won’t have to bother about a sticky, humid climate in summer or the risk of landslides in monsoon. All it needs is to be equipped with your woollens to beat the cold. The temperature during this time ranges from 8°C to 34°C. With its pristine atmosphere, you can breathe fresh air while travelling to the places in Rishikesh. To keep yourself warm, you can indulge in lengthy walks, & sipping a hot cup of tea.
How to Reach Rishikesh by Road, Train And Air
You can follow different routes to reach Rishikesh at your convenience. Let us start from:
- By train: The nearest railway station to Rishikesh is Haridwar Railway Station which is 25 km from Rishikesh. This is the best route, as Haridwar is well-connected with major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, & many more. Even though Rishikesh has its railway junction, only 3 regular trains are plying the way. Hence, we suggest you go through Haridwar Railway Station for a hassle-free journey.
- By air: Since Rishikesh has no airport, you have to board a flight from Jolly Grant Airport or Dehradun Airport. The distance from the airport to Rishikesh is just 35 km. After exiting from the airport, you can take a taxi or local buses that will take you to Rishikesh.
- By road: You can also opt for the roadway route, as many buses fly from Delhi to Rishikesh. Better check out the timings of the buses for morning & evening, as they regularly depart from Kashmiri Gate ISBT. You can travel in regular, deluxe, or luxury buses, depending on your budget. It will take around 6 to 7 hours to reach Rishikesh from Delhi.
Book your best stay for memorable moments in Rishikesh
To experience all the popular attractions, booking your stay at one of the best hotels & resorts in Rishikesh is better. With so many options, you need not indulge in long hours of browsing activity when you can choose jüSTa Rasa Retreat & Spa. It is one of the best luxury resorts in Rishikesh you can bank on for its ultimate facilities, ranging from well-decorated rooms acquainted with modern amenities to the swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi, steam, & sauna as other miscellaneous add-ons.
Such is the aura of this divine city in Uttarakhand that many couples even wish to take the marital vows by searching the best destination wedding venues in Rishikesh. The resort has all the facilities to make your event a grand affair, with its banquet hall covering a 1500 sq. ft area with spacious seating arrangements for its guests. It also has a lawn area spread at 3200 sq. ft. From personalised decor to flawless catering service, the resort will leave no stone unturned in winning your trust & expectation in letting your wedding occasion become a memorable event.
After you tire of your day touring, you need something to quench your hunger. The resort has an in-house all-day dining restaurant named Under The Banyan Tree to fulfil that. It is one of the top restaurants in Rishikesh where you can savour flavoursome dishes, snacks, & even beverages (both hot & cold). The restaurant, with its excellent contemporary-style infrastructure, is spacious in terms of sitting both indoors & outdoors. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the mouth-watering creations of the experienced chefs here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rishikesh Travel Guide
Q. What are the top attractions to explore in Rishikesh?
A. Rishikesh has many tourist attractions, including Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, The Beatles Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Phool Chatti, & many more.
Q. What are the adventure activities to do in Rishikesh?
A. There are several adventure activities you can do in Rishikesh. These include river rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, camping, cliff jumping, parasailing, trekking, & the flying fox.
Q. Which is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
A. You can visit Rishikesh in any season. It depends on your convenience, whether summer, monsoon, or winter.
Q. What is the best time to do river rafting in Rishikesh?
A. The best time to choose for river rafting in Rishikesh is from October to May. This will relieve you from the sweltering summer heat, as the weather during this time is very pleasant, with the possibility of experiencing good tides. Avoid doing it in the monsoon from (June to September).
Q. What are the different levels of river rafting in Rishikesh?
A. There are 4 different levels of river rafting in Rishikesh. It starts from Basic (9 km), Standard (16 km), Moderate (26 km), & Advanced (36 km). Customise your rafting trip at your convenience.
Q. Is it safe to do river rafting for someone with no prior experience?
A. Yes, you can do river rafting even without experience. There is nothing to bother about as you will be provided a lifejacket with support from a professional.
Q. Can children & elderly people do rafting? Is it safe for them?
A. Anyone who is above the age of 10 can participate in river rafting. But to avoid the risk of someone slipping off from the raft, it is suggested to refer to the basic stretch. Elders who have a past history of heart ailment must avoid it.
Q. What is the height of Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh?
A. Bungee jumping is one of the popular adventure sports in Rishikesh, at a height of 83 m. It is known to be the highest bungee jumping in India. The activity takes place in Mohanchatti or Jumpin Heights.
