Things To Do In Rishikesh

Rishikesh is the new hub of adventure sports in India. Along with its religious peculiarity, Rishikesh draws a good share of tourists for its adventure escapades. Rishikesh serves as a multi-purpose land for recreation. It is surrounded by the gushing water of the Ganges and lush greenery that soothes your mind and soul. It offers varied activities to get the much-needed adrenaline rushing through your body. And at the same time, it is known to have offered spiritual insights to many a traveller. Here is our list of top things to do while in Rishikesh.

Along the Ghats of Triveni, every evening after the sunset, Aarti is performed by the students of the Ashram. It is believed that taking a dip in the sacred water of the Ganges is meant to wash off all of our sins. This belief is what makes it extremely popular as a religious destination. The aarti is performed daily as a means of thanksgiving to the goddess Ganga by the locals as well as the tourists. Amidst the loud chanting and vibrant look of the Ghats during the aarti, people find true harmony. 

Rishikesh is also known as the World Yoga Center. That is enough to prove how important Yoga is here. While many people indulge in yoga sessions here, many even take up a complete month-long yoga training course. The sessions are available in many places including ashrams and specialized centers. Panchakarma is a therapy that is said work for the healing of our mind and soul. It is performed by professional doctors at all hours. 

The topmost recommended and rated adventure sport in Rishikesh is its famous white-water river rafting. The gushing water of the Ganges, sometimes heavy and sometimes mild, makes rafting here exciting. This is a group activity involving six people at once, boarding a raft. The safety is well taken care of. The raft is looked over by a professional guide. With the approval of the guide, one can also debark into the flowing water of the Ganges for the thrill. 

Rishikesh offers great experiences for trekkers. One can also indulge in waterfall trekking here. It essentially includes a normal trek but alongside a waterfall and following it to its origin. Here, guides are available for all ages. These treks take place in multiple places and range from easy to very difficult levels. Trekking is a great option for those who wish to enjoy the natural beauty of Rishikesh first hand instead of doing regular everyday things. 

Camping here is as cozy as it gets. There are two beautiful options on offer for campers - beach camping and forest camping. One must be careful while preparing for camping though. A good background check on the camping company is a must before heading for camping. It is advised to carry all the necessities along such as an extra pair of warm clothing, first aid, medications (if any), etc. 

Body surfing can be done for free in Rishikesh. Body surfing essentially includes staying afloat in the river. This is almost done at the end of a raft. You let your body loose and enjoy the cold water beneath you and the warm sun above you. 

Flying fox is involves three people at once. A harness is tied to them and the flying begins. This trio is left to free fall towards the earth from a height. It ends at the height of just 7m above the earth. The fall happens at a speed of 16km/h sending your adrenaline rushing. The minimum requirement for this activity is 12 years or above in age and a body weight ranging from 20 to 130 kg.

Bungee jumping is again a free-fall from the height of a mountain down towards earth. Bungee jumping is another popular adventure sport in Rishikesh. The minimum age requirement is above 12 years and body weight ranging from 35 to 110 kg. Bungee jumping can be done at Mohanchatti. 

One thing that counts as adventure sports and still does not have any pre-requisite is hot air ballooning. It is a simple set up where you get into the hot air balloon and enjoy the moment as you move above the ground and enjoy the view of the city in its entirety in the chilly breeze.

In the year 1968, the famous band 'The Beatles' visited Rishikesh to find their spirituality and they settled down in an ashram where they wrote many songs. Since then, this ashram has been reminiscent of them and their journey. The walls of this ashram are all covered with cool graffiti and add an enriching vibe to the place.