Visit to the paradise of adventure, Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is the only destination globally popular for adventure sports, pilgrimage, and yoga. Many international travelers and pilgrims frequent the place. It has also become a famous destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, attracting tourists from India. It is also a center for hiking, globetrotting, camping, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, and bungee jumping. It is said that Rishikesh is the gateway to the Himalayas. It is the world capital of yoga, the epicenter of meditation, and it is an excellent start to enter the Indian world without too much stress or culture shock. The old part of the city, divided by the sacred river the Ganges and its two imposing suspension bridges, draws a problematic picture to forget. Today I want to tell you what to do and what to see in Rishikesh so that you can make the most of your visit to the paradise of adventure, Rishikesh.

Where is Rishikesh?

Before telling you what to do in Rishikesh, we will locate it on the map. In the north of India, it is situated on the banks of the Ganga River. Rishikesh has located just 43 km from Dehradun in the center of yoga, meditation, and spirituality. Because of its location, it is considered one of the gateways to the Himalayas. Once you know where Rishikesh is, you can already discover what awaits you there. You will be surprised by the spirituality breathed in it and the nature surrounding it.

Best Tourist Places in Rishikesh

It is known as a pilgrimage city and is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus. In ancient times, sages and sages meditated, yoga, and prayed here. If you plan to visit Rishikesh, we will tell you about the places to visit in Rishikesh.

Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is a famous hanging bridge over the river Ganges, connecting Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in Pauri Garhwal district. Laxman Jhula is situated 5 kilometers to the northeast of Rishikesh city. The entire bridge is made of iron and is 450 feet long, and is situated at the height of 70 feet from the Ganges River.

Triveni Ghat

It is situated at the most famous three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The Ganga Aarti is a mystical tradition dating back thousands of years. Visiting Triveni Ghat will leave you with a sense of calm and make room for quiet introspection.

Rajaji National Park in Rishikesh

If you have the opportunity to visit this national park, do not miss it. Many animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, Tibetan bears, mountain goats, or endemic birds live in freedom and see the native flora. If you want to see the wildlife of Rishikesh, make sure to visit the Rajaji National Park. It is the best place to spot different animals and birds. You can also see many kinds of trees and plants that you won't find anywhere else. The park is home to many migratory birds that move in flocks. The reality is that seeing these animals depends, to a large extent, on luck ... so don't be disappointed if you go and end up seeing nothing because it can happen.

Many temples

This city is known as the Land of the Gods. The city is considered one of the religious places in India. Every year, hundreds of pilgrims visit this holy land to find solace. It is also a popular retreat for spiritual salvation, where many Ashrams offer bliss and ecstasy. Like almost all Indian cities, Rishikesh has several temples dedicated to its deities. The most imposing and important temple in the city is the "Shri Trayanbakshwar" -you don't need a map to find it; it has 13 floors and is orange so that you will see it quickly-.

Rishi Kund

It is a natural hot water pond considered a holy water body in the city. It is believed that after the blessings of the river Yamuna, a sage filled this pond with water. The local people also believe that Lord Rama took a bath in the pool during his exile and that the Ganges and Yamuna met each other at this place. Taking a bath in this pond is very relaxing; that is why tourists coming to Rishikesh take a bath in Rishi Kund.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

This temple is considered the Indian holiest place and one of the best religious places to visit in Rishikesh. The temple has a freshwater spring in which devotees take a bath and go to the temple to worship.
In addition to this immense temple, there are other smaller ones, but no less interesting for ones, such as

• Parmart Niketan
• Swarg Ashram
• Gita Bhavan
• Ashram Sivananad
• Lakshman temple
• Kunjapuri Devi
• Temple Raghunath Temple.

Visit these destinations to meditate or witness the seraphic environment. You can also participate in spiritual gatherings like Satsang or kirtan.

Vashistha Cave

Vashistha Cave is an ancient cave where Rishi Vashistha, the human son of Lord Brahma, meditated. According to legends, the sage was highly depressed after losing all his children and decided to commit suicide, but the river Ganges did not let him die. There is a Shivling in the cave, and the Purushottamand Society maintains it. To see this ancient cave, a large number of people gather here.

Rishikesh Central Market

There are several markets in Rishikesh, two are in the Tapovan area, and then there is the "central" one. To go to the central market, you will have to leave the Topavan area behind and go to the center, where the bus and train stations are. To be more exact, it is in the area near the Ghat Triveni, and it is where the local people go –so it is cheaper than those in Tapovan-.As with most cities in India, you cannot leave without checking out the market and shops. The narrow streets of Rishikesh offer everything from handicrafts to traditional clothing and are fun to walk in. So put on a negotiating hat, and barter like the locals do. It can be a ton of fun. It is a network of streets, each one with a specialty: clothes, vegetables, souvenirs, local products, spices, etc. They close on Thursdays.

The Beatles visited the Ashram.

As early as 1968, the Beatles visited the Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for Transcendental Meditation. This put Rishikesh on the map. The Ashram is currently abandoned, but it is still an exciting place to visit. The lecture hall was turned into an art project called "Beatles Cathedral" with texts and paintings by the Beatles. It's worth looking out for, especially if you are interested in the group.

The exciting things to do in this adventures city.

Rishikesh is the adventure capital of India. From rafting to yoga, there is so much to do in Rishikesh that you will want to come back again and again. Rishikesh offers you a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of other Indian cities. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and nestled along the sacred Ganges River, this is the perfect place to try some adventurous activities. Or, if you are looking for something more peaceful, you can explore beautiful holy places or get a heavenly Ayurvedic massage. Whatever your pleasure, this guide will cover all the exciting things to do in Rishikesh, India.

Taste Adventure with Rafting

If you like adventure and want to enjoy something different, you can enjoy rafting in Rishikesh. Some certified operators here provide reasonable security for rafting, and Rishikesh also has customized packages for camping and rafting. In the peak season, Rishikesh sees a lot of crowds for rafting. If you are an adventure junkie, this Rishikesh Tour Package is designed for you! Anytime is the best time for rafting except for monsoon.

Trekking in the Himalayas

Depending on your comfort level, you can hike to many hill stations around Rishikesh, such as Dehradun, Sattal, or Kanathal. Some fantastic waterfall hikes will take you through some of the most beautiful scenes you will see in the area.

Ganga Aarti

This Aarti is a ritual that takes place every evening on the banks of the Ganges River in Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Haridwar. It is beautiful to watch and photograph as the students from the Parmart Niketan Ashram sing and kindle donations into the river. It's always at the top of my things to see list in Rishikesh. Be sure to get there early to get a great spot, as this is something you don't want to miss.

Immerse yourself in the Ganges River

The energy of the Ganges River is tangible and sacred. It is said that bathing in the sacred river Ganges can save a person from all his sins. Triveni and Parmart are two famous ghats in Rishikesh. It is famous for the confluence of three sacred rivers - Ganga, Yamuna (Jamuna), and Saraswati.

Cross the bridges of the Ganges River

Any walk in the tourist area of ??Rishikesh is near the river. More specifically, in the area between the two famous bridges in the city: Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. Here are the yoga centers, meditation centers, hotels, restaurants, ghats and street food stalls, and any marketable merchandise.
In other words, the walks are always in this area, and it is necessary to cross the river on several occasions. This gives a great insight into this welcoming and spiritual city—an ideal place to get in touch with the most authentic India.

Yoga and Ayurveda in Rishikesh

You can relax with the magic of Yoga and Ayurveda in Rishikesh. As the capital of the yoga world, Rishikesh is the center of many famous yoga schools and meditation centers. It is one of the greatest gifts for the entire globe, and many aspiring yogis visit this holy land in search of authentic and traditional yoga training for yoga devotees. You can take a yoga retreat program or yoga teacher training for advanced knowledge of yoga. In addition, you can try relaxing and healing Ayurvedic treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind. This city is considered the world capital of yoga, so everyone who engages in this spiritual practice seriously goes here. Of course, you do not have to live directly in the Ashram. You can rent a room or a hotel room and just come to classes. Yoga centers do not charge for their lessons, but you can always make donations in a symbolic amount, fresh vegetables, fruits, or flowers.

Adventure Sports

Rishikesh does not disappoint because it is the considered adventure capital of India. There are so many adventure-filled activities here that you won't be able to complete them all in one trip. If you're a true adventurer, adventure activities like paragliding, cliff jumping, and bungee jumping will be on your list. If you are not so extreme, try your hand at rock climbing or mountain biking. This is a great way to add adventure to your Rishikesh vacation.

Camping & Bonfire in Rishikesh

Camping & Bonfire in Rishikesh Yet another thing to enjoy when the hustle and bustle of city life -lit mountain valleys and singing and breathing in the moist breeze of calm under the stars as the River Ganga flows by. Calmly by his side. The best time to camp in Rishikesh is between February to May and September to November.

Hiking to the waterfalls

If you like hiking, one of the most beautiful routes you can do from Rishikesh is to the Neer Garh waterfalls, located about 4 kilometers from the Laxman Jhula bridge; walking north along the main road until you come across the sign that indicates the detour to follow the trail. The waterfalls have two levels, and to access the highest one, you have to climb about 500 or 600 meters on a steep slope. Both on the way and at the base of the waterfalls, you will find some food stalls -very basic-. What if, in monsoon season, find out before going, because the area is usually flooded; and if you go in summer, take a big bottle of water. If you dare, you can take a dip in the pools of water.

Trekking to the source of the Ganges

Continuing with outdoor sports activities, one of the most demanded tours by lovers of adventure sports is the one that takes you up to 4,000 meters above sea level until you reach the Gaumukh Glacier, which is where the sacred Ganges River is born. It is not a path of roses. First, they take you in a jeep to the city of Gangotri, where the trekking permits are requested.

Enjoy bungee jumping in Rishikesh.

Enjoy Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh Bungee Jumping is a fun activity that involves jumping from a tall structure such as a vertical rail, a building, or a cliff while suspended from a rope or harness. It is a unique activity in India, introduced to Rishikesh a few years earlier. For those who enjoy an adrenaline-packed activity, this is one must be on your list of things to do in Rishikesh.

Hunt for urban art

One would not expect to find a lot of urban art in such a sacred and mystical city, yet Rishikesh never ceases to amaze. There is much graffiti on its walls, and one of the best-known is the one left by the German urban artist. This German left a lot of fantastic murals in different corners of the city... you can't find them all!

Shopping in Rishikesh

Many religious and Pooja-related items are available here at moderate rates. Rudraksha, Ganesha idols, Nataraja statues, religious books, and beautiful mythological sculptures are found. Winter clothes and beautifully weaves Kurtas and salwar kameez are a specialty of this region. Tourists will also love to shop for handcrafted items made from shells, pearls, and pearls which are other attractions in Rishikesh shops.

Rishikesh Cuisine

Rishikesh is a vegetarian city where people come to purify and restore their physical balance and spirituality. On its streets, you can always buy fresh fruits, vegetables, pastries, and nuts, and in the cafe, you will always be offered delicious dishes of both southern and northern Indian cuisines. But, do not be upset, there are restaurants here that prepare ordinary European dishes, especially for tourists.
Many locals like to spend their time sitting in a cafe with a cup of fragrant masala or Ayurvedic tea because alcohol is prohibited in this sacred place. The world's yoga capital is a place where you can cleanse your mind and your body. Rishikesh is a vegetarian city where tourists will not find alcohol, meat, eggs, or fish. Rishikesh offers guests the most delicious and healthy - rice, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and masala tea.

Weather in Rishikesh. When to go?

You can come here all year round. The only thing is that it is pretty cool here in December and January, especially in the evening and at night. During the day, the temperature rises only to 15-20 degrees. The rainy season start from July to August.

How to get to Rishikesh?

Arriving from Delhi by plane, you land 15 km from Rishikesh at Dehradun Airport. If you decide to get from Delhi by car, the road will take about 6 hours. You can also get to Rishikesh by rail. The train departs from Haridwar; the journey takes one hour. Haridwar itself can also be reached by fast train from Delhi. It is also easy to get from Rishikesh to Delhi - dozens of travel agencies around the city sell tickets for direct private buses that go to the Delhi bus station.

Bottom line

It is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destination. This is a kind of magnet that attracts seekers of spirituality from India and other countries. There are several shrines, baths, and ashrams. Rishikesh ashrams are not only centers for teaching yoga, meditation, and Indian classical music but also an excellent accommodation option for those planning an extended stay in Rishikesh. So, get ready yourself for a Visit to the paradise of adventure, Rishikesh.