Rishikesh is also called an adventure hub and if you are a person who loves exploring places and experiencing thrill then this destination is just perfect for you. Rishikesh which is also known as the gateway to Garhwal mountain is famous for some of the adventure activities such as bungee jumping river rafting cracking ziplining paragliding etc.

On the other hand, if you are looking for some relaxing time and some activities to pamper yourself then also you can attend yoga classes in some of the famous Ashram of Rishikesh ok and also enjoy the Ayurvedic therapy. Rishikesh is on everyone's bucket list as you can have a fun time and can enjoy thrilling activities at the same time. Some of the prominent activities to do in Rishikesh are as followed below.

1.  Attend Ganga Aarti

Ganga aarti is an offering made by devotees to Goddess Ganga such as Small Diya, candles, and flowers that floats over the river. The importance of aarti is to show gratitude and humanity to the divine power. This offering is made to the Ganga river which is also referred to as Ma or Mother as it is considered the holiest river of India.

Ganga aarti is held twice a day once in the morning and the other one in the evening time. The morning aarti starts at the time of sunrise and the evening aarti is done according to the time of sunset.

Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is such a place in Rishikesh where you can attain peace and calm in the environment. Ganga Aarti at this Ghat is the most peaceful experience that will come to your senses and fill your soul with positivity.

This Ganga aarti is performed to offer respect and devotion to River Ganga full stop this Ganga aarti is attended by hundreds and thousands of tourists every evening at Triveni Ghat. After the sunset, this place lights with the earthen lamps that float on the surface of the river.

This spiritual Aarti at Triveni Ghat is one of the most coming experiences that one needs to have while their visit to Rishikesh.

Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

Parmarth Niketan which is located on the bank of river Ganga in Rishikesh is spiritual heaven and is one of the largest Ashram of Rishikesh. This ashram welcomes thousands of pilgrims from all around the world who come here to calm their souls in the pure and sacred atmosphere of this ashram. One of the most famous activities of this ashram is the Ganga Aarti. During the Ganga aarti in the evening, there are almost thousands of devotees that are attending this spiritual act.

2. Camping

Camping is an activity that is widely enjoyed in the Shivpuri region of Uttarakhand. In this activity, one stays away overnight in a nonpermanent shelter such as recreational vehicles, tents, bamboo houses, etc. when a tourist or a person leaves the usually developed area and opt for staying in outdoor natural surroundings.

Camping can be differentiated on the basis of its location like riverside camping, uphill camping, backyard camping, desert camping, etc. camping remains incomplete till the time you don’t get to enjoy the bonfire, with some music, delicious snacks, and some haunted or hilarious experience of your friends. In Rishikesh, you can also access swimming pools and can even enjoy the rain dance system while camping.

3. River Rafting in Rishikesh

River rafting is also named white water rafting. This particular thrilling sport comes in different levels of extremity. It is done on the river Ganga in sacred Rishikesh. Some popular River Rafting points in holy Rishikesh are- Brahampuri, Shivpuri which are situated almost 18kms from Rishikesh, Marine Drive, Byasi- is situated on NH58 towards Devprayag on Badrinath Highway. It is at a distance of around 35kms from Rishikesh, and Kaudiyala.

There are various rafting grades that range from I to V where you can face notorious rapids. Tourists who are seasonal enthusiasts can choose to check their skills in the Holy water of river Ganga. You can enjoy rating at its best from the month of October till the month of June. Monsoon months are not advisable for rafting as the level of water increases and become more dangerous.

4. Bungee Jumping 

Bungee Jumping is where one needs to jump from a slope situated at a high elevation. The experience of that free fall and afterward a ricochet back in free air is the most spine-freezing feeling.

You will be under the direction of a completely prepared proficient who will guarantee your wellbeing during Bungee Jumping. Enjoy this spine-freezing experience with the view of valleys and holy Ganga flowing down in Rishikesh.

After performing this thrilling activity you will be getting the DARE TO JUMP Certificate as a memento of your jump and to celebrate your achievement. This experience action pulls in nearby and National vacationers as well as universal visitors. Any individual who is over the age of 12 years can have the experience of this exciting free fall.

5. Biking

If you are an environment lover then you can enjoy cycling or biking at Rishikesh. One of the best activities through which you can explore the hilly town of Rishikesh is Mountain biking. This is also a thrilling experience due to the varying topography and the steepness of the path.

Surely this activity requires a lot of stamina and if you think you are having that much stamina then you should go for this activity. While exploring Rishikesh on the bike you will go through various river trails and forest that will make your experience more fabulous one.

This activity can be enjoyed from the month of March till May and again from the month of October till December as the difficulty level of this activity is medium so even beginners can enjoy it.

6. Attend Yoga Classes

Yoga signifies the union of one’s consciousness with the supreme consciousness. The ultimate point is reached in yogic practice when one feels liberated which is one attains a state of nirvana or Mukti.

Yoga is a science in which hatha yoga and asanas prepare an individual’s body to sustain higher levels of energy and then next in the process comes control of breath, the mind, and the inner self. People have been so eagerly joining yoga classes to rejuvenate.

The world yoga capital- Rishikesh is a town on the banks of river Ganga and offers some major centers for Yoga. The centers in Rishikesh teach the styles of yoga that are based on what the ancient sage Patanjali has propounded centuries before.

There are a large number of reputed yoga schools, ashrams, yoga training institutes, and yoga teacher training centers that cater to one’s specific options. Only choose the best when in Rishikesh that abounds add to the religious ambiance that radiates calmness which makes Rishikesh the most authentic yoga capital of the world.

7. Trek to Neelkanth

Nelkanth Mahadev temple is located at a distance of 12 km away from Rishikesh on foot, but by road, it is at a distance of 38 km. this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to legends after Samudra Manthan when poison was found it was given to Lord Shiva and after having it Lord shiva’s throat turned blue and this is how its name turned out to be Neelkanth Mahadev.

If you are an adventure enthusiast then you can also opt for trekking to Neelkanth Mahadev temple. This temple is visited by devotees throughout the year but during the month of Shravan, the place becomes crowded by tourists and devotees.

8. Jungle Safari in Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National park is located in between Haridwar and Rishikesh. It covers an area of over 822 sq km in the foothills of the Shivalik range. Rajaji National park was established by the amalgamation of three wildlife sanctuaries named Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla range in the year 1983.

Both flora and fauna are preserved in this national park. It offers various safari like Jeep safari, canter safari, and elephant safari. It is one of the good places to be visited by nature and wildlife lovers.

9. Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the most adventurous water activities and is mostly like canoeing. In this activity, you need to involve paddling across the water on a Kayak. While kayaking you need to sit in the front and then paddle your Kayak.

The kayaking activity is one of the most thrilling activities to be enjoyed in Rishikesh due to various Rapid that makes this activity fun and bumpy. While Kayaking on the holy water of Ganga you will go through several rough patches and streams that will force the water when your Kayak is going downward.

The best time to enjoy this adventure activity in Rishikesh is during the summer and spring season as at this point of time the weather remains pleasant and the force of water also remains quote. Enjoying this activity in Rishikesh may charge you approximately from 600 rupees to 2000 rupees.

10. Flying Fox

Flying Fox is where you will be tied with two others safely on the rope in a pair that will move you from the earliest starting point stage to a certain distance and again taken back with help of a reverse mechanism. You can also perform this activity solo by paying some extra charges otherwise you will be three-person who will perform it together.

The maximum weight allowed for this is 130kg and children below 12 years are not allowed to perform this activity. It is a to some degree energizing experience activity where your body will follow a particular way recognizable all around and you will welcome the pleasant greatness of that spot from the most elevated point.

11. Ayurvedic Massage And Therapies

There are various adventure activities to do in Rishikesh and after that, if you're looking for some relaxation then there is nothing better than the Ayurvedic massage centers in Rishikesh. This is one of the best things which you can do in the evening and can make your body free from any kind of pain and tiredness.

These Ayurvedic massages will help you get rid of tension, pressure, and tremendous workload. You can also enjoy this massage to get you fatigued out or just to pamper yourself. The massage session will be really a rejuvenating one that refreshes and heals the body as well as the soul.

In this massage center, you are treated with various Ayurvedic oils, herbal products that are filled with fragrance and this therapy will also let you loosen up and release your tense muscles. The proximate price range of this massage therapy ranges between 750 rupees to 3000 rupees.

12. Visit Local Markets for Shopping

Rishikesh is having various local markets and shopping plazas from where one can get handicraft items, clothing, spices, and souvenirs. Some of the famous markets of Rishikesh are mentioned below:

Lakshman Jhula market

In this market, you will get pooja essentials and religious items, idols of Indian Gods, oils, and authentic rudrakshas, you can get them all in Rishikesh. There are many local stores and shops that are selling jewelry and unique wood items and handicrafts.

Ram Jhula market

This market is a unique place to shop in Rishikesh. It is one of the crowdest markets in Rishikesh where you can find all products from clothes to jewelry and local spices. This is a famous market among locals and tourists.

Rishikesh main market

This market is located near Jhanda chowk. This is one of the top marketing places in Rishikesh. Here you can buy clothes, spices, perfumes and a lot more. The best time to visit this market is in the morning and evening time.

Gole market

It is a normal market for locals to shop for clothes and accessories. Here you can buy traditional Indian clothes and during the month of October, you cal also get a large variety of winter wear in this market.

Music for Soul

This is a music store in Rishikesh having CDs and DVDs of spiritual and trance music, you can also get Chalisa’s and prayers from Bhagwat Geeta. This shop is located near Swarg Ashram.

Adventure Axis

This is a new shop that is opened in recent times where one can get trekking, rafting, and hiking gear, all the products necessary for adventure tourism in Rishikesh.

Shyampur Haat Bazar

This is a local market in Rishikesh for daily life products like fruits, vegetables, and local spices. This is an all-time crowded market. The best time to visit this market is on Mosay, Wednesday and Friday.