Discover 25 things to do in Rishikesh, a wonderful and interesting city in India, which is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state and is practically on the doorstep of the Himalayas.
It is considered the Yoga Capital of the World because of the large number of centres and courses that attract thousands of people every year. It is also a favourite place for many rafting and nature enthusiasts, as it has a very clean part of the Ganges River and some of the most beautiful mountains in the region.
Undoubtedly this place became known worldwide after the Beatles came to live in an ashram and composed some of their best songs, but nowadays Rishikesh is a city that has it all. Here is a TOP 25 of the best things to do in this city.
1. Volunteering in Rishikesh with Worldpackers
One of the best options for volunteering in Rishikesh is Bunk Stay Backpackers Hostel. A relatively modern grey and yellow building in an excellent location on the eastern side of the Laxman Jhula Bridge.
It has different shared rooms, dormitories for women and double beds for couples. A café with delicious food (granola with fruit or pancakes in the morning, rice or chicken curry for lunch and pizza sandwhich for the evening). The place has a very pleasant atmosphere where local and foreign tourists share on a terrace with the best view of the whole city. And if you have any questions, both the host and the staff are always ready to help and give the best recommendations for alternative activities in the city.
This hostel can be the perfect opportunity for those who are travelling with time or with the intention of doing work exchanges and volunteering. The hostel owner needs support with social media, murals, photos and videos to help promote the hostel and in return can offer (depending on the job) completely free accommodation and food. It's just a matter of contacting him through Worldpackers or the hostel's website to talk and negotiate with him.
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2. Trayambakeshwar Temple
One of the most visited constructions by locals and tourists in Rishikesh is the Trayambakeshwar Temple. It is a 14-storey architectural work facing the river Ganges and contains hundreds of sculptures of Hindu gods.
Before entering the temple, leave your shoes or sandals at a place near the main gate. Afterwards, you will most likely be asked to sign a visitors' book and asked to make a donation, but that is up to each visitor as it is a place of worship and there is really no charge. The tour inside the temple is a spiral and to get to the top level, you have to walk all the floors from end to end ringing bells to call the gods and visiting some shops with religious objects.
Recommended time: 30 minutes.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: Free.
3. Rent a Motorbike
An excellent alternative for tourists staying for several weeks or months in Rishikesh is to rent a motorbike for transportation. It is possible to get large Royal Enfield motorbikes or small scooters which are obviously cheaper and easier to handle.
It is also possible to rent them by the hour to travel during the day from Rishikesh to somewhere far away from the city, as being able to have a motorbike to travel alone or to share with a partner will definitely give you a lot of independence to get around.
It is very important to rent a motorbike with travel insurance to cover the travellers for any accident or eventuality. And above all, having the necessary knowledge on how to ride a motorbike (no matter the model or size).
Recommended Time: Hours, days, weeks or months.
Schedule: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Price: ₹500 to ₹5000 Indian Rupees per Day - $7 to $70 Dollars per Day.
Discover my experience of 17 days volunteering in India, in the yoga capital of the world: Rishikesh.
4. Vashishtha Cave
Rishikesh is one of those cities in India that has an amazing energy to meditate and Vashishtha Gufa may be the most suitable place to do so.
This cosy little rock-encrusted cave is located about 18 kilometres from Rishikesh and can be reached by a local who knows the exact location or by using Google Maps. On the main road and to the side of the Ganges River there is an archway with Hindi writing that connects a 5-minute walk to an entrance lined with flowers and images of gods. When you enter, you have to take off your shoes and the space holds no more than 10 people. However, the peace, silence and energy of this cave is spectacular.
Recommended time: 15 minutes and upwards.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: Free.
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5. White sandy beaches and rocks
One of the things that most foreign tourists do when they go to Rishikesh to relax and escape from the chaos of the big cities, is to go to the white sandy beaches and rocks that are located on both sides of the Ganges River and are easily accessible on foot.
In the months of November, December, January and February temperatures can be very low, August or September can be too rainy, but from March to July the weather is perfect and warm enough to go to the beach and cool off by the river. Some people go to read books, meditate on the rocks in the morning hours, play guitar and share with friends because it is definitely a very pleasant plan.
IMPORTANT: Be careful because swimming is forbidden on most of the beaches and all tourists ignore this. Although the river has a slight current and is relatively calm, there are signs warning people about this and if you are not a skilled swimmer it is best not to risk it.
Recommended Time: 30 minutes and upwards.
Hours: 24 Hours.
Price: Free.
6. Visit an Ashram
In both India and Rishikesh it is very common to find these spiritual centres called Ashrams, which revolve around meditation, yoga and other disciplines based on practice and devotion.
These places are open to everyone, regardless of belief, social status or race. And visitors can participate in some activities together with members of the community. The students live together with their teachers, and try to learn to lead a quiet and simple life, but they also have to help in the maintenance of the Ashram itself, with the preparation of food, washing clothes or being available for any activity.
The teachers can receive anyone and in return each participant is expected to contribute their gifts and qualities to improve the Ashram, as well as a donation to cover expenses.
It is a school of life in which tools are given for each person to find vitality and awareness of their own body, mind and heart.
Recommended time: 15 minutes and up.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: Free of charge.
Find out more about my volunteering in India by taking photos and videos.
7. Patna Waterfall and Garud Chatti
Rishikesh is not only a spiritual place in India, but also a natural paradise. And not only for having the great river Ganges and its wonderful mountains, but also for the variety of waterfalls it has to offer.
One of them is the enormous Patna waterfall, which is located a few kilometres from the Laxman Jhula bridge and can be reached by any means of transport or even on foot. It is one of those unknown places in Rishikesh, but the most beautiful thing about this place is its tiered caves covered with mosses and plants, where the water of the waterfalls concentrates and creates some very refreshing natural sceneries.
You only have to walk 10 minutes from the main road to enjoy this wonderful scenery and where you can also find shops to buy water, snacks and fruits. Nearby, it is also possible to find the Garud Chatti waterfalls with small natural pools that are also not very touristy and can be an excellent option to cool off.
IMPORTANT: Keep our own rubbish.
Recommended Time: 1 Hour and upwards.
Opening hours: 24 Hours.
Price: Free.
8. Stairs in front of the Ganges River
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Rishikesh is to be in front of the Ganges, taking advantage of the fact that the place has dozens of paths and alleys leading to small spaces in front of and near the river. These places have steps, levels or platforms at different heights, alternating paths, nature and ideal environments to rest, read a book, meditate, share with friends, dive into the river and do anything else.
It is really easy to find these places if you look for them from the other side of the river, identifying small groups of people gathering and sharing on the banks of the Ganges.
IMPORTANT: Avoid having snacks, fruits or food in sight to avoid monkeys coming to steal them.
Recommended Time: 15 minutes and upwards.
Hours: 24 Hours.
Price: Free.
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9. Make an Offering
India has a particular essence, a gigantic faith and a devotion to the gods that is truly intact. And that is why in most holy places there are people selling colourful flowers, leaf plates and natural candles to make offerings of any kind.
Regardless of religion or beliefs, making an offering can be for anyone the perfect opportunity to ask or give thanks for something that the gods or life has given us. It is a way of releasing, healing any feelings and letting go of anything that is weighing us down in life and not allowing us to move on. To make an offering is to have a moment for ourselves, to share it with nature and to give it to the river.
Recommended time: 5 minutes.
Schedule: 24 Hours.
Price: ₹10 Indian Rupees - $15 US Cents.
10. Walk the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges.
Two of the most important attractions of Rishikesh are its marvellous huge orange suspension bridges suspended over the river Ganges. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, which are only a couple of kilometres apart, each connect important parts of the city and are worth a visit.
You are allowed to cross both bridges on foot or by motorbike, but at certain times of the day it can be quite an ordeal. It is normal to see hundreds of people or tourists stopping to take pictures or selfies, to hear the horns of motorbikes coming at full speed, to find a cow lying in the middle of the bridge and even to see a monkey eating an ice cream he just stole from a child.
They are really interesting "hanging spaces" where a lot of things happen during the day, and even at night when they are brought to life with a wonderful lighting system.
IMPORTANT: Avoid entering the bridges with food in your hands, because there are a lot of monkeys that scare tourists when they jump near them to take or steal whatever they have in their hands: ice cream, snacks, pop corn, among others.
Recommended Time: 15 minutes and up.
Hours: 24 Hours.
Price: Free.
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11. Triveni Ghat
One of the most interesting and spectacular ceremonies that take place in Rishikesh is at Triveni Ghat in front of the river Ganges. A daily event where thousands of pilgrims, locals and tourists gather to make offerings with petals, chants and burning candles.
This place is located in the central area of Rishikesh and away from the tourist area, so it is recommended to take a shared tuc tuc (cheaper option) because it is several kilometres to get there. Photography and video recording are allowed at the event, but there is a central area where it is recommended not to stand so that spectators can enjoy the celebration. There are also sculptures, temples and nearby areas to visit, but it's definitely worth closing the day with dinner at a local restaurant in the city.
Recommended Time: 1 Hour.
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Price: Free.
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12. Kayaking Course
All those interested in extreme sports and adventure have a great option here, as it is possible to take a 3-day basic kayaking course on the Ganges River.
They include the professional experience, transport in the area to get to the river, equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, shoes, paddle, and boat), introduction to the subject, warm-up exercises and practice on the water to learn how to master a single kayak or a double boat. You will also learn how to ask for assistance in case of any eventuality on the river, how to paddle in all directions, how to exit the water with turns and above all how to enjoy the experience.
Recommended time: 1 to 3 days.
Schedule: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Price: ₹3500 to ₹12500 Indian Rupees - $50 to $180 US Dollars.
13. Visiting Markets and Shopping
This city has hundreds of shops and some markets where you can find practically everything, but mainly items for yoga or meditation. Mats, mats of all colours and materials, cloth bags, meditation music, yoga books and guides, comfortable clothes made of natural fibres, among others.
You can also buy souvenirs and traditional Indian items, jewellery and accessories, art pieces, sculptures, essences and teas. There are fruit markets, street food, street vendors and many options at different prices. You can even find travel agencies to book transport to anywhere in India or the world, and buy tour packages for activities in the city.
IMPORTANT: Compare prices, negotiate and bargain.
Recommended Time: Free.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: Free.
14. Parmarth Niketam
Near the Ram Jhula Bridge is Parmarth Niketam, one of the most important places in Rishikesh, where a huge statue of Shiva invites thousands of people to enter. It is a temple, an ashram and a space where things happen every day related to yoga, universal meditation classes, reiki, spirituality, readings and also a celebration in front of the river Ganges, called aarti. The same ritual that takes place at Triveni Gat at sunset and where offerings are made with petals and fire.
Recommended time: 1 hour.
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Price: Free of charge.
15. Rafting
Many people visit Rishikesh and go to the top of the mountains to take a boat ride for several hours on the Ganges River, which during some months of the year is a spectacular turquoise colour. Rafting is one of the activities that many family groups and friends prefer for the opportunity to travel together for an adventure. And depending on your preferences, you can do 15, 25 or even 35 kilometres of rafting on the Ganges River.
Recommended Time: 2 hours and upwards.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: ₹1000 to ₹2500 Indian Rupees - $15 to $35 US Dollars.
16. Restaurants and Cafes
There are dozens of places to have a good coffee facing the river Ganges, quiet places to sit on cushions, relax and have breakfast. There are also very nice restaurants for dining with local or international cuisine, and even places where only organic food is served.
Rishikesh is food, but it is also art and music; it is evening entertainment and lots of fun for all visitors. Many of these restaurants offer live music, art exhibitions, cooking classes and more. And they are an excellent option to go alone, with friends or in good company.
Recommended time: 15 minutes and up.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: All prices.
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17. Kailas Cave or Loyal Cave
Located 30 kilometres from Rishikesh is Loyal Cave. This is another one of the things to do in Rishikesh. A wonderful and unknown cavern caused by the erosion of water streams high up in the mountains.
It is a natural cave hidden under a white religious temple and is home to a Baba (Indian guru) who keeps it open for visitors. The entrance is through a traditional door covered with white ceramic, but then you have to descend some stone steps to get to the heart of the cave and visit all its sections or chambers.
Inside there is electric lighting to make the visit easier, but you can ask for a torch or use your mobile phone to explore this marvellous place. The rock formations and colours are spectacular both on the floor and ceiling, it is possible to hear the dripping of the water or some of the bats that live in there and it is a small but really safe area to enter alone or with company.
Recommended time: 2 to 3 hours (transport and visit).
Schedule: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: Free.
18. Neer Waterfall
The Neer Waterfall is one of the biggest attractions in the area and another of the things to do in Rishikesh; a completely natural area but visited by thousands of people throughout the year and especially in summer.
It is possible to get there on foot, by tuc-tuc, motorbike or car, all of which can be parked on the main road. There are also shops where you can buy water or snacks before going up to the waterfalls, because from the registration area to the water you have to walk for 10 to 15 minutes on nature trails.
In the area of the waterfalls there is a (proper) natural pool big enough to gather more than 100 people at the same time, which can be stressful for some visitors.
However, for those who prefer a little more tranquillity, it is possible to climb carefully up another small path to the top of the cascade to find a pleasant space where you can jump into the water and rest on the stones.
IMPORTANT: Keep your own rubbish.
Recommended time: 30 minutes and upwards.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: ₹50 Indian Rupees - $70 US Cents (Foreigners).
19. Sunrise from Kunjapuri Temple
High up in the mountains is a perfect place to enjoy the view that the state of Uttarakhand has to offer. Even during winter, it is possible to see some snow-capped mountains from this place.
The Kunjapuri temple is located at an altitude of 1600 m.a.s.l. and is definitely one of the must visit places in this area and is located 25 km from the city of Rishikesh. It can be reached by car, shared taxis, motorbikes or even by trekking which takes about 6 hours (round trip) and is recommended to be done early in the morning.
It is the perfect place to meditate, practice yoga and contemplate the landscape, but without a doubt, one of the most popular plans is to go up to see the sunrise or sunset. At the top there is enough space to sit and watch the sunrise, there are small tents to have a chai tea in the morning and then visit the temple at leisure.
Recommended Time: 2 to 3 Hours (Transport and visit).
Opening hours: 24 Hours.
Price: Free of charge.
20. Street Eating
One of the must-try experiences in India is to try local street food. It sounds risky and it can be risky the first few days you visit India, but the body and the stomach get used to it and gradually acquire defences in some people.
And it is not to eat in the dirtiest, dirtiest and ugliest places or restaurants, but to try local food at very cheap prices and with excellent taste. One of the clearest signs to know if a place is suitable for eating is to identify which food stalls have tourists like us who can give us peace of mind to sit down and try something, and/or give us some advice.
Thali, momos, paranthas, snacks and other simple dishes are available at very low cost.
IMPORTANT: Absolutely everyone is different and reacts differently to food; especially here in India. Just recognise what everyone can eat and have basic medicines in case of any eventuality.
Recommended Time: 15 minutes and upwards.
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: Various.
21. Beatles Ashram
The city of Rishikesh gained worldwide recognition when the Beatles decided to go to an ashram to learn to meditate in 1968, a place where they composed some of their best songs in "The White Album". Years later, the place was abandoned and began to deteriorate, but in 2015 it was reopened to the public.
Nowadays it is a tourist place where nature has eaten every space; the walls have changed colour but dozens of artists have been in charge of giving life to this place with graffiti and murals.
The roots of the trees are coming through the windows of some of the buildings but the place is fascinating and maintains a special energy, even the 84 dormitories or barracks built in stone and shaped like igloos, seem to have been built by another civilisation.
It can be reached on foot and the exact location can be found via Google Maps, which is 1 km from the Ram Jhula bridge, or 3 km from the Laxman Jhula bridge.
IMPORTANT: The site is abandoned and some of the buildings may be weak and collapse.
Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours.
Schedule: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: ₹600 Indian Rupees - $8.5 US Dollars (Foreigners).
22. Yoga and Meditation Courses
Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World and you can feel it in the atmosphere from the moment you arrive in the city. On every street corner, in every hostel and on every wall you see advertisements offering courses.
It is possible to take some basic courses for several days, other intermediate courses for weeks, or actually stay for several months to enter the world of yoga and get certified. It is very important to find out about the techniques, the number of hours, the training centres and everything related to the courses, because some of them can offer complete packages with accommodation and food for as long as each person needs.
And for those who already know the subject and are certified as teachers, it is possible to find options of exchanges or volunteering to teach yoga in hostels in the area, which may offer free accommodation and food in exchange. If you are lucky, there may even be a job opportunity.
Recommended Time: 1 Day and upwards.
Schedule: 24 Hours.
Price: Depending on the course.
23. Vindhya Wasini Temple
Another place unknown to many tourists is the Vindhya Wasini Temple located 30 kilometres from Rishikesh and about an hour's drive away. It is practically inside the Rajaji National Park and during some months of the year it is possible to find elephants on the road drinking water and eating plants on the banks of the river. However, it is not advisable to go during the rainy season, because the last part of the journey to the temple is between small rivers and access can be difficult.
It is a very simple place and has nothing beyond what you would find in any other Hindu temple. Sculptures of gods, flowers, offerings, pilgrims and the occasional guru who lives there, but the scenery and the road to get there can be quite an adventure.
Recommended time: 2 to 3 hours (transport and visit).
Opening hours: 24 Hours.
Price: Free.
24. Secret Skatepark
Rishikesh hides a place called Pool Chatty Ashram where you can skate or skateboard. And it is not exactly a professional space with ramps; on the contrary, it is a completely abandoned place for the cremation of bodies in front of the river Ganges, but it is in perfect condition to practice extreme sports.
This construction is located about 5.5 kilometres from Laxman Jhula in a spectacular location between mountains. It has steps, edges of different sizes, walls, and even tubes for sliding and excellent spaces for skating in the evenings. No one visits this place, so it's an option for those who travel with their skateboard at hand.
Recommended Time: 15 minutes and up.
Hours: 24 Hours.
Price: Free.
25. Watch the Sunset
One of the best experiences in travel and in life will always be the sunsets or sunrises, but in Rishikesh there is a whole scene of illuminated temples and bridges that precede the mountains of the state of Uttarakhand, and then bid farewell to the sun.
There are several places from where you can see the sunsets, but it is advisable to cross the Ganges River and head east of the city to get a better view and enjoy the sunset.
Recommended time: 1 hour.
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Winter) & 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Summer).
Price: Free.
I hope this list of 25 things to do in Rishikesh will be useful for you to organise your next trip.