Adventurers know Rishikesh as the land of river rafting as it is one of the most popular destinations for this activity anywhere in India. So if you are planning a trip to Rishikesh, make sure not to skip this adrenaline-pumping adventure of rafting through the blustery waters of River Ganga.
The sweeping views of the Himalayan foothills and River Ganga that you get to witness during the flight make the experience all the more enjoyable. Making you glide across the rope at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, this zip line is believed to be one of the best in the country. Set yourself free by taking a giant leap over the Ganges, feeling wind gushing past you as you rush towards the end of the rope.
When you are in Rishikesh, there can be no adventure more fascinating than hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas and camping on the bank of River Ganga. A perfect combination of thrilling and rejuvenating experiences, camping and hiking in Rishikesh is a matchless treat for anyone seeking a holistic healing over the weekend. River Ganga is the major attraction in Rishikesh, and camping on the white sand by its blue water stream is surely going to have a soothing effect on your senses.
A highly popular tourist attraction in Rishikesh, Bungee Jumping is recommended for every adventure freak visiting the town. With a height of 83 metres, this makes for the highest bungee jumping platform in India. Stand on a platform built on a rocky cliff, soak up the majestic scenery of lush green forests and River Hall, muster the courage, and jump as your heart starts to thump loudly.
Rishikesh is not only about religious beliefs, ghats or temples; within this ancient city, you can also witness some of the architectural marvels and structures as well! One such structure, the Lakshman Jhula, which is also one of the not to be missed places to visit in Rishikesh, is a suspension bridge that connects Tehri and Pauri districts of Uttarakhand.
Another architectural marvel in the yoga capital of India, Ram Jhula is an important landmark of the city and is also one of the sought after Rishikesh tourist places. Located only 3km from the heart of the city, this 450ft suspension bridge connects the banks of the Ganges with Shivananda and Swarga ashrams at both of its end.
One of the not to be missed places to visit near Rishikesh, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is around 32km from the city limits and is located at a height of 1,330m above the sea level in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Among all the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds a major prominence among the devotees. Tucked between the pictorial valleys of Manikot, Brahmakot and Vishnukot.
Experience Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh, a captivating ceremony performed every evening at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. As the sun sets, priests offer prayers and light candles to the sacred Ganges River. People gather by the river to watch a spiritual event, feeling peaceful as they listen to beautiful chants that inspire reverence and devotion.
Rishikesh is like a two faced coin, on one side it comprises of the activities like Camping in the foothills of Himalayas, thrilling river rafting in Ganges, Trekking and on the other side it is the most loved holy place, amongst it there is Bharat Mandir, located in the centre of the city, this sacred temple is believed to be one of the oldest religious sites in the entire country and one of the sought after tourist places in Rishikesh.
The Raghunath Temple in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, located near the picturesque Triveni Ghat. Constructed in traditional Indian architectural style, it houses idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshman.
Virbhadra Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Virbhadra Town near Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It is a 1,300-year-old temple, where Virbhadra, an avatar of Lord Shiva is worshiped. Night long jagran and special poojas are held on the occasion of Shivratri & Sawaan.
An ancient Shiva temple located in Pashan that is believed to be nine centuries old. The Someshwar Temple, located in Baner, is believed to be 901 years old. Legend has it that Jijamata, the mother of Shivaji Maharaj, used to visit this temple during her stay in Pune at the Lal Mahal in the 17th century.
Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges, Triveni Ghat is among the most magnetic places to visit in Rishikesh. The confluence point of three of the most sacred rivers in Hindu mythology: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi, this ghat is considered as the most pious among all the other ghats within the vicinity.