Discover Top 10 list of the best things to do in Rishikesh
The text describes Rishikesh as the “World Capital of Yoga” due to its many centers and courses attracting thousands annually. It is also favored by rafting and nature enthusiasts because of its clean section of the Ganges River and beautiful regional mountains.
Although it gained global fame after the Beatles lived in an ashram there and composed some of their best songs, today Rishikesh is a modern city with diverse offerings. The text introduces a “Top 25” list of the best things to do in Rishikesh.
List of Top 10 List of the best things to do in Rishikesh
Vasishta Gufa
Rishikesh is one of those cities of India that has an impressive energy to meditate and Vasishta Gufa can be the place most adequate to do it.
This cozy and small cave embedded in a stone, is found located at about 18 kilometers from Rishikesh and one has to arrive to it through some local that knows the exact place or utilizing.
On the main road and toward the side of the river Ganges there is an arch with writings in Hindi that connect a path of 5 minutes with an entrance full of flowers and images of gods.
Upon entering one has to take off shoes and the space does not receive more than 10 people. However, the peace, the silence and the energy of that cave is spectacular.
One of the things that the majority of foreign tourists do when they go to Rishikesh to rest and escape from the chaos of the big cities, is that of going to the beaches of white sand and rocks that are found on both sides of the river Ganges and to which one can access easily walking.
In the months of November, December, January and February the temperatures can be very low, August or September can be months too rainy, but from March until July the climate is perfect and warm to go to the beach and refresh oneself at the shore of the river.
Some people go to read books, meditate on the rocks in hours of the morning, play guitar and share with friends because definitely it is a very pleasant plan.
IMPORTANT: One has to have care because in the majority of the beaches it is prohibited to bathe and all the tourists pay no attention to this. Although the river has a slight current and is relatively calm, there are notices that warn the people about this and if one does not have ability to swim it is better not to risk oneself.
Yoga And Mediation
Both in India as in Rishikesh it is very common to find these spiritual centers called Ashrams; which turn around meditation, yoga and other disciplines based on the practice and on the devotion.
These places are open to all the world, without mattering their belief, social condition or race. And the people that visit them can participate of some activities together with the members that live in the community.
The students live together with their teachers, and try to learn to carry a tranquil and simple life, but also must help with the maintenance of the same Ashram, with the preparation of foods, to wash clothes or be available for any activity.
The teachers can receive any person and in exchange it is expected that each participant 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 are given tools so that each person finds the vitality and the knowledge of their own body, of their mind and of their heart.
Patna Waterfall and Garud Chatti
Rishikesh besides being a spiritual place in India, is a natural paradise. And not only for having the great river Ganges and its marvelous mountains, but also for the variety of waterfalls that it can arrive to offer.
One of them, is the enormous waterfall of Patna that is found located a few kilometers from the bridge of Laxman Jhula and to which one can arrive in any means of transport or even walking.
It is one of those unknown places of Rishikesh, but the most beautiful of this place are its stepped caves covered of mosses and plants, in where the water of the waterfalls is concentrated and creates some natural sceneries very refreshing.
Only one has to walk 10 minutes from the main road to enjoy this marvelous scenery and where also one can find shops to buy water, snacks and fruits. Near this place, also it is possible to find the waterfalls of Garud Chatti with small natural pools that neither are very touristic and can be an excellent option to refresh oneself.
Walk the bridges of Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula
Two of the most important attractions of Rishikesh are its marvelous and enormous hanging bridges of orange color that are suspended over the river Ganges. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, which are found separated by a couple of kilometers, but each one connects zones really important of the city and deserve to be visited.
It is permitted to cross both bridges both walking as in motorbike, but in some hours of the day it can arrive to be a complete odyssey.
It is normal to see hundreds of people or tourists stop themselves to take photographs or selfies, listen to the horns of the motorbikes that come at full speed, find a cow laying in the middle of the bridge and even see a monkey eating an ice cream that it just robbed from a child.
They are “hanging spaces” really interesting in which happen many things during the day, and even in the night when they give them life with a marvelous system of illumination.
IMPORTANT: Avoid entering to the bridges with food in the hands, due to that there is a great quantity of monkeys that frighten the tourists when they jump near them in order to take away or rob them what they have in the hand: ice creams, snacks, popcorn, among others.
Triveni Ghat
One of the most interesting and spectacular ceremonies that happen in Rishikesh takes place in Triveni Ghat and in front of the river Ganges. A daily event in which gather thousands of pilgrims, locals, and tourists to make offerings with petals, chants, and candelabra with fire.
This place is found in the central zone of Rishikesh and far from the touristic part, so it is recommended to take a shared tuk tuk (more economic option) because there are several kilometers to arrive until there.
In the event it is permitted to take photographs and record videos, but there is a central zone in which it is recommended not to stand up so that the spectators can enjoy the celebration. There are also sculptures, temples, and nearby zones to visit, but definitely it is worth it to finish the day dining in some local restaurant of the city.
Recommended Time: 1 Hour.
Schedule: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: Free.
Visit Markets and Do Shopping
This city has hundreds of shops and some markets in which practically it is possible to find everything, but mainly articles to practice yoga or meditate.
Mats, carpets or mats of all the colors and materials, bags in fabric, music to meditate, books and guides of yoga, comfortable clothing made of natural fibers, among others.
In addition, it is possible to buy souvenirs and traditional articles of India, jewelry and accessories, pieces of art, sculptures, essences, and teas.
There exist markets with fruits, street food, street vendors, and many options at different prices. Even it is possible to find travel agencies to make reservations of transport to any place of India or of the world, and to buy touristic packages to realize activities in the city.
Parmarth Niketan
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 daily things happen related to yoga, universal meditation classes, reiki, spirituality, readings are given, and there is also a celebration in front of the river Ganges called aarti. The same ritual that takes place at Triveni Ghat at sunset where offerings with petals and fire are made.
Rafting
Many people visit Rishikesh and go up to the mountains to do a several-hour boat trip on the Ganges River, which during some months of the year maintains a spectacular turquoise color.
Rafting is one of the activities that many family groups and friends prefer because it offers the opportunity to travel together for a full adventure. Depending on preferences, trips can be made covering 15, 25, or even 35 kilometers of the Ganges River.
Loyal Cave
Loyal Cave, also known as Kailas Cave, is located about 30 kilometers from Rishikesh. It is a wonderful and little-known cave formed by the erosion of water currents high up in the mountains. The cave is a natural cavity hidden beneath a white-colored religious temple, where a Baba (an Indian guru) lives and keeps it open for visitors.
Access to the cave is through a traditional door covered with white ceramic, after which visitors must descend some stone steps to reach the heart of the cave and explore all its chambers.
Inside, there is electric light to facilitate the visit, but visitors can also request a flashlight or use their mobile phone to explore this incredible place.
The rock formations and colors are spectacular both on the floor and the ceiling. Visitors can hear the dripping of water and some bats that live inside. The area is small but very safe, suitable for visiting alone or accompanied.
Neer Waterfalls
Neer Waterfalls are one of the biggest attractions in the area and another thing to do in Rishikesh; a completely natural area but visited by thousands of people throughout the year, especially in summer. It is possible to get there by walking, taking a tuc tuc, motorcycle, or car, which can be parked on the main road.
There are also shops to buy water or snacks before climbing to the waterfalls, as from the registration area to the water, one must walk between 10 and 15 minutes along natural trails.
At the waterfall area, there is a natural pool large enough to accommodate more than 100 people at the same time, which can be stressful for some visitors. However, for those who prefer tranquility, it is possible to carefully climb another small trail to the top of the waterfall to find a pleasant spot where one can jump into the water and rest on the stones.
Kunjapuri Temple
The sunrise from Kunjapuri Temple is a perfect spot to enjoy the view offered by the state of Uttarakhand. Even during winter, it is possible to see some snow-covered mountains from this place. The Kunjapuri Temple is located at about 1600 meters above sea level and is definitely one of the must-visit places in this area, located 25 kilometers from the city of Rishikesh.
It can be reached by private vehicle, shared taxis, motorcycles, or even by a hike or trekking lasting around 6 hours (round trip), with an early morning start recommended. It is the perfect place to meditate, practice yoga, and contemplate the landscape.
One of the most well-known activities is to climb up to see the sunrise or sunset. There is enough space at the top to sit and watch the sunrise, with small shops offering morning chai tea and then visiting the temple peacefully.
Beatles Ashram
The city of Rishikesh gained worldwide recognition when the musical group The Beatles decided to enter an ashram to learn meditation in 1968; a place where they composed some of their best songs for “The White Album.“ Years later, the place was abandoned and began to deteriorate, but in 2015 it was reopened to the public.
Today, it is a tourist spot where nature has reclaimed every space; the walls have changed color, but dozens of artists have brought the place to life with graffiti and murals. Tree roots penetrate through the windows of some buildings, yet the place remains fascinating and holds a special energy. Even the 84 stone-built bedrooms or huts, shaped like igloos, seem built by another civilization.
The Beatles Ashram can be reached on foot, and its exact location is about 1 km from the Ram Jhula bridge and 3 kilometers from the Laxman Jhula bridge, easily found through Google Maps.
Yoga and Meditation Courses
Rishikesh is known as the World Capital of Yoga and that is felt in the atmosphere from the moment one arrives in the city. Absolutely on every corner, hostels and walls one sees announcements that offer courses.
It is possible to take some basic courses of several days, other intermediate courses during weeks, or really stay several months to go deep into the world of yoga and get certified. It is very important to get informed about the techniques, the quantity of hours, the training centers and everything related with the courses, because some of them can offer complete packages with lodging and food during the time that each person needs.
And for those who already know about the subject and are certified as teachers, it is possible to find options of exchanges or volunteerings to teach yoga in hostels of the area, that can offer in exchange free lodging and food. Even if they are lucky some work opportunity.
- Recommended Time: 1 Day onwards.
Schedule: 24 Hours.
Price: Depending on the Course.
Vindhya Wasini Temple
Another place unknown by many tourists is the temple of Vindhya Wasini located at 30 kilometers from Rishikesh and one hour of way by car. Practically it remains inside Rajaji National Park and during some months of the year it is possible to find elephants on the way drinking water and eating plants at the edges of the river.
However, it is not recommendable to go in season of rains, because the last stretch to arrive at the temple one has to do it among small rivers and the access can get complicated.
It is a very simple place and does not have anything beyond what can be found in any other Hindu temple. Sculpture of gods, flowers, offerings, pilgrims and some guru that lives in the place, however the landscapes and the way to arrive until there can be a complete adventure.
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