Adventure Sports in Rishikesh: Tips and Best Places for Activities in Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the mystical wonder of Devbhoomi aka Uttarakhand. Apart from being a ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, this pilgrimage town is also known for its adventure sports and activities, which are must-have things to do in Rishikesh list. A thrill-seeker’s paradise nestled in northern India at the foothills of the Himalayas. Rishikesh is famous for white water rafting, bungee jumping, camping, paragliding, and all the other popular adventure activities in Rishikesh that you must experience without missing out on any fun! It is everything an adventurous soul craves! It may feel like you have been teleported to a frolic heaven when you get to experience river rafting in the Ganga River. Explore the wholesome adrenaline-packed adventures in the lap of the Himalayas, this ethereal town is filled with pristine beauty, soul-soothing ashrams, tranquil ghats, and numerous places to visit in Rishikesh for people of all generations. We can promise that your smile isn’t ever going to fade away once you set foot in Rishikesh.
Here are a few adventure activities in Rishikesh for you to enjoy every moment to the fullest with your squad.
In this Blog
Unleash the Thrill of River Rafting & White Water Rafting in Rishikesh
If you don’t want your adventure trip to Rishikesh to feel incomplete, you must experience the thrill of white water rafting and river rafting in Rishikesh. The difference between river rafting and white water rafting is just the pace: river rafting is a much more tranquil experience, where you can explore the river slowly and soak in the beauty of abundant flora and fauna of nature. Meanwhile, the white water rafting experience can be challenging and exhilarating because of the fast-moving rapids. These are the two best adventure activities in Rishikesh which you do not want to miss. Traverse the rapids of the Ganges River and raft down the 18 km stretch from Kaudiyala to Shivpuri, and the 16 km stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh for an electrifying experience. The best time to visit Rishikesh for river rafting is from late September to mid-November or early March to late April. The weather is ideal, and the water levels are just right. However, winters are the best time to have the chilly-thrilly experience when the holy Ganges River is the cleanest. White water rafting in its true sense is done in the winter season. Plan your Rishikesh trip in January 2025 or February for an unforgettable adventure!
One of the Must Things to Do in Rishikesh is Bungee Jumping
For all the adrenaline junkies, bungee jumping is one of the must-try adventure activities in Rishikesh that you need to experience along with all the other things to do in Rishikesh. Feel the adrenaline rush when you jump from Mohanchatti, at a height of 83 meters! By the exhilarating free-falling, witness the beauty of the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas, and the amazing view of the Ganges River. Bungee jumping in Rishikesh’s price may vary in different places, you can find the cheapest but with the best experience in the various tour packages of Rishikesh. This nerve-racking adventure is entirely supervised by trained experts from Australia and Queenstown, New Zealand, and even ex-Army officers help you with safety and thrilling experiences. Being one of the top adventure sports in Rishikesh, make sure to add bungee jumping at Jumpin Heights to your itinerary and take that plunge.
Be the Flying Fox & Do Ziplining Across Ganga in Rishikesh
Do you want to experience what the mammal Flying Fox really sees on a daily basis? Fly at 140 Kmph on Asia’s Longest Flying Fox on the outskirts of Rishikesh in Mohanchatti. Flying Fox is one of the best adventure sports in Rishikesh that you must try if your adventurous soul needs the ultimate thrill. This stunning zipline, where you glide in a prone position, offers a panoramic view of lush green forests, majestic mountains, and the heavenly Ganga river in Rishikesh. With the bird’s eye view, you also feel the comforting wind in your face as you fly mid-air with your imaginary wings. Whereas, Zipline in Rishikesh is an equally adventure-fuelled experience, as you glide in a seated position 200 ft above the white water rapids of the Ganga. Jumpin Heights is a place where you can get most of the adventure activities in Rishikesh seamlessly and with proper safety. As an adrenaline junkie, your adventure trip in India becomes truly worth it when you combine Flying Fox, Zipline, and Giant Swing for the heart-pounding experience and best view in Rishikesh.
Go for an Adrenaline-Packed Trekking in Rishikesh
Rishikesh in winter is renowned for its famous treks and has the best temperature in January and February compared to Delhi temperature. It is a dream spot for hiking and trekking as there are hundreds of short day hikes and overnight treks to snowy hills. Many Rishikesh tour packages include trekking as a part of adventure activities to do in your Uttarakhand trip plan. Hiking through the hills and watching the sunrise and sunset points is the ultimate goal of any adventure seekers and Rishikesh makes sure you get the perfect view from the top. While witnessing the beauty of emerald forests, cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, and snowy mountains, you’ll feel worth every ounce of your precious energy through trekking. It’s easily one of the popular adventure sports in Rishikesh offering epic trekking tour packages like Nagtibba Trek, Dayara Bugyal Trek, Kunjapuri Trek, Kuari Pass, and many other short hikes to quench your adventurous cravings.
Achieve Rock Climbing & Glide Down Rappelling in Rishikesh
For adventure enthusiasts, the rugged cliffs and natural rock formations around areas like Shivpuri, Brahmapuri, and Byasi offer the perfect playground for climbers to test their strength and ability and breathtaking views of the Ganges River and Himalayan landscapes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, rock climbing in Rishikesh is done with trained professionals who will guide you through the rock climbing experience with safety. Whereas, Rappelling in Rishikesh is an adventure like no other. This exciting activity involves using ropes and safety equipment to lower yourself down rock faces or cliffs. Popular tourist destinations like Kaudiyala and Neer Garh Waterfall—the distance from Rishikesh is just 11 km offer stunning locations for rappelling, where adrenaline junkies can enjoy both the thrill of the descent and the serenity of the natural surroundings. Descending a rock face while surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of rushing water is an unforgettable experience to enjoy the raw beauty of nature.
Get the Best Experience in Rishikesh with More Adventure Sports To Do
This spiritual town offers countless iconic adventure activities in Rishikesh as there’s an array of adventure sports waiting to be explored. Here is a list of a few more activities for your adventure tourism.
Fall in Love with Kayaking in Rishikesh
Paddle your way through the fast rapids of the Ganga. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, and skill and ideal for water sports enthusiasts. This epic adventure can be done near Shivpuri and Brahmpuri. There are kayaking courses in Rishikesh you can get for a better and safer experience with thrilling rapids.
Get a Heart-Racing thrill from Mountain Biking in Rishikesh
Explore the rugged trails of the Himalayan foothills on two wheels. The picturesque views and challenging paths make it one of the most rewarding adventure activities in Rishikesh. You can go mountain biking around the trails of Shivpuri, Neelkanth, and the Rajaji National Park area.
Must Try Paintball Activity in Rishikesh
Indulge in a fun-filled battle with your friends amidst emerald meadows and forests. It’s a great way to spend time with your family and friends, engaging in teamwork and some splash of colour. Also, experience zorbing in Rishikesh, these activities are available in all the adventure camps near Shivpuri and Tapovan.
Witness the Beauty of Nature through Paragliding Near Rishikesh
Soar high through the skies and get mesmerised by the aerial views of Rishikesh’s lush green forest, holy river, and majestic mountains. Paragliding can be done near the hilltops on the outskirts of Rishikesh. It’s one of the perfect adventure activities in Rishikesh whoever craves airborne thrilling experiences.
Do Stargazing and Camping in Rishikesh
Ever wondered what a riverside camping in Rishikesh looks like? Spend the night under a blanket of stars by the holy Ganges River. It’s a serene experience but in an adventurous way, you can connect with nature and unwind. To create unforgettable memories with your loved ones, look for Rishikesh camping packages for the best experiences under the starry sky near Shivpuri and Kaudiyala.
Take the Plunge and Experience Cliff-jumping in Rishikesh
Leap off from the cliffs into the pristine waters of the Ganga near Shivpuri and experience an exhilarating burst of adrenaline. This is one of the adventure activities in Rishikesh that all thrill-seekers must try at least once in their lifetime.
Things to do in Rishikesh for Spiritual & Adventure Seekers
Each adventure activity in Rishikesh provides its own unique charm, ensuring there’s something for every kind of adventurer! But if you’re an adrenaline junkie with spirituality in your heart and thinking about going on a thrilling expedition instead of experiencing adventure sports in Rishikesh, here are the few things to do in Rishikesh where you can experience a bit of both in your adventure journey.
The Magical Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
Visit the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. The glorious chants, glowing diyas, and the golden ambience make this one of the most soul-stirring experiences in Rishikesh. You’ll feel grateful to be born to witness the beautiful floating diyas on the holy water Ganges. It’s one of the most loved sightseeing spots in Rishikesh and it’s for those seeking a spiritual yet exhilarating connection with the universe.
Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula – The Iconic Jhulas
If you’re looking for one of the unique attractions to visit in Rishikesh, you must see the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, the iconic suspension bridges that connect serene beauty with spirituality. These architectural marvels are lit up in the color of sunset which also lead you to some of the nearest tourist places in Rishikesh. Ram Jhula is surrounded by pristine temples and little shops selling bohemian and religious articles. Meanwhile, Laxman Jhula is flocked with modern cafés and hostels for backpackers and globetrotters.
The Beatles Ashram and the Other Yoga Centres
Rishikesh is home to renowned yoga centres as it’s the birthplace of Yoga. Officially known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, one of the tranquil places to visit in Rishikesh which gained international fame when The Beatles stayed in the late 1960s—embellished with graffiti and murals of their spiritual journey that echoes their legacy. Similarly, there are other yoga ashrams offering free yoga classes or with some fees where you can visit like Parmath Niketan Ashram, Sivananda Ashram, Phool Chatti Ashram, Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, and many more to soak in the calming vibes.
Chill Cafe Hopping in Rishikesh
Believe it or not, Rishikesh is a hub for modern cafés offering delicious delicacies in reasonable prices and scenic Ganga River views. If you’re a solo traveller or with your squad, there are the best cafés in Rishikesh providing a serene ambience to chill and relax like Freedom Cafe, The Beatles Cafe, Little Buddha Cafe, and many other Restaurants in Rishikesh you can opt for some memorable moments with your travel buddies. Also don’t forget to go to nearby shops for famous things to buy in Rishikesh like spiritual souvenirs, and handmade garments, to take a piece of Rishikesh home with you.
If you are looking for underrated and secluded locations to visit and explore the raw nature of this ethereal town you can also traverse through some of the offbeat places to visit in Rishikesh.
Serene Accommodations in Rishikesh
Rishikesh offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveller’s needs. If you’re seeking a luxurious and customised experience instead of standard hotels in Rishikesh, StayVista Villas stands out as some of the best homestays in Rishikesh. To get an authentic experience in the heart of this soulful town, elevate your stay by choosing one of these private homestays.
Vista Divine
Mango Trails
Ganga’s Jewel
Located amidst lush greenery and gorgeous landscapes, these villas in Rishikesh blend comfort with modern architecture, serving as an opulent retreat for friends, families, and solo travellers. From your spacious rooms, you can spot the panoramic views of the Ganga with luxuriant mountains. Whether you’re surfing for peace or a lively getaway, StayVista’s impeccable hospitality ensures a memorable stay with solace.
