Beatle stop. Yoga Central. Haven of white water and holy water. For almost forever, Rishikesh has been all things to every kind of untraveller. The world flocks here to master asanas and to seek out big answers. Raft along mighty rapids. Gather for treks in the Himalayas. And of course, top all this off with pancakes at one of the great eateries by the Lakshman Jhula. Bungee to enlightenment, there’s something for everyone in this storied temple town by the sacred Ganga. And it certainly helps that it is set amidst epic forested hills. We’ve handpicked the best of Rishikesh and condensed it into easily manageable activities and experiences just for you. From a laidback family break on the banks of the Ganga to riding its waves and rafting with friends; from the leap of faith on a bungee to the tour of ashrams for the faithful; pick, read, choose and untravel. Because wherever you’re headed, whatever you’re after, peace of mind probably has a lot to do with it.
Kunjapuri Trek
Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, the Kunjapuri temple is considered very auspicious locally and is at an altitude of 1650m. From the top you get to enjoy amazing panoramic views of the magnificent Himalayan range and the mystical Ganga. Trek through villages, local homes farms ending up at the Neer Gaddu waterfall where you can cool down under the icy clean showers!
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Situated on a hill at a height of 1330m and lying adjacent to the Nar-Narayan mountain range, this temple and its surroundings offer a gloriously aesthetic image. The devotion radiating from each pilgrim here to Lord Shiva is only met by the admiration for the incredible sights that are found in abundance here; a true tourism haven.
Rock Climbing
Grapple up rocky stretches under the supervision of an expert to enjoy the spikes of adrenaline as you climb ever higher showcasing your newly acquired rock climbing skills! Both the young and the young at heart find joy here in pushing their body and mind in a test of both skill and endurance.
White Water Rafting
The holy Ganges apart from being the living Mother Goddess of India, is also acclaimed to be a one-way ticket to zen. This legendary river though has another side to it that will make the adventurer in you shed tears of joy. Embark on a high octane rollercoaster through the adrenaline raising grade 3 rapids of this river as you power along in your raft braving the turbulent waters for the ride of a lifetime.
February to April is a good time for some rafting adventures and some frolicking in the streets of Rishikesh. The sun doesn’t beat down too hot and the evenings are a bit chilly.
May and June becomes too hot for comfort but the evenings are pleasant as always.
July and August sees heavy rainfall and quite a drop in visitors. On the up side the rains make the hills more luxuriant and if you’re the kind who prefers dripping weather and lonesome hikes, this time has your name all over it.
September and October are again perfect for the outdoors and the heat has subsided along with the rains
November to January gets chilly and the evenings see a good drop in the temperature.
Pack as light as possible given the amount of road travel involved here.
• Cotton clothing for summer and a light jacket would work for when evenings get cooler. If you’re un[travel]ling in winter, warmer clothes complete with warmer jackets. Carry your windcheater and umbrella if you’re here in the monsoons as well.
• Sturdy walking shoes, mandatory if you’re hiking, make sense given the amount of walking involved here.
• Sunscreen, especially if you’re going up to the higher reaches. Usual prescription medications.
• Mobile and tablet electronic chargers.
• Aloha on the Ganges
• Atali Ganga
• Glasshouse on the Ganges
• Rishikesh Valley
• Divine Ganga Cottage
Book trips for the rest of India here.
