• Take a holy dip in the Ganges, with reputed healing powers.

• Check into an Ashram to study yoga, meditation and Hindu philosophy.

• Watch a beautiful evening Ganga Arti at Parmarth Niketan

• White Water Rafting Rishikesh is very popular for its rafting on the River Ganga (Ganges). Season: September-November and March-April-May are ideal for rafting. The rafting will go on for several kilometres, and the path is interspersed with rapids, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, in order of difficulty. At the end of the trip, you have the option of jumping some 20 feet from a ledge into the water. There are several local travel agencies, offering these rafting trips. The package usually includes an overnight camp on the banks of the river, with a brilliant and dangerous trek among the hills in the morning. If one has time, courses in rafting are also offered.

• Rappelling Climbing down with a rope is called rappelling. The group is taken to a spot where there is a cliff drop, experts with proper equipment who setup the gear first and then, one by one, everyone comes down. It's all about trusting your gear and following the instructions and then it's a lot of fun.

• Rock climbing This is something everyone is fimiliar with, this is also included in some of the camps but not everyone can do it as it requires a lot of strength and skill. The group is take to a cliff side and with proper safety gear everyone is given a chance to climb the cliff side.

• Cliff Jumping You are supposed to jump into freezing water from a cliff! Yes, it sounds crazy but this is one thing which everyone can brag about back home, of course you are wearing a life jacket and a helmet but still to jump from so high into the Ganga which is murky and the bottom can't be seen, it's not like jumping into a swimming pool where one can see the bottom the water is static.

• Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking is differentiated from canoeing by the fact that a kayak has a closed cockpit and a canoe has an open cockpit. They also use a two bladed paddle. Another major difference is in the way the paddler sits in the boat. Kayakers sit in a seat on the bottom of the boat with their legs extended out in front of them. Canoeists will either sit on an elevated bench seat or kneel directly on the bottom of the boat. Whitewater kayaking is the sport of paddling a kayak on a moving body of water, typically a whitewater river. Whitewater kayaking can range from simple, carefree gently moving water, to demanding, dangerous whitewater.

• Trekking There are a lot of soft treks in this region, this is an optional thing as some people love to walk in nature and do a bit of bird watching and some prefer to be at the camp and relax and they are already tired with the activities they have done.

• Mukeshji's Jungle Vibes, Shisham Jhari,Rishikesh. Have a once in a life time experience of making the Australian Didgeridoos, african Djmbes and other musical instruments in the guidance of iconic Mukeshji while he enthralls you with his hilarious stories and takes you along with him in his Himalayan Journies. A person visiting here finds himself/herself in a selected crowd of music aficionados and extreme adventures from around the world.  edit

• Yoga, of course! It's on offer everywhere, and most styles are represented.
  • Sudhir Gupta, ☎ +91 9927067684 (kmltattvaa@gmail.com). The only international standard yoga training centre in Rishikesh  edit
  • Brahamyoga centre, Swargashram Near Ram Jhula Bridge, [1]. Hatha Yoga, Kundalini and Tantra Yoga Center  edit
  • Yogi Prakash Dabhekar, Ved Niekthan Asrham, Ram Jhula (Rishikesh). Yoga Iyengar Courses, Ved Niekthan Ashram (Ram Jhula, Rishikesh), ☎ 9890404069. Yoga Iyengar General class and 15 days intensive Master One courses in Ved Niekthan Asrham (Ram Jhula, Rishikesh), by Yoga Iyengar Certified Teacher Yogi Prakash Dabhekar (mobile 9890404069, pax_dabhekar@yahoo.in). Yogi Prakash Dabhekar joined the world famous B.K.S Iyengar Institute in Pune and trained under the watchful eye of Mr Prashant Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar. Yogi Prakash has trained more than hundreds. Participants have learned principles of anatomy, physiology on point of yoga asana and sequencing of asanas. ** Soma Reiki centre, (Near the Swargashram Taxi stand), ☎ 0091 98 97 73 26 79 (somareikicentre@gmail.com). run by soma a local reiki master which is in Gita Ashram  edit  edit
• Rishikesh Yog Peeth (Yoga), Swargashram, Ram Jhula, ☎ +919968071071, [2]. 300. Yoga Alliance certified RYS 200. Offers 6 weeks yoga teachers training course (RYT 200 + additional 100 hrs) for US$ 950 including food and accommodation. Also offers short term yoga courses (1~4 weeks) throughout the year. US$ 950.  edit

• River Rafting In Rishikesh. [[[www.riverraftinginrishikesh.com]]]Ganga Valley Adventure office Adventure water sport in rishikesh,Looking to enjoy a river rafting expedition in Rishikesh. Whether you are travelling alone or with your family and kids, Rishikesh offers an opprtunity for everyone. A total of 13 exciting river rapids. * Lakshman Jhula * Gita Bhavan. Place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, (the great thinker of his time) Popular among the Hindu Bhramin Community. Twice a year people gather at this ashram to read the Ramayana together.  edit  edit
• Swarg Ashram, Shri 108 Baba Sali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji. Swargashram ( Heavenly Adobe) as the name connotes is a beautiful place situated in picturesqe surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxmanjhula . It is the spiritual “ground zero” of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthly and satwik living environment. It is this spot where from ages of yore the famous Yogis and Rishis have been doing the Tapasya. Numerous mention of this spot occurs in the holy scripture Puranas  edit
• Parmarth Niketan. One of the few Ashrams left in India where Kids get the Vedas Education. Must Visit in Evening for the Pooja/Aarti. 5PM in Winter and 6PM in summer.  edit
• Bharat Mandir
• Neelkanth Mahadev Mela
• Trayambakeshwar Temple, Lakshman Jhula. is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout.  edit
• Triveni Ghat. This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.  edit

By plane

Rishikesh is in close proximity of Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (about 15 km) - a small, quiet and recently renovated airport handling just two flights from Delhi. The runway is being extended and will possibly then handle flights from other metros.

By train

A quiet branch line connects Rishikesh to Haridwar, but there are only about three slow trains daily. It's best to take the train to Haridwar and continue by bus (45 min, Rs 20), by taxi (30 mins, Rs 500) or by shared auto-rickshaw (Rs 10, 40 min). Travelling by train comes recommend as they run empty, the fares are low (just Rs 4/- for a passenger service) & run right-time especially in peak seasons or "Melas" (Fares) when bus routes are diverted in Haridwar & share rickshaws try to make a killing. You can take "Vikrams" towards Lakshman Jhula (Rs 10) from Rishikesh station. You will have to cross Ram Jhula to reach Swarg Ashram(On the other side of river Ganges). From Delhi there are many trains to Haridwar, some of the best are: Shatabadi Express, Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express, Mussoorie Express. Travel agents in Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula can book train tickets for onward journeys, much easier than going to Rishikesh railway station to buy a ticket. Some may sell you a ticket from Raiwala, a small stop between Rishikesh and Haridwar, but this station, while closer, is tiny and trains only stop for a few seconds - better to board the train in Haridwar.

• Trains from Rishikesh
  • Rishikesh - Delhi 07:00
  • Rishikesh - Haridwar 08:10
  • Rishikesh - Bandikui 14:10
  • Rishikesh - Haridwar 15:35 Rs 4/-
  • Rishikesh - Haridwar 18:35 Rs 4/-

• Express:
  • Rishikesh - Jammutawi 16:20

• Passenger Trains from Haridwar to Rishikesh, Approx travel time 1hr.
  • Haridwar - Rishikesh 05:20
  • Haridwar - Rishikesh 10:30
  • Haridwar - Rishikesh 17:25

By bus

From Delhi the city is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A Bus journey may take about 5-7 hours - depending on the traffic - and costs you about Rs 130-350. An AC Bus will cost about Rs 200-500. In Rishikesh, there are several travel agencies scattered around Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula that can book luxury buses to common destinations like Delhi (Rs 250-500), Jaipur, [Pushkar]] and Varanasi. The right time to visit would be February,March,August-October. In July there is a festival called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid travelling to Rishikesh during that time.

Auto-rickshaws (vikrams) are useful from the bus/train stations to get to either of the bridges (Rs 8) and for the southern side of the Ganges. Swargashram is pretty much pedestrian only, but it's compact and walkable (as is the whole of the town). For other autorickshaw journeys you should expect to pay around Rs 15/km.

As with most holy cities come tourist destinations there's a plethora of religious paraphenalia, cheap clothing aimed at foreigners, incense, bronze shiva statues, etc. Unlike many other similar towns in India prices here are usually reasonable and you won't have to haggle hard for a good price.

• Subudhi (anand), Neelkanth Temple Road (cross bairaj and drive towards neelkanth temple road 10 km), ☎ +91-9756964972, [3]. Rishikesh valley is an eco health resort run by naturopath and Ayurveda health consultant offer rejuvenation therapies thorough blend of Ayurveda and nature care with healthy Food. claming and relaxing therapies of yoga and passive meditation.  edit
• Rishikesh Valley (an Eco holistic resort), Neelkanth Road (cross the bairaj and drive upwards to neelkanth temple 10km), ☎ +91-9756964972, [4]. Rishikesh Valley is an Eco holistic resort.yoga classes, Intensive meditation courses available, Rejuvenation therapies available  edit

Non-vegeterian food has been banned in the city for many many years. North and south Indian food is widely available, and there's no shortage of multi-cuisine backpacker cafes, especially in Lakshman Jhula. What excites many foreigners is the delicious Ayurvedic and health food restaurants, perfect for an after-yoga meal. Many of the main lanes are lined with wooden push carts selling in-season fruit, veggies, Popcorn, nuts, warm cookies and lots else, and you'll usually be quoted a fair price. The papayas here are particularly delicious. Try the famous Chotiwali Special / Janata or Delux Thali . Once upon a time it used to be an unlimited affair but now due to practical constraints the quantity is limited and extra helpings are charged . There are several eateries offering jalebis, imartis samosas and other Indian snacks. If you haven't heard of these before, you should definitely try them out.

• Lucky Restaurant, One of the best place toh have your food in Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, "Indian food at its best"....If you want to change the way you taste, just try it once....

0135-2433223

Arvind Negi (Owner)

www.luckyhotel.co.in

• Mukti's Health Food , (a few hundred metres west of Shivanand Jhula bridge, overlooking the taxi stand/parking lot). A tiny place in a strange location, but very popular and excellent food. Famous green pasta, Indonesian gado-gado, and homemade frozen yogurt, apple pie or chocolate cake for dessert.

• The Welcome Center, (about a 10-15 minute walk towards Haridwar from the Shivanand Jhula bridge), Hidden down off the road (but signposted), this is a little oasis of calm from the busy street. Great Ayurvedic food and teas. They also offer cooking classes, several types of yoga, etc. and sell natural incense, netty pots, yoga mats and the like. If you like the atmosphere, enquire about staying here as well.

• Shiva-resort, a nice place away from the bustling market of ram-jhula towards neelkanth road in jonk village the best place to have organic food and you also can stay there with silent and pleasnt place.

• Chotiwala in Swarg Ashram claims to be the original, and serves up great Indian food including 5 different thalis. Meals Rs 40-80.

• Ganga Ayurvedic Food Place, (out beyond most of the ashrams, just past VED Niketan Ashram). Delicious food, lovingly prepared. One of the cleaner kitchens around, don't be afraid of the good salads. Also great for breakfast.

• Little Italy, Swarg Ashram, (in the Green Hotel). Good pasta, pizza, etc. Mains from Rs 30.

• The Office. Has amazing sweet samosos filled with mango, apple, banana and/or chocolate.

• Red Night Restaurant, Open air, river facing restaurant and terrace. 0135- 2440094

• Sitting around in dhabas and cafes is nearly mandatory here. In addition to the old standards like masala chai and lassis you can find a nice range of Ayurvedic teas. Some restaurants make up their own tonics to treat anything that may be ailing you.

• Alcohol is banned and inappropriate, as Rishikesh is a holy city.