Rishikesh is a tiny town in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, adjacent to Haridwar, and is situated along the confluence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga Rivers in the foothills of the Himalayas. Rishikesh, also known as Hrishikesh, is renowned for its adventure sports, historic temples, well-liked coffee shops, and as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” Rishikesh, one of the holiest destinations for Hindus, is a pilgrim town and the entrance to the Garhwal Himalayas. The Beatles’ visit to the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh in the 1960s helped make this city famous all over the world. Today, the location is well-known as The Beatles Ashram, drawing tourists from around the world. The serene town has long been a centre for spirituality, but it is also well-known for activities like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, camping, and mountain biking beside the Holy Ganges. It also acts as the starting point for a lot of Himalayan hikes.
Lakshman Jhula
The well-known hanging bridge known as the Lakshman Jhula is located between both the settlements of Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district and Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district. The 450-foot-long, all-iron bridge spans the river at a height of 70 feet in the Indian town of Rishikesh. It is located in the Uttarakhand state. Sadly, it has been shut down permanently due to the threat to safety and security. A new glass bridge will be constructed next to Lakshman Jhula. Nevertheless, walkers continue to use it; unfortunately, bicycles are completely forbidden. The Lakshman Jhula is well-known to tourists since it is said that Lord Lakshman, Lord Rama’s younger brother, crossed the Ganga here. The Lakshman Jhula serves as an adjacent bridge across the river and the historic route to the holy temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath today after the bridge’s construction was finished in 1929. Grand temples and well-known markets have appeared nearby, and the entire region is now a well-known tourist destination that you should visit in your Rishikesh tour packages.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat, which is found on the banks of the venerated Ganges River, is the biggest ghat in Rishikesh. At Triveni Ghat, “Maha Aarti” is done every evening. Hindu mythology holds Triveni Ghat in high regard, and both the Ramayan and Mahabharat epics mention it. At the Triveni Ghat, the chattri of Lord Krishna was also constructed. In reality, it is believed that the great Lord Krishna’s cremation took place at the ghat. During their Rishikesh tour packages, the devotees perform holy dives as well as give milk to the river as an offering and feed the fish in the Ghat.
River Rafting
The best rafting in India, and specifically in Rishikesh, is without a doubt. The location has the best to offer, both in terms of the exceptional natural surroundings and the top-notch professional support. There are specialised camping and rafting packages available in Rishikesh, as well as a few recognised operators with excellent safety precautions. Rishikesh gets quite congested during the busy season, so take that in mind while making your plans for the Rishikesh tour packages.
Ganga Aarti
The most sacred and auspicious ritual, Ganga Aarti, is done in the evening at sunset on the ghats of Rishikesh. Although the aarti is conducted at a number of ghats, Parmath Niketan Ghat and Triveni Ghat are the most well-known. The riverbed is illuminated by delicate floating diyas, and hawan smoke is seen drifting in the sky. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to listen to the temple bells chime, chant mantras, and take in the atmosphere. Vedic priests—basically, students who are studying the Vedas—perform it. The prayers are offered to Agni and pandits hold sizable fire bowls that spin continuously in front of
Cliff Jumping
Another thrilling activity in Rishikesh is cliff jumping. The majority of the exercise is completed while swimming, rafting, or simply having a bath in the river. It really merely involves jumping into the river from a great height, i.e., a steep cliff. This is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh and is regarded as one of the most exhilarating water sports.
Camping
Rishikesh is the perfect location for adventure activities like camping and rafting because of the splendour of the mighty Himalayas, the clarity of the Ganges, and the mesmerising beauty of the nearby forests. The hill town offers numerous camping and rafting options, giving you access to a top-notch camping experience.
The Beatles Ashram
One kilometre from Ram Jhula, The Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kuti, is situated on a cliff in Rishikesh’s Swarashram neighbourhood. The Beatles resided in this ashram in 1968, when they produced a large number of songs and practised meditation. The ashram complex includes meditation cottages, a library, a kitchen, the house of Maharishi Yogi, and a former temple. The majority of the structures are in disrepair, yet the walls are covered in vibrant graffiti. A modest gallery and a cafe are also present. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s training facility was the Beatles Ashram. Up until 2015, when it was reopened to tourists, it had been abandoned. Rajaji Tiger Reserve, which is situated outside of its perimeter wall, manages the ashram.
Bungee Jumping
Because of the vast array of adventure activities it provides, Rishikesh is referred to as the “Adventure Capital of India.” Bungee jumping is one of the most thrilling adventure activities in the area. In order to participate in the activity, the volunteer must jump off of a very tall object, flying around freely before being secured and brought back down. A lengthy elastic cord that is fastened to the building or other fixed structure ties the participant up. This sport can occasionally be done from a hot air balloon or a helicopter if you want to be even more daring. Basically anything that is able to float in the air over the earth. The excitement of free falling and recoil is the activity’s USP. The cord initially unwinds to allow the individual to fall freely, then it recoils to lift them back up. Then it oscillates, stops, and lowers the person into the water softly.