Last updated on June 4th, 2026 at 06:00 am
Reading Time: 4 minutesI went to Rishikesh mainly for river rafting.
At the time, I thought that would be the highlight of the trip.
But after spending a weekend there, I realised Rishikesh has far more to offer than just adventure sports. As the Yoga Capital of the World and a spiritual town on the banks of the Ganga, it blends adventure, culture, food, and peaceful experiences in a way few places do.
I’ve been here and covered the experience in detail in my Rishikesh weekend trip guide.
This post covers the 9 things specifically worth doing when you’re there.
Table of Contents
1. River Rafting on the Ganga
This is the one everyone comes for in Rishikesh.
The most popular stretch is Shivpuri to Rishikesh — approximately 16–18 km. The major rapids on this stretch are named Roller Coaster, Golf Course, and Club House. Each one hits differently.
The full stretch takes about 3 to 3.5 hours on the water. In between rapids the river calms and the canyon opens up. It’s genuinely one of the better adventure experiences accessible from Delhi in a weekend.
Info:
- Cost: Rs. 600–1,000 per person depending on stretch and operator
- Book on arrival – multiple operators near the Rishikesh bus stand and near Laxman Jhula
- Best season: September to June
- Avoid monsoon: July to August when the river is too rough
2. Bungee Jumping at 83 Metres
If you’ve overcome your fear of water by doing River Rafting, then try Bungee Jumping to overcome the fear of heights.
I haven’t experienced bungee jumping but gathered some info for you.
Jump’n Heights in Mohan Chatti is about 15 km from Rishikesh. It operates India’s highest fixed platform bungee at 83 metres. Booking is recommended in advance.
It costs approximately Rs. 3,550 per person.
3. Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
Every evening at Triveni Ghat comes alive.
The Ganga Aarti is a ritual of lamps, chanting, and collective energy that happens daily. The kind of experience that doesn’t require any context to feel.
It starts around 6–7 PM depending on the season. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a good spot. The ghat fills up fast.
This one is free, requires no booking, and is one of the most memorable things you’ll do in Rishikesh regardless of whether you’re spiritual or not.
4. Yoga and Meditation
Rishikesh draws people from across the world specifically for yoga and meditation — and for good reason. The concentration of genuine, long-running ashrams and yoga centres here is unlike anywhere else in India.
You don’t need to commit to a 10-day programme. Most centres offer drop-in morning sessions starting from around 6–7 AM.
During one of my visits to Rishikesh, I enrolled in a 7-day Yoga session.
If you’re staying for more than a couple of days, attending even one or two morning sessions changes how you experience the place.
Popular centres include Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, and several smaller independent spaces near Tapovan and Laxman Jhula.
5. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The Beatles Ashram is where the Beatles — John, Paul, George, and Ringo — stayed in 1968 to study Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
It’s abandoned now. And that’s exactly what makes it interesting.
The complex has been taken over by nature. Trees growing through rooftops, meditation pods slowly returning to the forest. The walls are covered in murals and graffiti painted over the years by visitors from across the world.
For photographers, it’s one of the more visually interesting places in Rishikesh.
Entry fee is Rs. 150 for Indians, and Rs. 600 for foreigners.
Timings to visit Beatles Ashram is 8 AM to 5 PM.
6. Camping by the Riverside
Setting up a camp by the Ganga at night, with the sound of the river, a clear sky above, and a bonfire — is one of those simple experiences that ends up being more memorable than most planned ones.
Several operators offer riverside camping between Rishikesh and Shivpuri. Packages typically include tent accommodation, dinner, bonfire, and sometimes a morning rafting slot as part of the same package.
It costs Rs. 1,000–2,500 per person per night depending on inclusions
If you’re combining a weekend trip with rafting, a riverside camp the night before your rafting slot works well.
7. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing doesn’t come up in most Rishikesh travel lists, means it’s one of the less crowded activities available here.
There are natural rock faces around Rishikesh with trained guides and proper equipment for beginners. No prior experience required.
It’s the kind of activity that surprises you. Most people who try it expecting to be mediocre end up enjoying it more than expected.
Contact local operators near Laxman Jhula for current rates and sessions.
8. Café Hopping in Tapovan
Rishikesh has a strong café culture, especially in the Tapovan area near Laxman Jhula.
This part of the city draws a mix of long-stay travellers, yoga students, and foreign visitors. The cafes reflect good coffee, vegetarian and vegan menus, and the kind of unhurried energy that makes you lose track of time.
Café Tattv near Hostel Moustache is one worth visiting for the rooftop seating and views. Several others along the Tapovan stretch are worth wandering into.
Rishikesh is almost entirely vegetarian. The food standard across cafes is genuinely high.
9. Shopping at Laxman Jhula Market
The markets around Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are good for a slow browse.
You’ll find Tibetan jewellery, handmade goods, yoga and meditation accessories, and clothes at prices significantly lower than what you’d pay for the same things in Delhi or Mumbai.
Most shops close by 8–9 PM.
You can consider walking around the ghats, crossing the suspension bridge at night for the best ambience and experience.
Best time to visit Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the place which is good to visit throughout the year. Avoid July to August — monsoon season.
Where to Stay?
I stayed in Hostel Moustache in Tapovan during my visit and I had one of the best experiences.
Getting around
Walking is the best way within the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula areas. If you want to go farther, consider taking autos and shared cabs.
How to Reach from Delhi?
Take an overnight bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate. It takes approximately 5–6 hours, and cost Rs. 400–700.
Final Thoughts
If you want adventure — rafting, bungee, camping, rock climbing.
For stillness — yoga, meditation, the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
If you want to just sit in a café and do nothing useful — Tapovan has that covered too.
Read my full Rishikesh weekend trip experience here.
