Yoga and Meditation

Rishikesh hosts a number of ashrams, which are ideal spots to learn and practice yoga. It is popular all over the world as a fine yoga destination. The renowned yoga festival, International Yoga Festival, is also held in Rishikesh, from March 1 to March 7, and is attended by people from all over the world. Among the many famous yoga ashrams here, some are Parmarth Niketan, where the International Yoga Festival has been held; Sivananda Ashram also known as Divine Life Society, which provides education on yoga, Hinduism and Vedanta; Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, where one can get knowledge of spiritual, cultural, educational, scientific and social fields, apart from practising yoga.

Yoga and Meditation

Ganga Arti

Ganga arti is a ritual of worshipping River Ganga that is held on a grand scale in the city. Lots of people are in attendance during the arti which takes places every evening. Visitors can take part in the blissful ritual and soak in the spiritual vibes along with enjoying the view of a hundred lit diyas (earthen lamps) floating on the river. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is the most famous venue of Ganga arti. It is led and organised by a Vedic priest and starts with the chanting of mantras and singing of bhajans (devotional songs). Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh is a spot that is famous for the Ganga arti, called 'Maha arti'. The ghat is lit up every evening at the time of arti.

Ganga Arti

Shopping

The pilgrimage and adventure site of Rishikesh offers many opportunities for shoppers. At Swarg Ashram, one can find many bookshops and buy books on yoga, meditation, Vedanta etc. Moreover, one can get good bragains on Ayurvedic medicines, clothing, handicrafts and trinkets such as jewellery and Tibetan singing bowls. You can head to Lakshman Jhula for souvenir shopping. A must-buy is the rudraksh mala, a string of beads made from the nuts of the rudraksh tree, which is said to have originally grown where Lord Shiva shed a single tear, following a particularly long and satisfying period of meditation. These beaded garlands are said to bestow blessings on the wearer. The Ram Jhula is another popular spot to hit, where you can find a variety of local spices and handmade jewellery.

Shopping

Bungee Jumping

The adventure hub of India, Rishikesh, offers great opportunities to indulge in bungee jumping. This sport involves one falling freely from a great height. The city of Rishikesh is surrounded by verdant hills and one can experience free-fall from a height, amongst these hills, to get an adrenaline rush. The city is also home to India's first fixed platform for bungee jumping that lies at Mohan Chutti, which is a pristine location in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, a little ahead of Rishikesh.

Bungee Jumping

Trekking

Rishikesh is an adventure enthusiast's dream destination. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, it boasts many trekking trails that invite both experts and beginners. One can lavish in the lap of verdant landscapes while trekking and get mesmerising views of valleys and waterfalls. Many of these trails lead to popular pilgrimage places as well. October to March is the best time to put on the hiking boots here.

Trekking

Whitewater Rafting

Rishikesh offers one of the most thrilling whitewater rafting opportunities in India. From challenging courses for professionals to beginners' experiences, there is a lot on offer here. There are several certified rafting operators, whose safety arrangements are well in place, and there are customised packages for camping and rafting as well. Rafting season is from mid-September to April. Rafting stretches in Rishikesh are of four types: Brahmpuri Rafting Season is a 9 km basic stretch and mostly has grade II rapids; Shivpuri Rafting Season is a 16 km stretch with grade III rapids; Marine Drive Rafting Season mostly invites thrill seekers and this 25-km-long stretch has grade IV rapids; Kaudiyala Rafting Season is an advanced stretch and is not recommended for beginners as it has grade V rapids.

Whitewater Rafting

Skiing in Auli

Auli is a skiing site lying about 250 km from Rishikesh. It can be accessed by a 3.5-km-long cable car ride to Joshimath. While travelling, one can get panoramic views of the Nanda Devi peak. Auli's 3 km high-rise slopes, having a drop of 500 m, are ideal for skiing. At this height, the speedy winds accelerate the skier's movement while the slopes balance their velocity, making Auli one of the best skiing grounds in the world. January to April is the best time to try this.

Skiing in Auli

Kayaking

A kayak is a long boat with double seaters and paddles on both sides. It has double blade paddles that help in negotiating the waves and steering the boat. River Ganga in Rishikesh offers a number of challenging rapids for good kayaking opportunities. Beginners can choose rapids that fit their skill and meet their comfort level. While kayaking, one an explore the Himalayan caves and the high mountain waterfalls along with the cooling waters of the Ganges.

Kayaking