1.    Shivpuri

Time: 07.00 AM

This “Abode of Lord Shiva”, so pristine, serene, and filled with adventure, is a mecca for river rafting in India. Located 20 km from Rishikesh on the banks of River Ganga, the tranquil town of Shivpuri beams with life, laughter, adventure, and nature’s bountiful thrills. River rafting is not only thrilling but also extremely picturesque with the white rapids below, lush dense forest on either side, and a view of the spectacular mountains in the distance making Shivpuri one of the favorite tourist places to visit in Rishikesh. While river rafting down the Ganges right up to Ramjhula Rishikesh for around 16 km of toss and turn and skipped heartbeats, you can witness the famous river rapids like Return to Sender, Roller Coaster, Tea Off, Golf Course, Clubhouse, Cash flow, Initiation, Double Trouble, and Hilton. While you’re here and need more adventure you can also try your hand or rather heart at other adrenaline-packed activities like Body Surfing, Cliff Jumping, and Rock Climbing.

2.    Triveni Ghat

Time: 08.00 AM

The convergence of the three great rivers of Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati defines the Triveni Ghat. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Triveni Ghat is the most sacrosanct bathing spot and is considered the holiest spot in Rishikesh. Triveni Ghat, all year round is inundated with people. It is believed that when one takes a dip in the Ghat, it washes away all the sins of the person resulting in a pure soul. Pilgrims from all over the globe visit here to take a dip in the holy waters to reach divine salvation. When you set your eyes on the Ghat, the holy chants, the fragrance of flowers, the light of the earthen lamps, and the feeling of peace will envelop you.

3.    Ram Jhula

Time: 09.00 AM

Ram Jhula is one of the most iconic places in Rishikesh and if you are planning a pilgrimage to the city, or just visiting for a holiday, you must stop by this iconic bridge. It is a suspension bridge, built entirely out of iron and the length of the bridge is around 450 feet. It was constructed in the year 1986, by the PWD. The bridge is located over the holy Ganga river and it connects Sivananda Nagar in Muni Ki Reti, in the district of Tehri Garhwal in the west to Swargashram in the district of Pauri Garhwal, in the east. This bridge can be found in the state of Uttarakhand, approximately 3 kilometers away from the main town of Rishikesh. It is a comfortable walking distance from Rishikesh, and if you like long walks in the midst of stunning scenery then you can walk the length of the bridge as well.
People can also traverse the bridge with bikes or cycles. A number of holy ashrams and Hindu religious centers and temples can be found lining the side of the bridge. These ashrams encompass the true essence of Rishikesh, with their peace, hospitality, and piety.

4.    Beatles Ashram

Time: 10.00 AM

Formerly known as Chaurasi Kutia, Beatles Ashram happens to be a popular ashram located at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The place received a lot of hype and achieved wide recognition after the Beatles band of Liverpool came to stay there in the year 1986. The members of the band practiced meditation and composed many good songs in this place. In the later period, the ashram was left abandoned but reopened for tourists in the year 2015. At present, the Beatles Ashram is visited by locals as well as tourists, out of which most of the travelers are Beatles band fans. The place usually attracts history buffs, experience seekers, serenity and peace seekers, nature lovers, photo fanatics, and meditation enthusiasts. The major attractions of the ashram include its stunning dome-shaped construction, amazing graffiti works, and the beautiful picture of the members of the Beatles band painted on one of the interior walls of Ved Bhavan. Other interesting things that can be seen here are the mysterious writings done on the walls of Siddhi Bhavan and Anand Bhavan and the beautifully designed meditation chambers of Chaurasi Kutia.

5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Time: 11.00 AM

Rishikesh is known for many things amongst which stands tall is the famous Shiva Temple called the Neelkanth Mahadev temple. The stupor and enchantment of the delightful city tell the most ancient of all tales and significant happenings in Hindu Mythology. Located at a distance of 32 km from Rishikesh, the temple is a sacred pilgrim spot. The Shiva abode is situated at a height of 1330 meters amidst the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot. The temple is surrounded by dense forests and sturdy mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan on the confluence of Rivers Pankaja and Madhumati. During the months of Shrawan and Shivratri, huge numbers of followers turn out and grace this place and express their devotion to the mighty Shiva. One can offer prayers or get a significant Pooja done by the revered Hindu Priests to clear doshas (faults) in the stars. The splendid architecture of the temple will stun you because of the execution of fine detail without the use of technology. Outside the temple, you will find several stalls stocking memoirs and Pooja ingredients.

6.    Parmath Niketan Ashram

Time: 12.00 PM

Nestled amidst the lap of the Himalayas and embraced by bucolic and lush greeneries, Parmarth Niketan Ashram along the banks of the sacred Ganga River is the largest ashram in Rishikesh. Visited by devotees from across the globe, it is known for its serene, salubrious, calm, and tranquil ambiance. With over 1,000 rooms for the devotees, it also offers some modern-day amenities and facilities. A stay in Parmath Niketan Ashram will not only bring you closer to your inner self but will also awaken all your senses along with uplifting the state of your body, mind, and soul! Religious and spiritual preaching here is believed to show you the ways to purify yourself and know more about the energy points within yourself. Yoga, meditation, spiritual classes, Satsang, kirtan, Ganga Aarti, and spiritual lectures are the daily curriculum of Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

7. Vashistha Cave

Time: 02.00 PM

Vashistha Cave or Vashistha Gufa is an ancient cave where Sage Vashistha and his wife meditated for hundreds of years. According to Hindu mythology, Sage Vashista was a Manas Putra (human son) of Lord Brahma and one of the Saptarishi (great seven sages). The Vashishta Gufa situated in the middle of Gular trees and the sacred River Ganga is a perfect place for peace of mind and positive spiritual energy. Over the years a small ashram was built near the cave known as Swami Purushottamanand ashram as well as some rooms outside the cave, where many sadhus live there permanently. Located 25 km from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, all buses going towards Devprayag pass through this place. After a flight of around 200 steps and you reach the entrance of the cave which only gets pitch dark as you go deeper. The cave is properly maintained and the floor is strewn with white mats for about 12 people. The interior of the cave is filled with some aroma of burning oil and sticks making it a peaceful and spiritual meditational sanctuary.

8. Neer Garh Waterfall

Time: 03.00 PM

Hidden inside the woods of the beautiful hill town Rishikesh, Neer Garh Waterfall is a real beauty to witness. An amalgam of three stunning waterfalls combines to make this one mighty waterfall, which falls off a cliff as high as 25 feet. The surroundings of the waterfall are untarnished by civilization giving you a raw and virgin experience amidst the adventurous city of India. Reaching this waterfall requires 15 min of the trek on the trails passing through the dense woods. You will find two bridges and a stream of water running along the routes you would take. Also, you can spot a rich variety of flora and fauna flocking around the area. The entire journey would be incomparable to any journey you would ever take. You can carry some food, water, and a mat and convert your hiking into a mini picnic while clicking some good pictures of the surroundings. The place will also give you some amazing views of the nearby valley so make sure to bring your binoculars to peek into the depths of the hill station. Visiting this place in Rishikesh will ensure an unmatchable experience for you.

9. Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

Time: 04.00 PM

Unleash your inner adventurer when visiting Rishikesh and engage in some heart-pounding activities like bungee jumping, reverse bungee jumping, and huge swings to feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins. Choose an activity that suits your preferences and make the most of your trip.

10. Powered Paragliding in Rishikesh

Time: 05.00 PM

Quite contrasting to its stature as one of the holy shrines of India, Rishikesh is also known for the pool of adventure it offers. And among all of them, missing out on the powered paragliding while you are in Rishikesh would leave your trip incomplete. It is an activity that takes your adrenaline for a ride. Imagine yourself in an open cockpit, cruising through the cool air with the mighty mountains on all sides and a stunning bird’s-eye view of the lush green valley along with the rippling river below. Surreal? Gliding through the blue skies, in a parachute propelled by the help of a motorized fan, is a lifetime experience. This is when you can truly say that ‘sky is the limit’.