Best Things To Do in Rishikesh, India

Are you looking for what to do in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is well-known for adventurous sports. Shivpuri is the common resort for adventure seekers. The city is known for water sports like rafting and kayaking. It also offers yoga and rock climbing camps, mountaineering and trekking. Chamba situated about 58kilometres from Rishikesh offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan range and the sacred Bhagirathi River. Devprayag offers a confluence of two holy rivers, Bhagirathi and Alakhanda which form the holy Ganga River. The Trivhen Ghat is also another place to visit in Rishikesh, where people can be seen bathing early in the morning and in the evenings. The Ram Jhoola Bridge is another tourist attraction. The Bridge is suspended and runs across Ganga River leading to the Kedarnath and Badrinath holy shrines. Other places to visit in Rishikesh are Bharat Mandir, Parmarth Niketan, the Beatles Ashram and Tera Manzil Temple.

Below we have a list of things to do in Rishikesh and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Rishikesh getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Rishikesh with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh

Here is the list of things to do in Rishikesh and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Lakshman Jhula

    Landmark, Historical Site, Architecture

    One of the most prominent landmarks in Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula is a 450 feet iron suspension bridge that connects the two banks of Ganges River. Having a mythological story connected to it, it is believed that Lord Ram’s brother Lakshman crossed the Ganges on jute ropes at this very place. The current bridge was built in the year 1939.
  2. Jumpin Heights

    4.6 (2648 Votes)
    Jumpin Heights

    Outdoors, Observatory, Adventure, Adventure Sport

    The tagline of Jumpin Heights reads, ‘An Extreme Adventure Sports Company’! If Bungy Jumping, Flying Fox and Canyon Swings are your thing, head over to this place and have an adventurous time in the lap of the Himalayas!
  3. The Ram Jhula Bridge

    4.5 (2727 Votes)
    The Ram Jhula Bridge

    Landmark, Historical Site, Architecture

    Ram Jhula is a landmark in Rishikesh and is an iron suspension bridge built over the Ganges that connects the two parts of Rishikesh city.
  4. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

    4.6 (2331 Votes)
    Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Historical Site

    Situated at a height of 1330 meters and at a distance of around 30 kilometres from Rishikesh, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one the most sacred place of worship and a pilgrimage site for Hindus. As per mythology, this is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that was churned from the sea during a standoff between gods and demons.
  5. Swarg Ashram

    Religious Site, Landmark

    Swarg Ashram is an area in Rishikesh where most of the ashrams and temples are situated. To name a few, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Geeta Bhavan, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram and Samadhi Mandir. The infamous and magnificently huge Lord Shiva Statue is also situated in this area, along the banks of the Ganges.
  6. The Triveni Ghat

    4.5 (2243 Votes)
    The Triveni Ghat

    Religious Site, Water Body

    Triveni means a confluence of 3. It is believed that here at Triveni Ghat, the three rivers- Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati meet. Triveni Ghat is a sacred bathing spot in Rishikesh and is situated on the banks of Ganges River.
  7. Gita Bhavan

    4.2 (1904 Votes)
    Gita Bhavan

    Landmark, Hall

    For some deep meditation and to hear spiritual discourses while in Rishikesh, head over to Gita Bhavan.
  8. Vashista Goofa

    Religious Site, Historical Site

    Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges, Vashista Goofa is a cave temple where it is believed that the great sage Vashista used to meditate. Sage Vashista was one of the ‘Saptarishis’ (Seven Great Sages) in ancient India.
  9. Patna Waterfall

    Landmark, Adventure, Rock Climbing, Nature

    Located near the small hamlet of Patna, Patna Waterfall is a popular trekking route. Many adventure enthusiasts prefer trekking the trail in the monsoons when the slopes are slippery and the risks are high!
  10. Trayambakeshwar Temple

    4.5 (2274 Votes)
    Trayambakeshwar Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Trayambakeshwar Temple, also known as the Tera Manzil Temple, is a 13 storied place of worship situated near Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. Dedicated to many Hindu gods and goddesses, the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva (hence the name Trayambakeshwar-Home of the three eyed one). Many people suggest you explore the temple right to the top- the view of Rishikesh from there is beaut...Read more
  11. Bharat Mandir

    Religious Site, Temple, Architecture

    Reportedly the oldest temple in Rishikesh, the Bharat Mandir was built by Adiguru Shankracharya in the 12th century. The inner sanctum of the temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single Shaligram (holy stone). The original temple was destroyed some time in 1398 A.D. The famous Spring festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated over here.
  12. Shivpuri

    4.3 (1727 Votes)
    Shivpuri

    Religious Site, Temple, Adventure

    Situated around 20 kilometres from Rishikesh, Shivpuri is a small town in Uttarakhand. Apart from its renowned Shiva temple, Shivpuri is also known for being a very adventurous river rafting spot.
  13. Midway Restaurant
    Midway Restaurant & Bar is located 11km from Rishikesh. The views here are good and the food is also good. Beer is also sold here.
  14. Ganga Beach Restaurant
    Ganga Beach Restaurant is another place where you can go if you are looking for a relaxing atmosphere and some tasty wood fired pizza.
  15. Devraj Coffee Corner
    Devraj Coffee Corner also has a bakery and their main offerings are fresh brown bread, croissants and also tasty pizzas.