Rishikesh or “Yoga Capital of the World”, you can call it with both these names. Rishikesh might be popular for yoga and temples, but if you are an adventurer by heart, there are a lot of adventure activities that can give you a great time. One of the best things about Rishikesh is that people can visit here throughout the year. But you will find a good crowd in the summer season.
When the temperature rises in other states, people come here to take a dip in the cold water of the holy river Ganga. And if you too are planning the same make sure you enjoy all these amazing things to do in Rishikesh in summer.
Here is the list of 15 best things to do in Rishikesh in the Summer
1. River zip lining
Probably one of the best and most different activities to enjoy in Rishikesh is zip lining across the Ganges in Shivpuri. This place is like a mini adventure spot for thrill lovers in the heart of Rishikesh.
You can always look for a service provider who can give you the chance to enjoy this sport, then rest assured there are multiple providers.
2. River beach camping
Visiting Rishikesh and not taking a trip to Atali will be a bummer, isn’t it? People especially keep a few days in the buffer for this astonishing place so that they can enjoy their time.
The shores of the river in this place act like a beach for the visitors. It gives them a chance to camp at riverside beaches. You can look for a camp at any of these service providers including Mountain Whispers, River & Rock adventure camp. Tapovan Vatika Resort, and The Mountain View.
3. Ashram yoga
Being the yoga capital of the world, it is obvious that many people come here for the same. Not only Indians but even foreigners make their way to the Ashrams in Rishikesh. You too can join a guided yoga session at an ashram. It will give you a good time because it is highly relaxing.
The ashrams made in Rishikesh are stunning and have a peaceful environment to offer. While you visit these ashrams you will see a lot of people meditating and finding peace. Here are some good options for you; Parmarth Niketan, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Yoga Niketan, and Sadhana Mandir.
4. Waterfall hikes
There will be no surprise if someone comes to you and tells you that there are many secluded or untouched waterfalls in Rishikesh. Taking a trek to secluded waterfalls is one of those things that people love to take. Especially the ones who call themselves explorers.
They love taking trips to nearby places and enjoy their time in the peaceful environment that also acts as a rejuvenating spot for them. Neer Waterfall, HimShail Waterfall, and Garud Chatti Waterfall are some to name.
5. Ganges kayaking
Heard of the sports Kayaking? If yes, you can set yourself to kayak on serene waters in Tapovan. The river currents at this place are not speedy or turbulent so if you are not a seasoned kayaker, you can still enjoy your time.
Kayaking in the Ganges is one of a kind because you have different patches throughout the section and that is what makes Ganges Kayaking a thing.
6. White-water rafting
Love river-rafting? Then rest assured that Rishikesh is going to be your sweet spot for this too. White-Water Rafting can be enjoyed in Shivpuri itself because that’s the place where you get the most wrathful currents.
Raft on advanced rapids in the Ganges to feel the adrenaline rush in your body. And who knows, you might just become a seasoned rafter too. But make sure that you should only go to the section that you can bear. Do not try to overdo your enjoyment and go for higher grades.
Note: June is the most crowded month and finding a spot during this month would be difficult. Also, from July to September, rafting remains closed.
7. Souvenir shopping
Why not buy something from the local market in Rishikesh? Does this thought come to your mind too? If yes, then buy Hindu figurines in Laxman Jhula or go for something that’s the specialty of Rishikesh.
You will always have an option available because that’s what this place is famous for. So, take out some time and go souvenir shopping.
8. Beatles tour
Are you or let me correct this- were you a fan of The Beatles? If yes, then you have an entire ashram painted in their theme. It was the very place where the entire team of 5 members came and got their peace. They rehearsed a lot of songs and meditated here. It is also believed that their trip to Rishikesh was an eye-opener for them and it became an important part of their success story.
So, if you want to relive or check out those things just visit the place and take a self-guided Beatles-themed tour for fun.
9. Riverside prayers
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 6 pm to 7 pm (Evening Aarti) (The timings may change according to the sunset time)
Popular Ghats for Aarti: Triveni Ghat and Parmath Niketan Ghat
Rishikesh is also known for the Ganga Aarti which is popular across the world. It is live telecasted every day. Hundreds of devotees visit the ghats every day during the aarti. Ganga Aarti is also known to be the most pious and auspicious ritual performed in Rishikesh. During this ritual, the devotees and priests come together to worship Goddess Ganga, who took the form of a river to help mankind in multiple ways.
10. Holy waters
One of the most important things to do in Rishikesh that people do irrespective of their time is taking a bath in the holy Ganges River. There are many places (including ghats) that are chained for people to hold and take a dip in the water. It is said that when someone takes a dip in the holy river of Ganga; it washes away their sins. Apart from this, even during a hot sunny day, the water of this river remains cold. It will give enjoyment and religious benefits at the same time when you bathe in holy water.
11. Savor a mouthful of cuisines at Riverside cafes
Rishikesh is one of the best places to enjoy amazing cuisines at some riverside cafes. There are a few good and popular names where tourists and foreigners love to spend time. You get diverse cuisines to savor while enjoying a scenic view of the surrounding mountains and river sides. Some of the cafes that are situated here offer European delights with a tint of Asian flavor. At these cafes, you get to enjoy some amazing experiences related to culinary.
| Oasis Restaurant | Ganga Beach Restaurant |
| Little Buddha Cafe | Ramana’s Organic Cafe |
| Freedom Cafe | Beatles Cafe |
| The Sitting Elephant | Homemade Cafe |
12. Cliff jumping in Rishikesh
Rishikesh has no dearth of adventure activities to offer and one of them is cliff jumping. There are multiple places where you can enjoy cliff jumping in Rishikesh and these include not just in the city but even outside the premises. It is one of the best activities to do in Rishikesh with friends as in the list of adrenaline-rushing activities, cliff jumping stands tall.
But make sure you understand the things that have to be kept in mind while enjoying this activity. Here are the best places to enjoy cliff jumping in Rishikesh.
| Marine Drive | Shivpuri |
| Brahmapuri | Laxman Jhula |
13. Rejuvenating Spa Treatments in Rishikesh
It is known to everyone that Rishikesh is a place that not only offers adventure activities but a lot of rejuvenating things as well. While looking for some amazing things to do with family in Rishikesh; taking a spa treatment is suggested. The entire city of Rishikesh offers a spiritual ambiance to the visitors mixed with nature’s love. So getting yourself pampered with a spa session is always going to have opted for. It is one of the best ways to make yourself comfortable
| Types of Spas and Massages you can enjoy in Rishikesh | |
| Ayurvedic Massage | Hot Stone Massage |
| Aromatherapy | Himalayan Salt Therapy |
| Meditation and Mindfulness | Yoga Therapy |
| Herbal and Mud Treatments | Sound Healing |
| Places where you can get the best and rejuvenating spa in Rishikesh | |
| Ananda in the Himalayas | The Ayali Rishikesh |
| Ayurpak | Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat |
| Anandam Spa | Sanskriti Vedic Retreat |
14. Hike to high-altitude temples
Rishikesh which is also known to be the Yoga Capital of the World, is surrounded by hills and mountains. One of the best 10 things to do in Rishikesh is to hike to temples that are situated on a hilltop. These temples not only attract devotees but a huge number of adventurers too. Spending some time at these places after hiking and offering your prayers to the lord is calming and satisfying. Uttarakhand has some of the most revered temples in the country and some of them are in Rishikesh and Haridwar. Here are some high-altitude temples in Rishikesh that you can visit.
| Name of the temple | Some facts about the temple and its way |
| Neelkanth Mahadev Temple |
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| Kunjapuri Temple |
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| Surkanda Devi Temple |
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| Chandreshwar Temple |
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15. Religious souvenirs and other shopping
Visiting Rishikesh and not buying yourself anything back home will be a loss. When you check the list of Rishikesh famous things to buy; there will be a lot of things in your pocket. Things are not highly-priced and you get some of the best religious souvenirs in Rishikesh. Travelers can enjoy a lot of things in multiple shops in the market. You can even spend a day visiting multiple shopping areas and buying things for yourself. Here is what all you can buy other than the usual items in Rishikesh.
| Handicrafts Items | Rudraksha Beads |
| Traditional Garments | Yoga and Meditation Accessories |
| Ayurvedic Products | Spiritual Books |
Conclusion
So, isn’t it astonishing to visit Rishikesh? You come here for one thing but the city offers an array of activities, attractions to visit, food to enjoy, and whatnot. While you plan your trip to Rishikesh, make sure you have a few buffer days because we believe you are going to like this place so much that you would surely extend your vacation. Also, Rishikesh is a serene place offering a plethora of places where one can meditate and enjoy peace. So if you are planning on visiting Rishikesh and Haridwar in the summer, don’t doubt your decision. It will be an enthralling time with all the activities being offered at their best.
See Also: Best time to visit Rishikesh | Things to do in Rishikesh
