Rishikesh Things to Do

It is curious that there is no entry on one of the most exciting sports activity of Rishikesh - Rafting!

You can do short trips (2 hours), day trips (4 hours) and multi day trips (3 days, 2 nights).

There are many companies who organise rafting trips on the Ganges. One of the better companies I have been with on my many trips is "Red Chilli Adventure". They have been there for many years, have a highly motivated team and excellent safety arrangements. Last time I went we had the boat full of non-swimmers, and all of them got over their hesitations and, thanks swim vests and safety kayaks provided, enjoyed a dip in the ganges from the boat. Red Chilli also has a great office (internet available) with amazing view.

Rafting difficulty on Ganges is up to 3+, and the views are amazing.

Not to be missed

This giant pink temple sits on one end of the Lakshman Jhula Bridge. Its hard to miss- it is a huge, imposing building. It looks a bit like a 13 storied castle. Inside there are many shrines to Hindu deities, and at the entrance sit flower-sellers.
Reaching the top floor of this building needs a strong pair of legs, but the view is spectacular.

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Walking is an interesting way to see Rishikesh- and the area on the banks of the Ganga is not peaceful- it gives a lovely view of the surrounding mountains. The river is clean but very cold. Do not attempt to swim, the current is very strong. On the beach we saw a couple of sadhus, an elderly western lady meditating on a rock, and young kids playing around on the sand. It is a great way to escape from the bustle of the city.
The lanes around each end of the Lakshman Jhula Bridge have quite a festive air. There are little shops, food stalls and places that sell religious artifacts. The ghats are not large, but always have people around and on them, bathing and praying.
Every second building that we passed was offering Yoga & Meditation classes- amongst other things.Reflexology,massages, fortune-telling, vedic astrology and cures for ailments that I have never heard of.
Ashrams & Retreats can be seen dotted around on the mountainsides, some partly hidden by trees.
If one takes the path north from the Lakshman Jhula bridge, there is a waterfall that can be seen. It is about a 15 minute walk,and there are drink stalls and some shrines along the way.

Do your body a favour- have some reflexology, accupressure or massage.
We stumbled upon a great little place. Reflexology is my favourite form of relaxation, and I recommend having some done. Ayurvedic Oils are used, which can also be bought here.
Rishikesh is also the Yoga Capital. There are many Yoga schools situated around Lakshman Jula.

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Walking across this bridge gives one a great perspective of both sides of the Ganges in Rishikesh.
Being a hanging bridge, it feels a bit precarious, but can obviously handle the amount of people, animals and motor-cycles that cross on it all day long. It is supposed to be for pedestrians only, but then,we are in India here! Rules are "no rules"

On its journey through the Himalayas, the Ganga rushes through the foothills in the gorges of Rishikesh. Surroundded by hills on three sides, Rishikesh is located on the right bank of the Ganga.

One of the many pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, Rishikesh is where Raibhya Rishi is believed to have done penance to please god who appeared as HRISHIKESH.

Millions of Hindus come here every year hoping to absolve their sins by bathing in the holy Ganga.

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Its amazing to have a fun in rafting.you should be mentally & physcally fit for this great event. it would be great experience for life time.always negotiate price, if you are in group you can get best deal.

Rishikesh is firmly on the 'hippy trail', no doubt in part because 'the Beatles' Ringo, George, John and Paul made it out here to pick up a bit of Eastern spiritual insight.

Following in their footsteps, and needing a place to chill-out for a while, Sourbugger booked into the 'Divine life society' ashram in Rishikesh for a couple of weeks.

The society only asks for a donation, expects you take part in communal meals and activities. Alchohol in the accommodation is also banned. Didn't mention anything about leg-over.

Thinking it would be a hotbed of hippy chicks into peace and love, Sourbugger duly signed up.

So much for that theory, left after 48hrs.