Apart from being a pilgrimage destination of Hindus, Rishikesh also acts as the central hub of a load of activities. It is, therefore, a major attraction for the national and international tourists alike for the endless galore of activities ranging from Health and Wellness, different Courses and Classes to Adventure Sports. Below, you will find all the range of activities you can try at Rishikesh.
Health and Wellness:
To the international tourists India is known as the Land of Yoga and truly so. Yoga and meditation is all the more relevant in today’s society. Suffocating environmental pollution, sedentary lifestyle and choking work pressure all of it resulting to poor health, anxiety and depression which thereby increase the pressure and sugar levels to a staggering height even in the youth. This downward spiral can be checked by yoga and meditation. Rishikesh offers a pollution free calm environment charged with sacred ions which is helpful for yoga. There are numerous yoga centres and even ashrams which offer classes on Yoga, meditation, ayurvedic message and therapy, cooking, reiki etc. Of them, the well-known centres are Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Sri Sant Seva Ashram, Shri Ved Niketan Ashram, Paramarth Niketan Ashram amongst others.
Courses and Classes:
Life can be equated to endless journey of learning something new every day. At Rishikesh, you will find courses and classes on various streams, not only on yoga and meditation. There are many cultural institutions and schools, especially Vina Maharaj Music School and Om Rudra Cultural Society, which offer music lessons on tabla, sitar, flute and harmonium, dance lessons on classical Indian dances like Kathak and language lessons on Hindi and Sanskrit. Some others offer classes on Ayurvedic therapy, philosophy lessons, cooking and Reiki classes.
Adventure Sports:
Adventure Sports amidst the lap of Himalaya is another major draw for the thrill-seeking tourists. It includes different water sports like rafting, body surfing, canoeing, hiking, Rock climbing, bungee jumping, trekking, camping, mountaineering and the likes.
Water Sports:
There are numerous water sports to catch your fancy. Some of them are listed below-
River Rafting:
Rishikesh is also known as the ‘River Rafting Capital of India’. The speeding Ganga River forms numerous gorges and rapids which offer splendid opportunities for rafting through the river. The rapids are classified into Grade I, Grade II, Grade III and Grade IV based on the difficulty level. There are 13 rapids in total from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh.
Kayaking:
Kayaking is another popular water sport in Rishikesh. A kayak can be of different structures and types and are available according to various age groups. Armed with the paddle and the kayak you have to fight the wild streams. The thrill that you derive ultimately cannot be described in words.
Canoeing:
Canoeing can be done by any age group after basic canoeing lessons by expert instructors. With the canoe and the paddle you are ready to explore the remote wilderness brimming on the two sides of the restless river.
Other Sports:
Other Adventure Sports include-
Cliff Jumping:
Embrace yourself for a jump from the cliff into the river and get the thrill of a lifetime!
Bungee Jumping:
Get the thrill of bungee jumping at Rishikesh, something you must try!
Rapelling:
To get that thrill, you must participate in this adventure sports. With a professional guidance and all the needed materials like harness, helmet, gloves and slings, dare the rocks!
Camping:
Camping and bon-fire by the dancing river and open night sky is something that every tourist wishes to partake. Stay close the sapphire blue river and the emerald green cover.
Swing:
It is another thrilling activity offered at Rishikesh. You have to swing down from a height of 83 m.
Flying Fox:
‘Flying Fox’ carries three people at a time gliding through the ropes over the beautiful landscape of Rishikesh.
Mountain Biking:
At Mohan Chatti, about 8 miles away from Rishikesh, you can enjoy Mountain biking amidst the breathtaking natural beauty.
Waterfall Trekking:
In this adventure trekking activity you have to trek in the deep jungle and discover the waterfalls and streams.
Beach Volleyball:
You can enjoy this sport with your family members in the banks of Ganga River amidst the serene and peaceful surrounding.