9 Best Things to do in Rishikesh for First-Timers

Looking for fun things to do in Rishikesh? Explore iconic sights and soak in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds the city. On the foothills of the Himalayas and along the famous Ganges River, this list covers all of the top things to do in Rishikesh for a perfect vacation!

There are so many things to do in Rishikesh! It’s a popular tourist destination in north India, in the state of Uttarakhand. It’s a beautiful city which is surrounded by mountains and is located along the Ganges River. 

Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” there are so many reasons why Rishikesh is a famous destination for travelers, and not just for yoga! You can enjoy visiting the Beatles Ashram, trek to one of the waterfalls in Rishikesh, dine at one of the many delicious cafes, and more!

My husband and I stayed in Rishikesh twice during our different travels in Uttarakhand, and it’s a super fun place to be! It’s a vibrant city surrounded by stunning nature and there are so many things to do while you are there.

You are bound to fall in love with Rishikesh and have an adventure! Be sure to check out these top things to do while you are there for a fun vacation.

This post is all about the top things to do in Rishikesh.

Things to Do in Rishikesh

#1 Attend a Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in Rishikesh. There are many ghats along the Ganges River in Rishikesh, which means a place with steps down to the river where people bathe and perform prayers and rituals.

Triveni Ghat is special because it is known to be where the three major holy rivers in India meet. “Triveni” actually means “confluence of three,” referring to the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati Rivers. It’s an especially significant point for Hindus, but for travelers alike, these rivers were the lifelines of civilizations for centuries!

You can attend an Aarti (prayer) at Triveni Ghat for a unique experience! The aarti happens daily at sunset, so timings fluctuate throughout the year (but generally around 6-7pm). It’s free and you can sit along the banks of the river and watch as they perform the aarti.

People can also dip in the river at Triveni Ghat for a spiritual cleansing. You can also offer a small bit of money to buy diyas (candles) that you offer and put in the water. The whole area around the ghat is bustling with many snacks items for sale too.

#2 Visit the Beatles Ashram (This was my favorite of all things to do in Rishikesh!)

#2 Visit the Beatles Ashram (This was my favorite of all things to do in Rishikesh!)

The Beatles Ashram gained international fame when the Beatles and other celebrities stayed there in the 1960’s to learn a new form of meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Today, it’s abandoned and has become more of a historical site for visitors to explore.

There is a small museum which shows photos of the Beatles and gives some insight into their time at the ashram. It also features other prominent celebrities who stayed there as well. For famous people, it was an oasis of peace and a space to be creative. The Beatles wrote many songs during their two months at the ashram!

This is a great stop for travelers because there is a lot to see! You can explore the old home, stays, kitchens and halls of the ashram. There are also over 100 small meditation domes which are fun to walk through and sit in for some time.

You’ll also love seeing all of the different artwork and graffiti which are stunning and all over the ashram and hidden in the meditation domes. It’s really a remarkable place to explore the ruins and see how artists have transformed them into works of art!

You have to pay a small fee to get into the ashram, and it’s not very clearly labeled from the outside. We were very confused when we first visited because it has signs for being a wildlife sanctuary. So, just a heads up! Once you enter there are maps and you’re free to walk around anywhere. There are also bathrooms and a cafe.

#3 Try White Water Rafting on the Ganges River (Perfect for Beginners too!)

The Ganges River flows through Rishikesh and is a very popular place for white water rafting! This is a fun way to experience the river and see Rishikesh from a new perspective. It’s a really beautiful journey and of course an adventure!

I had gone white water rafting one time many years before my trip to Rishikesh, so I knew nothing! But it’s perfectly safe for beginners and people with no experience. Almost everyone there is a tourist without much knowledge, and the guides are super fun and understanding of that.

There are many tour groups which can take you rafting in Rishikesh. There are also many different routes depending on the length and level of difficulty you want. Most travelers do a stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh which the tour guides arrange everything for. White water rafting in Rishikesh is a unique experience and perfect for nature lovers! It’s also a fun family activity for families with kids over the age of 10-12. Learn more about what to expect and how to plan a trip with this Complete Guide to Rafting in Rishikesh!

#4 Explore Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are iconic landmarks of Rishikesh! They are giant suspension bridges that cross over the Ganges River. You can walk along the bridges and enjoy stunning views of the city and river.

While the bridges are architecturally stunning, they also have an interesting history tied with Hinduism. The bridges are believed to be the spot where Lord Rama and his brother, Lakshman crossed the Ganges River. Hence, where the bridges got their names!

This is a great activity to do at sunset for beautiful views. There are a lot of cafes and shops near both sides of the bridges. You can take a walk on one of the bridges then enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant along the river!

#5 Trek to Neer Garh Waterfall or Patna Waterfall

The natural land surrounding Rishikesh is absolutely breathtaking! Neer Garh and Patna waterfalls are on the edge of the city and are beautiful spots to enjoy the views or take a dip in the pools below.

You can spend a day in nature by trekking to Neer Garh and hanging out at the waterfall. Patna waterfall is also popular and is closer to the main road, so makes for a smaller trek. 

While there are many waterfalls around Rishikesh, these are the two most popular spots! They aren’t far from the city and are easy for travelers to get to. It’s the perfect activity for when you need a break from the city and want to surround yourself by nature!

#6 Enjoy Food at the Delicious Cafes in Rishikesh, like Tulsi Restaurant, Secret Garden Cafe, Little Buddha Cafe and Anna’s Mess (FYI alcohol is not legal here)

Rishikesh is known for its vibrant cafe culture and there are so many incredible places to choose from! You can find all sorts of cuisines and there are a lot of great places for organic and healthier foods too, which makes sense because it’s also a hub for people into yoga. 

While there are a lot of cafes catered towards tourists, these are some spots that are maybe lesser known but have great vibes and amazing food! (Personally, I like more chilled-out, relaxed places away from the heavy tourist crowds so that’s how I travel). I’m also someone who loves a nice cocktail or beer, so thought it’s worth mentioning that many places throughout the state are dry and you won’t be able to buy any drinks while you’re out.

• Tulsi Restaurant: This restaurant is a hidden gem in Rishikesh that’s got a cute, hippy vibe and is open so you feel like you’re in nature. The food is absolutely delicious and freshly made. It’s a great spot for breakfast or snack where you can enjoy sandwiches, crepes, bowls, and much more! There is also a Tulsi Cafe which is near the river, but this restaurant is away from all of the traffic and city bustle so that’s what makes it special!
• Secret Garden Cafe: This cafe is a great place to relax and unwind while enjoying amazing food! It has a lot of outdoor seating and a lawn (hence, garden) and is a super chilled out place. They have a lot of different options to choose from including breakfast foods, indian, mediterranean and international cuisines.
• Little Buddha Cafe: I love this restaurant because it’s right along the Ganges River and makes for perfect views while enjoying the food! It’s on the opposite side of the river than the majority of places in Rishikesh, so it’s much more relaxed and away from the city chaos. Aside from the views, they have literally all kinds of food and international cuisines (even “Mexican” food, but don’t get that, haha). The momos are nice!
• Anna’s Mess: This is my favorite place to eat in Rishikesh and it feels like a secret! It’s a south Indian restaurant which of course isn’t what you think of when traveling north, but their food is absolutely amazing. Everything is prepared fresh with high quality ingredients and it’s different food than you will find anywhere else in Rishikesh. I highly recommend this place!

#7 Join for a yoga, meditation, or other healing session

Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World!” There are a lot of ashrams for travelers and people wanting to learn yoga or become certified instructors. That being said, there are also a lot of yoga classes you can find and various other workshops for a unique experience.

Along with yoga classes, some other interesting types of classes that are easily found include sound baths, breath-work, crystal healing, and reiki. There are a lot of creative people in Rishikesh who lead various sessions, so it’s worth checking out something that interests you and can make for a fun and memorable time!

#8 Relax on the Beaches of the Ganges River (or spend a night camping there!)

The Ganges River is one of the most sacred rivers in India! Many people believe that one dip in the water can cleanse your soul. There are many spots along the river where you can comfortably go in for a dip. You can also relax and spend time sitting on the banks of the river.

We spent a few sunsets and sunrises on a beach towards the outside of Rishikesh and it was the perfect experience. On Google Maps, we were near “NIM Beach,” although I don’t really know if there’s a name for it and there were no signs. It wasn’t super crowded though so we loved it.

The beach was relaxing and calm. There were some big boulders as well which we sat along. It’s a fun way to spend the time while enjoying the sounds of the river and soaking in the views. You’ll also get to see people rafting as they go along the river and sometimes hear them cheering!

There are also small campsites for people interested in spending a night on the banks of the river. You’ll easily find a tour group who will arrange a tent and everything you’ll need. You can also enjoy a campfire at night which makes for a fun experience!

#9 Explore Vashishta Gufa Cave

This is an ancient cave and temple that is a unique spot just outside Rishikesh. It’s 25km from the city but still one of the top things to do in Rishikesh. Because it’s a little drive, it’s also less packed with tourists and is a really profound experience.

The cave is associated with Sage Vashishta, one of the revered sages of ancient India. It’s believed he meditated there and hence, it’s a place with deep spiritual energy. Travelers can come visit the cave and spend time sitting while taking in the powerful energy.

The space is quiet and requires a small trek to get to as it’s surrounded by nature. This is a great place to visit for travelers wanting to get away from the city hustle and experience an ancient site with spiritual significance. Even travelers who don’t practice yoga or meditation can have an amazing time here.

To prepare for your trip to Rishikesh, be sure to check out this Ultimate India Packing Guide. You can also expand your trip and explore some of the Best Places to Travel in India by state.