Five Things to Do On Your First Visit to Rishikesh

Rishikesh, crowned as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ is one of the holiest places in India. The city attracts people from all over the world seeking spirituality. Apart from this, Rishikesh also attracts tourists for adventure offerings.

My first visit to Rishikesh was in the year 2015, with my office colleagues. How the trip went, is another story to tell. However, learning from my experiences, here is what you can do if you find yourself in Rishikesh for the first time.

⛺ Camp under the stars

Staying close to nature should always be the motive when camping. What can be better than Rishikesh? The soothing water of Ganges will make not only your heart but your soul happy too! Hence, go for the riverside camps and enjoy the bonfire, barbeque and the starry sky.

🚣 Do the White water rafting

If you are missing the adrenaline rushing through the veins then this is the right place for you. What you will get in return is the wonderful feeling of chilled water splashing on your face. The rapids testing your fears yet being able to overcome them. Lastly, that feeling of freedom and trust upon the life jacket while floating freely in the Ganges.

⛰ Try Cliff Jumping

This is where your stomach will churn and you will realize how precious life is. Your brain will stop you but your heart would want you to jump. If you are the one who listens to your heart more than your brain then I am sure it will be a piece of cake for you. For those who cannot, worry not! There will be many eagerly waiting to push you off the cliff.

P.S: If you do not fall in either of the categories, then just sit back and enjoy the Maggie and watch people scream.

🙏🏼 Attend the evening prayer at Har Ki Podi

The holy river of Ganges tends to have healing properties because of which thousands of people come here to wash off their sins. People also visit this place to witness the amazing Ganges Aarti (prayer) where the priests perform the rituals in full coordination with each other. If you are a sinner seeking forgiveness or merely a tourist seeking spirituality, this place will definitely ring the bells of your spiritual soul.

🍲 Dine at Choti Walan restaurant

Once upon a time, Choti Walan used to be a tiny shop near the Ganga ghati selling puri bhaji. That now been transformed into a franchise, becoming the most popular restaurant in Haridwar. Therefore, if you are roaming around the markets near the Har Ki Podi then you will definitely come across at least three outlets of Choti walan. Hop into one and ask for puri bhaji and gulab jamun. I am sure you will not regret it!

Let me know in the comments below about your Rishikesh experience. I would love to hear 🙂