Adventure and Sporting Activities in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, a popular pilgrimage city and a popular yoga hub is now growing popular as an adventure and sporting town as well. The high peaks, rugged steep slopes, gushing streams, and immense waterfalls make the place an ideal destination for chasing your passion for adventure in an idyllic natural setting. Read on to learn more about adventure and sporting activities in Rishikesh. 

Rishikesh has an interesting history dating back to ancient times. The name itself “lord of the senses” is taken after Lord Vishnu appeared under a mango tree to Rishi Raibhya. It is also associated with Lord Rama who performed penance here in repentance for his sin of killing Lord Ravana, a Brahmin. His brother too is associated with this place and the Lakshman Jhula Bridge commemorates his memory. Located on the banks of the Ganga, Rishikesh is considered a holy city and is the entry port to the popular Char Dham Yatra that draws millions of devotees each year.

Reaching Rishikesh

• Rishikesh is a major city in Uttarakhand, well connected to the rest of India by road, rail, and by air with the nearest airport being Dehradun, only 15 kilometers away.
• By road: You can take a car or private taxi from Delhi and reach the city in about 6 hours. If you take a bus it might take an hour or so more.
• By train: Rishikesh is not on the main train line so you might have to travel to Haridwar and then take another train or travel by bus or taxi, a ride of about 30 to 45 minutes.
• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is connected to Delhi by air and it is only 15 kilometers away, a drive of less than a half hour. 

If the purpose of your visit is adventure and sports in Rishikesh you may wish to proceed to the campsites. However, it does no harm if you spare a day to visit Triveni Ghat, the place where the rivers Yamuna, mythical Saraswati, and Ganga confluence. The Tryambakeshwar temple is a glorious sight with its 13 stories rising magnificently against a backdrop of hills covered by trees. Next, you can go on to Lakshman Jhula and Ramjhula bridges. Rishikesh is a center for Yoga and a city of ashrams but you may prefer to give them a miss-do visit Vashishta Goofa or the cave where Vashishta is said to have meditated.

Adventure and sports in Rishikesh

It is time to put on your sporting gear and set out to have a fun-filled day of exhilarating activities.

White Water Rafting and Water Sports:

The stretch between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh on the River Ganga as also Deoprayag, about 72 km away, offers magnificent opportunities for white water rafting. Beginners can try the calmer stretches while advanced players can opt for the more turbulent sections. All in all, it lifts up your spirit as you and your team members are tumbled about and battle the might of the turbulent river or enjoy a peaceful ride. For a more breathtaking activity go canyoning between steeply rising gorges farther afield. Kayaking is a twin to water rafting and is more of an individual effort as you try to manage your boat in the swirling rapids. The choice is yours.

Body Surfing and Cliff Jumping

Body surfing is another sporting activity that is catching popularity like wildfire. You put on a life jacket and jump into the Ganges. The current takes you on a heady, swirling, rollicking ride. For the best effect, you must jump off a high cliff wearing a life jacket. The splash is the starting point for a thrilling experience.

Rappelling and Rock Climbing

If getting wet is not your idea of fun, steer clear of white water rafting and head toward the mountains. There are plenty of cliffs in the neighborhood where you will find trainers, equipment, and facilities to help you go climb a steep rocky face and then rappel down after you have savored the sense of satisfaction that comes from conquering peaks, even if they are small ones.

Trekking

The Shivaliks are not far away and you can join a group to go explore uncharted territories or walk the beaten path in the valleys and hills. Head deep into the forests if you like and you will come across unspoiled clearings and waterfalls, so picturesque that you will want to stay here for a while and set up camp.

Flying Fox

This is a one-kilometer-long wire to which you are attached once you put on a harness. Then you step off the platform and careen madly down the wire at a speed approaching 160 km, giving you the closest feeling of flying like a bird. You could put on a Batman costume if you like.

Bungee Jumping

If you want your heart to leap into your mouth then go bungee jumping at Mohanchatti village. Jumping off an 83-metre-high platform and free-falling until the rope jerks you back is a heart-stopper for sure. A variation is to jump and then swing like a pendulum after your fall.

Hot Air Ballooning and Parasailing

This is something you must try. High up with the clouds and mountain tops for company, the view is truly magnificent as you admire it from the cage under a balloon. Parasailing is even more ecstatic, letting you navigate the air currents like a magnificent eagle.

Be fit as a fiddle before you set out for sporting activities in Rishikesh.