Top 13 Adventure Sports in Rishikesh [Adventure Tourism in Rishikesh]

The beautiful city of Rishikesh strikes a critical balance between thrill and relaxation. It is known for its adventure sports facilities and on the other hand, it is also known as the ‘World Capital Of Yoga’. This amalgamation of adrenaline and tranquillity make the destination exotic. The city offers an array of good quality adventure sports facilities. They range from Rafting to Trekking to Paragliding.

Everyone must experience this holy city where river Ganges flows. You can camp at the riverside and enjoy bonfire and moonlight playing with the silhouettes of the mountains or simply spend your day doing adventure activities and end your day with the daily grand Aarti ceremony at the riverfronts. This city will leave you with memories that can be as exciting as serene.

Also, read about the Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh and courses available there.

Adventure Sports in Rishikesh:

The city has unlimited options for adventure activities. From easy to difficult there are various activities available for the traveler’s wonder. These sports available in this serene and holy city leave a long-lasting effect on the minds and keep you refreshed for weeks and months to come.

The days spent here are sure to create a nostalgic effect whenever remembered again. Amongst these, you can pick up whatever is your type and find a good service provider. Here we are listing the adventure activities available.

1. River Rafting 2. Camping
3. Trekking 4. Kayaking
5. Hot Air Balloons 6. Bungee Jumping
7. Flying Fox 8. Giant Swing
9. Rock Climbing 10. Cliff Jumping
11. Paragliding 12. Mountain Biking
13. Body Surfing    
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Adventurous Things to do in Rishikesh

1. River Rafting:

White-Water-River-Rafting-Rishikesh
adventurous things to do in rishikesh

White Water River Rafting is the main attraction of the city and the most popular thing to do here. This city is one of the best places to do river rafting in India. The best season to do rafting is from September-November and from March to May. This adventure sport has various difficulty levels depending on the type of rapids encountered and the length of the route.

The rapid encountered range from Level 1 to Level 4 in order of difficulty and the length of the river course traveled ranges from 9km, 16km, 24km to 36km. Rafting is suitable for people of all ages as the difficulty level can be chosen according to the comfort level of the individual.

2. Camping:

sleeping-in-the-lap-of-nature-Rishiskesh
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Camping is like sleeping in the lap of nature. Just check-in at any camp and enjoy a bonfire at night, and wake up amidst the sounds of sweet chirping birds and the flowing water. The starry nights spent here will leave fond memories for a lifetime.

These camps are replete with all the needs of a comfortable stay, from electricity to water to good food. But do remember to carry an extra pair of warm clothes, first-aid kit and basic medicines with you. A thorough study of the background of the company providing camping is required for a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

3. Trekking:

Trekking-foothills-of-Himalayas Adventure Sports in Rishikesh
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is situated in the foothills of Himalayas and thus is the starting point of various treks. For all those who have the wanderlust for the hidden beauty of the mountains approachable only by foot through narrow trails. Treks in Uttaranchal are a treat to mind, body, and soul. They take you away from the mundane life to the excitement of encountering some gushing rivers, falling waterfalls, beautiful animals and local people living in small pockets and what not.

One never knows what’s next. Various treks that can be taken from here are- Valley Of Flowers, Chopta Trek, Chandershila Trek, Roopkund Trek, Dodital Trek, Nagtibba Trek, Kuari Pass Trek, and Har Ki Dun Trek.

4. Kayaking:

best-places-to-experience-Kayaking-Rishikesh
adventurous things to do in rishikesh

Kayaking is another experience sure to give you an adrenaline rush. Various beautiful sceneries and landscapes await at your kayaking route. Cliffs, trees, birds hiding in the nooks, all include your trip kayaking the waters of the river Ganges.

There are various kayaking packages available, split according to the difficulty level. The trips range from calm waters to harsh white waters. This is one of the best places to experience Kayaking and a must on the to-do list if you are looking for some hardcore adventure.

5. Hot Air Balloon:

Balloon-rides-Adventure Sports in Rishikesh
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Hot Air Balloon is one of the easiest and most rewarding of the sports adventures available here. All you need to do is get inside the balloon and enjoy the setting, while a person from the agency controls the alleviation and direction of the balloon. Balloon rides at sunrise and sunset are the most popular.

The beautiful setting of trees, mountains, waterfalls, and rivers below the setting/rising sun looks stunning. If you truly want to admire the beauty of the city and surroundings in their entirety, a balloon ride is a must-to-do activity. The best part is, that you can photograph these rare views to your heart’s content. This unreal experience will ink your mind for forever.

6. Bungee Jumping:

highest-bungee-jumping-site-Rishikesh-India
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Bungee Jumping is free-falling from a cliff and down to the depth of a valley while being secured with a rope tied to both of your feet. There are many bungee jumping sites but the highest bungee jumping site in the whole of India is Mohanachatti, 15km from the city. This cliff is 83m high and below is a gushing river.

The whole setting provides an ideal place for the activity. Fear mixed with sheer excitement is a feeling to cherish lifelong. Also, it’s definitely an experience that you can boast about once you are back home. The minimum age for bungee jumping is 12 years and the range of weight is 35kg to 110kg.

7. Flying Fox:

Flying Fox at Rishikesh is the longest Zipline in Asia
adventurous things to do in rishikesh

Flying Fox or Zipline is a high-speed adventure that takes place at a height of 200 feet from the ground. The Flying Fox at Rishikesh is the longest Zipline in Asia. This is a 45-minute to 60-minute adventure. While flying atop mountains and the Holy River Ganga, you can catch a birds-eye view of the place.

The thrilling adventure with the tranquil scenery is an exotic mix. At the height of 200 feet from the ground, and flying down, you feel the air at its full speed. Air ruffling through your hairs, the birds-eye view and the adrenaline rush all combined enthrall you. The minimum age for this sport is 12 and the minimum weight is 20kg and maximum weight 130kg.

8. Giant Swing:

highest-giant-swing-in-India
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Giant Swing is a seat attached with ropes of wire, just like a swing but at a height of 83 meters above the ground. Also, the giant swing of Rishikesh is the highest giant swing in India. This Giant Swing is worth a try if you are looking for something new to experiment with and are not afraid of height.

The swing is completely safe. Proper safety equipment is employed to make sure of the safety. In this sport also, the minimum age is 12 and the weight ranges from 20kg to max 130kg. This sport is equally enjoyable for people of all ages and anyone can do it. Unlike some other sports, swinging does not need any special skill or training.

9. Rock Climbing:

best-place-for-Rock-Climbing-in-India
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Rock climbing is an extremely adventurous activity and this city is heaven for Rock Climbers. The Shivalik Range is considered the best place for Rock Climbing in India. This sport challenges your mental as well as physical strength. Finding your way up the cliff, with nothing but your hands and feet, is super exciting and gives you a rush like no other activity can.

The proud moment after finishing the activity is worth all the effort and more. In spite of the challenges involved, the activity is completely safe. You are tied to a rope that falls down from the top of the cliff and instructors carefully monitor your activity.

10. Cliff Jumping:

Cliff-Jumping-is-a-crazy-but-fun-activity-Rishikesh
adventurous things to do in rishikesh

Cliff Jumping is a crazy but fun activity. Just jump from a cliff into the waters of Ganges from a height of 30-40 feet. Sounds crazy right? But, it is something really fun to brag about once home. Cliff Jumping is not similar to jumping in a swimming pool from a height, it is far more fun and challenging at the same time.

The waters are not stagnant plus they are murky. Still, the activity is safe, as you are wearing a life jacket and a helmet. It is the best method to challenge your guts and fears. You will be amazed by your courage once the jump is over. The thrill you get in this activity is unmatched. This activity is done in the presence of trained instructors, so it is super safe.

11. Paragliding:

Paragliding-is-a-fun-adventure-Rishikesh
Paragliding – Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Have a taste of the beauty of Rishikesh from the sky. Paragliding is a fun adventure. It does not require much skill, it is a must for all the adventure junkies. Feel the air as it gushes through you. Enjoy the beautiful scenery below with lush green mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. This adventure will seep down memories in you.

Just get immersed in the surroundings. Feel free like a bird and forget about all the worries of the world. These rare views from the air can be cherished in the memory lifelong. Paragliding is safe as you sit on a harness attached to the glider above and an expert instructor controls this glider.

12. Mountain Biking:

Mountain-Biking-is-a-not-very-popular-sport-but-a-very-adventurous-one
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Mountain Biking is a not very popular sport but, a very adventurous one. Biking in the narrow trails with steep ascents and descents is an experience to gather. The adventure trails are difficult enough to satiate your adrenaline desire. It is an exciting way to explore the surrounding areas. With the slow and steady bicycle pace, there is enough time to absorb the beauty of every scene inside you.

You can carry a camera with you and catch all the moments spent in the wilderness aloof from the hustle-bustle of the main city. The sport is safe as all the required facilities are taken care of, like first-aid boxes and other stuff by the instructors.

13. Body Surfing:

Body Surfing is done after or during the rafting for free. It involves lying on the water and feeling the cold water below and the warmth of the Sun above. This gives a thrilling feeling of being inside the river and being able to feel the water of the river directly.

One can actually feel the water current of the river hitting on him or her. You are always wearing a life jacket and the instructors are always vigilant, so it is safe and extremely enjoyable. You can even get your pictures clicked while doing the activity and keep them feeling nostalgic someday.

Rishikesh is heaven for adventure junkies. These adventure sports give the much-needed adrenaline rush in today’s mundane city life. They are completely safe as long as proper care is taken. Proper probing needs to be done into the decision for choosing a quality service provider.

Various websites are doing the online booking for providing these sports. One needs to read the reviews and fully go through the details provided. Usually, expert instructors carry the activities, but still one must make sure of the security and other issues. You can also book travel agents, which book the full package.

To make the stay here wholesome, you can also attend the grand Ganga Aarti at the riverfronts (ghats) after your action-packed day and relax and collect energy for the events of the next day.


Hope you liked our article on Rishikesh and the adventure sports available here. Also, read our article on Yoga Ashrams available in Rishikesh and Things to do in Panji and its tourist destinations.

For more information about How to Reach the place and the best season to visit here, please go through the official website of Uttaranchal Tourism. Here you will find answers to all your questions and also what nearby places to visit.

So, All the Best for your stay in Rishikesh. Hope you enjoy your stay here.

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