5 Adventure Activities To Try In Rishikesh

Last Updated:July 29, 2025, 17:15 IST

Rishikesh: From aerial thrills to river rushes, this Himalayan haven will test your limits and reward you with stories for life

There’s a certain serenity to Rishikesh, the hymns of the Ganges, the saffron-clad sadhus, the scent of burning camphor. But step away from the ghats, and you’ll find another side of this spiritual town: one that’s wild, untamed, and pure adrenaline.

Tucked into the Himalayan foothills and laced by turbulent rivers and deep gorges, Rishikesh has quietly become India’s undisputed adventure capital. Whether you’re leaping off a cliff, soaring over the valley, or navigating rapids, the energy here is electric.

Here are five adventure experiences in Rishikesh that will get your pulse racing:

1. Bungee Jumping at Jumpin Heights: India’s Highest Leap of Faith

Where: Jumpin Heights – The Bungy People, Mohan Chatti

Drop: 83 meters of pure freefall

Welcome to India’s original bungee hotspot, and still its boldest. At 83 meters, the platform at Jumpin Heights run by ex-Army officers with international safety standards offers a hair-raising freefall over the rocky Hyul River valley. There’s no mechanical pull or rebound. Just gravity. Silence. Then screams.

Why it’s iconic:

This is where India’s bungee culture began and it still reigns supreme. You leave with a jump certificate, a video, and a heart that’s beat faster than ever before.

2. White Water Rafting: Ride the Pulse of the Ganges

Best Routes:

• Brahmapuri to Rishikesh (9 km)

• Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km)

• Marine Drive to Rishikesh (24 km)

The Ganges here is more than sacred, it’s fierce. White water rafting in Rishikesh is a rite of passage for the outdoor enthusiast, with frothy rapids that bear deceptively charming names like The Wall, Return to Sender, and Golf Course. Between Grade I and IV rapids, expect icy sprays, bouncing boats, and panoramic Himalayan drama.

Why you’ll love it:

A mix of adrenaline and awe, ideal for beginners or pros, set against one of India’s most scenic backdrops.

3. Giant Swing: Think Bungee, but Broader and Wilder

Where: Jumpin Heights

Swing Distance: Up to 83 meters

If bungee is the freefall, the Giant Swing is the flight. Suspended from the same high platform, you’ll be released into a massive pendulum arc that sweeps across the valley. It’s one part rollercoaster, one part spiritual awakening and all thrill.

Unlike the solitary leap of bungee, the Giant Swing can be done solo or with a partner, making it ideal for brave-hearted duos.

Why it’s unforgettable:

The weightlessness. The arc. The sheer grace of flying through silence at speed.

4. Flying Fox: Zip Through the Sky at 140 km/h

Where: Jumpin Heights – The Bungy People

Strapped horizontally in a harness, you’re launched from one hilltop to another at up to 140 km/h. The Flying Fox is the closest thing to being a superhero — gliding above forests, cliffs, and rivers, with the wind in your face and the Himalayas unfolding around you.

And yes, you can do it tandem with a friend — because some experiences are better when shared (and screamed through).

Why it’s a must-try:

It’s the smoothest, fastest way to drink in the Himalayan scenery at lightning speed.

5. Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Himalayan Highs, One Grip at a Time

Top Spots: Shivalik Hills, Kaudiyala, Neer Garh

For those who like their thrills with a bit of technique, rock climbing and rappelling in Rishikesh offer a deeply satisfying mix of challenge and calm. You’ll scale vertical faces, rappel down craggy cliffs, and engage muscles you didn’t know you had — all under the watchful eye of trained professionals.

Why it stands out:

It’s physical. It’s mindful. And the views from halfway up (or down) are worth every sweaty pull.

Traveller Tip

Adventure season peaks between October and June. Pre-book your activities especially with Jumpin Heights as spots fill up fast. And don’t forget to collect your jump footage, it’ll be your new favorite brag on Instagram.

In Rishikesh, you come for the soul. You stay for the surge.

From aerial thrills to river rushes, this Himalayan haven will test your limits and reward you with stories for life. Whether you’re jumping off cliffs or chasing rapids, Rishikesh promises one thing: you’ll never see adventure the same way again.

Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More

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