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The holy city of Rishikesh is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and is widely recognised for being a haven of peace and spirituality. But did you know it also happens to be "the adventure capital of India"? This picturesque locale is only a six-hour drive from Delhi and attracts as many adventure enthusiasts as spiritual seekers.
Here are some top-rated adventure experiences that will get your heart pumping and blood racing in Rishikesh.
The reason why Rishikesh is known as "the adventure capital of India" is because of the popularity of bungee jumping in Mohanchatti and white water rafting in the Ganges. It was the Jumpin Heights company that brought international bungee jumping standards with the highest levels of safety to India. Owned and run by Rahul Nigam, it is India’s most extreme bungy and the only one that is set amidst the mountains.
The panoramic views of the Rishikesh valley and the highest safety standards make Jumpin Heights the most popular bungee jump in India. The rebound experience gives customers “the feeling of butterflies on steroids” in their stomachs. The experience has also been captured in the fictional novel “Joy of Missing Out,” a story where bungee jumping becomes the ultimate metaphor for taking a leap of faith in life. This experience is one for the ages; the breathtaking views and exhilarating freefall sensation will leave unforgettable memories for those who are brave enough to try.
When to Go: Bunjee jumping is operational throughout the year except for the monsoons. Subject to weather conditions, it usually remains shut from mid-July to mid-September.
White water rafting enthusiasts will delight at how a spiritually significant stretch of the mighty Ganges River becomes an epic adventure course. Thrillseekers can navigate a series of exciting rapids ranging from gentle Class I rapids for beginners up to heart-stopping Class III and IV rapids which will put their teamwork and paddling skills to the test.
As you navigate the river, keep your eyes peeled for breathtaking sights such as the lush green valleys, towering Himalayan cliffs and ancient temples along the riverbanks. The rapids provide an adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment as each section is conquered but don't forget that the music of the water plays a part too—its soothing soundtrack is the ideal accompaniment to this adventure sport.
When to Go: For optimal rafting conditions, plan a visit between September and June when water levels on the Ganges rise more substantially.
While Mohanchatti in Rishikesh is known for its bungy, it also provides two other unique experiences with which to explore the Himalayan valley. The first one is the Flying Fox—a variant of the very popular zipline—where the jumper is flying in tandem or in batches of two (ideal for couples) or three (ideal for friends). It can also be done solo. This is Asia’s longest Flying Fox where jumpers are harnessed parallel to the ground and zip across a 1km stretch. Starting from a height of 120m and rolling down at speeds of 140 kmph, the experience finishes up just 7m above the water level. While this is the mildest activity offered at Jumpin Heights, the experience is more about finding a novel way of truly engaging with the pahadi landscape of Rishikesh.
The second experience is the Giant Swing which offers the best of extreme adrenaline-pumping activities and the ride of a lifetime through panoramic views. This is the unsung hero of Indian adventure sports, and its beauty lies in its location and structure. Operated from the same space as the bungy platform, the Giant Swing has double the freefall of the bungy with almost as much fear. The jumper swings like a pendulum through the Rishikesh valley and it is an experience that will be etched into your mind and soul forever. This can be done in tandem but is subject to the weight of individual people.
When to Go: October to December is peak season as you get a cool winter breeze. The Flying Fox and Giant Swing remain open year-round barring the monsoon.
Kayaking on the Ganges River provides a challenging yet tranquil workout. You can paddle against gentle currents or explore the river's natural wonders from an upper-body perspective while experiencing all that nature offers along the course.
Meanwhile, cliff jumping provides the ultimate test of courage. Take a leap of faith off designated cliffs into the Ganges for an exhilarating rush of adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment that's hard to rival. Make sure that you follow all the specified safety precautions and only jump from approved locations with professional supervision.
When to go: Like white water rafting, kayaking works best at higher water levels. This means that September through June makes for generally ideal conditions. Cliff jumping takes place during October and February as the water levels decrease to allow for safer jumping conditions.
