Rishikesh in December (2026)

Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

Every evening at sunset, hundreds gather on the ghats at Parmarth Niketan for the Ganga aarti — priests in saffron robes performing fire rituals on the river while bells ring, conches blow, and diyas float downstream. One of the most moving ceremonial experiences in India.

White-Water Rafting on the Ganga

The stretch from Shivpuri to Laxman Jhula (16km) offers Grade 3–4 rapids — "The Wall", "Three Blind Mice", "Golf Course" — with Himalayan scenery throughout. Budget operators from ₹600; quality operators with safety equipment from ₹1,200.

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

In 1968, the Beatles came here for four months to study Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi — the retreat produced much of The White Album. Now a partially overgrown ruin covered in street art, it has a strange melancholy beauty unlike anywhere else in India.

Yoga & Meditation Course

Rishikesh has India's highest concentration of legitimate yoga schools — from one-day drop-in classes (₹300–800) to 200-hour teacher training programs (4 weeks). The Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, and Yoga Niketan are among the most respected traditional schools.

Bungee Jumping at Mohanchatti

At 83m, India's highest fixed bungee jump overlooks a Himalayan gorge — operated by Jumpin Heights (₹3,550), it's well-run and internationally certified. The same complex offers a giant swing (82m arc over a river gorge) and flying fox.

Kunjapuri Devi Sunrise Trek

A 45-minute trek from the roadhead to the Kunjapuri Devi temple (1,676m) for sunrise — on clear mornings from October to March the entire Himalayan chain is visible: Gangotri, Kedarnath, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba, turning pink in the first light.