Recently I visited Rishikesh for 3 days and Rishikesh gave me a Divine Experience and I connect with myself in Rishikesh because I came here in a very stress mood but I choose the Visthapit area to stay because I don’t like a crowd area , so I stayed in The Neeraj Ganga Paradise and tbh it was the best experience there , the staff was to good and fortunately I got the Ganga Facing View Room , I enjoyed the View with my evening coffee. And Ganga ji distance from my stay is just a 4 or 5 min walk away and I attend the underrated Ganga Aarti , mostly people do not even know about this . So , now as a Friend and may be as a  Bada or  Chota Bhai  I suggested you What should you do in Rishikesh if you are visiting this Divine Place and May be make some plan regarding this .

Rishikesh , the Yoga Capital of the World. In 2026 there are new and exciting things to do in Rishikesh.

 1. White Water Rafting

Rafting on the Ganga is still the popular thing to do in Rishikesh. More people are visiting in 2026. The stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh has Grade 3 and 4 rapids. They are thrilling but not too difficult with a guide.

Best time to go: September to November after the monsoon when the river is full.

Cost: Starts from around ₹600 per person.

2. Giant Swing at Mohan Chatti

If bungee jumping is too much try the swing. It is 83 metres tall. Was designed in New Zealand. You swing in an arc over the valley with amazing Himalayan views. It is open from 9 AM to 9:30 PM every day.

3. Yoga and Wellness Retreats

In 2026 many young travellers are choosing Rishikesh for yoga and wellness retreats. A study found that 59% of Gen Z travellers prefer Rishikesh over party destinations. Ashrams, yoga centres and retreat spaces offer activities like yoga teacher training Reiki healing and digital detox programmes. There are some Wellness Retreat in Rishikesh where you can visit , like The Neeraj Ganga Rajmahal , , one of the best stay  in Rishikesh and also provides a wellness things to do and The Neeraj Ganga Wellness Retreat , where you can stay and take some advantange to be with yourself in Divine newar Maa Ganga and Mother Nature .

 4. Rajaji National Park Safari

Rajaji National Park is a drive from Rishikesh. It is Uttarakhands tiger reserve. You can go on a jeep safari. See elephants, leopards and deer. Sometimes you might even see tigers.

5. Ganga Aarti

Attend the Ganga Aarti is very important thing you never go to miss , so if you are in Rishikesh you should visit in Triveni Ghat to attend the iconic Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh , rather than you will visit in another Ghats like Shatrugan Ghat near the Ramjhula  and if you cross the Ramjhula Bridge you can visit in Parmarth Niketan and should attend the another iconic Aarti .

 Quick Tips Before You Visit

Best season: October to March for travel; September and November for rafting.

Always book certified operators for adventure activities. Look for ATOAI-certified guides.

Dress modestly around temples and ashrams.

Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat every evening.

Try the chocolate cake at the German Bakery near Laxman Jhula.

Common Questions

1- How days do I need in Rishikesh?

Three to four days is enough to cover the main activities, Ganga Aarti, an ashram visit and a day trip to Rajaji National Park.

2- Is Rishikesh safe for travellers?

Yes Rishikesh is one of Indias destinations for solo travel. The town is well-connected, walkable and welcoming.

3 – What is the best thing to do in Rishikesh in 2026?

Rafting on the Ganga is still the activity. The giant swing and wellness retreats are also very popular this year.

 Final Thoughts

Rishikesh in 2026 feels fresh and exciting. The seaplane service, the rail link and the growing wellness tourism scene are all signs that Rishikesh is moving forward. Whether you come for rafting an ashram visit or the sound of the Ganga at dawn Rishikesh is still one of the rewarding places to travel in India.

Yours Anonymous Friend , May 2026