A Side of Sweet

Beautiful Food, Travel & Design

  • About
    • Contact
      • Collaborate
      • Photography for Your Business
    • In the Press
    • Subscribe
    • Pinky Promise (Disclosure & Privacy Policy)
  • Eat
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Desserts
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Ice Cream
      • Pies & Tarts
    • Main Dishes
    • Snacks
      • Healthy Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Gluten Free Recipes
    • Dog Treats
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Party Recipe Ideas
    • Round Ups
    • Summer Treats
  • Make
    • Beauty DIYS
    • Gift Ideas
    • Home Decor
    • Paper Projects
    • Party Ideas
    • Photobooths
    • Things To Wear
    • Collections
  • Go
    • California
      • San Francisco
      • Bay Area
      • Los Angeles
    • USA
      • California
        • San Francisco
        • Bay Area
        • Los Angeles
      • Alaska
      • Oregon
        • Portland
      • Philadelphia
      • Washington
        • Seattle
      • Arizona
    • Africa
      • Egypt
      • Morocco
        • Asilah
        • Chefchaouen
        • Fez
        • Marrakech
      • South Africa
        • Cape Town
    • Asia + Middle East
      • Dubai
      • Egypt
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Japan
      • Qatar
      • Thailand
    • Central America
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
        • Cancun
        • Tulum
      • Guatemala
      • Belize
    • Europe
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • London/UK
        • Manchester
      • Portugal
      • Spain
  • Style
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Wed
  • Learn
    • Blogging
    • Photography
  • Shop
    • My Baking Essentials
    • My Photography Equipment
Home » Travel » India » Rishikesh, India {Travel}

Rishikesh, India {Travel}

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Things to Do in Rishikesh India - Swimming in the Ganges

Rishikesh, India is the birthplace of yoga. Because of this, I knew I had to visit during the site-seeing portion of my trip. Rishikesh is known for having many ashrams (yoga/spiritual communities) and also for adventures sports, as it is located on the banks of the Ganges river. People either come for a spiritual retreat or for an adrenaline rush white water rafting. I think I was one of the few people I met who came to Rishikesh purely for the yoga/fitness aspect.

I’ll write more about my time staying at an ashram in Rishikesh, but for now, here is what I did in Rishikesh during my week there. As you can see, there isn’t a ton. Rishikesh is better for relaxation than it is for sightseeing – which was just fine with me!

One of my first nights in Rishikesh, one of the couples staying in the ashram, Patricia and J.J., organized an awesome night out to celebrate their third wedding anniversary. We piled into tuk tuks, which only cost 5 rupees a person in Rishikesh, as long as you stay on the pre-defined route.

Things to Do in Rishikesh India

Things to Do in Rishikesh IndiaWe visited a Hare Krishna temple and enjoyed a special celebration complete with music and dancing. Hare Krishna is an ultra-orthodox branch of Hinduism. Everything in the ceremony was separated by gender.

Things to Do in Rishikesh India

Things to Do in Rishikesh India

Things to Do in Rishikesh India - Hare Krishna Temple

Things to Do in Rishikesh India

Things to Do in Rishikesh India

After the celebration, there was a delicious buffet dinner:

Things to Do in Rishikesh India

Things to Do in Rishikesh IndiaThings to Do in Rishikesh India

The Ganges river flows through Rishikesh and is amazingly beautiful. The water is a pretty turquoise and perfect for swimming. You have to be careful where you take your dip though, as many people drown each year in the fast moving currents. There are several hidden whirlpools close to the most popular swimming spot. The week before I arrived, four tourists drowned. So awful.

Things to Do in Rishikesh India - Swimming in the Ganges

Things to Do in Rishikesh India - Swimming in the Ganges

There is a pretty waterfall on the edge of town, which is perfect for swimming on a hot day. I hiked there with Aric and Anna Maria from the ashram. We were lucky that it is fairly deserted when we went, but I have heard it is often filled with aggressive, leering, Indian men.Things to Do in Rishikesh India - Neer Waterfall Things to Do in Rishikesh India - Neer WaterfallThings to Do in Rishikesh India - Neer WaterfallThings to Do in Rishikesh India - Neer Waterfall

Gray Langur Monkeys in Rishikesh, India from Kelly Egan on Vimeo.

My other favorite thing that I did in Rishikesh was visit the Beatles Ashram. I had so many photos I made it its own post, so stay tuned!

Red Maple Inn – A Mid-Range Hotel In New Delhi, India
Amritsar Golden Temple - India {Travel}

Related

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

May 3, 2013  •  Filed Under: India, Travel No Comments

Share Your Thoughts Cancel reply

Welcome!

San Francisco Food, Fashion, Travel Blogger

Hi! I’m Kelly. I live in San Francisco with my husband, Pat, and our puppy, Maddie. Here you’ll find recipes, DIYs, style, travel & a glimpse into our adventures. To learn a little more about me, Click Here.

Let’s Connect!

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Search

Weekly Updates

Thanks a million!

Disclaimer: This blog uses affiliate links. When you make a purchase with one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission. I’m so grateful for your support (and the help with paying my grocery bill)!

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...