Have you ever wondered what a romantic getaway in the culturally fascinating and spiritually enriching city of Rishikesh, India, would look like? Get ready to be enthralled by all the amazing things to do in Rishikesh for couples.
This guest blog is by Ashley Antony, the blogger behind her family travel blog, Plan Ashley Go. She is a researcher and travel writer from India. This post contains affiliate links.
Is Rishikesh good for couples?
Located on the foothills of the Himalayas and by the bank of the Ganges River, Rishikesh, India, is a haven for couples. It’s blessed with breathtaking landscapes steeped in mysticism and offers a perfect destination to soak in an exotic culture.
Rishikesh is the perfect balance of thrill and tranquility. With a rich heritage in yoga and spirituality, Rishikesh attracts tourists worldwide. Therefore, if you are traveling to Rishikesh as a couple, you will be amazed by its varied options to satiate your search for spirituality, adventure, and romance.
Take a romantic stroll on Lakshman Jhula or witness the vibrant colors of Indian culture at Triveni Ghat. As a result, Rishikesh offers blissful evenings to watch the sun idly set behind the Himalayas.
Give your love a spiritual revival and detox your minds with yoga lessons, ashram living, and an ayurvedic spa. Such is the popularity of Rishikesh as a spiritual center. Way back in the 1960s, the British musical band The Beatles visited this quaint town for some artistic rejuvenation.
For couples seeking adventure, Rishikesh is a favorite spot in India for river rafting, bungee jumping, cliff jumping, and flying fox. For the nature-loving couple, Rishikesh has pristine waterfalls, exciting hiking trails, and an impressive national park to spot the wild.
Are you looking for a trip that offers the complete package? Then check out the 15 best things to do in Rishikesh for couples. (P.S. It’s also great for family travel, too!)
15 Things to Do in Rishikesh for Couples
1. Experience the sunset at Triveni Ghat.
Sunset at Triveni Ghat is a surreal experience you can share with your love on a couples’ trip to Rishikesh. Triveni Ghat is special in Rishikesh for its mythical and geographical significance. The rituals performed here during sunset can transport you into a magical reverie.
Triveni Ghat is where the three holy rivers, the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati, converge. Every evening around sunset, religious leaders perform the special ritual of Ganga Arti (Worship of River Ganga) at Triveni Ghat. The priests chant Vedic hymns and make circular gestures with holy lamps in their hands as prayers.
At the same time, devotees place their offerings of tiny clay lamps and sacred flowers on broad leaves and float them on the river. The floating lamps, the setting sun, and the rhythmic Vedic chants will soothe you.
Looking for things to do in Rishikesh at night? Go to the river and experience the daily rituals of the Indian people.
2. Take a yoga class together.
A visit to the “Yoga Capital of the World” is incomplete without taking a lesson in yoga. Whether you are a yoga virgin or you can fit into a box with yogic flexibility, Rishikesh has something for you.
If you’ve never practiced yoga at home, in Rishikesh, you can get a couple’s detox package. Typically, these include customized yoga sessions, meditation, organic meals, and trekking for all-round healing.
However, suppose the two of you are yoga enthusiasts passionate about becoming yoga trainers. In that case, you can even take a Yoga Alliance, USA, certified course. As a result, you’ll become a yoga power couple and work as a yoga trainer anywhere in the world.
What to do in Rishikesh for a day? Try taking a yoga class as a couple.
3. Live togehter in an Ashram.
If you wish for a spiritually invigorating experience on your honeymoon in Rishikesh, consider living in an Ashram. The Ashram life goes beyond yoga, meditation, and organic food. Consequently, it is a cathartic experience you can share as a couple.
The discipline, serenity, introspection, and community living will give you a better self. The Ashram life has a strict schedule involving volunteer work, listening to kirtans (Vedic songs), classes on Hinduism and Vedas, and philosophical sessions.
The food served in Ashrams is typically grown on the property. Additionally, you can volunteer with the gardening work during your stay. Several Ashrams work with underprivileged children or assist the sick and elderly. You can work with the Ashram workers and contribute to better the lives of people in need.
Some famous Rishikesh Ashram are Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Sivananda Ashram, Madhuban Ashram, and Swami Dayananda Ashram.
A trip to Rishikesh for couples should include an experience in an Ashram. It’s life-changing and will bring you closer together.
4. Indulge in an Ayurvedic spa.
Another rejuvenating activity for couples in Rishikesh is getting an Ayurvedic spa. Ayurveda is the Indian science of healing that works by striking the right balance of fluids in the body.
An Ayurvedic spa is a full-body massage with herbs and essential oils to reduce stress and calm your mind. The Ayurvedic practitioner will first assess your body to find the imbalances and use the oils and techniques suited to your body type. Therefore, you can get a memorable couple’s spa at some luxury resorts.
Best Luxury Resorts in Rishikesh to Have Couple Spas
When considering couple places in Rishikesh, be sure to experience Ayurvedic treatments to relax and indulge.
5. Take a musical tour of the 60s at the Beatles Ashram.
The Beatles Ashram is a must-visit for every couple in Rishikesh! The 1960s Liverpool-based British pop musical band The Beatles once visited Rishikesh. Consequently, since then, they’ve been immortalized on the walls of the Ashram through art.
In 1968, The Beatles spent two months in Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram in Rishikesh. Additionally, they learned transcendental meditation from a famous spiritual guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During their stay, they composed close to fifty songs. They featured many of those songs in their album called The White Album.
The Ashram no longer functions as a spiritual school but more so as a memorial for the band’s time in Rishikesh. The walls are graffiti-covered, celebrating The Beatles’ connection with the spiritual guru and the Ashram.
At the entrance to the Beatles Ashram, there’s a gallery of photographs and plaques narrating the whole story of how the Beatles came to Rishikesh. The Ashram also hosts a gift shop and a café where you can enjoy some quick bites while listening to The Beatles’ tunes.
When considering places to visit in Rishikesh for couples, don’t miss the nostalgia of music from the UK.
6. Take a romantic stroll on Lakshman Jhula.
If you want to take a romantic stroll in Rishikesh holding your partner’s hand, nothing beats the beauty and vibe of the Lakshman Jhula.
Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge across the Ganges River offering a stunning panoramic view of the town with the mighty Himalayas. The sweet melody of the flowing Ganges makes the stroll on the bridge particularly romantic. The best time to experience this is during the sunset when the setting sun paints the river with many hues of orange.
Lakshman Jhula is a vibrant and bustling bridge with many small shops selling trinkets on the pavement. This is an excellent spot to relax and spend an evening of people-watching.
Is Rishikesh safe for couples? It is, but just be careful on the suspension bridge.
7. Visit holy places and learn about the local legends.
A “pilgrimage” to Hindu holy sites may not be your ideal romantic getaway. But when in Rishikesh, this gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture together.
There are several myths in the Hindu belief that several of the Hindu Gods actually visited Rishikesh. Let me share some of the narratives I came across on my trip to Rishikesh to pique your interest.
Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are two suspension bridges named after the Hindu god Rama and his brother, Lakshmana. Legend has it that Lord Rama and Lakshmana visited Rishikesh for meditation and penance after they murdered the demon Ravana. Locals consider Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula spots where the lords crossed the Ganges using ropeways during their stay.
Another interesting holy site in Rishikesh is the Trayambakeshwar Temple. It’s a unique thirteen-storied temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, it houses the idols of several Hindu gods and goddesses. This temple is unique in the sense that you typically find the idols of a single god in a temple. This temple, also known as Terah Manzil Temple, is situated on the banks of River Ganga and right next to the Lakshman Jhula. The view of Rishikesh from atop the thirteenth floor is spectacular.
The most important holy place in Rishikesh is the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva, another Hindu god, consumed poison from the ocean churned by lesser gods and demons. As a result, his throat turned blue. Legend has it that the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple stands on the very spot where Lord Shiva stood while drinking the poison.
When planning things to do in Rishikesh, India, add visiting a temple to your list.
8. Pump your adrenaline with white water rafting.
If you thought Rishikesh was all about yoga, meditation, and spirituality, you have been mistaken. Rishikesh has something for the adventure junkie couples as well.
White water rafting on the Ganges is one of the most exciting and thrilling things to do in Rishikesh for couples. A potential trip has four starting points for rafting with varying levels of difficulty. Consequently, these are Brahmapuri (Grade I), Shivpuri (Grade II, III), Marine Drive (Grade III, IV), and Kaudiyala (Grade IV).
Brahmapuri is the easiest and safest route, with calmer tides and low rapids, while Kaudiyala is an extreme adventure. A raft can take eight travelers and an expert guide. Companies provide safety gear, including a lifejacket and helmet.
When my husband and I visited Rishikesh, we did the Shivpuri rafting, though it was our first-ever experience. The Shivpuri route is slightly rough, with some fast rapids. At one point, the guide suggested we jump into the water, holding onto the safety ropes.
Although it was optional, all eight of us on the raft did it. My husband and I were on either side of the raft, and we were checking on each other the first thing after our hearts stopped racing like crazy. It was thrilling and definitely the most adventurous activity we ever did as a couple.
One of the most romantic things to do in Rishikesh is to go on an exhilarating white water rafting experience.
9. Reach for the sky doing a tandem flying fox.
Is being tossed in the Ganges on a raft not enough to satiate your adrenaline rush? Then try flying in the air, face down, like a flying fox. Jumping Heights, an adventure sport company in Rishikesh, offers tandem flying fox. Consequently, it’s the perfect adventure sport for couples in Rishikesh.
Jumping Heights, Rishikesh, offers the longest flying fox in Asia, and you get to fly together, arms locked, at a speed of 87 miles per hour. They have a very secure system in place with harnesses and cords specially designed in New Zealand. So you just need to enjoy the sport without safety concerns.
Also, Jumping Heights is quite famous for its bungee jumping service. At 270 feet, they have set up the highest jumping spot in India at their Rishikesh facility.
When adventure-loving couples are visiting Rishikesh, they often choose tandem flying fox gliding.
10. Follow the trails to discover raw nature.
Situated on the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is blessed with greenery and mountainous terrain. If you are a nature-loving couple with a penchant for hiking, consider the trails of Rishikesh for some breathtaking views.
There are five main hiking trails in Rishikesh. Neer Garh, Garud Chatti, and Patna Waterfalls are the best hiking trails leading to pristine waterfalls. At the same time, Kunjapuri Temple and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are the final points in the other two hiking trails.
Some things to do in Rishikesh today are to visit the stunning waterfalls in the area.
11. Stay in a tent by the Ganges.
A unique experience to enjoy in Rishikesh as a couple is staying in a tent by the Ganges. Nothing is more romantic than waking up in the morning to birds chirping and water gurgling in the small streams arising from the Ganges. Shivpuri is a popular camping spot, and you can get a combo package of river rafting and camping.
A typical camping package includes a night’s stay, meals, a campfire, and river rafting. The property will also offer facilities for playing badminton and volleyball and guide you to the cliff jumping spots for chilling thrills.
Even if you have 10 things to do in Rishikesh for couples, make sure to go camping by the Ganges River.
12. Take a dip in Neer Garh waterfalls.
Located just 3 miles from Rishikesh town, Neer Garh has spectacular waterfalls. As a result, it’s an ideal tourist spot for couples.
Neer Garh has two majestic falls named Neer Garh I and Neer Garh II. Neer Garh II is a secluded fall a little further into the forest. So, it is a great spot for couples to spend some cozy, romantic time together. If you get lucky, on a weekday, you could get Neer Garh II Falls all to yourself!
You can hike all the way to Neer Garh from Rishikesh on a one-day hike. Another option is to take a tuk-tuk to the starting point of the 20-minute forest trail to the falls. The latter would give you more time to spend in the waterfalls.
Looking for 5 things to do in Rishikesh for couples? Plan to see the waterfalls nearby!
13. Take a jungle safari at Rajaji National Park.
If you are visiting Rishikesh between November 15 to June 15, take a jungle safari at Rajaji National Park to spot some wild elephants, leopards, and Bengal tigers.
Couples who are wildlife enthusiasts or interested in birdwatching can even stay in eco-friendly cottages on the property. The facilities here are basic, but if your goal is to be one with nature, there is no better place than Rajaji National Park in Rishikesh.
Those living in Rishikesh, India, know that a safari is an off-the-beaten-path highlight.
14. Take a gastronomical journey with vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
Rishikesh is a foodie’s paradise, especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Being a holy place, meat and alcohol are banned in some parts of the town. However, Rishikesh makes up for it with the variety of vegetarian and vegan cuisine you will find from across the world.
You can get anything from an American burger to an English breakfast to a Mediterranean salad in this cosmopolitan town. If you would like to try Indian food, I would suggest north Indian dishes like dal makhani or malai paneer with naan bread.
Additionally, you could try South Indian delicacies like dosa and coconut sauce.
Must-try Restaurants in Rishikesh
- The Sitting Elephant (North Indian)
- Bistro Nirvana (Multicuisine)
- Little Buddha Café (Multicuisine)
- Ganga View Café (Israeli and North Indian)
- Anna Mess (South Indian)
When considering a cafe to visit in Rishikesh, choose one that focuses on true Indian cuisine.
15. Take back a souvenir to cherish your trip to Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is famous for gemstones, handicrafts, traditional jewelry, handmade soaps, and incense. Check out the handicraft emporiums like Shiv Gauri Pashmina, Scorpion Handicrafts, and Rishikesh Handicrafts for something to take back home.
If you have excellent haggling skills, explore the streetside shops at Triveni Ghat Market, Lakshman Jhula Market, and Rishikesh Main Market for trinkets and knickknacks.
One of the must-buy products at Rishikesh is Rudraksha. It’s a dried stone-like seedling of fruit from a tree that grows in the Himalayan region. The term “Rudraksha” means teardrop of Lord Shiva. Consequently, it is believed to clear your aura and calm your mind.
You will often see spiritual gurus praying with a chain of Rudrakshas and counting the beads as they chant the hymns. A pair of Rudrakshas would be your perfect takeaway from a land known for spiritual cleansing.
In this things to do in Rishikesh blog, we’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you to pick up a few souvenirs along the way.
FAQ About Things to Do in Rishikesh for Couples
Where is Rishikesh located?
Rishikesh is a city in the Dehradun district of the north Indian state of Uttarakhand.
How to reach Rishikesh from Delhi?
Rishikesh is located 155 miles northeast of Delhi. You can reach Rishikesh from Delhi by air, train and road. The airport nearest to Rishikesh is Dehradun International Airport, located just thirteen miles away.
Rishikesh has its own railway station, and you can reach it from Delhi on a six-hour train journey. If you prefer to travel by road, it takes just about the same time as a train to reach Rishikesh from Delhi.
When is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September and March, as the weather remains cool and pleasant.
The summer months of March to May are hot and humid and not suited for a fun trip. During monsoon from June to September, Rishikesh receives heavy rainfall, which leads to the closure of many adventure activities, including river rafting.
If you are very particular about visiting Rajaji National Park, plan your trip for sometime between 15 November to 15 June. It is closed for the rest of the year.
Peek at activities to do in Rishikesh with your partner.
Save things to do in Rishikesh for couples!
The quaint town of Rishikesh offers much more than just a picturesque setting for couples. Beyond the breathtaking vistas and the serene ambiance, Rishikesh provides a unique blend of spirituality, adventure, and tranquility. Therefore, it’s an ideal destination for couples seeking a memorable getaway.
The town’s unique charm lies in its ability to seamlessly weave spirituality into the fabric of a romantic escapade, offering couples not just a destination but an immersive experience that nourishes the soul and strengthens the bond.
I hope this Rishikesh itinerary for couples has helped you make up your mind about visiting India for your next romantic getaway.
