1. Rafting (Adventure in Rishikesh)

White water rafting on the Ganga River is among the most sought-after activities in Rishikesh. The transition of the river from the mighty Himalayas to the plains via the Shivalik Hills results in several rapids and drops that are challenging and fun to manoeuver. Rafting sessions start from various points upstream from Rishikesh and terminate at the famous Lakshman Jhula. The shortest run is around 9 km long, whereas the longest requires rafting for about 34 km. As you move upstream towards the starting points, the difficulty level increases, so keep in mind your prior rafting experience, and how much challenge you can safely take on before deciding which stretch to navigate. If you are planning to start your run from Shivpuri, then you can stay at FabHotel The Narayana Palace, which is less than 11 km from the site.

• • Season: October to May.

2. Bungee Jumping (Adventure in Rishikesh)

At 83 metres, the bungee jumping platform in Mohanchatti village is the highest in the country. This is for real daredevils as it involves jumping off that platform with a stream flowing beneath and boulders all around. Your feet will be fastened to an elastic cord by an experienced overseer, who has flown in all the way from New Zealand. All you have to do after being fastened and listening to the safety briefing, is calm your mind, admire the view from above, take a deep breath and jump! As the cord stretches beyond its maximum limit, it retracts and pulls you up. The cycle continues till the cord loses all its potential energy (converted to kinetic energy as you fall). You then come to a halt and are carefully lowered to the river floor. The thrill that a free fall induces is inexplicable.

• • Season: October to May

3. Rock Climbing and Rappelling (Adventure in Rishikesh)

These two are evergreen mountain activities that you must try when in Rishikesh. There are several travel agents and campsites in the city that make arrangements for these two activities. Rock climbing requires ascending a near-vertical cliff with just your feet and hands while being fastened to a safety rope. While ascending the cliff, feel the hill with your hands and feet. Grab and step on only those rocks that you feel are firm and won’t slide down. Rappelling is just opposite as it involves descending the cliff. Fastened to the rope, you lie in such a way that you make a right angle with the cliff face. You then use the cliff face to push yourself away; the person handling the rope will start loosening it so you gradually come down with every push.

• • Season: October to May

4. Air Safari (Adventure in Rishikesh)

The surroundings of Rishikesh are extremely scenic; hills, farms and river…If you really want to enjoy the views, then there is only one way…air safari. The activity consists of a pilot and participant sitting in a harness, connected to a parachute and motor. Its take-off and landing site is Rajas Airfield in Doiwala. The speed of the parachute will be between 40 km/h and 60 km/h, so you can aptly admire the views. You will fly at a maximum altitude of 1500 feet, which doesn’t sound like much, but is enough to get your heart racing.

• • Season: Year round