Rishikesh is famous worldwide for yoga and rafting — but what about the rest of your day? Once the morning practice is done and the river adventure is over, there’s still a whole town waiting to be explored.
Here are seven ways to experience Rishikesh beyond yoga and rafting — calm, creative, musical, and yes, a little adventurous too.
- Café Afternoons & People Watching in Upper Tapovan
High up in Tapovan, cafés spill open into gardens and terraces. They’re perfect for long afternoons with tea or coffee — or simply for people-watching. Yogis, travelers, musicians, and seekers all drift through here. Sometimes the most rewarding activity is just sitting still and watching Rishikesh flow past you.
- Wander Down Waterfall Road
Take a slow walk down Waterfall Road, and the noise of the town fades away. Trees line the path, and the sound of water draws you forward. Whether you end up by a stream, a waterfall, or just a quiet bend in the forest, this simple walk is a reminder of how close nature always is here.
- Pottery & Art at Aavya
Rishikesh is not just about moving the body — it’s also about using your hands. At the Aavya Pottery & Art Studio, clay, color, and creativity come together in a way that is grounding and playful. Shaping a pot or painting something small can be as meditative as any yoga practice. Plus, you leave with more than just a memory.
- Sound Healing & Spa in the Sky
For deeper rest, try a sound healing session — lying back as vibrations from bowls, gongs, and flutes move through you. Pair it with a massage at the Spa in the Sky at Aavya, where mountain views set the backdrop, and you’ll understand why many travelers say this is the real reset they came for.
- Musical Evenings Under the Stars
As the sun sets, Rishikesh often comes alive with music. From small gatherings in gardens to curated live sessions, evenings here have their own charm. At Tapovan hilltop spaces like Aavya, musical nights under the open sky bring people together in song, food, and laughter — the kind of memory that lingers long after.
- Walk the Secret Jungle Trail Behind Aavya
Looking for a little adventure? There’s a jungle trail just behind Aavya that winds into the forest. It’s quiet, shaded, and feels worlds away from the busyness of town. Whether you walk alone, with friends, or as part of a guided group, it’s a gentle adventure that reconnects you with the wild side of Rishikesh.
- Join a Day Retreat
Not everyone has a week for a full retreat — but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the experience. Day retreats in Tapovan combine yoga, pottery, sound healing, spa therapies, and nourishing meals all in one day. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself without committing to a long stay.
Rishikesh Beyond the Usual
Yes, yoga and rafting may be the headliners. But if you look beyond them, Rishikesh offers seven other ways to spend your day: cafés, waterfalls, pottery, sound healing, spa, music, forest walks, and day retreats. Each one shows you a different side of this town — a side you’ll carry home with you.