10 Things to Do in Rishikesh Besides Rafting
Rafting is the reason many people first come to Rishikesh, and at Atali Ganga it is the anchor of most stays. But the river is only half the story. The hills around the property, about 30 km from Rishikesh town, hold temple mornings, quiet rituals, forest paths and long, unhurried meals. These are the days that turn an adventure trip into a proper break.
They matter even more in the monsoon. Water activities pause from July to September for safety, but Atali Ganga stays open year-round. As our trip-planning guide puts it, what changes is the water, not the welcome.
Here are ten ways to spend a day here without getting on a raft. Most of the excursions below are coordinated by the property team on WhatsApp (+91 70600 72708). Share your stay dates and group size, and they will shape the route, timing and pace around you.
1. Watch sunrise from Kunjapuri Temple
Begin before dawn with a drive to Kunjapuri Temple, perched high above the valley. As the sun rises, first light catches the Himalayan peaks and the Ganga far below: devotion and mountain grandeur in one quiet moment. In clear weather it is the most dramatic view of the trip. Allow four to five hours, and plan an easy afternoon afterwards.
2. Join an evening Ganga Aarti
Chanting, diyas, flowers and the sound of the river. Rishikesh is known for its crowded public Aarti ceremonies in town. At Atali Ganga, the Aarti is arranged as an intimate ritual on the property's own riverbank instead. It takes 45 to 60 minutes, and it suits families, couples and anyone after a quiet evening. Guests on the Couple Escape package also get a special Saturday evening Aarti by the Ganges.
3. Take a day trip to Devprayag
A short, scenic mountain drive brings you to Devprayag, the sacred confluence where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the Ganga. The half-day trip is planned around viewpoints, temple-town lanes and an unhurried look at the place. It is a natural choice for culture, photography and slower days.
4. Sit in the stillness of Vashishta Gufa
Vashishta Gufa is the meditative cave where Maharishi Vashishta is believed to have performed deep penance. Set among forest beside the gentle flow of the Ganga, it invites introspection and a rare sense of stillness. Allow two to three hours. It fits well on a meditation day, or a recovery day after a big outing.
5. Spend a half day in Rishikesh town
The world capital of yoga deserves a proper look. A guided day out takes in the ghats, temples, bridges, cafés and bazaars, shaped around your group's pace and interests. It is a good fit for first-time visitors and families who want to see the town without having to navigate it alone.
6. Start the day with yoga outdoors
Guided yoga sessions in nature are part of everyday life here, and yoga is one of the activities included in a stay at Atali Ganga, alongside a guided hike, kayaking, wall climbing and rafting. Couples on the Couple Escape can book sunrise yoga for two on the Green Deck or by the beach.
7. Walk the forest trails
Atali Ganga sits in a reserved forest setting with more than 2,000 trees around the property. Guided walks follow quiet forest paths and range from short hikes to longer trails and softer evening walks, led by local experts. A guided hike of up to 3 km is among the activities included in a stay.
8. Book a treatment at Aum Spa
After a day on the trails, Aum, the property's in-house therapy space, is built for recovery. Therapists use Rasayana Ayurvedic blends on a base of organic sesame oil, cold-pressed in a traditional kolhu press. Treatments range from the classic Abhyangam to deep tissue and Balinese massage, plus 30-minute express treatments for the head, neck and feet, and a sauna. The spa is open daily from 10am to 7:30pm, and guests must be 18 or older. Treatments and prices are on the spa page.
9. Take high tea on the Green Deck
Watch the sun dip behind the Shivalik mountains as it casts golden light over the Ganga, with warm brews, home-style treats and panoramic river views. The hour-long high tea is for two to six guests and should be booked ahead. Guests staying at The Foresterie can take theirs in the villa gardens instead, among tall trees and birdsong. For a longer evening, private dinners can be set up on the Green Deck or the Outer Deck. See dining for the full list.
10. Paint pebbles by the river
A relaxed creative session with simple materials and easy guidance, ending with a small keepsake from the mountains. It takes 45 to 60 minutes, it is complimentary, and it is a favourite with children. It is just as good for grown-ups on a rainy afternoon.
Putting the days together
None of these needs a whole itinerary of its own. A sunrise at Kunjapuri pairs naturally with a slow afternoon at the spa. A morning walk in the forest leaves the evening free for the Aarti by the river. Because meals are served at the White Water Café, overlooking the Ganga, and are included with your stay, you can come back between plans without having to work out where to eat.
And if you still want a little adrenaline
Not every thrill involves the river. The Activities page covers Altitude @ Atali, the property's high and low ropes course, plus a 24 ft climbing wall and guided mountain biking through forest trails and village paths. If the river is calling after all, On The Ganga covers rafting and kayaking.
Planning your stay
Atali Ganga is about 30 km from Rishikesh, roughly 45 minutes by road. Most guests arrive via Dehradun Airport, the closest option. The trip-planning guide covers getting here, choosing between the cottages and The Foresterie villas, what is included, and the best time to visit.