Rishikesh offers an amazing retreat for your eyes and senses when it comes to holidays. Winter is coming, and every weekend will be perfect to head out and tick all the places off your bucket list. While we are sure your list must be endless, we don’t want to miss the chance of ensuring that you kick-start the weekend getaways in the most kick-ass way by planning a visit to Rishikesh in December. This city in the Himalayan foothills is an ideal place for a quick escape and rejuvenating one’s mind, body, and soul, and even you would agree with us! So, lets explore the charm of this place during winter months to get you familiar with all the essential details.
Weather In Rishikesh In December
While the best time to visit Rishikesh is throughout the year, the weather in December makes it an ideal time to experience the best of the city! Wrapped in slight chill, the temperature drops as low as 8 degrees Celsius and goes as high as 28 degrees Celsius. It isn’t the coldest month but the most pleasant if you’re a winter baby. Also, this is the best time to indulge in adventure thrills like rafting, kayaking, and more.
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10 Must-Have Experiences In Rishikesh In December
There are numerous Rishikesh activities in December you can get indulged in. Below are some of the experiences you must undergo during your visit to this place towards the end of the year.
1. River Rafting
Being the one experience the city is most known for, be it any season of the year, Rishikesh rafting in December is an activity you must indulge in during your winter getaway. The weather is pleasant throughout the day and the little chill in water is enough to get drenched in the thrill.
Cost: INR 600 to INR 1,800, onwards depending on the route
River Rafting Routes:
- Kaudiyala- Marine Drive (10 kms)
- Marine Drive- Shivpuri (11 kmsI)
- Shivpuri-Brahmpuri (11 kms)
- Brahmpuri-Lakshman Jhula (9 kms)
Long Weekend Trips Starting @ Rs 3299/-
2. Camping
Camping in Rishikesh in December is certainly one thing you need to do to stay close to nature and closer to adventure. A camp stay near the river offers unique experiences, and there is absolutely no hotel in the city that can match its goodness. Rishikesh camping in December will definitely make your whole trip worthwhile and comprehensively interesting, as this is one way you’ll get closer to nature.
Famous Camps: Wildex Camp Rishikesh, Camp Ganga Riviera, Camp Roller Coaster Rishikesh, Cradle of Life, Jungle Swiss Camp, and more
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3. Yoga
Popular as the ‘yoga capital of the world’, Rishikesh is a place that calls you to unwind like never before. With such a pleasant breeze around you, getting to taste the real pleasure of Yoga is all you need to enjoy a relaxing vacation. If you’re seeking rejuvenating activities in Rishikesh, then taking Yoga sessions is mandatory to know the essence of the culture here!
Best Ashrams For Yoga: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Sivananda Ashram, and Shree Mahesh Heritage School
4. Cafe Hopping
With famous cafes like the Little Buddha Cafe, The 60’s Cafe, Bistro Nirvana, and more that serve a variety of cuisines, your trip to Rishikesh in December will surely be a gastronomical joy-ride. The rustic setting with a gorgeous view of the river and the mountains is perfect for witnessing the culinary revolution in the city.
Must Try: Traditional Garhwali food at the famous Chotiwala Restaurant, filter coffee with a well-made masala dosa at Madras Cafe, and more.
Cost: The cost per person depends and varies from cafe to cafe.
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5. Ayurvedic Therapies
Being a heavenly abode of Ayurveda, Rishikesh is the best place to get your skin glowing and relaxing with the right massages & therapies. And no time can be more perfect than December to get warmth for yourself. This is one of the best activities you can try, as your visit to Rishikesh will be successful if you undergo this therapeutic experience.
Best Ayurveda Centres In Rishikesh: Hemadri Ayurveda Centre, Ayurveda Bhavan, Ananda in the Himalayas, and Braham Yoga and Healing
6. Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping offers the most thrill and joy of all the things to do in Rishikesh in December. It has India’s highest fixed platform at a height of approximately 273 feet, a jump from where gets your adrenaline kicked in and fear kicked out. Bungee jumping in Rishikesh in December is something you must try if you want to pump your adrenaline.
Cost: INR 3,550 per person onwards (excluding the charges of the video of the activity)
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM everyday (closed on Tuesday)
Location: District Puri Garhwal, Mohan Chatti, Uttarakhand
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7. Lakshman Jhula
A hanging bridge over the Ganges and one of the major tourist attractions in Rishikesh, the Lakshman Jhula is a serene place to take a walk amidst the cool breeze. After crossing from one end to another, you can explore a number of restaurants and shop to satiate both your hunger pangs and shopping desires. Since this bridge is considered one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh in December, adding it to your itinerary is almost customary.
Cost: There is no entry fee for visiting this bridge.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
8. Shopping
Shopping knows no time, day, or season, and so Rishikesh in December is undoubtedly a great place to shop some souvenirs for your loved ones. From clothes to jewelry and precious stones to spiritual things, you can buy anything from here at reasonable prices.
Cost: The price of shopping depends on the market. However, the Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula markets are costlier than the main market near the Triveni Ghat.
Famous Shopping Markets In Rishikesh: Lakshman Jhula Market, Ram Jhula Market, and Rishikesh Main Market
Related Post: Rishikesh In Summer
9. Parasailing And Paragliding
Another popular experience out of all the things to do in Rishikesh in December is indulging in parasailing or paragliding. Both activities give an opportunity to fly like a bird, embrace the chill on your skin, and make memories for life. If you are one of those who have a thing for adventure as well as nature, then trying these activities in Rishikesh is a must. Assistance from a professional will be definitely provided for you to have a safe and secure parasailing and paragliding experience.
Cost: Around INR 4,500
10. Triveni Ghat
Apart from exploring the fun side of the city, Triveni Ghat is one of the top places to visit in Rishikesh in December to discover its tranquil side. Since the Rishikesh temperature in December is low, you can just sit by the ghat and enjoy the pleasant weather, and also witness the famous Hindu culture by attending the Ganga Aarti from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Visit this ghat and learn about the myths that revolve around it and are respected by the locals as well as tourists.
Cost: There is no entry fee for visiting the Triveni Ghat.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day (closed on Thursday)
Location: Mayakund, Rishikesh
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Packing Essentials
- Sturdy shoes
- Full sleeves light, warm comfortable clothes
- A couple of windcheaters
- A moisturizer, balm, and essential toiletries
- A torch
- Medicines and a mosquito repellent
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Plan a trip To Rishikesh and consider these places to visit in December for an ideal weekend getaway. Have the experience to remember by visiting most of the famous places and trying out the fantastic activities they have in store for the locals and tourists.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rishikesh In December
Is it advisable to visit Rishikesh in December?
Rishikesh is a great place, which can be visited throughout the year. The weather in December makes it an ideal spot for tourists looking to witness the city at its best. The temperature stays between 28 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius, which ensures that it is advisable to visit the city in the winter.
What is the best time for visiting Rishikesh for river rafting?
The best time to do rafting in Rishikesh ranges between October to May, when the weather stays pleasant and not much humid. The river during this time experiences good tides, unlike the monsoon that stretches from June to September, making it difficult for tourists to indulge in every experience possible.
What are the few tips to keep in mind when traveling to Rishikesh in December?
Carrying good sport shoes, medicines, a torch, and a windcheater are a few tips to keep in mind when traveling to the city in December.
Which are the best hotels in Rishikesh?
Aloha On The Ganges, The Narayana Palace, and Divine Resort are some of the best hotels in Rishikesh where you can stay on your vacation.
Which are the most famous restaurants in Rishikesh?
The most famous restaurants in Rishikesh where you can gorge on delicious food are The Sitting Elephant, 60’s The Eat Story, and A Tavola Con Te.
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Long Weekend Trips Starting @ Rs 3299/-
A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. Besides, she also loves treating her taste buds to different cuisines, binge-watching almost all sorts of series and movies, and indulging in new experiences every now and then. Also, languages and cultures fascinate her to a great extent, which is why currently she is brushing up her Spanish.
