Rishikesh end of August

ossen

Hi!

I am planning to spend the last few days in India in Rishikesh, but it seems rafting on the Ganges is difficult to arrange from there in late August(all outfitters first start in mid-September it seems), anyone know if there are nearby possibilities which could be arranged?

Are activities like canyoning likely to be possible to arrange on the spot? I would imagine it to be great fun during the monsoons.

Is it essential to book a hotel due to all the pilgrims in August? We were thinking the New/Old Bhandari Swiss Cottage in High Banks.

Thanks!

Dilliwala

August is still monsoon time, and the river is mostly still in spate, that's why there's no rafting.

I'm not sure what canyoning is, but I've never heard of any such activity in the area.

Altho it shud not be difficult to get a room, I think it's better to book anyway, specially around the High Bank, just to avoid any disappointments. You cud do that maybe a few days or a week before, I wudn't bother doing it now.

ossen

Thank you for your reply!

Canyoning is just hiking, wading, jumping and rappelling down river canyons. Too bad about the rafting...

Is there any chance of hitching a ride on an elephant in the area? We will probably not hang around a lot of places where this could be possible, but with the abundance of elephants, perhaps Rishikesh could be a good bet? Maybe into the outskirts of the national park...

smartor192

I will also be in Rishikesh in late August and my wife and I are more interested in Yoga and to see the Aaarti ceremony. Any ideas that can help. we are looking ofr advicxce and any recomendation during our saty in rishikesh (2 days)
thanks,

Dilliwala

Oh, ok - the rafting outfits organise rappelling too when they're open.

Normally you cud get an elephant ride in the Rajaji National Park, but it will be closed in the monsoon. For Rishikesh, you'll have to ask around, no idea.

atala

The Ganga aarti is before sunset in front of Paramarth Ashram on Swargashram side of Rishikesh (Ram Jula). Being interested mainly in yoga you should stay in that area anyhow, even though i do not know what you could get out of it in just two days. All you could do is visit the ashrams there along the Ganga. Accomodation might be somewhat constrained in that time, but if an Ashram stay would be okay for you you could try Ved-Niketan where you also find classes which you can book just for one or two days.