Skydiving in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Best Place

Do you want to do Tandem Skydiving in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand? If you’re picturing yourself freefalling over the lush landscapes and mighty rivers of Rishikesh, you’re not alone.

The thought of combining the thrill of skydiving with the serene beauty of Rishikesh is undoubtedly appealing. However, it’s essential to get the facts right before making any plans.

As of 2024, skydiving has never been offered in Rishikesh. Despite what some online sources might suggest, there has never been an established skydiving facility in this adventure hub. This can be disappointing for thrill-seekers, but it’s crucial to base your travel plans on accurate information.

Instead, if skydiving is on your bucket list, you’ll need to explore other parts of India where this thrilling activity is genuinely available.

This article aims to clarify the misinformation about skydiving in Rishikesh while guiding you towards where you can truly enjoy this adventure.

Note: Follow @SkydiverShweta if you want to learn skydiving in India.

Tandem Skydiving in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Tandem skydiving offers an unmatched adrenaline rush, typically combining a heart-pounding freefall with breathtaking views. But before you get excited about doing this in Rishikesh, it’s essential to know that no skydiving facility has ever existed in this town. Despite being a hub for other adventure sports like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking, Rishikesh does not offer skydiving.

Usual Tandem Jump in India:

Price Range: ₹30,000 to ₹40,000
Altitude: 10,000 ft.
During tandem jumps, participants leap alongside an instructor who handles the parachute and offers guidance, delivering an electrifying skydiving adventure even without prior training.

Usual Static Line Jump in India

Price: ₹15000 to ₹ 25,000
Upon finishing a two-day training program, participants proceed to perform solo jumps. They independently deploy their parachutes upon exiting the aircraft and receive instructions from an instructor through radio communication to ensure a secure descent.

Accelerated FreeFall (AFF):

The Ultimate Thrill: Brave explorers have the opportunity to encounter the unmatched thrill of plummeting through the sky, relishing breathtaking views of Indore as they descend.

The misinformation online might lead you to believe otherwise, but there’s no infrastructure or service in place for skydiving in Rishikesh. This is why it’s important to rely on credible sources and avoid basing your travel decisions on false information. For a genuine skydiving experience, consider traveling to locations where the activity is properly organized and safe.

Read More: India's Best Skydiving Places

How to reach Rishikesh for Skydiving?

If you’re planning a trip to Rishikesh specifically for skydiving, you might want to reconsider. Skydiving is not available in Rishikesh, so there’s no need to make travel arrangements for this activity. However, if you are visiting for other adventures, Rishikesh is easily accessible.

To reach Rishikesh, you can fly into the nearest airport, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 20 kilometers away. Alternatively, Rishikesh is well-connected by road and rail, with direct buses and trains from major cities like Delhi and Haridwar.

1. By Air:
   • The nearest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 35 km away.
   • Dehradun has excellent flight connectivity to major cities across India.
   • Once you land in Dehradun, you can take a state-run bus, a private cab, or a taxi to reach Rishikesh. The journey takes about two hours.
   • If you’re flying from overseas, consider taking a flight to Delhi and then traveling by bus or cab to Rishikesh. The total distance between Delhi and Rishikesh is approximately 230 km, and the journey takes around 5 to 6 hours via NH334.
2. By Road:
   • Traveling to Rishikesh by road is a wonderful experience.
   • Buses operate from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Rishikesh.
   • Opt for an early morning or late evening bus to avoid heat and city traffic.
   • The journey from Delhi to Rishikesh takes about five hours.
   • You can also drive yourself, enjoying a scenic road trip. The highways in Uttarakhand are well-maintained, but be cautious on hilly terrain.
   • Alternatively, take a shared taxi or jeep from Dehradun, which is the most economical way to reach Rishikesh.
3. By Train:
   • Rishikesh is well connected by rail to major cities in India.
   • Trains frequently run to Rishikesh Railway Station from places like Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow.
   • From the railway station, you can easily find taxis or buses to Muni-ki-reti and Swargashram in Rishikesh.

Whether you’re coming for yoga, rafting, or trekking, Rishikesh remains a top destination, but remember, skydiving is not part of its adventure portfolio.

Best time to visit Rishikesh for Skydiving?

Since skydiving is not an option in Rishikesh, discussing the best time to visit for this activity is unnecessary.

However, if you’re visiting Rishikesh for other adventures, the best time to visit is during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking.

If you’re looking to skydive, you’ll need to travel to places where this activity is offered. Skydiving is available year-round at some locations in India, although the best time often depends on local weather conditions.

How can I book my Tandem Skydiving slot in Rishikesh?

Unfortunately, you cannot book a tandem skydiving slot in Rishikesh because the activity is not available here. Any online claims suggesting otherwise are incorrect.

If you’re looking to experience tandem skydiving, consider booking through SkyHighIndia in Haryana or other reputable skydiving centers in India.

These facilities often allow online booking, where you can select your preferred date and time.

Make sure to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as slots can fill up quickly. Always confirm the authenticity of the skydiving center before making any payments to avoid scams.

What do you wear to skydive in Rishikesh?

Since skydiving does not exist in Rishikesh, there’s no need to plan your attire for this activity here.

However, if you were to skydive elsewhere, the typical recommendation is to wear comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement. A t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt, along with athletic pants or shorts, is usually sufficient. Sneakers or other lace-up shoes are required, and skydiving centers will provide all necessary gear, including jumpsuits, harnesses, and goggles.

In locations where skydiving is offered, it’s also advised to bring layers if you’re jumping in cooler weather, as temperatures can drop significantly at altitude. Avoid wearing anything that could be loose or cumbersome, like jewelry, scarves, or high heels.

1. Clothes:
   • Wear comfortable athletic clothing, like a T-shirt and shorts or leggings.
   • Consider layers, as the temperature changes during the jump.
   • Avoid bulky clothes—they can affect your harness fit.
2. Footwear:
   • Closed-toe shoes (like sneakers) are essential.
   • Make sure they’re securely fastened.
3. Accessories:
   • Remove dangling jewelry (earrings, necklaces).
   • Secure glasses with a strap.
   • Tie up long hair.
4. Safety Gear Provided:
   • The skydiving center will give you a jumpsuit, helmet, and harness.
   • The jumpsuit helps with aerodynamics.
   • The helmet protects your head.
   • The harness keeps you securely attached to your instructor.

Stay comfortable and safe as you leap into the sky!

How much time does it take to skydive in Rishikesh?

While you can’t skydive in Rishikesh, understanding the time commitment for a typical skydive might still be useful.

A tandem skydive experience generally takes between 2 to 4 hours from start to finish. This includes a brief training session, gearing up, the flight to altitude, the jump, and post-jump debriefing.

The actual freefall lasts for about 40 to 60 seconds, depending on the altitude of the jump, followed by a few minutes under the parachute before landing. Even though this might seem like a short period of time, the entire experience is packed with excitement and adrenaline.

The duration of a skydiving experience can be broken down as follows:

1. Preparation and Briefing:
   • Arriving at the skydiving center, getting geared up, and receiving safety instructions takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
   • During this time, you’ll meet your instructor, learn about the equipment, and understand the jump process.
2. Aircraft Ascent:
   • The plane ride to reach the desired altitude usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
   • Enjoy the scenic views as you climb higher.
3. Freefall:
   • The adrenaline-pumping freefall itself lasts for about 45 to 60 seconds.
   • During this intense phase, you’ll experience the thrill of plummeting toward the earth.
4. Canopy Ride:
   • After parachute deployment, you’ll enjoy a gentle canopy ride.
   • This part typically lasts for 5 to 7 minutes.
   • Take in the breathtaking vistas of Rishikesh and the surrounding landscape.
5. Landing and Celebration:
   • The final touchdown and celebration with your instructor and fellow jumpers take a few minutes.
   • Overall, the entire skydiving experience—from gearing up to landing—usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Remember, those minutes of freefall will feel like a thrilling lifetime! 🪂✨

How long is the skydive video in Rishikesh?

Since skydiving is not offered in Rishikesh, there’s no opportunity to capture a skydiving video here. However, in locations where skydiving is available, you can usually opt to have your experience recorded by a professional. These videos typically last around 5-7 minutes, capturing your entire jump from boarding the plane to landing safely on the ground.

Here are some considerations:

1. Freefall Duration: The most thrilling part of a skydiving video is the freefall. During this phase, you plummet through the air before the parachute opens. Tandem skydives typically have a freefall duration of around 30 to 60 seconds.
2. Parachute Descent: After the freefall, the parachute opens, and you glide gently back to the ground. The descent under the parachute can last anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Video Editing: The final video may include additional footage, such as the pre-jump briefing, boarding the plane, and post-landing celebrations. Depending on how much of this content is included, the overall video length can vary.
4. Personalization: Some skydiving centers offer personalized videos where they capture your reactions, expressions, and interactions during the entire experience. These videos tend to be longer and more detailed.
5. User Preferences: Some people prefer shorter, action-packed videos, while others enjoy longer, more immersive footage.

Many skydiving centers offer different video packages, including hand-cam footage taken by the instructor or videos shot by an accompanying skydiver. These videos are a great way to relive the experience and share it with friends and family.

What is the fall rate for skydiving in Rishikesh?

The fall rate refers to the speed at which you descend during the freefall portion of a skydive. But since skydiving is not available in Rishikesh, there’s no specific fall rate to discuss for this location.

Generally speaking, during a tandem skydive, the fall rate is about 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour), depending on body position, weight, and altitude.

Understanding the fall rate is part of what makes skydiving so thrilling. It’s the sensation of high-speed freefall that gives skydivers the adrenaline rush that makes the sport so popular.

Why is skydiving so expensive in Rishikesh?

Skydiving is known to be an expensive sport due to the specialized equipment, training, and safety measures involved.

However, since skydiving does not exist in Rishikesh, there’s no cost associated with it here. In general, skydiving prices can range from INR 25,000 to INR 35,000 for a tandem jump in India.

The cost covers various aspects such as the jump suit, parachute, instructor fees, and aircraft expenses.

Additionally, the maintenance of equipment and insurance also contribute to the overall cost. It’s crucial to ensure that any skydiving center you choose adheres to the highest safety standards, even if it means paying a premium.

Alternative Place to Skydive in India

Since Rishikesh does not offer skydiving, those interested in the sport must look elsewhere. One of the most accessible places for tandem skydiving near Rishikesh is SkyHighIndia in Narnaul, Haryana. Located just a few hours’ drive from Delhi, Narnaul offers a safe and professionally managed environment for both beginners and experienced skydivers.

SkyHighIndia conducts skydiving camps where you can experience tandem jumps under the supervision of experienced instructors. Other popular locations for skydiving in India include Aamby Valley in Maharashtra and Mysore in Karnataka. These places offer well-established skydiving experiences with trained professionals and proper safety measures.

FAQs

Conclusion

Tandem skydiving in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, remains a myth. Despite popular belief and some misleading online information, there has never been a skydiving facility in this picturesque town. For those eager to experience the thrill of freefall, it’s crucial to seek out verified locations where skydiving is actually offered.

SkyHighIndia in Narnaul, Haryana stands out as a reliable alternative, providing a well-organized skydiving experience not far from Rishikesh.

If you’re planning your skydiving adventure, ensure that you choose destinations with established facilities to guarantee a safe and exhilarating experience. Remember, accurate information is key to enjoying this adrenaline-pumping sport to the fullest.