Things To Do In Rishikesh: Places To Stay At, Eat, & Activities To Do

Kinwani House by Aalia Collection is a haveli turned homestay which is luxe at its best. Built in 1954, a Tehri-Garhwal royal family member used to live here. The place has 2 floors with 6 rooms, all of them adorned with carefully crafted paintings, crystal lamps, and comforting furnishings. Since it is at 79° E 41'54 longitude, you will feel like you are amongst the clouds, which is definitely an experience worth cherishing forever. They also have a functional fireplace in their spacious living room to cosy you up. The sunroom is where you would once step in, coming out would feel like the most difficult task. Also, the spa is going to be super-soul-enriching!

Pro tip: One of our LBB editors visited, and here's her love letter to the property.

Price: Starting from INR 24,000 (approx.) per night

If you are looking to have the most budget-friendly trip, Joey's Hostel will help you accomplish it. Situated in Tapovan, a place popular for its trekking trails and picturesque vistas, the hostel is just a stroll away from Laxman Jhula. While the hostel is going to be the usual vibe as they do group bonfires, you can anytime go to their living room and chat with all the guests. They also offer homestay options with the cosiest rooms and yoga classes and that will help you unwind.

Price: Starting from INR 470  per night (approx.) for an 8-bed dormitory 

Ganga Kinare is a riverside boutique resort which is built right on the banks of the Ganges. The Ganga river view is definitely going to be good for your mind and soul. The other view the place overlooks is of the Rajaji National Park, home to a wide range of flora and fauna. They have an open-air jacuzzi, rooftop meditation facilities, and even provide experiences like bird watching, river rafting, jungle safari, and ayur Ganga spa. 

Price: Staring from INR 11,100 (approx.) per night

If nature is your therapy and going into the wild is what you want to do, then Rishikesh is the place where you can go camping too. Well, Camp Brook is not the place where you would get to pitch your tent as it offers a premium camping experience. It has 31 cottages and 9 tents, all equipped with modern facilities (so, yeah, going into the wild stuff isn't happening). They have got everything, from a lush green garden to a yoga hall. 

LBB Tip:  It's 9 km away from Tapovan (at the last point of Rishikesh) 

Price: Starting from INR 2,500 (approx.) per night

Another budget-friendly stay option where your comforts won't be sacrificed is Julley Commune. It is a relaxing retreat that is just a few kilometres away from all the tourist attractions like Triveni Ghat, Patanjali International Yoga Foundation and Laxman Jhula. The stunning mountain views from the balcony, morning breakfasts, and karaoke nights, will elevate the joy of being there! 

Price: Starting from INR 6,000 (approx.) per night

When in Rishikesh, you are 100% going to get recommended to visit Little Buddha, and I do believe it is popular for all the right reasons. The eatery is situated on the banks of the Ganga and offers a dining experience that will surely stay in your memory. There are three tables that will give you the stunning riverside view and even the other sitting options are so comforting, you would not want to get out of that place.

Price: INR 700 for two

Timings: 8 AM - 11 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Pancakes, burgers, parathas

Right below the Little Buddha cafe, there is a Freedom cafe that is just as famous. You are definitely going to get a table here, not because the place is never crowded, but because it is huge. There are both indoor and outdoor seating available, both so dreamy! I won't 10/10 vouch for their service, but the food is actually super-delicious especially the pizzas and soups. 

Price: INR 700 for two

Timings: 8 AM - 11 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Burgers, finger chips, manchow soup

If you want to taste the local flavours, Mastana Musafir near Laxman Jhula is yet another lakeside cafe that serves the most delectable meals. The low-floor seating option, the background music, and the cute decor with wall art and pebbles,  everything here will make you feel relaxed. The cherry on the top is that they are super-duper affordable. 

Price: INR 300 for two

Timings: 9 AM - 10:30 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Pahadi thali, shakes, coffee

Staying true to its name, The 60s Cafe will take you back to the hip time of folk and rock music, oh, and of course THE Beatles era! They provide swinging 60's themed staying and dining options. You will see a mix of national and international crowds here. The wall art, photo frames, musical instruments, and vintage vinyl will not fail to justify the core groovy vibe. 

Price: INR 700 for two

Timings: 8 AM - 10 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Burgers, chole curry, pasta

Yes, yet another cafe nestled around the banks of Ganga, Shambala Cafe has the cosiest seating arrangement and the view that any amount of words won't be able to describe. Just go there and hear the melodic music of nature, be it of the breezy air or the water waves. The place sets the vibe perfectly and the hospitality is something you'd definitely appreciate. 

Price: INR 400 for two

Timings: 9:30 AM - 9 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Sandwiches, pizzas, sizzlers

Rishikesh and rafting go together like clockwork. This is one of the major reasons people come here and the trip is honestly incomplete without it. Even if your friend says "No, I'm not adventurous, I'm here for the aarti," just push them to face their fears and try this at least once, because it is THAT amazing. The raft will go through both small and big waves, the intensity obviously depending on the flow of the water, but it's guaranteed that you are going to have a great time. The guide will be there to train you and also push you to get down the raft and just see where you are and tattoo it permanently in your mind. You'll thank him later for that, just trust me.

Want to seas the day and be at the beach with sandy feet amidst the mountain area? Yes, that's possible in Rishikesh. It is around a 20- to 30-minute ride from Laxman Jhula, and is going to be a beautiful one. The sun rays, tall trees, mountains, and the river, altogether make the view unforgettable. Just a disclaimer, there is a steep, rocky slope once you reach there, so drive only if you are a heavy driver, otherwise ask for help or just walk. 

Ganga aarti, be it in the Triveni ghat or Parmath Niketan Ashram, is going to be a soul-enriching experience. Even if you are not a religious kind, I recommend attending the aarti because it's Rishikesh, you should NOT miss out on this. There are priests with lighting diyas that offer prayers to the Ganges. The sound of spirituality and the overall culture will disconnect your mind from everything else. 

Beatles Ashram, also called Chaurasi Kutia, is on the north side of Rishikesh. It was a Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram where the Beatles themselves stayed for several weeks in the 1960s. They wrote around 30 songs in Rishikesh, like Cry Baby Cry and Blackbird, which can be found in their White Album. Even the Beatles' lead guitarist George Harrison learnt to play sitar from Ravi Shankar there. Now, even if you are not a Beatles fan, I'd still urge you to go there. It has become a tourist attraction because of the commendable, vibrant wall art and the ashrams (of course). The entry fee is INR 150 and the timings are 10 AM to 4 PM.

For all the adventure enthusiasts, bungee jumping is the other thrilling activity in Rishikesh that you should put on the checklist. The place has the highest bungee point, so take the plunge and get the unbeatable feel that comes once the rope is stretched to its full length. The average cost will be around INR 3,700. 

LBB Tip: If you have time, go to Har Ki Pauri Ghat, which is in another holy city Haridwar.