Rishikesh India – 13 Ashrams, Guesthouses and Hotels to Stay

Travellers or tourists who visit Rishikesh will soon discover that there is a vast plethora of accommodation options. The city is ideal for solo travellers, mainly backpackers, who wish to get a taste of India’s cultural treasures. Moreover, it’s a perfect destination for groups of friends who look for some adventure during a long weekend trip.

Budget

As a predominantly backpacking destination, Rishikesh offers a wide range of budget lodging options. Guesthouses are scattered all around the city. However, you will find an abundance of them in the most touristic areas of the city: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and Tapovan. All are riverside areas and thus attract most travellers. Overall, the prices range from INR100 to INR700. Except for very few cheap options, rooms are generally neat, with en-suite bathroom and hot water. Wifi is widely available. No breakfast service is included in these budget options, apart from some chai (tea) making by the owner. We recommend the following ones:

1. Rudra Guesthouse*

Located in Laxman Jhula, higher up from the busy main street, this family-owned guesthouse will immediately become your favourite one. The very hospitable owners, who actually live downstairs with their cows, will make you feel at home right away. Room prices start at INR250 and reach INR700/double room for more space and a great Ganges river view. We totally enjoyed playing around with the family’s little kids; definitely a highlight.

2. Bombay Guesthouse

Located also in Laxman Jhula, further down the Shiva statue roundabout, is this very old heritage building. The rooms here are relatively clean and quite spacious, and there is also an amazing terrace. Lots of music happenings take place here often. Ideal for solo travellers who want to socialize and make new friends. The prices are quite reasonable; from INR150 to INR500, while in some cases toilet is shared.

3. Anna café

This café-guesthouse is famous for organizing several events regularly, i.e. fire dancing shows or traditional music live concerts. Located nearby the post office in Kirmola Gaon area, decent rooms and a dormitory are available here, costing from INR100 to INR600. Both owners and staff have been very helpful during our stay. They probably make the cheapest and least spicy thali (national platter) for foreigners.

4. Parmarth Niketan Ashram

For a somewhat spiritual experience try this famous Ashram that each year in March hosts the International Yoga Festival. Keep in mind that the gates close at 10pm and the use of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Prices range from INR500 to INR700 for very basic rooms, but meals and one yoga class are included. The blooming gardens of the interior area got us by surprise. Hard to be missed, the Ashram is located in Ram Jhula, just by the riverbank.

5. Sonu Guesthouse

One of the best value properties in Rishikesh. Here you will have a private bathroom with toiletries and cleaning products. There is also a lovely big terrace to socialize with friends or do some morning yoga. Wifi is available and a flat-screen TV is found in certain rooms. Staff is very helpful and friendly with foreigners. A standard double room will cost about INR500. It is situated near Divya Hotel, in Laxman Jhula.

6. Bhandari Swiss Cottage

Located in Tapovan, by Pass Road, this cute hotel is a great point to start exploring the city and its attractions. Possible ways to relax inside are the spa and sauna amenities among others. Wifi is available in all rooms, plus a 24-hour room service. The on-site garden restaurant offers excellent food services. For a double room with mountain view and a small balcony, you will pay only INR600.

Mid-Range

Except for budget travellers, Rishikesh also attracts tourists who are willing to pay extra for a more pleasant stay. Mid-range options are found throughout the city. They usually cost between INR900 to INR4000/double room. The rooms are very clean and comfortable and breakfast is usually available. In some cases, you might have to book in advance. Check out our recommendations:

7. Hill Top Swiss Cottage

This beautiful hotel shows a great value for money and is among the top ones in the area. There are very spacious rooms with en-suite bathroom and even a balcony. Stay here to admire a grand view over the Ganges and the Himalayan foothills. An excellent restaurant with an international menu is just nearby the premises. Yoga classes are also available at extra cost. Starting prices at INR950/doubles. Located at High Bank, Bhirket in Tapovan.

8. Moustache Hotel

A bit more pricey choice but well-worth it, is this quietly-located hotel which, however, enjoys close proximity to shops and cafes. Dormitories, single and double stylish rooms are offered here, as well as a great communal area with board games. A standard double room will cost you about INR1900. Located at 136, near Inter College, Tapovan.

9. Rishikesh Valley

Excellent guest services are provided in these charming retreat-style cottages, nestled in an unbelievably green landscape. The rooms here enjoy a splendid mountain or garden view, while some beautiful waterfalls are found just 50m away from the property. Wifi is not available, but the delicious food or a refreshing dip in the pool will make up for it. Prices from INR2500/doubles. You will find it at Kunjapuri Trek Road, Tapovan.

10. Green by One Hotel

It’s a lovely 3-star hotel located behind Parmarth Niketan Ashram, in Ram Jhula. Room service together with spa & wellness centre are among the plenty amenities of the hotel. We loved the inspiring yoga lesson and the massage therapy we received after a long tiring day. The hotel is ideal for couples and the cheapest room costs INR3400/double including breakfast.

Top End

A not-so-popular type of housing in Rishikesh is the resort-style hotel. Of course, it’s not impossible to find one, but they are significantly less compared to the budget ones. Luxury accommodation won’t be found in downtown busy main streets, but rather in quieter remote areas. The priciest ones may cost up to INR19500/doubles. Here are some of your options:

12. Camp AquaForest Rishikesh

Located 10km far from Rishikesh, this campsite invites you to feel closer to nature. For this purpose, tent-like rooms are provided, but always with private bathrooms. Spend your evenings by an atmospheric bonfire gathering or reading a book from the mini library. From its premises, one can enjoy the incredible panoramic mountain views or engage in recreational sports, such as badminton. Prices start from INR7900/double with breakfast and dinner included. Here is the address: Village Ghattugad, Neelkanth Mandir Road.

13. Veda5 Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat

A truly divine getaway from a burdensome everyday life, this 5-star resort promises a memorable stay. Except for deluxe rooms and superior suites, family rooms are also available here. The great hospitality along with the fabulous health spa facilities will make your stay more than comfortable. A swimming pool and an on-site restaurant with flavourful Indian cuisine are among the resort’s perks. It will cost you about INR10000/double all inclusive. Discover it at Rattapani, Neelkanth Road, 3km far from Laxman Jhula.

...

Remember that during the winter months or the very rainy summer ones, room prices tend to finely drop. No matter what you decide to choose from the above-mentioned accommodation options, you will definitely be pleased, depending on the quality you are looking for. Besides, Rishikesh can’t let you down.