Local transportation in Rishikesh

Being a small town, most places in Rishikesh are accessible on foot.

However, it is important to know the topography of Rishikesh and where you stay. The east side of the Ganga is walk-friendly as no mode of transportation is allowed.

The west side of the town, also known as the ‘Yoga side’, is accessible via auto and bike. Renting a bicycle/scooter/motorbike is also possible in Rishikesh. 

Motorbikes can be easily hired around the Laxman Jhula area, or it is best to ask your hostel/hotel to arrange one.

The average cost per day for renting a motorbike is Rs. 350-400, and the motorbike costs Rs. 500-1200. Auto-rickshaw or tuk-tuk is also available across the town, but they will charge you heavily.

Best Things to Do in Rishikesh

There is no dearth of amazing places to visit in Rishikesh, and visitors can plan these activities to do in Rishikesh depending on their time availability!

Walk on the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula

Jhula can be translated as Bridge and Laksham Jhula is one of the most popular attractions in Rishikesh.

Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are huge iron suspension bridges over the river Ganga. The names of bridges are based on Indian mythology and are named after Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman, who had crossed the river through this bridge. 

Both bridges are pedestrian bridges, but two-wheelers are allowed to pass through. It makes it a bit congested to walk, but nevertheless, do it. The view of flowing water from the bridge is mesmerising

Chill at the banks of the Ganga River in Rishikesh

This was my favourite activity to do as I stole moments from my work schedule during the morning and evening to simply walk over the rocks on the banks and sit by the calming waters of the Ganga.

There is something unique and soothing about the waters that truly calms the body and mind – maybe it is the cold water touching your feet, or maybe the rippling sound of water over the rocks or the sound of bells from a nearby temple aarti.

The whole thing just works, and you will find a lot of people meditating on the banks.

Learn Yoga in Rishikesh

Whenever someone says Yoga in India, the first place that comes to mind is Rishikesh.

Yoga and Rishikesh go hand in hand, quite literally. So, there is a high possibility of getting overwhelmed by seeing posters and banners on literally every street and corner advertising the best yoga course.

There is also a chance that the hotel you are staying at will have an early yoga/meditation class. But let’s face it, Rishikesh is not called a yoga capital for no reason!

There are 1-day classes, and then there are courses spanning weeks and months. Hatha Yoga is the most popular yoga type in Rishikesh. Other than that, Kundalini and Vinyasa yoga are also the preferred choices by visitors. Visitors can also enrol for Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.

If you are in Rishikesh for a weekend or a short while and want to learn yoga, the best option is to take up the class which is generally offered by your hotel/hostel. If you wish to go to a professional class or to an ashram, the cost is Rs. 200-300 for 90 90-minute duration.

Enrol in various courses in Rishikesh

Other than yoga, there are many kinds of courses up for grabs, such as meditation, body massage, aromatherapy, breathing course, nutrition, Ayurveda, singing, music, Indian cooking, and many more! If you have the time and enthusiasm, I say go for it.

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

Rishikesh has India’s highest Bungee Jumping platform at a height of 83 metres, which is located just outside Rishikesh. This one is for all the adrenaline junkies who have waited for a long to have this thrill in India. The jump needs to be pre-booked, and visitors should keep aside a day for this, as the to-and-fro transfer would easily take up 5-6 hours.

Camping in Rishikesh

Camping in Rishikesh along the Ganga River is an extremely popular activity. Camping can be combined with white water rafting, and many camps are offering 1N2D packages with strict environmental measures.

Experience nature and wildlife in Rajaji National Park

If you are a wildlife enthusiast like me who tries to find every possible opportunity to spot wildlife parks on every work trip, then Rishikesh will not disappoint. If you fancy trying to spot some wildlife, including Tigers, whilst in Rishikesh, then get booked onto a Jungle Safari! 

Unlike other national parks, Rajaji National Park does not require booking, and the tickets can be purchased from the gate. Like all national parks, it is closed from 15th June to 15th October, and the safari is done in an open jeep vehicle. The duration of the safari is the standard of 3 hours.

Though claimed to spot tigers, there have been few instances of actually spotting one! However, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Barking deer, Goral, Himalayan Black Bear and Sloth Bear are some of the wildlife that can be seen here!

White Water River Rafting in Rishikesh

Probably one of the top things to do in Rishikesh, white water rafting in Rishikesh is not to be missed! I did white water rafting in Goa, and it was an amazing experience. I wanted to try it in Rishikesh, probably combining it with camping.

There are many adventure enthusiasts who go to Rishikesh just for White water rafting specifically. Rafting rapids in Rishikesh are distributed under various grades (I, II, III, IV and IV+), which are the highest in India and the most adventurous.

Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh

Ganga aarti in Rishikesh happens at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram after the Ram Jhula Bridge.

It is unlike what happens in Haridwar with big diyas, which are nothing less than mesmerising. So I was a bit disappointed with the Rishikesh aarti, where there was some chanting and people left their diyas in the river.

There is a Lord Shankar statue which has a bridge, and visitors can go on top of this and watch the aarti from here.

Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise

I love trekking and I love sunrises! Combine the two at Kunjapuri temple to witness a stunning sunrise overlooking the Himalayan mountains and an even more incredible view of the glistening Ganga river.

Kunjapuri temple sunrise is one of the offbeat things to do in Rishikesh. It is approximately 25km away and an easy walk, so one has to wake up super early and start by 4:30 am to reach the sunrise point. There are group tours to the sunrise point with transportation, or you can even take a car if you are too lazy to trek. 

Drench in the Neergarh Waterfall

Neergarh waterfall in Rishikesh, also known as ‘Neer Gaddu’, is a lovely waterfall, situated about 7 km from Lakshman Jhula. The trek through the misty forests sets the scene and makes the adventure all the more worthwhile. Be careful, as there are monkeys on the trail.

The crystal blue colour of the pool is soothing, and the cold water is super refreshing after the one-hour trek! Yes, swimming or bathing is possible and allowed here, but since the pool is shallow, diving and jumping are not allowed. 

Birds and Butterflies will be seen on the trail, and wildflowers will be in bloom, adding beauty to this wonderful spot. There’s also a rich variety of flowers and trees for real nature lovers.

Water, soft drinks, noodles and tea are available at Neergarh Waterfall from a small tin shack across the bridge.

Explore the Beatles Ashram

The Beatles Ashram is located in Rishikesh, visiting places and is on the list by both foreign visitors and Indian visitors. Basically, your visit and my Rishikesh travel guide are incomplete without this featuring here. You can read more about its history here.

Shopping in Rishikesh

Whether it is a souvenir, woollen clothes and shawls or ayurvedic products, Rishikesh shopping is fun. Must buy from Rishikesh includes essential oils, natural beauty products, candles and mountain fruit squash – Ramphal juice, Rhododendron juice, Leh berry juice and others! I shopped for some Rajma (kidney beans) as they grow in these mountainous areas and are so yummy and cheaper than in the cities!

Best Places to Eat in Rishikesh | Best Cafes in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is abundant in cafes and restaurants offering good, healthy food. Be aware that since it is a holy place, you will not find non-vegetarian food or alcohol here. However, there are plenty of Vegetarian and Vegan options at a great price! The following places were highly recommended.

Little Buddha Cafe

So many people recommended I visit this when I asked on my Instagram stories, so I just had to check this out. I went for dinner and it was jam-packed. And 2 of my colleagues got a table here after 45 minutes of waiting. I bet the view from here must be great, as I could hear the Ganga waters rippling in the distance. 

I tried the watermelon juice and thukpa on a friend’s suggestion and both were good!

Ganga View Cafe 

As the name suggests, it has a fantastic view of the Ganga from its balcony. A few meters from Lakshman Jhula, it is known for its multi-cuisine food.

Other great cafes are Shambala for live music, The Beatles Cafe – I rest my case, The Bakeries and TAT cafe.

Where to Stay in Rishikesh

It is best to choose a place in the north of Rishikesh that is near the Lakshman Jhula as everything is within walking distance. There are many options to choose from – hotels, hostels and even ashrams.

Hotels in Rishikesh

Hotels are abundant in Rishikesh. Kunwar Residency is a good-budget hotel. Hotel Ishan provides spectacular river views.

Guest House in Rishikesh

I stayed with the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) as I was on a work trip. It is also called the Ganga Resort. The view from my balcony was breathtaking, and I simply crossed the guesthouse wall to soak my feet in the icy cold Ganga water. It is as good as a hotel and very cosy, and clean, with homely food. The price is on the higher side as it is a government guest house.

There are many guest houses which do not book online. They may reserve a room on the phone in the offseason, but it is best to just go and book in person with luggage. Generally, the rooms are basic but available. 

Hostels in Rishikesh

There are a lot of good hostels in Rishikesh. Shiv Shakti Hostel, Live Free Hostel, and hostel chains such as Hosteller and Zostel Rishikesh are also good options.

Ashrams in Rishikesh

Rishikesh has a lot of Ashrams wherein one can stay for a longer duration, especially if you have enrolled for yoga courses. Ashrams in Rishikesh offer a one-week package which includes daily yoga, activities and meals. It is best if you are looking to detoxify as the good meals, silence, meditation and yoga, will be soulful for the mind and body.

Sivananda Ashram, The Omkarananda Ashram, Parmarth Niketan Ashram are some of the recommended ones.

How to reach Rishikesh

By Train

Rishikesh does not have its train station, but Haridwar does, which is about 20km away and an easy auto-rickshaw ride away. Haridwar can be easily reached by many trains coming from Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. 

By Bus

You can reach Rishikesh from Delhi, Mumbai and even from other hill states of India such as Manali and Dharamshala. There are many options to choose from – sitting coaches, sleeper coaches, AC, Non AC, and the price is generally from Rs 500-2500, depending upon which kind of bus you choose.

By Air

The closest airport is Dehradun Airport, which is 25km from Rishikesh. You can get a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to take you to Rishikesh. 

Sustainable tips for Things to do in Rishikesh

• Rishikesh is a hill town and is already reeling under the heavy influence of polythene. It is best to avoid polythene bags, so do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Dispose of biscuit wrappers, wafer packets, and juice boxes in designated bins. Do not litter the highways, places of tourist interest or riverbanks.
• Be a responsible and respectful tourist. Do not bring alcohol or non-vegetarian items into the holy city.
• Respect nature during adventure activities and do not harm it in any form. A single cigarette butt can give rise to fires hurting the economy of the entire region.

I hope this blog on things to do in Rishikesh will help you to plan your trip. Did I miss out on any places to visit in Rishikesh? Let me know in the comments below, and I will check it out the next time I am in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, aka Rishikesh.

Read More Uttarakhand posts here:

• Places to visit in Nainital
• Pangot, Bhimtal, Sattal Birding
• Guchhu Pani, Dehradun
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link, but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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We heard some commotion from the forest office when one of our neighbouring gypsies left. Our allotted guide for the gypsy had not turned up so our driver had to play a guide himself. Inside the gate the guide pointed to an expanse of grassland and said this is where the tigress was spotted the day before yesterday. The gypsy which had left 5 minutes before us was parked on the side of the road. Before we could ask, all of them at once said that they just saw a tigress and her two cubs crossing the road and disappearing into the grasslands. We were disappointed with our bad luck caused due to the initial delay of 5 minutes but we decided to wait here as the guide suspected that she may come out from the other side. 20 minutes on and there was no sign of the tigress. Since it was our first safari our guide suggested we move on. The next halt was near a river and a herd of elephants were seen coming towards the riverbed. A red headed vulture in the distance was feasting on a langur carcass while we moved forward to get better shots of the elephant herd.

Further on, more riverbeds came and went but there was no sign of the tiger. We felt a certain rawness and a deep silence while we captured an Indian Grey Hornbill feeding his partner inside a tree trunk. Female hornbills stay inside the bark of the trees to incubate the eggs while the male takes the responsibility of feeding the female.

Our safari lasted for 3 hours in the thick jungles of Jhirna zone with some trees almost 200 years old. Dominated by valleys and low hills, the region is unbelievably lush and green and we were overjoyed to be spending our time in the oldest jungles of India. We were mesmerized with the tranquility, clean air, silence and solitude as we headed back to our gate. We waited again at the same grassland to try our luck with the tigress and two cubs. Some gypsies never went inside the jungle as some tourists insisted on waiting there to see the tiger. I pitied them for missing out on an amazing experience of raw jungles which is so necessary when you are away from the urban concrete jungle! No sign of the tigress except some elephants.

Day 2: Second Tiger Safari at Jim Corbett National Park

The next day we were even more pumped and excited and reached the gate early. Ours was the first vehicle to enter the same zone – Jhirna of the Jim Corbett National Park. It was still dark as we crossed the grassland in hope of a glance of the tigress. There were no other gypsies until this point in time. There was however a light fog and we could see the silhouettes of trees emerging from the dark. A black-shouldered kite was in a deep focus mode trying to find an early breakfast.

We went through the same route as yesterday and crossed the riverbed when we come across a juvenile Steppe Eagle. I clicked almost 50 shots and he just kept posing happily. 50 more from another angle and my forearms start paining with the weight of my 150-600mm lens!

We reached the spot where we spotted the elephant herd yesterday and there were a couple of gypsies(safari vehicles) gathered there. Intrigued we asked if they saw anything and the guide from another gypsy said he had heard alarm calls of langurs and spotted deer. We see a couple of spotted deers running out of the thick jungle in between the meandering river. This confirmed the fact that the tiger is probably on a hunt in the early hours of the morning. We patiently wait for a flutter of sound or some commotion for next 30 minutes. The spotted deers are now in a herd and happily drinking the river water. “Looks like the tiger has moved away or is resting after the kill. He may or may not come out” says our guide as I focus to capture a Chestnut headed bee-eater in the nearby bushes.

Moving on, we notice it is day break and the sunlight is not up. That’s not a good sign as it is cloudy. Overcast skies means less heat which means less chances of animals coming to the waterhole/river for quenching their thirst. We move ahead as a spotted dove lands near our vehicle.

This was slowly turning out to be a birding trip as there were so many varieties of birds that we were able to capture. Our guide pointed out to a riverbed saying he can see a silhouette of a bird. We craned our necks and cranked up the zoom on camera and binoculars. A small debate broke out whether it was a Bonelli’s Eagle or a Booted Eagle. The bird guides and books came out and the debate was put to rest concluding that he is infact a Booted Eagle.

While I tried to adjust my camera’s ISO so as to have less noise in the picture, a movement happened behind us. A golden jackal was devouring his early morning kill of spotted deer. The shutters started going as it was only the one leg that remained to be finished! I must have clicked at least 200 shots of this jackal – eating a meal, crossing the road, drinking water from the river, pooping and then resting, all in this sequence. What a find that was!

It was time to exit the gate. On the way back we asked the gypsies and it was confirmed that there was no sighting during the morning safari this morning. We were still hoping to find the Royal Bengal Tiger of the Jim Corbett National Park in the afternoon safari! It was going to be a different zone and we were excited once again. Fingers were crossed so that it doesn’t rain during the afternoon safari. It did rain but before our safari and made the forest look even more beautiful. 

Day 2: Third Tiger Safari at Jim Corbett National Park

With a light jacket to fight the chill from the rain in an open gypsy, we started our third and last safari in Bijrani zone. A vast expanse of jumbled green vines engulfing ancient trees, freshly washed by rain, it was nothing short of magical to be witnessing this beautiful forest. Bijrani was something else, so much different than Jhirna. It was hard to believe how vegetation can be so different a few kilometers apart. We were wide-eyed, right from the beginning to take in the spectacular view and to spot a tiger. 

The Jim Corbett National Park was too quiet for comfort. Maybe all the animals were enjoying a post-rain siesta. We drove from one water hole to another which is frequented by tigers but there was no sign. We crossed past a gypsy and again they showed their pictures of a tigress and three cubs on the road, crossing it, just 10 minutes back. This had to stop! A loud alarm call by the langur signaled the tiger was in the vicinity. We drove towards where the sound was coming from and then shut our engines. It was probably an instant kill. We were being showered for our patience as the teak trees were shedding their flowers. A fragrant yellow pathway was created as we patiently waited again for a flutter of sound or commotion. Nothing happened. And we moved on.

On a parallel road inside a much thicker canopy, a gypsy waited. They too had heard the langur calls and were quite certain that the tiger would move further into his territory after the kill. We decided to shut our vehicles engines and wait. We did not want to lose this golden opportunity. 30 minutes into the wait, a lot of gypsies came and stopped near us. Some lost patience and left but some waited longer. It started becoming dark and eerie silence was playing on our minds. 60 minutes into the wait, we hear the commotion and alarm calls of langurs from the tree. This signaled that the tiger had woken up. The langurs kept looking towards the ground and jumped from one branch to another which meant the tiger was probably moving. The bushes crowded us and were too thick to see anything on the ground when we heard a rustle not more than 20 meters to our left. “The tiger is moving his tail” – says our guide. His paws are so well cushioned that only the tail can make such a noise.

2 more gypsies join the race. Now there are over 7 gypsies on either side of the road and the guide knows for sure that the tiger will cross the road. My guide even tells me the expected place from where he will cross so I should focus my camera and be ready. Trying to spot a tiger in the thick jungle is a patience game and one must keep absolute silent to hear the tiger’s movements and not scare it away in some other direction. Just when we thought the tiger will come onto the road any minute, a baby starts crying in the neighboring gypsy and there is one more gypsy that starts its engine wanting to go forward. This leads to commotion. We have to let them go and their engines grumble, a gypsy from the front flashes its headlight, signaling not to. This is too much commotion to deal with and all of a sudden all gypsies start moving in the opposite direction because one guide had spotted a tigress. We drive into the rat race and see a fleeting silhouette of the tigress. She probably got pissed off with the human noises and climbed the hill with her cubs instead of crossing the road into the ravine. 90 minutes of wait, 5 seconds of tiger flash, one silly mistake by the neighboring gypsy. We were speechless. The adrenaline rush made us quiet. We were not sure if we should be happy to have spotted a tiger finally (but could not photograph) or sad that the wait ended like this?

Was it worth it?

Now after 2 months of the trip, when i think about it, yes it was. 

Would we have patiently sat down and meditated in the middle of a forest for 90 minutes otherwise? No! 

Would we have experienced the raw jungle and the eerie silence otherwise? No! 

Would we go back to experience these 5 seconds again? Yes, of course! 🙂

General and Sustainable tips for visiting Jim Corbett National Park:

• Please do not consider taking kids below 6 years of age into sanctuaries/national parks. They can get impatient and cranky in a small vehicle for 3 hours of safari and that can ruin the experience for other wildlife enthusiasts. Please treat jungles as jungles and not zoos!
• Try to be patient. The guides and drivers in the national park are far more experienced and know their work well. Do not push them to make silly mistakes. 
• Hold that pee! You do it in a movie theatre you can as well in a jungle.
• Do not make noise! How difficult it is for you to not speak for 3 hours? Will you be dead if you don’t?
• Do not wear perfume or body spray in the jungle.
• You can carry water and food (only vegetarian food) but do not dispose of plastic or leftover food in the jungle. Keep it in your bag or vehicle and dispose of safely once you return to the hotel.
• Do not feed anything to wild animals.
• Try not to point out birds. There have been instances where raptors take notice of pointing towards small, weak exotic birds and hunt them down.
• Always respect the vehicle driver and your jungle guide. If you do not spot a wild animal do not blame them, remember you’re in a jungle and not a zoo to have surety of spotting animals.

Read about other national parks

• Gir National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Eravikulam National Park
• Jawai Leopard Safari

Read More Uttarakhand Posts

• Things to do in Rishikesh
• Gucchu Pani
• Is Dehradun worth a stopover?
• Places to visit in Nainital
• Chopta Chandrashila trek

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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How to Reach Sattal from Nainital

By Road

The Pangot Bird sanctuary is located at a distance of 13km from Nainital city and can be reached by self-driving or by hiring a taxi cab. The Sanctuary is located at a distance of 355 km from Delhi and 365 km from Agra. Local cabs from Nainital are available for Rs 2,000-3000 per day. 

By Train

Kathgodam Railway station is the nearest railway station which is about 20 km from the Pangot and Kilbury Sanctuary. It is possible to hire a taxi leading to the sanctuary.

By Flight

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport which is around 95 km from the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. It is possible to hire a taxi leading to the sanctuary which will take around 2 to 3 hours to reach.

Where to Stay in Sattal / Pangot / Kilsbury

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is the first birding lodge in India. It has four cottages with rooms built like British bungalows and is located on a hillside overlooking the vast open forest.

Pinewood Cottage is 15km from Nainital and offers facilities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing, rafting, and night safari 

Kilbury Forest Rest House, built by the British, is equipped with all modern amenities. The walk from Pangot to Kilbury Forest Rest House is very popular as it traverses through thick oak, pine, bamboo, cedar, and rhododendron forests

Nainital to Sattal Drive

About 13 km away from the Nainital city is the Pangot village located at a height of 6,510 ft above sea level. Pangot village is a famous tourist destination as it houses over 580 documented species of birds. While birdwatching in Pangot is a big attraction, the oak forests and the blooming rhododendron trees make the landscape even more stunning.

Sattal Birding

We were woken up by the songs of a variety of birds that we had not heard before. Excited, we mounted the lens on the camera and rushed towards the backyard of the property. What we saw and captured in our camera for the next 2 hours was a celebration of winged creatures. I hope you enjoy this photo journal of Pangot, Bhimtal and Sattal Birding.

Verditer Flycatcher

While birding in Pangot, one is bound to come across the Verditer Flycatcher that is abundantly found here. It was one of the first birds we spotted while we were on our way to Pangot from Nainital. They were omnipresent in the area.

The flycatcher felt at home with our presence and happily posed for us. 

Blue whistling thrush

A blue whistling thrush played hide and seek outside our accommodation whistling to glory while the morning sun shone bright and glistened on his blue feathers. He slowly glided into the nearby shrubs, probably because he did not like the shutter sound of my camera.

Kalij Pheasant

A discussion about our interest in birdwatching with the hotel owner leads him to inform us that he has been observing Pheasants on his property. He was quick to ask the bell boy if he spotted any previous evening. We were hoping to capture him in our cameras.

While walking towards the backyard, we saw a black silhouette crossing the parapet between 2 properties. It only took us seconds to identify it but the red-eyed bird known as Kalij Pheasant had crossed the boundary wall to another side. But we still managed to photograph him!

Blue Winged Siva

Soon enough a pair of Blue Winged Siva descended on the marble bath of the property where we were staying. Their playfulness was so oblivious to our presence and they enjoyed their romantic bath together which lasted for a short time.

Black Chinned Babbler

Two spectacled biscuit-coloured birds now touched down on the water bath. They were playful but not comfortable sharing the bath with the Indian Black lored tit. The male made sure they did not want the Black Lored Tit there and shooed him away to have a private bath with the lady.

Black Headed Jay

A small movement in nearby bushes made us strain our eyes and neck to see who was hiding behind the branches. A blue mirage is all that we saw. Noiseless we stood there for the shy blue bird to come out. At some time there were not one but three black-headed jay on the tree. There seemed to be 2 males and 1 female as the males were doing a display pattern to woo the lady.

Rufous Sibia

There was a flutter in between the bright red rhododendrons. A rust-coloured bird flew by. On landing a couple of branches away on an old oak tree, it posed for us. The slender buffy-rufous coloured bird called Rufous Sibia, grew comfortable and flew to the parapet near the road and even posed for us.

Grey-winged Blackbird

Our car crossed a black bird sitting on the road who seemed to be scavenging. We halted and walked back to the spot to find him still doing the same. On closer look, we saw that he was actually clearing the fallen leaves and making the area clean. Probably a fan of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan! We saw the female counterpart doing the same a couple of meters above the cliff. We have no idea why they were doing what they were doing.

Since we did not want to stay in Pangot, we never really researched for a day guide who could show us the birds around. We just walked through the valleys of forests and stopped if we heard a bird call or flutter of wings or just about any movement in the trees.

However, a couple of hours spent here were nothing less than a turbo charge for us which left us wanting more and planning a dedicated trip to Pangot and Sattal with a guide.

Sustainable tips for Birding in Sattal

• Wear camouflage colours that will easily blend with the surrounding – green and brown shades work best around the trees.
• Do not make noises when you spot a bird, it may get distracted and fly.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray when you go birdwatching.
• Try to avoid bird call apps to attract birds or make them look your way for a good photo. It is just unethical.
• Do not dispose of wet waste or plastic in the jungle valleys.

Read About more Bird-watching destinations:

• Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar
• Bird-watching destinations around Ahmedabad
• Gir National Park 

Read More Uttarakhand Posts

• Things to do in Rishikesh
• Gucchu Pani
• Is Dehradun worth a stopover?
• Places to visit in Nainital
• Chopta Chandrashila trek

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

My experience at Gucchu Pani (Robber’s cave)

My cab driver dropped me off at the entry gate of this tourist spot in Dehradun. After paying the entry fees, I started walking on the pavement towards the cave. I could see the river flowing on my left with fresh clean water which was actually coming from the cave.

A little ahead I started seeing food stalls. I mentally made a note to treat myself post the Gucchu Pani visit with hot coffee and Maggi noodles. There were also stalls giving flip flops on rent and also advising people in shoes that it would be extremely slippery to wear them and they also get wet. I decided to go with my floaters as they are comfortable in trekking and dry out soon enough even if they get wet.

I noticed people had come prepared with a set of clothes to change into. There were changing huts behind the stalls too. Of Course, I had not prepared myself to drench in the water or so I thought!

After a walk of about 500 meters, I started noticing the cave, the river, and the people walking in! I folded my pants up to my thigh and strapped the floaters tight and started the walk.

Oh, the cold water.. So.. SO COLD! How are people taking a bath in it?

The 600 meters long cave looked appealing. There were shallow areas and then sudden deep drops. There were areas with soft mud and areas with hard stones. There were areas with spring water dripping from the rocks overhead while areas where I just wanted to hold the next person just so I didn’t flow away in the river current.

And then the most dreaded moment arrived when the cave became super narrow and dark, and the water to my waist level. I had to make a quick decision to return back or to keep exploring what was in the end. Whether to further dive into the adrenaline rush that the cold water combined with claustrophobia was giving me. I heard some shrieks from a group of all-college girls ahead of me. I mustered my courage and decided to go on while mentally thinking how will I dry my jeans as I have to catch a flight in a couple of hours and I hope I do not fall ill with wet clothes on me and the blast of air conditioners on the flight!

I had crossed the deepwater area and I sensed I had reached the end of the cave as I saw a lot of people gathered in a small area. I could hardly catch a glimpse of the end of the seemingly long cave and but in the end, it was just a pool of water and students enjoying a cold bath in the natural spring.

I walked back through the same patch of narrow lanes, deep water, and sharp stones and came out stronger than before. Yes, this was an offbeat adventure and super fun.

As promised I treated myself to hot coffee and Maggi with a sense of achievement while my floaters dried in the hot summer sun. 

Tips for visiting Gucchu Pani

• Wear floaters or strappy sandals that can handle sharp stones and a high velocity of water on your feet. Otherwise, walk bare feet, that’s the best way here. You can leave your footwear in the stalls outside for a minimum payment so that they don’t get stolen. Do not buy or rent flip flops as they can’t handle the water pressure and simply float and you have to carry them all along.
• Take the bare minimum of stuff inside the cave as you will probably get drenched along the way. Plastic wrap from phone and wallet!
• Be super careful if you are taking your DSLR with you as there are overhead springs that can spoil the camera. GoPro works the best here!
• There are guided treks that happen around the cave from Anarwala village. One can pre-book them and have an entire day of fun exploring the lesser-known tracks and enjoying nature at its best.

Best time to visit Gucchu Pani

In the mornings! That is when the crowd is less and you can get the area to yourself. I made the mistake of going at noon and it was packed with visitors.

Season wise the water flow is super heavy in monsoon due to fresh rains so ideally avoid it as the water level can be really deep in some areas. In winter the water is extremely cold so not ideal to drench or take a bath. Hence summer is the right time to visit the robber’s cave.

How to reach Gucchu Pani

Private vehicles or rented 2-wheelers are the only two options to reach here. There is no public transportation. If you book Ola/Uber, there is no guarantee that you will get a cab back to the city so it is best to hire it for the entire duration of the visit.

Sustainable tips for Gucchu Pani (Robber’s cave) visit

• While Gucchu Pani is an amazing place for family picnics and student fun, do not litter the place with plastic wrappers. There is a fine of INR 200 for anyone who litters the place. Drop the trash in the dedicated trash bins near food stalls.
• While one may get lured to bring in alcohol to drink in the cold water, do not, it is not allowed.
• Do not carry riverbed stones as souvenirs. They belong to nature and should stay there. 

Read other Uttarakhand Blogs:

• Jim Corbett National Park
• Pangot, Bhimtal, Sattal Birding
• Things to do in Rishikesh
• Places to visit in Nainital
• Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Dehradun Tourist Places

Forest Research Institute (FRI)

The beautiful architecture of FRI makes it one of the best Dehradun Tourist Places.

Being an environmentalist, I had always dreamt of visiting the Forest Research Institute for its lovely architecture, museums and overall premises. It is one of the most important Universities in India providing education and research opportunities in the field of forestry, the environment and its sub-branches. So while I was in Dehradun, FRI was on the top of my list to visit! 

For general visitors, Forest Research Institute is an attraction as many Bollywood movies are shot here and many times one may bump into an ongoing shooting. But other than that, FRI is a heritage complex spread across 2000 acres of land. The university complex is Greco-Roman architecture and houses six museums and a botanical garden. Guided tours are possible in the museum but all can be visited on their own. The six museums are Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timbra Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products museum, and Entomology Museum.

Because of the green campus, there are many bird species on the campus and it is a treat to photograph them here. Get your telephoto lens, choose a spot and get clicking!

Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Entry fees: INR 10 (Guide fees: INR 50)

Mindrolling Monastery

Mindrolling Monastery also known as Place of Perfect Emancipation is India’s largest Buddhist learning centre. Research is conducted here about Buddhist scriptures, the Tibetan lunar calendar, astronomy, traditional Tibetan medicine and calligraphy. The Mindrolling Monastery boasts 220 feet tall stupa, beautifully maintained gardens and a shopping arena which is why it is one of the most popular Dehradun tourist places. 

The interiors of the monastery have vibrant wall paintings, depicting the life and works of Lord Buddha. 

Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm 

Entry fees: Free

Tapkeshwar Temple

Tapkeshwar is one of the famous picnic spots near Dehradun which is often visited by locals and students. Dehradun sightseeing isn’t complete without paying respects to Lord Shiva at the Tapkeshwar temple. The key attraction of the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand is that it is built in a natural cave where water continuously drops on the Shiva Lingam. 

After visiting the temple, visitors often take a dip in the sulphur water springs near the temple which overlooks the beautiful mountains around. 

Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Gucchu Pani

Gucchu Pani also known as Robber’s Cave is one of the offbeat places to visit in Dehradun. It is one of the favourite Dehradun Tourist Places. It is said that during British times, robbers used to treat this cave as a hideout, hence, the name. 

Visiting Gucchu Pani gives a sense of adventure as it has total fun packed into it. Located near Anarwala village, which is 8 km from Dehradun city, Gucchu Pani is a naturally formed cave that is long and narrow. The cave is 600 meters long, surrounded by hills and has freezing-cold springs inside. The river also flows through this cave. While some areas are shallow, as one goes further inside the cave, the water level may reach up to the waist. 

For details about how to reach, what to carry, whether swimming is allowed and how to experience this place to the best check out this detailed Gucchu Pani Guide.

Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm

Fees: INR 25

Lachhiwala

Lachhiwala is the favourite summer picnic spot for students studying in Dehradun. Located 15 km away from the town, Lachhiwala is a Nature Park, which has a collection of man-made pools. Surrounded by Sal trees, it is a lovely picnic spot with gorgeous views of the hills. The water in these pools is sourced from the Suswa River, flowing nearby.

This area is also popular for trekking and bird-watching. sunset views, trekking trails, and bird watching. 

Timings: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm  

Entry fees: INR 10

Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara, also known as ‘Thousand Fold Spring’, is surrounded by caves and rivers. Sahastradhara is also one of the unexplored places in Dehradun which is formed by numerous sparkling streams cascading down the limestone stalactites. These sulphur pools make the water full of medicinal properties. The Sahastradhara pools look even more breathtaking with the prayer flags hanging from the rocks and hills in the background.

The ideal time to visit Sahastradhara is during the monsoon when the streams plunge down the rocks with full vigour. One can also take a ropeway ride to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the waterfalls and its surrounding.

Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Tapovan temple

Tapovan Temple is a sacred shrine famous as the place where Dronacharya, the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas, performed penance. It can be translated as ‘Tapas’ meaning penance and ‘Vana’ meaning forest. With beautiful green surroundings and River Ganga flowing around, Tapovan is an idyllic location to rest or meditate. 

Visitors can reach this temple after a small trek to get enchanted with temple bells and aarti. Tapovan is one of the must-see places to see in Dehradun. 

Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Asan Barrage

Asan Barrage is one of the top places to see in Dehradun, especially for bird-watching enthusiasts. At a distance of 42 km from Dehradun, the Asan Barrage is a wetland in the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border near Dhalipur village. It is located at the confluence of Eastern Yamuna Canal and Asan River and is a Ramsar Site. The Reservoir is a small wetland of 4 sq. km area and attracts a large number of birds. As many as 53 species of water birds visit the wetland which is also frequented by almost 19 European and Asian migratory birds. 

The barrage contributes to electricity generation for the area and that is why it is extremely significant. GMVN has also started an adventure water sports complex near the barrage which is why it is climbing the popularity charts. Activities like water skiing, rowing, paddle boating, kayaking, double waters skiing, mono-skiing and motor boating are offered to visitors. 

Timing: 8 am to 5 pm

Entry fees: INR 150

Shopping in Dehradun

Apart from being a stopover, Dehradun is bustling as a shopping destination. with vibrant street markets, malls, and shops catering to all needs, I suggest spending a couple of hours in retail therapy. Winter wear, handicrafts, Indian outfits and brassware, are some of the popular things to buy in Dehradun. 

Paltan Bazaar is the most popular and vibrant market in Dehradun. This market has permanent as well as makeshift street vendors who start selling stuff from Clock Tower to the railway station. Clothes, woollen wear, footwear and handicrafts, are famous to buy in Paltan Bazaar. Do not forget to indulge in some street food while you are at retail therapy to take a break and enjoy the local food.

Other markets in Dehradun are Indira market, Arhat Bazaar, Tibetian market and Rajpur Road. Check guide to shopping in Dehradun. 

Market timings: 10:00 am- 9:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Must try food in Dehradun

Dehradun’s food culture is like every other city in India – full of fast food and chaats majorly catering to the student population in the town. However, traditional food is savoured by the local population and is available at selected restaurants. The staple food of Dehradun specializes in Kumauni cuisine which is nutritious for the hilly terrain. Kafuli – spinach and fenugreek-based curry, Chainsoo & Phanu – a type of lentil, Dubuk, Baadi, Jhangora Kheer, Gulgula, Arsa, Kandalee, are some of the local dishes worth trying.

Street food is popular at Rajpur Road, Dehradun. The Buffet Snacks Shop and KC Momos & Soup Bar at Rajpur Road are some of the most popular street food joints. Burger and bread rolls are best at Buffest Snacks while momos are best at KC Momos. Check out the other list of must try foods in Dehradun.

How to reach Dehradun

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is located around 30 kilometres from Dehradun city. The airport caters to visitors for their onward journey to Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. There are direct flights to Dehradun from major cities of India. From the airport, one needs to hire a cab as no public transportation is available. Uber and Ola do not service to and from the airport due to the Union Taxi Association.

By Train

Dehradun railway station is connected to all major cities (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Indore, Varanasi, Allahabad, Amritsar) and several trains run along this rail route. 

By Road

Several private and government bus tour operators depart from all the nearby cities to Dehradun. A bus journey from Delhi takes about 6-7 hours to reach Dehradun. Various car rental companies also operate to Dehradun from Delhi airport/ railway station. 

Commuting within Dehradun

Private cabs as well as Uber and Ola cabs service in Dehradun city.. Shared autos are commonly seen across the city. Visitors also have the option to rent a 2-wheeler from many rental vendors in the city. The vendors drop the vehicle at your hotel and pick it up. The rent starts from INR 300 per day.

Best time to visit Dehradun

Since the altitude is Dehradun is closer to sea level, it does get hot in summer apart from being crowded due to school vacations. Summer and Monsoon are the seasons to avoid visiting Dehradun. Winter is much more pleasant.

Where to stay in Dehradun?

Dehradun has many accommodation options to choose from resorts to hostels to homestays. Depending on your onward journey, you may choose to stay near Mussoorie road or in the city centre.

Resorts in Dehradun: Sanjeevani Resorts, Bougain luxury villa

Mid-range hotels in Dehradun: Hotel Madhuban, Hotel Forest Avenue

Hostels in Dehradun: Deep Hostels, Nomads House

Homestays in Dehradun: Horizon Homestay, Oxygen Homestay

So Is Dehradun worth a stopover?

Yes! From all the places I visited and couldn’t, I feel the capital of Uttarakhand state should be given at least 2 days for proper sightseeing. 

Sustainable tips for Dehradun Tourist Places

• Dehradun is a hill town and already reeling under the heavy influence of polythene. It is best to avoid polythene bags so do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Dispose of biscuit wrappers, wafer packets, and juice boxes in designated bins. Do not litter the highways, places of tourist interest or riverbanks.
• Respect nature during adventure activities and do not harm it in any form. A single cigarette butt can give rise to fires hurting the economy of the entire region.

Read More blogs on Uttarakhand

• Things to do in Rishikesh
• Places to visit in Nainital
• Bhimtal, Pangot, Sattal Birding 
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Daringbadi, Odisha by Anwesha Guha

When planning a trip to Odisha, the first thing that comes to your mind is its famous temple or sea beaches. But many don’t know that Odisha has a hill station whose beauty is often compared to that of Kashmir. I am talking about Daringbadi which is an offbeat hill station, situated at an altitude of 3000 feet, in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. It is the only knowing place in Odisha which receives snowfall in extreme weather.

The hill station’s name originated from two words “Daring” and “Badi”. During the British era, an officer called Mr. Daring oversaw the village. And “Badi” means village in Oriya. Over time, the hill station became popular as the village of Daring and grow into a regular spot for the Britishers to spend the summer seasons.

There are a lot of interesting spots in and around Daringbadi which will surely excite you. The colourful paddocks of Daringbadi, make a perfect spot for family picnics. The major places to visit are Hill View Park, Lover’s Point, Mudubandha waterfall, Rushukulya River and Belghar Nature Camp and Wildlife Sanctuary. Trekkers will love the hiking trails around the area and camp in the lush green pine forest areas.

One can find good accommodation and many food options in the nearest city of Baliguda. The scenic land of Daringbadi is only 250 km away from Bhubaneshwar which has the nearest airport. You can reach Daringbadi by taking a flight or train from Howrah station to Bhubaneshwar or via public bus or private cab.

Darap, Sikkim by Mohana & Aninda

Sikkim is popular for having India’s highest mountain – Kangchenjunga and is also home to luscious mountains, alpine meadows and varieties of wildflowers.  The scenic village of Darap is 14 km from Pelling, but not many know about it. It’s on the road to Yuksom yet hidden in plain sight, a cluster of colourful houses adorned with the prettiest potted plants and trees brimming with magenta magnolias and bright red petunias. Book yourself a room at one of the homestays and wake up to mornings of mist and fog or witness a gleaming Khangchendzonga peeking from behind whispering clouds at this offbeat hill station. Immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about the history and traditions of the Limboo community and about Yumaism, a unique religion whose followers worship a living goddess.

Most households in Darap are vegetarian and grow their own vegetables; so, eat your weight in organic home-grown and home-cooked produce, wash it all down with some Hit beer, then go huffing and puffing up the mountainside for a lesson in local life. Say hello to passers-by and their silky goats or lend a hand in planting or harvesting crops in the small terraced fields. Strike up conversations, share stories and wild berries (or, maybe some local cheese!). If you can’t keep still, opt for a hike up Rani Dhunga or go on a half-day trip to the magnificent Khecheopalri Lake. On the way back, stop by the orange orchards at Rimbi or take a detour to the Alpine Cheese Factory at Dentam. Should religion and history fascinate you, visit the ancient Pemayangtse Monastery, the Sangachoeling Monastery, and the Rabdentse Ruins and when the solitude feels a little too much for your urbane souls, hit the streets of touristy Pelling where, after digging into countless momos and bowls of piping hot thukpa, you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs and Tibetan curios.

Note that Darap is part of Sikkim’s eco-tourism circuit and plastics are banned which means that you may not have access to mineral water bottles; your homestay will provide filtered drinking water, so please remember to carry a reusable water bottle.

Darap is 144 km from the nearest railhead at New Jalpaiguri and 146 km from the nearest airport at Bagdogra. You can either reserve a taxi for anywhere between INR 3000 to INR 4000 or take a shared cab to Pelling or Geyzing and then onwards to Darap.

Accommodation for Darap, an offbeat hill station

We stayed at the rustic Daragaon Village Retreat. For INR 1200 per head, you get a basic but cosy double-sharing room, a fantastic breakfast of organic millet pancakes and other local dishes, and a delicious dinner. Plus free cuddles from the two Lhasa dogs who live on the premises! Shiva Gurung, the owner, is a wonderful guy and can help you plan trips and hikes around the region.

Other options include the Sukhim Limboo Homestay and the Cherry Village Resort. Please note that access to the Daragaon Village Retreat and the Sukhim Limboo Homestay requires climbing a flight of stairs.

Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh by Soujanya Rai 

Chitkul is a village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh in India. This offbeat hill station in India is particularly famous as the last village of India on the Indo-Tiber border. Moreover, since Chitkul village hasn’t popped up on the tourist radar just yet, people visiting Chitkul enjoy the secluded location and the scarcity of people. Chitkul village is situated on one bank of the river Beas. What makes this place appealing is its location – there’s no other civilisation near Chitkul for many kilometres. Secondly, the picturesque setting is great for photography, short hikes and fun activities like rock climbing. One can even go down to the river and enjoy a nice picnic. Do keep in mind that Chitkul does not have petrol pumps or ATMs. The nearest city where you would find those is Reckong Peo.

Zostel Chitkul is the most popular accommodation that includes dorm rooms, private rooms, Swiss alpine tents and regular tents. Other than that, there are many other hotels, riverside camps and homestays at Chitkul.

In order to reach Chitkul, one has to first reach Delhi, which is the closest major city to Chitkul. From Delhi, make your way to Shimla by flight, train or road. Shimla to Chitkul is a distance of roughly 243 kilometre which can only be covered by road. You can hire a taxi from Shimla itself or take a bus from the new Shimla bus stand, an option which many backpackers choose to take. There’s no direct bus from Shimla to Chitkul. You will first have to take a bus to Reckong Peo and consequently, take another bus from Reckong Peo to Chitkul. Nonetheless, bus journeys in this region are fun and you’re likely to meet lots of other travellers along the way.

Sarmoli Village, Uttarakhand by Shruti Verma

An offbeat hill station – Sarmoli is a quaint village near Munsyari amidst the Panchauli mountain ranges in the Kumaon belt of Uttarakhand. On any clear day, the view of these ranges is breathtaking along with the music of the river Gori-Ganga flowing right next to the village.

There are 15 homestays listed for availability in Sarmoli village which cost around INR 1500 -2000 per person inclusive of all the meals and accommodation. The range varies with the amount of work carried out by the villagers to give an aesthetic touch to the rooms. The one in my room had a huge window to enjoy the view of the mountains and village from the room. The interiors of the room are blended with the rural touch like mud-covered walls and are also equipped with modern amenities to lend the comfort of a cosy home. Apart from this, rooms do have kitchens if guests want to cook something on their own. Otherwise, the villagers (hosts) provide the local and organic food right from the farm to the table (depending upon the harvest time).

The women in this village are highly encouraged to work for their own financial independence and Maati Sangathan helps in bringing employment to these women. Not only do they rely on farming and selling their crops but also they make woollen accessories which are available for tourists to buy from the shop in the village. Local fairs keep happening in the village or nearby villages throughout the year.

Sarmoli is around 590 km from Delhi and shared cabs operate from Kathgodam railway station. Either one can break the journey and cover a place or two en route or these shared cabs commence early morning and take around 10-12 hours to reach Sarmoli village.

Sarmoli can be visited at any time of the year except for the rainy season when the view of the mountain range is also clouded. But one should always pack extra warm clothes and an umbrella in case of unseasonable rainfall.

Shangarh, Himachal Pradesh by Suchi Ta

Surrounded by pine trees, hills and snow-clad mountains, and Shanchul Mahadev Temple situated in the middle of all the natural habitat, is another offbeat hill station – Shangarh which is crowned with wonders. Nature itself is the most charming thing in Shangarh, even the water here is pristine. The land is blessed by the Gods and flora and fauna co-exist here freely. The quiet environment gives you time to enjoy the natural beauty, get in sync with nature. Here, the wind sings and rainbows frequently visit.

Shangarh’s main attraction is the valley, which is surrounded by deodar forest; it offers panoramic views of many Himalayan layers. Domestic cattle, kids and oldies are often seen enjoying these meadows, spending leisure time here in the calmness and observing nature is a unique and serene experience.

Shangarh isn’t called a paradise for nothing. The air here is clean, the water is clear and nature here is at peace. What makes this village worth visiting is its very own environment. You’ll know what we’re talking about once you’ve breathed in the meadow and gazed at the snow-covered mountaintops. An offbeat hill station like this should be enjoyed living at a homestay. Shaneghar gives you the cosy homestay option overlooking these beautiful views.

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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