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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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.

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