10 gorgeous homestays and hotels in Rishikesh right by the Ganga

A 45-minute drive from Jolly Grant Airport, The Roseate Ganges is perched right above the Ganges in Shivpuri. Each of its 17 villa-style rooms feature a private balcony that looks out to dense forests or the valley. The temperature-controlled infinity pool also enjoys an expansive view, with nothing but greenery all around. A 250-stair descent leads to a private bank by the Ganges, where the bells and chants of evening aarti fill the air every day. Guests can also spend a day at Aheli spa, indulging in scrubs, facials and salon services among other things. On the weekends, the staff arranges complimentary cooking sessions for children. The property offers a taste of Garhwali and Kumaoni fare, with specials like taro root preparations, locally produced red rice and barnyard millet kheer. Website; doubles from Rs23,000, including breakfast
Pet friendly: No
Wheelchair friendly: Yes; the hotel features rooms and all common areas on the ground floor

Homestays in Rishikesh near the Ganga

The Foresterie at Atali

There’s a swanky new property a half hour drive from Rishikesh where the mighty Ganges is flanked by dense sal forest. A few hundred metres from the riverbank, in the heart of a forest, sits The Foresterie at Atali. Each of its two villas feature four bedrooms, a study, lounge areas and a Jacuzzi. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen where guests can cook, but buffet and a la carte options are available as well. Glass facades flood the entire space with sunshine during the day. Outside, eyes are met with lush green leaves wherever one looks. At the property you’ll get to meet Vaibhav Kala, the man behind The Foresterie and founder of Aquaterra Adventures. Under the adventure tour operator, a host of outdoor activities are available for those who’re interested, but for a retreat into quietude, there’s a year-round plunge pool, a spa and several outdoor decks to keep you at the property. Whether they book a room or the entire villa, the guests are offered the entire place to themselves. Website; entire villa from Rs70,000 including breakfast
Pet friendly: Yes
Wheelchair accessible: No; if all goes to plan, the homestay will soon feature a rampway

The Ganges by Taroh Stays

This bed and breakfast offers a homely retreat on a stretch of the Ganga called the Marine Drive. Only a few steps from the riverbank, this newly opened property features six rooms across two floors and an accessible terrace. The latter affords a clear view of the river. There’s a caretaker on the property who’s available to cook a simple meal, but the kitchen also remains open for guests to whip up their own meals. The rooms are done up with wooden furnishing and warm lighting that keep the mood cosy. The ground floor features a lounge area, and the first floor has a lobby and a dining area. Do note: cars need to be parked 100m away from the property at the beginning of the residential bylane. Website; doubles from Rs3,500 during peak season
Pet friendly: Yes
Wheelchair access: No