Commonly known as “the yoga capital of the world”, Rishikesh is home to this ancient Hindu philosophy which attracts devotees and curious tourists from far and wide. The city was thrust in to the spotlight when The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram to learn transcendental meditation in 1968.
With the Himalayas and Ganga for company, this once sleepy town—whose Holi celebrations thrum with energy—has seen the rise of lots of quaint cafés and restaurants serving international cuisines. As more and more women step out and explore the world on their own terms, we have compiled a list of hostels they should consider when choosing accommodation in this holy city.
Featuring mixed-gender and women-only dormitories, The Hosteller Rishikesh has 15 spacious rooms and a terrace to take in the sights of the holy city. All rooms have a balcony and air conditioning units. Some rooms open onto gorgeous mountain views. The front desk is staffed 24x7 and employees speak English and Hindi. They are always willing to share practical information about the area and welcome pets.
Women who have reviewed the hostel online have been mostly positive about their experience whether they have stayed on their own or with friends. The Hosteller Rishikesh is 7km from the railway station, 8km from the Lakshman Jhula, 4.8km from Triveni Ghat and 20km from Rajaji National Park.
Address: Khasra No. 137, Balaknath Road, Upper Tapovan, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137
Also located in Tapovan, the Live Free Hostel has dormitories and private rooms which women travellers have reviewed favourably. Free Wi-Fi, an on-site café and plenty of communal activities—like free dinners on Tuesday nights and movie nights on Fridays—keep the place buzzing.
The hostel looks out onto the Ganga and offers morning yoga classes on their rooftop. This accommodation is also pet-friendly and is 11km away from The Beatles Ashram. The Patanjali International Yoga Foundation is 800m away and the Ram Jhula is 2km away.
Address: Laxman Jhula Road, near Anand Dham, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
With a concierge service, women-only dormitories and a private bathroom in every room, is it any wonder that House of Travellers is popular with women? The hostel serves an envious breakfast spread of continental, American and vegetarian meals. The on-site restaurant whips up Chinese, Indian and Italian dishes. Guests can play table tennis and darts, and pets are allowed.
The hostel is only 10km from the Parmarth Niketan Ashram and 11km from Mansa Devi Temple.
Address: HOT Gali, Badrinath Road, near Deecon Valley, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
Staying in this hostel is nothing less than a luxurious experience. Not only are the rooms clean and non-smoking, the property comes with a spa, an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant. Visitors can take a dip in the pool or indulge in a relaxing massage. Guests can also take advantage of the hostel’s live music offerings and cooking classes. Women have positively rated Moustache Rishikesh Luxuria in their online reviews.
Trayambakeshwar Temple is 8km from the hostel and the Triveni Ghat is 5km away.
Address: NH58, Badrinath Highway, opposite Deecon Valley Apartments, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
This hostel has mixed-gender and women-only dormitories along with private rooms. All units have a private bathroom with a shower, and guests can socialise in common areas, check out city views from a rooftop terrace, access the free Wi-Fi and store their belongings in on-site lockers. The staff can arrange airport or train station pickups if guests inform them beforehand. Women have mostly written positive reviews about Madpackers Rishikesh online.
The accommodation overlooks the Lakshman Jhula. The Ram Jhula is 10 km away and the Sivananda Ashram is 9km away.
Address: Madpackers Rishikesh, Jaipur Inn, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249302
