Hotels for all budgets, some directly at the Ganges
Not very attractive area, less yoga and other activities
Can be crowded and noisy during pilgrimage season
This is on the city side of Laxman Jhula bridge and near to the main road leading to other parts of Rishikesh. Like Swargashram, this side of Laxman Jhula is popular with local pilgrimage tourism. However, over the years there are also increasingly more guesthouses and restaurants catered towards foreigners. Like the opposite bank, there are similar tourist shops, including a stretch of shops along the access staircase coming down from the main road selling religious artefacts and souvenirs. It is generally an access area to get across the Laxman Jhula bridge with few yoga or other tourist related activities. To the foreigner, the area is mostly known for its German bakery right beside Laxman Jhula bridge and Shantimayi's satsang at Saccha Dham Ashram.
A few guesthouses near the bridge have good views of the Ganges, and they are located in a less congested surrounding with easy access to all the amenities on the opposite side. Prices tend towards the mid-range budget. The cheaper accommodations are located mostly near the main road on top and along the staircase which leads down from the main road to the bridge area. If you are prepared for a rather steep climb, you will find some restaurants and accomodations with wonderful views of the Ganges. A few small high-end hotels with pools and a direct view of the Ganges are near the autorickshaw stand right next to the main road.
The old guard at Maharishi Beatles Ashram.
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Chai lady upstream from Laxman Jhula.
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Easy car access road to other parts of Rishikesh
Public transportation will drop you off on the hill top here where you will have to then walk down to get to the bridge area. Some private autorickshaws may drive you down to the bridge but this is to be negotiated with the driver. Private taxis on the other hand can usually can drop off passengers very close to the bridge depending on the traffic situation.
As much as there are temples scattered around here, including the oldest temple in Rishikesh, the area doesn't quite feel too holy nor is it particularly attractive so there are no compelling reasons to stay here except for easy access to the main connecting road or if you prefer to stay in higher-end hotels.
As much as there are temples scattered around here, including the oldest temple in Rishikesh, the area doesn't quite feel too holy nor is it particularly attractive so there are no compelling reasons to stay here except for easy access to the main connecting road or if you prefer to stay in higher-end hotels.
