Discover Tapovan Rishikesh India: Things to do, Places to see around
Written by Karem Maria Dabrowska
Tapovan is located on a steep hill, and reaching it involves driving along twisting narrow roads that lead up to a busy main road. This road, which turns into a two-lane ‘highway,’ is known as Highway 7 and is quite lively with all sorts of vehicles like motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, trucks, and buses.
But here’s the thing—cows can suddenly block traffic on Highway 7! The drivers get really impatient, which can make it a bit dangerous, especially in the narrow spots.
Now, when you compare Tapovan to Laxman, you’ll notice that there are many more hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tapovan. However, I think Laxman is a much nicer place to walk around, especially when Laxman Jhula is closed.
Unlike Tapovan, Laxman is pretty flat and runs alongside the Ganga. Plus, motor traffic is more limited here, although cows still seem to be the real rulers of the road!
Tapovan Rishikesh offers a unique blend of nature and town, where one can experience the essence of rural life in Rishikesh, India. As India’s yoga capital, located 233 kilometers north of New Delhi, it provides an ideal setting for scenic walks that offer a deep understanding of the local community’s way of life.
In contrast to Tapovan, Laxman is relatively flat and runs alongside the Ganga, making it easy to stroll. Although motor traffic is limited, cows still seem to reign supreme on the road!
My Experience Tapovan Rishikesh India
I’ve been to many cool places, but none are as beautiful as Tapovan in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand! It’s super pretty, especially around the Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges that go over the Ganges River. When you walk across these bridges, you get to see the calm and sparkling Ganga river below, which is just amazing!
Walking on those bridges feels like an adventure, and it’s a perfect spot for thinking and relaxing. Plus, the food here is really yummy and doesn’t cost a lot, so you can enjoy lots of tasty Indian dishes.
Getting to Tapovan
Tapovan is only 4 kilometers from Rishikesh and is super easy to reach by road. Lots of people visit Tapovan throughout the year, especially during the winter from November to March. Many travelers stay here because it’s a peaceful place where they can relax their minds and souls.
Places to Visit in Tapovan Rishikesh
- Satsang at Tapovan Tapovan is a great place for visitors looking for comfy and affordable places to stay. It’s like a hub for listening to wise spiritual teachers like Mooji and Prem Baba. There are also many yoga schools here, so it’s perfect for people who love yoga!
- Homestay The homestays in Tapovan are cozy and close to cool spots like Laxman Jhula and Kriya Yoga Ashram. They are near the Tapovan Auto stand, and if you love adventure, you can find places to go bungee jumping and rafting!
- Patho Village Trek The Patho village trek is a fun hiking spot near Tapovan. It’s a half-day trek where you get to see beautiful green paths, a winding river, and an awesome view of Rishikesh from above. It’s perfect for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a pro hiker!
- Secret Waterfall If you love nature, you have to visit the Secret Waterfall! It’s a bit of a hike, but when you hear the water rushing, you know you’re getting close. When you finally see it, it’s breathtaking and totally worth the trek!
- Yoga Training Course Tapovan is like a yoga paradise! There are tons of yoga classes and retreats for everyone. You can learn different yoga styles, and there are over 1000 yoga schools here! It’s a super popular spot for anyone wanting to become a yoga teacher.
- Kunjapuri Trail The Kunjapuri birding trail is becoming famous among bird lovers, just like the bird sanctuary in Rishikesh. People from all over come to enjoy birdwatching in this beautiful place!
- Mahadev Cave There’s also the Mahadev Cave, which is a special rock formation in Rishikesh. It’s really important in Hindu mythology because it’s where Lord Shiva meditated. The cave is decorated with flowers and threads from people who visit, making it feel really magical and spiritual.
Gujjar- a nomadic village
The village of Gujjar in Tapovan is home to four families who tend a small herd of cows, while Patho Village with its 40 residents cultivates a variety of crops. To reach these villages, turn off the bustling Badrinath Highway opposite the Raj Resort onto Balaknath Mandir Road. If you’re up for climbing more than 200 steps, the small temple at the top offers great views.
Tapovan Area
Balaknath Mandir, located in Tapovan, is a hub for yoga centers, ayurvedic clinics, and restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and Israeli cuisine.
The cafes and restaurants here are adorned with inspiring quotes, such as “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you sow” at Revival Cafe and visitors can even try their hand at painting at Kailas Art Cafe. Ira’s Kitchen & Tea Room is one of the many dining options available in the area, offering a variety of delicious dishes.
Further up the road is Motley a shop with clothes, bags, incense, perfumes, and jewelry – a motley collection of crafts and eatables – hence the name. Atal Kuksal once a hotelier wanted to provide something different and strike a work-life balance.
The shop opens between 1 pm and 6 pm leaving him with time to spend with his family and with God. A deeply religious man he has a small altar on the premises and tells his customers about his guru Neem Karoli Baba.
Om Homestay
Just before Motley, there is a small private road that leads to Om Homestay, a villa-style house where Om and Anju host guests in spacious rooms with attached bathrooms and serve delicious vegetarian meals. The couple, along with their two children Sidharth and Tushita, relocated to Rishikesh from Varanasi in search of a better life, free from the caste system’s limitations. They built the four-bedroom house specifically to cater to tourists.
Om also runs Rishikesh Day Tour and organizes sightseeing trips to temples and holy places, as well as leading half-day and full-day treks..
Patho Village
The treks to Gujjar and Patho Village are half-day excursions through the forest behind his house – home to monkeys and panthers. As they rise above Rishikesh the narrow tracks, which require a guide as the path is not always obvious, provide spectacular views of the Ganges and even Haridwar, a large town 22 kilometers away.
Forty people live in Patho Village which has been around for 400 years but during the day only the old and the very young are at home. The others have gone to the town to work. They either walk or go on a scooter. There is no road for vehicles. The children go to school on foot.
The crops, some sold at the market and others kept for the villager’s own use include maize, ginger, potatoes, onion, garlic, radishes, mustard, finger millet, wheat, rice, tomatoes, pumpkins, mango, lemons, red chill’s and turmeric. Cows, chickens, and goats also make an appearance.
Parvati (85) gives visitors an amazing smile as she sits on the steps of her modest house. The villagers love having their photo taken and are happy to serve tea for which a small donation is always gratefully received.
While Patho is a well-to-do village with idyllic concrete homes in a scenic setting Gujjar is poor with only four families looking after a small herd of cows. The problem in Gujjar is a lack of water which makes growing crops impossible.
Gujjar Village
Bibi (36) the mother of six children sells milk in Rishikesh. A strong woman she has no trouble carrying 10kilo containers up and down the trek. The money from the sale of the milk is the family’s only source of income but Bibi and her husband Hussian, who enjoys a cigarette with visitors, are content with their simple life in a wooden hut with a straw thatched roof. Water is boiled over a roaring fire, the cows are fed on a variety of leaves outside the door of the hut and the proud parents listen intently as their children tell them about their day at school.
Trek to Patho village
The trek to Patho Village is an 8km round trip with a well-defined track on the way down. A round trip is not possible with Gujjar and care has to be taken on the trek strewn with small loose stones. Men and women in colorful attire walk quickly past the tourists with welcoming smiles.
Both treks end on the asphalt Balaknath Mandir Road with its tent camps and adventure holiday accommodation. The asphalt comes to an end at a waterfall where the locals take a dip. “Expect the unexpected when in the Himalayas,” Om advises.
Things to do around Tapovan
Laxman Jhula
This iconic suspension bridge spans the Ganges River and is steeped in mythology. It is believed to be the site where Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, crossed the river using a jute rope. Today, it offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding hills, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts and those looking to experience the harmonious blend of nature, adventure, and spirituality.
Ram Jhula
Similar in significance to Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula is another suspension bridge that provides spectacular views of the river and the ashrams lining its banks. It serves as a vital link between various ashrams and spiritual centers, facilitating the movement of pilgrims and visitors. The evening lights and the cool breeze over the river enhance its serene ambiance.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
As one of the most prominent ashrams in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan offers a peaceful refuge for spiritual seekers. It hosts daily activities like yoga, meditation, and spiritual lectures. The highlight is the evening Ganga Aarti, a powerful and uplifting ceremony that attracts visitors from around the world to participate in this collective offering of lights and songs to the Ganges.
The Beatles Ashram
Officially known as the Chaurasi Kutia Ashram, this place gained fame after The Beatles visited in 1968 to meditate and write songs. Now abandoned, its walls are adorned with graffiti and murals dedicated to The Beatles and spiritual themes, attracting music fans and those intrigued by its tranquil, forested setting.
Neer Garh Waterfall
A hidden gem just a few kilometers from the main town, Neer Garh Waterfall offers a refreshing escape into nature. The trek to the waterfall is an adventure, leading through lush greenery and providing spots for dipping in the calm waters, making it a perfect place for relaxation and picnics.
Triveni Ghat
This is the biggest and most famous bathing ghat in Rishikesh, where the daily ritual of Ganga Aarti takes place. The aarti is a spectacular sight, with priests performing rituals with fire and offerings to the Ganges, accompanied by devotional songs. It’s a profound experience that embodies the spiritual essence of Rishikesh.
Rajaji National Park
Located on the outskirts of Rishikesh, Rajaji National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It offers safari tours where visitors can see animals like Asian elephants, tigers, leopards, and over 400 bird species in their natural habitat. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a fascinating place for nature walks and bird-watching.
White-water Rafting
Rishikesh is renowned for its adventure sports, particularly white-water rafting on the Ganges. The rapids range from beginner to advanced levels, providing thrilling experiences. Other popular activities include bungee jumping, one of the highest in India, and camping under the stars along the riverbanks, offering a unique way to connect with nature.
Comments are closed.