One of India’s holy cities, Rishikesh is beloved by Hindu pilgrims for its religious significance. According to Hindu mythology, this is where Lord Ram came to do penance for killing his arch-rival, Ravana. The city is dotted with ancient temples and is famous for its evening worship ritual next to the Ganga River. We recommend checking out important temples such as Bharata Pushkar Temple, Shatrughan Temple, and Lakshmana Temple. They can also start the Char Dham pilgrimage or enjoy yoga and meditation with views of the towering Himalayas. Those looking for adventurous things to do can trek to the Himalayan peaks or go rafting in the river.
This beautiful city is home to one-of-a-kind accommodations offering amazing locations and comprehensive amenities. If you’d like to learn more, check out our list of the most unique places to stay in Rishikesh, India, below.
Unique things to do in Rishikesh:
- Swargashram is a unique traffic-free, alcohol-free, and meat-free zone where visitors can do yoga, meditate, participate in activities such as chanting, and buy Ayurvedic remedies for ailments. The complex is also home to several ashrams and temples that can be visited.
- Every year in March, Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh hosts the famous International Yoga Festival, where visitors can learn more about the major styles of yoga from spiritual leaders, master yoga teachers, evolutionary thought leaders, and wellness specialists. The festival lasts seven days.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Property | Unique Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Anand Kashi by the Ganges Rishikesh - IHCL Seleqtions | Veda-insipired design | from USD 449 |
| Neemrana's Glasshouse on the Ganges | Rooms themed after exotic Himalayan birds | from USD 184 |
| Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat | Wellness offerings, including ayurvedic treatments | from USD 364 |
| Atali Ganga | Activities on offer, such as astronomy and river rafting | from USD 186 |
| Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa Uttarakhand | Architecture inspired by Himalayan villages and temple forts | from USD 449 |
| The Roseate Ganges Rishikesh | Private white-sand beach by the Ganges | from USD 445 |
| The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas | Mountain views from rooms and shared spaces | from USD 428 |
Why you should stay in a unique accommodation
Cultural immersion: Some accommodations are designed to provide a deep dive into local culture, offering authentic experiences like traditional meals, cultural performances, and local tours.
Connection to nature: Many unique accommodations provide a more secluded and peaceful environment than large hotels, perfect for relaxation. Options such as treehouses, cabins, and glamping sites bring you closer to nature, letting you fully appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
Thematic experiences: From pirate-themed ships to medieval castles, unique accommodations can transport you to a different time or place, providing a fun and memorable experience.
Instagram-worthy moments: Many unique accommodations offer picturesque backdrops, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, staying somewhere distinctive enhances your travel story and makes your trip stand out.
How we choose the best unique accommodations
When selecting the best unique accommodations, we consider various factors to ensure that each recommendation aligns with the preferences and expectations of discerning travelers. Our criteria include:
Regional uniqueness: We prioritize accommodations that are rare or uncommon, offering something distinct that sets them apart from the typical hotel experience.
Architecture and design: We look for properties with unique structures, themed rooms, custom-made decor, artistic elements, or integration of local cultural influences that differentiate the property from typical buildings in the region.
Special experiences: We evaluate the unique experiences offered by the property, including bespoke services, exclusive dining options, as well as extraordinary amenities like underwater spas or private art galleries.
Exclusive location: We seek accommodations situated in unusual or extraordinary settings, such as remote, scenic, or culturally significant areas, providing guests with immersive cultural experiences and extraordinary views.
Overall value: We also evaluate each property’s accessibility, guest experiences, service quality, comfort, and overall quality relative to its price.
By considering these factors, we aim to recommend accommodations that offer an unforgettable stay.
Unique hotels in Rishikesh
1. Anand Kashi by the Ganges Rishikesh - IHCL Seleqtions (from USD 489)
What makes it unique?
- Great location and private beach: Hotel is set by the banks of the Ganges, which is considered to be holy, and has its own private beach
- Organic food: On-site restaurant, Ana Rasa, serves local and global cuisine with fresh organic produce from the hotel's own orchard
- Veda-insipired design: Hotel design follows the Vedic Panchamahabhuta philosophy of touch ("sparsh"), taste ("kesari"), sight ("dhrishti"), sound ("ujala") and scent ("mehek"), with each room following one of these themes
- Accommodation options: Guests can choose to stay luxury rooms, suites, or in one of two luxury tents that have river views, a private patio, and luxury toiletries
Potential trade-offs
- Not all rooms have river views
- Limited menu in the restaurant and only one restaurant on site
Insta-worthy corners
- We're confident you can capture breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from the hotel's private beach
- Head to the infinity pool for photo shoots set against the Himalayas
Anand Kashi by the Ganges Rishikesh - IHCL Seleqtions
Address: 23rd Milestone Rishikesh-Badrinath Road Village & P.O. Gular-Dogi District Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
2. Neemrana's Glasshouse on the Ganges (from USD 153)
What makes it unique?
- Garden setting: Hotel is set in a place with tropical plants, rare species of birds, and butterflies, and it has its own sand beach
- Themed rooms: 14 room options themed after exotic Himalayan birds and spread across multiple levels, offering forest views
- Rustic feel: Hotel has a natural trail with shallow steps and cobbled stones leading down to the Ganges
- Fun activities: Guests can enjoy activities organized by the hotel, including white water rafting and yoga, along with getting treatments at the on-site spa
Potential trade-offs
- Not suited for the elderly or guests with mobility issues
- Since the property is set in a jungle, guests may have to deal with pests such as mosquitos
Insta-worthy corners
- Head to the balcony or patio attached to your room for photos with the river and forest in the background
- Take photos of family outings on the hotel's sand beach
Neemrana's Glasshouse on the Ganges
Address: Haridwar Rishikesh Badrinath Road Kalthari Village, Rishikesh-Badrinath Road
Unique resorts in Rishikesh
3. Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat
Delicious, satvik, and healthy vegetarian food with fresh, organic ingredients; live music and barbecue nights
Reasonable pricing for rejuvenating packages and Ayurvedic treatments
Secluded, peaceful location with breathtaking views of the Ganga river and surrounding mountains
Complimentary yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic classes; serene spa with skilled therapists
What makes it unique?
- Mountain location: Resort is set amidst the Himalayas, providing a refreshing mountain stay for guests
- Traditional treatments: Property is renowned for its ayurvedic treatments such as oil massages, shirodhara (treatment that involves slowly pouring a medicated liquid onto the forehead), netra tarpan (treatment to rejuvenate the eyes), and more
- Yoga facilities: Guests can learn from respected yoga experts through the property's advanced yoga teacher training courses
- Customized food: Resort serves fresh vegetarian meals to guests as per the instructions of their Ayurvedic doctors prepared with ingredients from its own organic farm
Potential trade-offs
- Far from attractions in Rishikesh
- Not suited for guests who prefer non-vegetarian food
Insta-worthy corners
- The gorgeous mountain setting of the resort will look amazing in photos, which we'd also love to see
- Visit the pool for candids with your loved ones as you splash around
Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat
Address: Rattapani, Neelkanth Road Near Phool Chatti Ashram
4. Atali Ganga (from USD 163)
What makes it unique?
- Award-winning property: Property has won awards for amazing facilities and for Aquaterra Adventures, its adventure tour operator
- Thrilling activities: Resort offers activities such as river rafting, wall climbing, mountain biking, hiking, astronomy
- Great location: Surrounded by reserved forest and has over 200 trees on its grounds
- Accommodation options: Guests can choose from 22 independent cottages
Potential trade-offs
- 30 km (18.64 mi) from Rishikesh
- Only one restaurant on site
Insta-worthy corners
- Wander the lush grounds of the property and take pictures of the beautiful riverside setting
- Adventurous guests who try one of the activities can also capture moments of excitement
Atali Ganga Resort, Rishikesh
Address: Atali Dogi, Rishikesh Badrinath road, Tehri Garhwal
5. Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa Uttarakhand (from USD 478)
What makes it unique?
- Prime location: The property is spread over 50,585 sq m (544,491.88 sq ft) in Singthali Village and surrounded by deciduous trees, the Shivalik Himalayan mountains, and the Ganges
- Unique architecture: We like that the resort is built with locally sourced artisan materials and has architecture inspired by Himalayan villages and temple forts
- Luxurious accommodation: Each room in the resort has views of the Ganges and features curated antiques and plush furnishings
- Immersive activities: Guests can partake in rituals such as the daily Ganga aarti, enjoy Ayurvedic therapies at J Wellness Circle, and go on spiritual treks through Devprayag and Singthali forest
Potential trade-offs
- On the pricier side
- Road to Rishikesh can get congested
Insta-worthy corners
- The resort's expansive grounds offer plenty of photo opportunities
- Capture the majestic Ganges from the comfort of your room
Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa Uttarakhand
Address: Village Singthali, Post Byasi, Distt Tehri Garhwal, Rishikesh to Devprayag Road
6. The Roseate Ganges Rishikesh (from USD 189)
What makes it unique?
- Private beach: Resort has its own private white sand beach where guests can relax and enjoy picnics
- Well-appointed villas: Guests can choose from 17 villas with private balconies overlooking the valley
- Luxe amenities: Property has a temperature-controlled infinity pool and bespoke treatments, along with a team that can curate itineraries for guests
Potential trade-offs
- About 37 km (22.99 mi) from Jolly Grant Airport
- Not much to do on site
Insta-worthy corners
- Take photos as you relax on your private balcony
- Organize fun family picnics on the private beach and immortalize fun moments with your loved ones on camera
The Roseate Ganges Rishikesh
Address: Haridwar Rishikesh Badrinath Road, Bhairgarh, Rishikesh, India, 249192
7. The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas (from USD 340)
What makes it unique?
- Great location and views: Resort is spread across 12 ac (4.86 ha) at the foothills of the Himalayas, offering amazing views of the mountains from outdoor spaces and rooms
- Comprehensive amenities: On-site infinity pool with a swim-up bar, a well-equipped WestinWorkout® Fitness Studio, and Heavenly Spa by Westin with 10 treatment rooms
- Comfortable rooms: Rooms have signature Heavenly® Beds, white tea aloe amenities, and customizable showers, while Garden Villas have private pools
Potential trade-offs
- 50-minute drive from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun
- Limited activities on site
Insta-worthy corners
- Capture breathtaking sunsets as you lounge in the infinity pool
- Toya, the on-site restaurant, serves up amazing views of the Himalayas along with yummy photogenic food
The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas
Address: Khasra No 605
Enjoy a spiritual retreat in Rishikesh
There’s no better way to experience the serenity and natural beauty of Rishikesh than in its unique accommodations, which offer amazing mountain or riverside locations and breathtaking views, along with top-of-the-line amenities. If you’ve been craving a getaway from urban life, book one of the above properties now!
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