Pet-Friendly Travel Guide to Rishikesh
Rishikesh, perched along the banks of the mighty Ganga in Uttarakhand, is a captivating spot to explore with your pet. It’s a mix of spiritual retreats,…
Read the complete pet travel guide↓Places we've personally visited in Rishikesh
Restaurants(15)
Secret Garden Cafe
4.6★ rated open-air garden cafe in Tapovan. Garden setting fully dog-friendly. Vegan desserts, Ayurvedic smoothie bowls, organic coffee. Best for relaxed slow meals.
Pyramid Cafe Tapovan Rishikesh
Rooftop restaurant in Tapovan. Dog-friendly rooftop seating. Indian, Italian, Israeli, continental — one of Tapovan's broader menus.
Pahadi Kitchen Rishikesh
Authentic Uttarakhand mountain cuisine. Outdoor seating dog-friendly. Distinct local experience.
Oasis Restaurant Tapovan Rishikesh
Mid-range restaurant in Tapovan with shaded outdoor terrace for dogs. Indian, Mediterranean, continental — broader than typical cafes.
Neelam Restaurant Rishikesh
Long-standing restaurant near Laxman Jhula. Outdoor seating dog-friendly. Reliable Indian vegetarian food.
Madras Cafe Rishikesh
South Indian restaurant with outdoor seating for dogs. Proper dosas, idlis, filter coffee.
Little Buddha Cafe
Iconic Ganga-view cafe in Tapovan. Dog-friendly outdoor terrace. Water bowls provided. Famous for banana pancakes and masala chai. 3.9★ TripAdvisor.
Hungry Bird Cafe
Relaxed riverside cafe. Outdoor seating pet-friendly. Vegetarian food, reasonable prices. Popular with backpackers and pet parents.
HideOut Cafe
Hidden Ganga-side cafe away from tourist crowds. Peaceful atmosphere. Dogs welcome with prior notice — call ahead. Best for quiet morning visits.
Green Hill Restaurant Rishikesh
Outdoor terrace with hill views near Laxman Jhula. Dog-friendly terrace. Indian and continental vegetarian.
German Bakery Tapovan
Rishikesh institution cafe in Tapovan. Large outdoor seating dog-friendly. Opens 7 AM. Fresh baked goods, filter coffee, Israeli-influenced healthy menu.
Ganga View Cafe — Swargashram
Local riverside cafe at Swargashram. Outdoor Ganga-view seating dog-friendly. Simple Indian food, chai. Quieter alternative to Tapovan cafes.
Ganga Beach Restaurant Rishikesh
Tables on Ganga sand beach. Dogs welcome at beach tables. Most atmospheric dining in Rishikesh. Best October to March.
Freedom Cafe
Budget-friendly Tapovan cafe. Outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Community feel, Israeli and Indian food. Good for long relaxed stays.
Devraj Coffee Corner Rishikesh
Local favourite coffee shop near Ram Jhula. Outdoor seating dog-friendly. Budget prices.
Hostels(3)
The Hosteller Rishikesh, Ganges
4.7-star Hosteller on the Ganga at Laxman Jhula. Pets in private rooms only — no dorms. No pet charges. On-site restaurant, rooftop terrace, 5,500+ reviews.
The Hosteller Rishikesh, Upper Tapovan
4.7-star hostel (7,200+ reviews) in Upper Tapovan. Pets in private rooms only — dorms strictly no pets. No pet charges. Rooftop terrace, top-floor cafe, hill views.
The Hosteller Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula
4.8-star hostel one minute from Laxman Jhula bridge and the Ganga. Pets welcome in private rooms only — no dorms. No pet charges. Terrace cafe, river views, 15 rooms.
Resorts(1)
📖About Rishikesh for Pet Owners
Rishikesh, perched along the banks of the mighty Ganga in Uttarakhand, is a captivating spot to explore with your pet. It’s a mix of spiritual retreats, forested trails, and hillside hamlets, offering a decent variety of experiences for you and your furry companion. The town is split into two distinct zones: the bustling main town by the riverside which includes the Swarg Ashram area, and the quieter, steep hillside areas around Laxman Jhula and Tapovan. While most pet-friendly stays are located around the Laxman Jhula and Upper Tapovan regions, these areas require caution because of narrow roads and occasional monkey encounters.
Walking with your dog across the suspension bridges, Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, is an experience like no other. However, you’ll need patience as both bridges can get crowded, especially in the mornings and evenings. Leashing your pet is non-negotiable here, not just because of pedestrian traffic but also the monkeys who are notorious for grabbing food or small items. While the forested trails and riverside lanes may sound tempting for a stroll, be mindful of the wildlife—leopard sightings have been reported in the hills around Tapovan, and the Ganga’s strong currents make swimming unsafe, especially during the monsoon.
Rishikesh is best enjoyed with pets in the cooler months of October to March. The heated months of June–July can be challenging here, particularly if your pet is sensitive to heat. The monsoon season from July to September introduces the additional challenge of slippery trails and occasional flash floods around the ghats, severely limiting exploration opportunities. With proper planning, however, Rishikesh can be a serene and memorable escape for you and your pet.
Why India for Pets
- →Mostly outdoor, open-air cafés work best with pets
- →River and beach destinations are easiest for dogs
- →Hill stations are cooler and less crowded
- →Pet-welcoming vibe is strongest in backpacker towns
- →Always confirm the current policy before arrival
🚗Getting to Rishikesh With Your Pet
Getting to Rishikesh with a pet requires some forethought depending on the mode of transport. If you're driving, the 240-km journey from Delhi through NH334 takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic. For pets prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to plan multiple stops. The road stays fairly straightforward until Haridwar but starts to get crowded and uneven as you approach Rishikesh—especially past the Haridwar-Rishikesh road. Consider breaks at quieter dhabas where your dog can safely stretch their legs, particularly before the busy Haridwar stretch.
If you decide to take the train, note that there are no direct trains to Rishikesh from major cities like Delhi. You’ll need to arrive at Haridwar Junction, which is the nearest railhead. Indian Railways allows small pets like cats and small-breed dogs in the First AC cabin, provided you book the entire compartment. From Haridwar, you’ll need to hire a cab to Rishikesh, which takes 45 minutes. For large dogs, ensure the cab driver is pet-friendly—mention this while booking, as smaller taxis can cramp space. Keep a leash and water handy for your pet during the ride, as it can be warm depending on the time of year.
Once in Rishikesh, auto-rickshaws connect different parts of the town but aren’t the most practical if you’re with a large pet. Most visiting pet parents stick to walking or driving between the town’s primary areas—like Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Upper Tapovan, and Laxman Jhula. However, if your accommodation is in Upper Tapovan, brace for steep and narrow access roads which can be a challenge for larger vehicles or if you're bringing supplies for your pet.
Quick Journey Facts
- →Book larger cabs in advance for big dogs
- →Give dogs a toilet break before long hill climbs
- →Motion sickness is common for dogs on winding roads
- →Train to nearest station + cab is often easiest
- →Check pet policies with your cab driver before booking
⚠️Pet Safety in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is scenic and spiritually calming for humans, but it has its fair share of hazards for pets, some of which require active vigilance. Here’s what to watch out for:
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Monkeys near the ghats and suspension bridges: Monkeys in Rishikesh are aggressive, especially near Ram Jhula and Triveni Ghat. They will snatch food, bags, or even small items near your pet, which could startle them or cause injury in a scuffle. Always keep your dog leashed and avoid carrying food in open containers.
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Leopard sightings near Upper Tapovan trails: Leopards have been reported in the forested trails above Upper Tapovan, particularly at dawn or after dark. Avoid early-morning or late-evening walks in this area. Stick to well-trodden paths and keep your dog securely leashed to avoid them wandering close to the forest edge.
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Flash floods during monsoon (July–August): The low-lying ghats, like Triveni Ghat, are prone to flash floods during the monsoon season. This can make them hazardous for riverside walks. Additionally, strong Ganga currents mean your dog should never be allowed to dip into the water during these months.
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Heat in summer (May–June): Temperatures can exceed 40°C in these months. Asphalt roads can burn your pet’s paws, and heatstroke is a real risk for dogs without proper shade and hydration.
Important: Always carry water for your pet when exploring Rishikesh, and keep their leash on at all times to ensure they don’t approach wild animals or dangerous zones.
Key Safety Reminders
- →Always leash your dog in crowded areas
- →Keep food secured — monkeys are opportunistic
- →Carry water — dogs dehydrate faster than you think
- →Avoid ghat and river areas during monsoon flooding
- →No off-leash dogs near forest trails at dawn or dusk
🗺️Areas to Know in Rishikesh
Laxman Jhula
The Laxman Jhula area is a hub for travelers, known for its cafés, ashrams, and the iconic suspension bridge. Most pet-friendly accommodations are clustered here and in nearby Upper Tapovan. Walking across the bridge with your dog can be fun, but be cautious of the monkey population. Early mornings are usually less crowded if your dog gets anxious in crowds.
Ram Jhula
Located downstream from Laxman Jhula, this area also features a much-photographed suspension bridge but is slightly quieter than its northern counterpart. The nearby ashrams and ghats see slower crowds, making Ram Jhula a more relaxed spot to explore with your pet during the daytime.
Upper Tapovan
This steep hillside area is dotted with boutique resorts and forest trails, making it a popular choice for pet parents seeking quieter stays. However, do note the leopard sightings reported here. Stick to exploring during daylight hours and avoid venturing far into the forested sections.
Lower Tapovan
Slightly flatter and busier than its upper counterpart, Lower Tapovan features budget stays and quick access to the Laxman Jhula area. While less scenic, it’s more practical for short walks and errands. Watch out for traffic on the narrow roads.
Swarg Ashram
Situated closer to the river, this area is lively with ashrams, ghats, and eateries. While interesting to explore, the monkey population near Triveni Ghat makes it challenging for dogs. Early mornings are your safest bet for quieter strolls.
Muni Ki Reti
This quieter neighborhood downstream is great for peaceful walks and small cafés. It’s less suited for pets looking for long hikes, but perfect if you’re after slower-paced vibes.
Area Quick Guide
- →Call ahead to confirm pet policies — they change
- →Morning hours are calmer for anxious dogs
- →Quieter neighbourhoods are better for first visits
- →Ask locals about busy market days before visiting
- →Outdoor cafés and riverside spots are usually easiest
🐾Things to Do in Rishikesh With Your Pet
Walk Across Laxman Jhula
Walking your dog across the iconic suspension bridge is an experience, but only if your pet is okay with heights and passing strangers. The bridge connects two lively parts of town and offers stunning views of the Ganga below.
Visit Ram Jhula
Slightly less crowded than Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula also offers a scenic pedestrian suspension bridge. Its calmer vibe makes it more pleasant for pets who dislike heavy crowds.
Evening Aarti at Triveni Ghat
While your dog will need to stay leashed and possibly kept further back from the crowd, the nightly Ganga Aarti is a mesmerizing experience. Beware of monkeys near the seating area.
Explore Beatles Ashram
The graffiti-covered ruins of the Beatles Ashram (also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram) make for a quieter exploration spot away from the central chaos. It’s a mix of greenery, open spaces, and nostalgia.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (14 km Drive)
Located amidst forested hills, this temple is a well-known spot for spiritual seekers. However, the drive is steep, and traffic jams are common. Be mindful if your dog is prone to car sickness.
Day Trip to Rajaji National Park
While you cannot enter the main sections with pets, the outskirts of the park's buffer zone have scenic drives and quiet stretches of roads where you and your leashed pet can enjoy a peaceful outing.
Riverside Walks in Shivpuri
Known for its rafting scene, Shivpuri also has quieter stretches along the riverbank that are pet-friendly, especially during the non-monsoon season. A short drive from Rishikesh, this spot makes for a calming retreat.
Important: Pet access at these attractions has not been independently verified by our team. Policies vary and can change. Always call ahead before visiting any attraction with your pet.
Before You Go
- →Bring a leash + backup leash
- →Carry poop bags — many spots have no bins
- →Morning visits are calmer for anxious dogs
- →Call ahead to confirm current pet policies
- →Snap a vet contact in the area before you leave home
📅Best Time to Visit Rishikesh With Pets
Rishikesh is best enjoyed with pets during October to March. The weather during these months is cool and comfortable, with daytime temperatures between 15-25°C. This makes it perfect for long walks, outdoor exploration, and hillside adventures.
February–March is particularly beautiful as the area comes alive with vibrant greenery and a buzz of activities, but it’s also when crowds start picking up. To avoid highly congested spaces like the Laxman Jhula area, head out early in the day.
Avoid visiting between July and August, during the peak monsoon season. Flash floods in low-lying ghats, overflowing drains, and slipperiness make most outdoor activities difficult. Humidity during this time can also be uncomfortable for your pet.
Summers, from May to early July, are hot and best avoided unless you’re staying in an air-conditioned, pet-friendly property. Daytime highs reach 35–40°C, and the heat makes asphalt roads unsafe for pets’ paws, apart from increasing the risk of heatstroke.
Month at a Glance
- →Oct–Feb is generally the best window for most destinations
- →Mar–Apr: warm pre-monsoon, usually pleasant
- →Jul–Aug: monsoon — trails slippery, flooding risk
- →May–Jun: hot — early morning walks only
- →Sep: late monsoon, lush but muddy trails
