Life by the river: Check out these riverside homestays!

Imagine waking up by the side of a quaint and beautiful river while you sip your coffee on your bed! Exciting, isn't it? Well, your staycations might become even more enthralling when you stay around the river where you have the option to go kayaking, boating, swimming or even sitting around a campfire. So, if you are planning on your next staycation, we ask you to read this out and then, decide! 

Aashraya, Rishikesh

Who would want to miss seeing the beauty and bounty of the river Ganges while on a fun or spiritual trip to Rishikesh? Well, regardless of your purpose for visiting, staying near the river Ganges is a fulfilling experience that offers extreme calmness. You can stay in Uttarakhand’s hills at Mahadev Chatti, in cottages close to the river, north of bustling Rishikesh. While there are several hikes and treks in the area, this property can also help you set up a picnic by the river!

Where: Aashraya, Mahadev Chatti, Chandpur, Rishikesh.

PaliGhar, Kalimpong

Amidst the serenity of Kalimpong lies this charming mudhouse atop farmland, situated on 3.5 acres of paddy and maize fields. But do you know the best part? The popular Relli River here is a short walk from the property and is a go-to place for not just locals but also local and migratory birds! The host here might help tourists identify several medicinal plants that are present along the river. And, while you can swim here, you can also come back for refreshing snacks sitting by the river to make the most of your stay! 

Where: PaliGhar, Lower Echhey, Kafley Gaon, Kalimpong

Firefly by the River, Coorg

On the banks of Harangi River lies this beautiful, rustic homestay, named after the thousands of luminescent fireflies that are seen in Coorg during April. While living here provides peace, this place has also set up various hammocks that are placed under the trees by the riverside where you can rest, sleep or read your favourite novel! But what makes this riverside homestay even more amazing? It is a coracle ride on the Harangi River for all local travelling experiences! 

Where: Umamaheshwari Temple, Madalapura Post, Harangi, Kushalnagar, Kodagu. 

Raison D’etre, Manali

All set to go to Manali with friends? How about making it even more exciting by adding a stay at Raison D’etre to your itinerary? The Beas River, its gurgling waters against the snow-covered mountains above just gives it the perfect touch! So, what does it mean? Well, crystal, clear Himalayan water! Here, the hosts can also set up a bonfire by the river for you. So, whether you look out of your window or simply, just go lie at the hammock by the river, life by Beas would seem easy-breezy! 

Where: Raison D’Etre, Kullu Manali.

Fishtail Creek, Goa

Seeking the sights of migratory birds flocking into the river? Fishtail Creek offers exquisite views of the backwaters as well as the birds! Located amidst the bamboo and mango trees, it is a cottage structure that you can rent here. Not just this, you can go kayaking, and cycling near the river while also exploring nearby attractions like the Tambdi Surla temple. One amazing fact about this homestay is that the discarded bottles that are collected from the riverbanks and the riverbed are kept in a hobby tumbler and the hosts also conduct workshops for the guests who might be interested in attending one! 

Where: Fishtail Creek Homestay, 633/1, Atafondem, Moira, Goa

Bapsa Guest House, Sangla 

Himachal Pradesh is a go-to place for travellers and while the travelling might not leave a lot of room for you to stay indoors, you can still choose a quiet vacation within the premises of Bapsa Guest House! The gushing Bapsa river with the huge apple orchards, forms the area of the property and guests can easily get a fine peek at the river from their accommodation! What adds to the beauty is the Bapsa Valley in the South and the Shoshala Peak in the North of it! 

Where: Main market, Sangla, Himachal Pradesh. 

Olaulim Backyards

This homestay allows you to glance at the Mandovi backwaters of Goa. The guests can stay in the cottage homestays while the place also offers a swimming pool overlooking the green fields and the river! The property helps you with canoeing or kayaking along with nature walks, bird watching, fishing and cycling around the river! You can also sit here with your family and friends as the property arranges for the settings. So, are you ready to leave the beach side of Goa to see it from a different lens? 

Where: Olaulim Backyards, Olaulim, North Goa.