Atali Ganga
Atali Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
Introducing Atali Ganga, an Activotel in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India, designed for adventurous individuals seeking an exciting experience.
The Venue
Rishikesh is a well-known destination for adventure and spirituality, conveniently located within driving distance from Delhi (240km) or a short flight from Dehradun's airport. It's a perfect spot for a quick getaway, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, rafting, kayaking, bird watching, nature walks, and exploring spiritual towns within an hour's drive. Additionally, it serves as an excellent base for longer treks in the Upper Himalayas, with Atali Ganga in Rishikesh providing a comfortable stopover.
Atali Ganga, an award-winning Activotel, is committed to sustainability and geared towards adventure enthusiasts. The friendly team ensures that guests can relax in comfortable rooms, lounges, and a cafe surrounded by nature and the soothing sound of the river. Adventure-seekers can indulge in activities such as river rafting, wall climbing, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, and even perfecting the 'Eskimo roll' in the pool. For those seeking a slower pace, bird watching and yoga are also available to connect with nature. The experienced staff at Atali Ganga has years of outdoor training and river trip leadership under their belt, ensuring personalized, safe, and knowledgeable river activities.
Despite each cottage offering a breathtaking view of nature, Atali Ganga is an adventure camp where everything and everyone is geared up for action both on and off the river.
Who is hosting?
Vaibhav Kala, the founder of Aquaterra Adventures and Atali Ganga, is a renowned name in the adventure travel industry. With his deep-rooted connection to Rishikesh and the Ganga, which he gained during his formative years spent in the state, Kala's love for adventure and the river is evident in the ethos of Atali Ganga. Kala is highly respected for organizing and leading trekking and white water rafting expeditions that were once considered too daring. His warm hospitality and extensive knowledge have earned him a loyal following of returning guests. Many credit Kala for instilling a genuine passion for adventure in them, which is reflected in the audacious trips he plans and executes.
Atali Ganga is a testament to Kala's passion and commitment to ensuring that guests can connect with nature with respect and awe.
Aesthetics & Philosophy
Located 30 km north of the bustling Rishikesh town, Atali Ganga provides a serene getaway from the crowds of day-trippers and temple-goers. The property boasts a prime location amidst the lower Himalayas, overlooking the majestic Ganges river that flows from the glaciers to the north. Its tiered hillside design offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forested land and the river.
Atali Ganga's modern yet rustic architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, featuring green-roofed cottages with all amenities and ensuite bathrooms. The beds face the river, while the pool and White Water Café are popular gathering spots.
The property is nestled in a reserve forest, which is a haven for local animals and birds. Guests can immerse themselves in nature and keep an eye out for wildlife, including barking deer, various bird species, and even the occasional lurking leopard. The combination of the property's natural surroundings, the sound of the river, and its premium rustic aesthetic offers the perfect blend of comfort and mountain living.
Accommodation
At Atali Ganga, guests can choose from a range of accommodation options, including 16 single room cottages, two-room interconnected cottages, and 2 duplex-styled two-room cottages. As 80% of the property is built on the hill slopes, guests must use steps to reach their cottages. All cottages offer breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding forest. Inside, guests can expect to find a tea maker, yoga mats, eco-friendly bathroom products, and comfortable beds. Atali Ganga encourages guests to spend most of their time outdoors, surrounded by nature's sights and sounds.
The White Water Café is the hub of activity at Atali Ganga, serving delicious local, Indian, and Continental cuisine. The café is run by staff from nearby villages who source the freshest ingredients from the surrounding areas, supporting the livelihood of the hill farming communities.
Experience
Atali Ganga is aptly named as an "activotel" due to the numerous adventure activities that are easily accessible from the property. However, it also provides a relaxing ambiance for guests who want to unwind. The property features an in-house pool and spa, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the area. Additionally, there are opportunities for yoga and bird watching, with naturalists available to guide guests.
Adventure enthusiasts can take advantage of the nearby river rafting, abseiling, kayaking, and mountain biking, among other activities, all of which are supervised by experts. There are also numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area, as well as the nearby temple trail of Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Devprayag. Atali Ganga is an ideal destination for those looking for a unique vacation experience, with plenty of opportunities for both adventure and relaxation. The property is open all year round, although it should be noted that guests with mobility issues may want to avoid the higher cottages due to the stairs involved.
Conscious Travel
Since its inception, Atali Ganga has been constructed and operates on eco-conscious principles to ensure minimal impact.
To minimize the use of plastic, the hotel has adopted a no single-use plastic policy and replaced plastic garbage bags with gunny bags. The property also emphasizes the purchase of products with minimal plastic packaging and uses reusable dispensers.
All waste is segregated and recycled for safe disposal. To conserve water, the hotel replaces bed linen and towels every two days unless requested.
Atali Ganga utilizes natural light for common spaces to reduce its dependency on artificial lighting and employs locally sourced materials for construction. The hotel supports the local community by hiring staff from the Himalayan region and sourcing ingredients for its kitchen from the surrounding area to reduce carbon emissions.
The hotel also focuses on low carbon footprint tourism and offers activities such as mountain biking, wall climbing, hikes, yoga, camping, and kayaking. The property is next to a reserved forest and has over 200 trees that are well taken care of, contributing to nature and biological diversity conservation.
Atali Ganga ensures a human touch by employing skilled local staff from the area for both Atali Ganga and Aquaterra Adventures.
