Rishikesh : 10 Solo Travel Photography Tips. #HillsOverBeaches

"You were born to travel. If not, you would have come as a tree."

Traveling has always been one of the best things to do, whether to explore new places, or to explore yourself or just for the sake of relaxing. There isn't any alternative for traveling. And if any of the points above were relatable enough for you, you know for the fact that traveling is much more than that. And when it comes to solo traveling, the rush of excitement and that little bit of nervousness every time you pack your bags for the solo trip to an unknown place makes it way more enjoyable to discover the place and yourself.

Well I am a travel photographer and here are my tips to a perfect solo travel to Rishikesh on budget.

1. Reaching Rishikesh:

Always take the night bus/train to travel. It gives you a place to stay in night as well as you reach your destination and makes an otherwise no functional night productive.

I took an on spot ticket to a night bus from Kashmere Gate ISBT to Rishikesh for INR 300.

If you are also traveling without any plans, try to take a bus from ISBTs since you get better options for cheaper prices.

2. Staying in Rishikesh:

Being a travel photographer I never spend too much on stays since the complete active daytime is spent outside, exploring and clicking. You just need a comfortable bed where you can sleep and revitalise yourself for the next day.

There are many hostels where you can get a bed in dorm for less than INR 200 a night.

I stayed in 'Raahi The Traveler's Nest' which is a great option for budget travellers. Located near Lakshman Jhoola, this hostel offers a great cozy atmosphere and dorm beds for as low as INR 199.

3. Exploring Rishikesh:

Try to travel on foot and walk around the places as much as possible as it opens up your observational powers to a new place and you tend to see things which otherwise would have gone unnoticed.

I walked for around 40 Kms on my two day trip to Rishikesh and got many shots just because of this.

4. Photography Gears:

Always carry light gears when you're traveling solo. Carry one all-around lens (something like 18-105mm) along with a prime lens (preferably 30mm or 50mm) and always keep your smartphone camera ready. Rishikesh demands a telephoto lens since many of the frames that you'll see will be at a distance.

5. Finding that perfect frame:

There is always so much happening in and around Rishikesh. Try to walk around River Ganga and its Ghats to get many frames which would give you a wow-factor and engagement from your followers on Instagram.

6. Morning Lights:

Even if you're tired, you have got to wake up early and go out for those amazing golden light photos. It is all worth it. And when you have got that misty feel to those golden lights which Rishikesh offers, your followers can't scroll down without being impressed by your skills.

7. Eating right and light:

Being travel photographer is not easy when it comes to eating. You have got to eat it right as well as light. Hitting that perfect spot between hunger, price and time is never an easy task.

There are numerous options to eat in Rishikesh. But if you're a non-veg lover, Rishikesh may only impress you with its amazing vegetarian dishes. From roadside vendors who offer meals for as low as INR 30 to fine dining restaurants where you can get meals for as much as you like, there is an option for everyone.

Try and visit Chotiwala Restaurant, The Beatles Cafe and also enjoy unique roadside eatables such as Sweet Potato Chat and Ram fal.

8. Going beyond Rishikesh:

A travel photographer is never satisfied with the frames. So if you're such unsatisfied soul, you need to cross the limits of Rishikesh. You can rent a scooter for 24 hours for as low as INR 450. Take the scooter and travel in any direction for at least 100 kms. You would be amazed by the beauty of nature.

I took the scooter and went to Devprayag which is roughly 70kms from Rishikesh. I got many shots on the way as well, which otherwise I wouldn't have been able to take and see.

9. Hidden places and frames in Rishikesh:

There are many frames and places which otherwise go unnoticed if you are not present at the right time on right place. Go to Lakshman Jhoola at night time when complete bridge is lit up and makes for an amazing frame.

Also, go to the highway and on the upper side from where you see this great frame of Rishikesh.

10. Locals and interaction with them:

Locals of Rishikesh are very friendly and co-operative in nature and they will help you with all your doubts and queries related to places and reaching different locations which might be suitable for photography.

11. BONUS TIP:

Look for all the different frames that you can and make way for new perspectives. Think out of the box so that your Instagram photos would be on another level and wow more people.

So, all the best your upcoming photo trip to Rishikesh and do let me know if my tips helped you. Also, I would be more than happy to help you further.

Ping me on Instagram

Thanks

Santshree Sinha

(AlphaYaatri)