The Sitting Elephant a Rooftop Restaurant Overlooking River Ganga

The Sitting Elephant is a unique rooftop restaurant at Hotel EllBee Ganga View in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It offers stunning views of the holy River Ganga.

In this guide, you will know the complete details about the sitting elephant a rooftop restaurant overlooking river ganga such as where it is, why it’s special, the best time to visit, and how to reach it.

Let’s start the journey…

Where is the Sitting Elephant Located?

The Sitting Elephant is located at Hotel EllBee Ganga View, 355 Haridwar Road, Palika Nagar, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
Only 1.2 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and just 600 meters from Triveni Ghat—very easy to reach.

Why the restaurant is famous?

The Sitting Elephant a Rooftop Restaurant Overlooking River Ganga is famous for the follwing things:

Unique Dining Experience

Famous for amazing views of the Ganga River and surrounding hills.
The decor features an elephant theme, giving a special jungle-like feel.
The open-air design and bamboo seating create the illusion of an elephant sitting in nature.

Food & Menu

Offers vegetarian and vegan dishes from various cuisines:
Indian: Paneer Tikka, Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken
Chinese: Stir-fried dishes
Continental: Pasta, sandwiches
Local dish: Hing Hara Pyaz Ke Chapate Aloo
Special items include:
Potatoes stuffed with paneer
Vegetable koftas in spinach
Food is freshly prepared and costs around Rs. 1,400 for two.

Atmosphere

Live music in the evenings adds to the relaxing mood.
A great spot for family outings or romantic dinners.

Service & Staff

Friendly staff members like Sunil, Prakash, and Pooja are often praised.
They even help guide visitors to Triveni Ghat for the Ganga Aarti.

Ratings

Highly rated on travel and food apps:
4.5–4.8/5 on Tripadvisor, Zomato, and Justdial.

Best Time to Visit The Sitting Elephant

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best season—Rishikesh has cool and pleasant weather (around 15–25°C).
Great time to enjoy the Ganga River view and peaceful dining.

Ideal Hours for Dining

Morning (8:00 AM): Perfect for a relaxed breakfast with a view.
Evening (7:00 PM): Best for dinner with live music and watching the sunset.

Festival Vibes

During Diwali and Holi, the atmosphere is lively and festive.
Dining during these festivals adds a special feel to the experience.

How to Reach there?

Here are the ways to get there:

1. By Train

Nearest Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (1.2 km).
Auto-Rickshaw: From Rishikesh Railway Station, take an auto-rickshaw to “Hotel EllBee Ganga View, Palika Nagar”. You can reach there in 10-15 minutes.

2. By Bus

State Buses: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses from Rishikesh Bus Stand (4 km) or Haridwar (25 km) stop near Palika Nagar. The travel time would be 10-15 minutes.
Private Buses: Private AC/non-AC buses from Delhi or Dehradun drop at Rishikesh ISBT. Take an auto-rickshaw (~Rs. 50) to the restaurant.

3. By Taxi or Cab

App-Based Cabs: Book Ola, Uber, or local taxis from Rishikesh (~Rs. 150-300, 10-15 minutes), Dehradun (~Rs. 1,000-1,500, 1-1.5 hours), or Delhi (~Rs. 4,000-6,000, 5-6 hours).
Group Travel: Agencies like Rishikesh Taxi Service (+91-98979-79657) offer group taxis or vans.

5. By Air and Road

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (20 km, ~45-60 minutes).
From Airport: Hire a taxi (~Rs. 800-1,200) or take a UTC bus to Rishikesh ISBT, then an auto-rickshaw (~Rs. 50) to the restaurant.

6. By Two-Wheeler

Route: Ride from Rishikesh city via Haridwar Road to Palika Nagar (4.6 km, 10-15 minutes) or from Dehradun (45 km, 1-1.5 hours).
Safety: Wear helmets, as roads near Palika Nagar can be busy. Carry warm clothes in winter.

Tips for Visiting The Sitting Elephant

Clothes: Wear simple, comfortable clothes. No strict dress code, but avoid shorts for respect, especially near Triveni Ghat.
Food: Only vegetarian and vegan options. Try Paneer Tikka, Dal Makhani, or pasta (~Rs. 200-400 per dish). Drinks include mocktails, juices, and tea. Takeaway is available.
Photos: Photography is allowed, perfect for capturing Ganga views. Avoid flash during live music.
Activities: Enjoy live music (evenings after 7:00 PM), Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat (600 m, guided by staff), or book village tours via the hotel.
Nearby Places: Visit Triveni Ghat (600 m), Lakshman Jhula (2 km), Ram Jhula (2.5 km), Bharat Mandir (3 km), or Rajaji National Park (10 km).
Note: The restaurant is pure vegetarian. Book tables in advance during festivals or weekends. Check live music schedules on ellbeehotels.com.

Why You Should Visit

The Sitting Elephant is a must-visit for its stunning rooftop views of the River Ganga, delicious vegetarian food, and warm hospitality.

Whether you’re in Rishikesh for a spiritual trip or a family outing, this restaurant offers a relaxing meal with a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental flavors.