Beyond the Laxman Jhula Bridge, on the other side of the river, lies a busy street with a market and a large number of budget hotels and guesthouses. Just like lower Tapovan, this Laxman Jhula area is situated right on the banks of the River Ganges and attracts both Indian and foreign tourists alike.

With popular cafes like Little Buddha Cafe and Freedom Cafe, the area buzzes with both weekenders and long-stay travelers. There is plenty to do here, from perusing the bookshops like Banyan Tree to the Ayurvedic organic shops, where you can get your herbal teas, organic honey, and homemade pickles, and shops selling Tibetan goods like incense, good luck charms, and silver jewelry. To get some work done, there’s a German Bakery called Pumpernickel, which serves great coffee and has a stunning sunset view of the Ganges.