Town in Uttarakhand, India
Rishikesh
India's yoga town on the upper Ganges has ashrams, rafting, cafés and a long-stay wellness crowd. It is vegetarian and alcohol-free in the core, so expect early nights and crowded bridges.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$415–726Comfortable, one person · ₹40,000–70,000Details
- Value for money95/100Better value than 94% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, Sep–NovWarmest: May, 40°CDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$3.1–8.3Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRapidoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashUPI QR is accepted in many cafés and shops; autos, small stalls, ashram donations and rafting offices often prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Rishikesh
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tapovan | Cafés, yoga studios and hostels; busy and social |
| Laxman Jhula | Ashrams, bridge crossings and classic Ganges views |
| Ram Jhula and Swarg Ashram | Quieter ashrams and Aarti at Triveni Ghat |
| Upper Tapovan and Shivpuri | Rafting camps and calmer riverside stays |
Apps that work in Rishikesh
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- IRCTC Rail Connect: Booking Indian Railways train tickets
- CheqUPI: UPI payments without an Indian bank
- Where is my Train: Live train running status
- Taxis: Local taxi unions set fares. Use shared autos in town and agree the fare before getting in a taxi.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Mixed: cards and cash UPI QR is accepted in many cafés and shops; autos, small stalls, ashram donations and rafting offices often prefer cash.
- Currency: Rupee (INR). US$1 ≈ ₹96.37 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Per-withdrawal limits are often ₹10,000–20,000 and some banks add a fee. Decline the ATM's own currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge, ₹50–100 for porters and hotel staff, and tip drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: UPI One World wallets (e.g. CheqUPI) let visitors pay UPI QR codes with passport, visa and an Indian number.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-Visa from indianvisaonline.gov.in; apply at least four days before arrival and avoid look-alike agent sites.
- Since April 2026 foreigners must file the free e-Arrival Card online or in the Su-Swagatam app within 72 hours before landing.
- Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and parts of Ladakh need Protected or Restricted Area Permits, arranged locally or through registered agencies.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 108 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1363 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airtel kiosks in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru arrivals halls; passport, visa and photo needed. About ₹350–450 for 28 days with 1.5–2 GB a day. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in India
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.