Explore the World Capital of Yoga, Rishikesh in Under Rs. 7,000

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Distance from Delhi:  221 kilometres

Who said you need a lot of money to travel? Satisfy your urge to travel and see the world with these expert tips on how to plan a holiday on a budget. Adventure lover or not, Rishikesh is a must on every traveller’s list. We promise, your wandering heart will not have to look any further. Here’s why:

Why Rishikesh?

The mighty Ganges, white water rafting, trekking, spiritual bliss and the soothing chants of the evening Aarti - experience all this in Rishikesh without breaking the bank.

Getting There

Train to Haridwar > Taxi/Bus to Rishikesh Train to Haridwar: There are no direct trains to Rishikesh and the closest railway station is at Haridwar. Trains running between Delhi and Haridwar are Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Mussoorie Express and the AC special. A return train fare from Delhi to Haridwar should cost you around Rs. 800 per person.

Taxi/Bus to Rishikesh: The distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh is 23 kilometers. Hire a taxi, a shared auto, or take a bus to reach Rishikesh. A shared auto will cost you around Rs. 35 per person and a ticket on a state run bus will cost you around Rs. 25 per person. If you’re travelling from North India, you can also reach Rishikesh by road. Drive down yourself, or take a bus. There are many private, as well as state transport buses that run between Delhi and Rishikesh. A return bus ticket from Delhi to Haridwar will cost you around Rs. 1,100.
 

Where to Stay

Tapovan Resort: Surrounded by spectacular mountains and on the banks of holy river Ganga, Tapovan Resort is located in close proximity to Laxman Jhula and some other popular attractions.

Amenities: Restaurant | Parking | Spa/Wellness Centre

Tariff: Rs. 1,710 per night

Hotel Divine Ganga Cottage: Located on the banks of River Ganga, Hotel Divine Ganga Cottage features 23 decently decorated rooms and has a conference hall for up to 50 people.

Amenities: Cable TV | Wi-Fi | Restaurant | Spa/Wellness Centre

Tariff: Rs. 1,900 per night

Hotel Divine Resort: A leading budget property in Rishikesh, Hotel Divine Resort offers a wide range of rooms, each of which is neatly decorated and offer spectacular views of the holy Ganga River.

Amenities: Spa | Gym | Wi-Fi | Restaurant

Tariff: Rs. 3,700 per night

Check out more budget hotels

What to Do

• Go White Water Rafting: Rishikesh is very popular with adrenalin junkies who are lured by the white rapids of the Ganga. White water rafting is very popular and you can choose the grade (ranging from 1 to 4), depending on your age and appetite for adventure. Bungee jumping is another activity you can indulge in here. Rafting packages start at Rs. 1,400 per person and Bungee Jumping costs around Rs. 3000.

• Relax with Yoga: Rishikesh is a heaven for those seeking spiritual enlightenment through Yoga and meditation. Parmarth Niketan on the banks of the Ganga is the foremost Yoga centre in the city. Other popular Yoga ashrams in Rishikesh are Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Yogpeeth (where regular Yoga camps are held), Yoga Niketan and Anand Prakash Ashram. Most of these ashrams offer accommodation free of charge and accept donations starting at Rs. 300.
   
• Visit Triveni Ghat: The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is the main ghat for taking a holy dip. The ancient Rishi Kund and Raghunath Temple nearby are also worth a visit.

Where to Eat

(Note: Being a holy town, the food is strictly vegetarian in Rishikesh)

Oasis Café: Oasis offers a wide range of cuisine, ranging from Thai, Israeli, Mexican, Chinese and Tibetan food.  While you’re here, don’t forget to round off your meal with their delicious Apple Crumble.

Address: Swargashram, Ram Jhula, Rishikesh

Phone: 09917329527

Opening Hours: 7 am to 10 pm daily

Cost: Meal for 2 costs Rs. 400 approximately

Little Buddha Café: A treehouse-style café, Little Buddha overlooks the Ganges and offers delicious food along with a beautiful view. Try their delicious pizzas, shakes, Enchiladas and salads.  Apart from the food, another big draw here is the free Wi-Fi.

Address: Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh 249302

Phone: 08126139502

Opening Hours: 8 am to 11 pm daily

Cost: Meal for 2 costs Rs. 350 approximately

Green Italian Restaurant: Head here if you want to sample some delicious Italian food. Wood-fired pizzas and pastas including Gnocchi and Cannelloni

Address: Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh

​Phone: 0135 249304

Opening Hours: Call ahead to check opening hours

Cost: A meal for 2 costs Rs. 300 approximately

Total Cost of the Trip

Expenses	Cost for 2 nights (per person)
Hotel	Rs. 1,710
Return Transport	Rs. 1,100
Food	Rs. 2,000
Miscellaneous	Rs. 1,500
Total	Rs. 6,310*

* All tariffs and costs are subject to change.

Tempted to Spend Some More?

Shopping: Rishikesh is a great place for street shopping. Some of the things you can pick up here are wall paintings, wooden furniture and colourful beads and trinkets. Remember to bargain hard to secure a great deal.

Day Trip to Haridwar: Make a short trip to Haridwar, which is only next door to Rishikesh. A 20 minute bus journey, Haridwar is known for its beautiful Ganga Aarti, conducted every evening at the ghats of the River Ganga.
 

Sneaky Tips

Off Season Travel: While October to March is peak season, we’d suggest budget travellers to visit Rishikesh between the months of April to September. While the weather is warmer during this time, it’s also when hotel prices are the cheapest and the city is less crowded.

Stay in a Dharamshala instead of a Hotel: If you want to save on your stay in Rishikesh, ditch the hotels and stay in a Dharamshala instead. The amenities are basic, but the stay will be free. Leaving a small donation behind will be appreciated.

So what are you waiting for? Feed your wanderlust, start planning your Rishikesh trip now and discover the fun of travelling on a budget. Book your budget holiday to Rishikesh here.