Your Guide to Travel Safety and Visa Procedures in India
New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) is the closest international airport to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is around 240 km from Delhi, and some options for travel from Delhi to Rishikesh are to take a domestic flight, train or taxi.
If you will travel in India before or after the course and wanna use an Indian sim card for the internet then better if you purchase it at Airport otherwise it’s complicated to buy outside with a foreigner passport.
GETTING TO RISHIKESH
By Air(most recommended)
The best option is to take a domestic flight to Dehradun Airport(Jolly Grant), flight duration from New Delhi to Dehradun is 35 minutes which is approximately 21 km from Rishikesh. A good website to find domestic flights is Cleartrip. Please note that usually the domestic flights allow only 15 kg check in and 7 kg cabin baggage.
By Bus
Second good option is travelling by Governmental bus. From the airport you need to take a taxi or metro to “ISBT” and from there are so many buses going to Rishikesh; it will take around 5 hours to Rishikesh. You can book a seat here.
By Train
From Delhi you can travel by train to Haridwar Junction Railway Station, which is around 21 km from Rishikesh. The train tickets are reserved well in advance. You can register with Indian Railways and reserve a train ticket here. Tickets can also be reserved at travel websites such as Cleartrip, after registration with Indian Railways.
By Taxi
From Delhi Airport into Delhi
You can buy a prepaid ticket at the official taxi counters inside the airport. Look for the “Prepaid Taxi” sign just outside of baggage claim, but still inside the airport.
IMPORTANT! Be sure to receive clear instructions from your taxi company about how to correctly identify your driver. There have been reports that other taxi drivers may pretend that they have come to pick you up – they may even know your travel details or have a story about how the original driver could not come.
Metro: The Airport Express Metro Line runs from 4.45 – 23.15 and should take around 25 minutes to New Delhi Metro Station. Airport Metro is the most convenient way to reach New Delhi Railway station.
By auto-rickshaw
Auto-rickshaws are a reasonable means of transportation and they often pass the main road. They provide very cheap transportation whether you choose a private one, or join a ‘Shared Rickshaw’, which transports many passengers. Rickshaws usually run until 21.00. If you plan to stay out late, make sure you arrange a vehicle in advance.
On Foot
Rishikesh is a lovely place to discover on foot. Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are walking distance from each other and it’s a beautiful walk along the banks of the Ganga. Women are strongly advised not to walk alone in the night. In late night it is generally better to move as a group or with male companions.
CURRENCY
The currency is the Indian rupee (₹ INR). It is possible to change your money at Delhi airport, however the exchange rate may be high. You can also change your currency to rupees at the banks or at the exchangers in Rishikesh. Authorized currency exchangers will give better conversion rates. Here are some examples of some such exchangers:
- JPJN Gems, neat Honey Hut, Lakshman Jhula
- Ganga Forex, near Post Office, Lakshman Jhula
- Sood & Sood, near Honda Showroom, Dehradun Road, Rishikesh
There are also so many ATM cash machines in Rishikesh where one can withdraw cash using a credit or debit card.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Safety
Your safety is of utmost importance. It is not advisable to accept rides from strangers, especially if you are a woman.
Take care when travelling. For example, luggage should never be left unattended and you should be aware of con man at the stations and in public transport. You should not accept any drinks or food items from any stranger while travelling in train or bus.
An over the neck passport bag or money-belt to carry money and passport are advisable to keep your valuables safe.
Take good care when walking on the roads in India. The vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road. The pedestrian pathways also follow the rule to walk on the left.
Never wear loose or flying scarves/shawls when on scooters, motorbikes, rickshaws etc. Loose material can get caught in the wheel, and very quickly cause serious injury such as choking.
GENERAL TIPS
Shoes are not to be worn inside temples or Ashrams. Generally shoes are not worn inside most buildings. Footwear is usually left outside at the entrance of the building. Bring good shoes that can be taken on and off easily.
Smoking in public places is an offence in India and you should observe this rule in all public places, including restaurants and public transport.
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+91 96 39 4054 94 (India)
