If you’re planning to travel to India for a yoga teacher training course, especially in a spiritual town like Rishikesh, you’re in for a beautiful and life-changing experience. Still, it’s helpful to come prepared. Here’s a simple and clear guide to keep your journey smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
The nearest international airport to Rishikesh is in New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport). Rishikesh is about 240 km from there. To reach us, you can either take a short domestic flight to Dehradun, a train, or book a taxi straight from Delhi.
If you’re joining a meditation or yoga training, the easiest option is to apply for a 30-day tourist visa. How quickly and easily you get it depends on which country you’re from. Many nationalities can apply online for an e-visa, which is simple and fast.
If you plan to stay longer in India or travel after your course, it’s better to apply for a tourist visa that allows more than 30 days. Always check the official Indian visa website or your local embassy for the latest rules, as they can sometimes change.
Here’s a list of what to bring:
Need an Indian SIM Card?
If you want mobile internet during your trip, it’s easiest to buy a SIM card right at the airport. There’s a small shop just before you exit the arrivals gate. Getting a SIM outside the airport with a foreign passport can be tricky, so better to sort it early. You can also get one in Rishikesh if needed.
Staying connected on the Way
To contact your school’s taxi driver, you might need the internet. Don’t worry, India is super friendly when it comes to sharing WiFi. You can ask someone at the airport to share their hotspot for a minute. Once you’re in the taxi, the driver will usually be happy to share their hotspot if you ask.
By Air
The easiest way to get to Rishikesh is by flying from New Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport). The flight takes just 35 minutes, and the airport is only about 21 km from Rishikesh. Keep in mind: Most domestic flights allow 15 kg check-in and 7 kg cabin luggage only.
By Taxi from Delhi (Most Recommended)
You can also take a taxi directly from Delhi Airport to Rishikesh. It’s about a 5-6 hour drive. Inside the Delhi airport, you’ll find official “Prepaid Taxi” counters near the exit.
Tip: Be sure to confirm your driver’s name and car number before getting in. Some drivers may approach you pretending to be your pickup contact, just stay alert and double-check.
By Train (Complicated)
Another option is taking a train from Delhi to Haridwar (about 21 km from Rishikesh). Train tickets sell out quickly, so book early. You can register with Indian Railways and book tickets directly or through Cleartrip after signing up.
By Bus
If you want a budget-friendly way to travel, government buses to Rishikesh leave from Delhi’s ISBT bus station. To reach ISBT from the airport, take a taxi or the metro. The bus ride takes about 6 hours. Buses run regularly and you can book your seat online. You can also check out the FlixBus website for travel options. Just note that FlixBus usually takes about 1 hour longer than regular government AC buses.
Important tip:
Only take buses from inside the official bus station. If someone approaches you outside and offers a “better” or “faster” bus, kindly avoid them. Stick with official counters to stay safe and avoid scams.
Getting Around Delhi
The Airport Express Metro is a fast and cheap way to get into the city. It runs from 4:45 am to 11:15 pm and takes about 25 minutes to reach New Delhi Railway Station.
The currency used in India is the Indian Rupee ( INR). You can exchange money at the Delhi airport, but the rates are usually not great. It’s better to wait and change your money in Rishikesh at banks or licensed money exchangers, they usually give better rates.
There are also plenty of ATMs in Rishikesh, where you can withdraw cash easily using your debit or credit card.
Your safety is important to us. While traveling in India, especially as a woman, avoid accepting rides from strangers. Be careful at bus and train stations, don’t leave your bags unattended, and never take food or drinks from people you don’t know.
Keep your valuables safe. It’s smart to wear a small money belt or a neck pouch to carry your passport and cash.
Be careful on the roads. In India, people drive on the left side, so always walk on the left side of the road too. And when riding a scooter, rickshaw, or bike, never wear loose scarves or shawls, they can get caught in the wheels and cause serious accidents.