Traveling to India with Peace of Mind
Your Guide to Travel Safety & Visa Procedures
Our visa & safety guide covers everything you need to know about visas, getting to Rishikesh, currency, and staying safe during your trip.
Before You Fly
Visa Information
Apply only through the official Government of India portal to avoid scams. International students are encouraged to use the e-Tourist Visa (e-Visa) via the official Indian e-Visa application portal.
New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is the closest major entry point, approximately 240 kilometers from Rishikesh.
Getting Here
Getting to Rishikesh — Transportation Options
1. By Air (Most Recommended)
A domestic flight to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant) takes 35 minutes and is roughly 21 km from Rishikesh. Baggage limits: 15kg checked, 7kg cabin. Cleartrip is recommended for bookings.
2. By Bus
Government buses from the ISBT terminal take approximately 5 hours and can be booked via Redbus.
3. By Train
Service runs from Delhi to Haridwar Junction Railway Station (21 km from Rishikesh). Book through Indian Railways or travel sites like Cleartrip.
4. By Taxi
Approximately a 5-hour journey from Delhi Airport. Prepaid tickets are available at official airport counters — be sure to receive clear instructions from your taxi company about how to correctly identify your driver, as impersonators may attempt pickups.
Once You’re Here
Getting Around Rishikesh
- Auto-rickshaw: affordable shared or private options, generally operating until 21:00.
- On Foot: walking along the Ganga banks is pleasant — women are advised not to walk alone at night.
Checklist
Visa & Safety Checklist Before You Travel
Use this visa & safety checklist in the weeks before your trip to Rishikesh, so that your arrival is calm and your first days at the course are free of surprises.
- Check your passport. It should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India, with blank pages for stamps.
- Apply for your e-Visa early. Use only the official Indian e-Visa portal, and keep a printed and digital copy of your approval.
- Buy travel insurance. Choose a policy that covers medical care and cancellations for the full length of your stay.
- Share your flight details. Send your arrival time to our team once your flights are booked — airport pickup on your arrival date is included with the 200 hour yoga teacher training.
- Keep copies of your documents. Save photos of your passport, visa and insurance in your email or cloud storage, separate from the originals.
- Plan for cash and cards. Carry a small amount of Indian rupees for taxis and small shops, and tell your bank you will be using your card in India.
- Know who to contact. Save our phone and WhatsApp number before you travel, so you can reach us quickly if your plans change.
Have a question that is not covered here? See our yoga teacher training FAQ or contact our team — we’re happy to help you plan your journey.
Stay Safe
Health & Safety
- Avoid accepting rides from strangers, particularly for women.
- Never leave luggage unattended.
- Exercise caution at stations and on public transport.
- Decline food or drinks offered by strangers on trains or buses.
- Use neck passport bags or money belts for valuables.
- Remember vehicles drive on the left side in India.
- Never wear loose scarves or shawls on motorized transport to prevent entanglement.
Money Matters
Currency & Exchange
Indian rupees (₹ INR) can be exchanged at the airport, banks, or authorized exchange offices. ATMs are widely available throughout Rishikesh.
JPJN Gems
Near Honey Hut, Lakshman Jhula
Ganga Forex
Near Post Office, Lakshman Jhula
Sood & Sood
Near Honda Showroom, Dehradun Road
A Few More Tips
General Tips
- Shoes are prohibited inside temples and ashrams — remove footwear at building entrances.
- Smoking is banned in public places, restaurants, and public transport.
Planning Your Trip? We’re Happy to Help.
- Secret Waterfall Road, Tapovan, Rishikesh – 249192, Uttarakhand, India
- +91 96394 05494
- rishikeshyogmath@gmail.com