Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideAirport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 20km from city
Haridwar Junction (HW)
Main railway station, 25km from Rishikesh. Many trains connect to major cities.
Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH)
Smaller station, limited connectivity.
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
Note: Trains more comfortable
₹50-200 per ride
Best for: Short distances, exploring the town.
Bargain before you get in. Confirm the destination and price.
₹300-500 per day
Best for: Exploring the surrounding areas, visiting temples.
Wear a helmet. Check the scooter condition before renting. Carry your driver's license.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
October-March are peak tourist months - avoid if seeking solitude
seasonVisit Northeast India - spectacular and chronically under-touristed
alternativesVisit monuments at opening time (usually 6-7 AM) to avoid tour groups
timingSunset visits are less crowded than sunrise at most attractions
timingCoorg coffee plantations in monsoon = breathtaking and deserted
seasonVisit 'secondary' UNESCO sites instead of overcrowded primary ones
alternativesHire a guide to use VIP/fast-track entry lanes at major monuments
bookingTake local buses to lesser-known towns within 50km of major cities
strategyAvoid: Weekends, Indian holidays (Jan 26, Aug 15, Diwali), school vacations (May-June, Dec-Jan).
Best: Weekday mornings, monsoon season for most destinations, opposite shoulder seasons.
Expect the selfie requests to get tiring
The Andaman Islands have idyllic, peaceful beaches
Register with your embassy - Let your country's embassy know you're in India, especially for extended stays or remote travel.
Download metro apps before traveling - Apps like Delhi Metro Rail or Mumbai Metro help you plan routes and calculate fares in advance.
Watch for elaborate scams involving fake government offices
Don't trust "friendly men" who speak good English in North India
Consider crossing the Wagah Border to visit Pakistan next
Apply for sticker visas in your home country if doing overland travel
Slow down your pace - don't try to see everything at once
Book accommodation well in advance for festivals - Hotels fill up months ahead and prices skyrocket during major celebrations.
Shared auto-rickshaws follow fixed routes - These are incredibly cheap but only go along predetermined paths. Ask locals about the routes.
Don't eat gol gappay/pani puri from street vendors
Eat with your right hand traditionally - Many Indians eat rice and curry with their fingers. Try it—there's a technique to it.
Get a local SIM card immediately upon arrival
Festival dates change yearly - Most Indian festivals follow the lunar calendar. Check specific dates for your travel year.
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