Daily costs per person in US dollars. Rishikesh is one of the cheapest destinations in India — ashram living, street food, and free yoga make extended stays remarkably affordable.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: INR (Indian Rupee) (Cash preferred everywhere)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $3–10 | $15–40 | $60+ | Ashram dorms → guesthouses → riverside resorts |
| Food | $3–6 | $8–15 | $20+ | Ashram canteens → backpacker cafes → riverside restaurants |
| Transport | $1–3 | $5–12 | $20+ | Walking/shared jeeps → autos → private taxis |
| Activities | $5–15 | $20–40 | $60+ | Drop-in yoga → rafting/kayaking → bungee jumping |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $5–10 | $10–15 | Most ghats and temples are free |
| Daily Total | $10–35 | $45–100 | $150+ | Ashram budget → comfortable backpacker → adventure luxury |
Money-saving tips
Ashram stays are cheapest
Ashrams offer basic accommodation with meals for 500-1500 INR per day — far cheaper than guesthouses. The trade-off is early wake-ups, simple rooms, and participation in ashram activities. Several along the east bank welcome short-stay visitors.
Walk everywhere in town
Central Rishikesh between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula is compact and walkable. Save auto-rickshaw money for day trips to Jumpin Heights, Kunjapuri, and rafting start points.
Eat at ashram canteens
Ashram canteens serve simple, nutritious vegetarian meals (dal, rice, sabzi, chapati) for 50-100 INR — a fraction of cafe prices. Parmarth Niketan and Geeta Bhawan have open canteens.
Book rafting directly
Booking rafting directly with operators at Shivpuri (not through hotel touts) saves 30-50%. Walk to the GMVN booking office or contact operators directly online.
Free yoga at ashrams
Several ashrams offer free morning yoga and meditation sessions for guests and visitors. Sivananda Ashram and Parmarth Niketan have open sessions — arrive early and follow ashram protocols.
Shared transport to Haridwar
Shared jeeps to Haridwar cost 40-60 INR from the main road — much cheaper than auto-rickshaws. For Delhi, take a shared tempo to Haridwar and catch a train for the cheapest option.
