Travel & Safety in India

Practical guidance for international students · Updated January 2026

India is one of the world's most rewarding destinations for yoga study — warm, vibrant and deeply spiritual. With a little preparation, travelling here is safe and smooth. This guide covers how to reach our campus at Rishikesh Sadan, Tapovan, along with money, health, safety and everything else you should know before you fly.

1. Getting to Rishikesh

Rishikesh is about 240 km north of New Delhi. Most international students fly into Delhi (DEL) first, then continue by one of the options below.

Fastest — fly to Dehradun (recommended)

• Take a short domestic flight from Delhi to Dehradun — Jolly Grant Airport (DED), about 45 minutes.
• The airport is only ~21 km / 35 minutes from Rishikesh by taxi.
• Typical domestic baggage allowance: 15 kg checked + 7 kg cabin (confirm with your airline).

By train

• Take a train to Haridwar Junction (closest major station, ~21 km from Rishikesh) or to Rishikesh station.
• Book in advance through the official Indian Railways site (irctc.co.in) or a trusted agent.
• From Haridwar, take a pre-arranged taxi or auto to campus.

By road — taxi or bus from Delhi

• Prepaid taxi: Use the official "Prepaid Taxi" counter inside Delhi airport. Direct drive to Rishikesh is ~5–6 hours.
• Bus: Government and Volvo buses run from Delhi ISBT (Kashmere Gate) to Rishikesh (~6 hours).

2. At the Airport & On Arrival

• Have your passport, visa (e-Visa printout) and accommodation address ready for immigration.
• Only use official prepaid taxi counters or your pre-booked pickup — avoid touts offering rides outside.
• Keep a printed copy of your booking confirmation and our campus address & phone number.
• Buy a local SIM card at the airport (see Connectivity below) so you can stay in touch on the journey.

3. Money & Currency

• The currency is the Indian Rupee (₹ INR).
• Exchange money at the airport, banks, or authorised currency exchangers (often better rates than the airport).
• ATMs are widely available in Rishikesh and accept most international cards.
• Carry some cash for autos, small shops and tips — many small vendors are cash-only. UPI/cards work in larger shops and cafés.
• Tell your bank you'll be travelling so your card isn't blocked.

4. Staying Safe

• Do not accept lifts from strangers, and don't share private taxis with people you don't know.
• Never leave luggage unattended at stations or airports.
• Politely decline food or drinks offered by strangers on trains and buses.
• Keep your passport, cash and cards in a money-belt or neck pouch worn under your clothing.
• Traffic drives on the left — take care crossing roads and stay alert near busy lanes.
• Avoid loose scarves or shawls on motorcycles and rickshaws (entanglement hazard).
• Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa and insurance separately from the originals.

5. Women's Safety

• Rishikesh is a peaceful spiritual town, but use the same common sense you would anywhere.
• Avoid walking alone late at night; travel in a group or with fellow students after dark.
• Dress modestly — it is respectful in temples and ashrams and avoids unwanted attention.
• The national women's helpline is 1091; general emergency is 112.

6. Health & Wellbeing

• Drink only bottled or filtered water. Filtered drinking water is available on campus.
• Eat freshly cooked food. Our campus serves fresh sattvic vegetarian meals daily.
• Bring any personal/prescription medication you need, plus a small first-aid kit.
• Consider travel and medical insurance valid for your full stay.
• Check recommended vaccinations with your doctor before travelling.
• Remove footwear before entering the yoga hall, temples and ashram interiors — slip-on shoes are convenient.
• Smoking in public places and alcohol are not permitted on campus.

7. Connectivity (SIM & Internet)

• Buy a prepaid tourist SIM (Airtel or Jio) at the airport or an authorised store — bring your passport and visa for registration.
• Wi-Fi is available on campus.
• WhatsApp is the most common way to stay in touch in India.

8. Weather & What to Pack

• Comfortable, modest yoga clothing in breathable fabrics.
• A warm layer — Rishikesh evenings can be cool, especially Oct–March.
• Slip-on footwear, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a sun hat.
• A light rain layer if travelling during the monsoon (Jul–Sep).

9. Emergency Numbers

• All-in-one emergency: 112
• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 102 / 108
• Women's helpline: 1091
• Campus support: our on-site team is available throughout your stay — contact details are shared on arrival.