Rishikesh, India 🇮🇳
#101
30.108653, 78.291619
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rishikesh, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World' and is situated along the banks of the Ganges River. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 20-30 Mbps (varies by provider and location) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD; ATMs available, major banks include State Bank of India, HDFC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit and debit cards accepted; international banking services available through major banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses, budget hotels, to premium resorts and yoga ashrams. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards and mobile wallets (Paytm, PhonePe) accepted in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local holiday rentals available, ranging from ₹800 to ₹5000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Zostel starting from ₹300 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Oxygen Coworking Space - offers reliable internet and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Delmar - great coffee and Wi-Fi, popular among digital nomads. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Weekly meetups at Co-working spaces; check local Facebook groups for expat events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Rishikesh Expats Facebook group for social gatherings and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ola and Uber available in Rishikesh, though local taxis are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental shops available for scooters starting at ₹300 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Various river beaches for sunbathing and relaxing along the Ganges. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | IndiGo is the main airline connecting to Dehradun Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways connect via Delhi or Dehradun. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | NH 58 connects Rishikesh to major cities like Delhi and Haridwar. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Haridwar Railway Station, approx. 25 km away, is the nearest main hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | State-run buses are available but passes for frequent travel aren’t common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and shared taxis for nearby cities and tourist spots. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Swami Ram Singh Hospital is a major healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram offer comprehensive yoga programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Junction offers gym facilities and personal training. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; many accommodations offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Swiggy and Zomato operate in the area for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Chole Bhature - a popular local dish available at various eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Devraj Coffee Corner is known for its vegetarian menu and healthy options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chotiwala Restaurant offers traditional Indian desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Laxman Jhula Market for inexpensive food and souvenirs. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Flipkart deliver in the area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket operates for online grocery shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rishikesh is a quiet town with limited nightlife; some cafes offer live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craft beers are available at some upscale resorts. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few options; primarily available in upscale hotels. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food along the Ganges has options like vada pav and jalebi. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various Italian and Israeli restaurants, like German Bakery. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Triveni Ghat and Laxman Jhula are essential landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Beatles Ashram offers historical insight and cultural significance. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Shivaji's Fort and ancient temples are popular historical attractions. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Parmarth Niketan and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are significant spiritual sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | International Yoga Festival attracts visitors every March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula areas are rich in culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural programs often held at Ashrams. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Laxman Jhula market offers handicrafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is offered in several cafes, especially during tourist seasons. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public art is less prevalent; community murals can be found sporadically. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Yoga and cooking retreats available, such as Aum Ayurveda. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Mindrolling Monastery showcases traditional Tibetan art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Radha Kund and ancient temples represent architectural heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Known for yoga and spirituality, symbolizing peace and harmony. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Rajaji National Park is a short drive away for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rajaji National Park offers rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Riverbank paths along the Ganga are popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hilltop viewpoint at Kunjapuri Temple offers breathtaking sunrise views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rajaji National Park is ideal for bird watching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping sites near the Ganges allow bonfires, check local rules. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Blue Dart provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for mobile and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at various community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Hindi language classes available at the Rishikesh Language Institute. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gandhi Ashram library is a good quiet study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various ashrams host community events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; primarily cafés with Wi-Fi. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos, as gambling is illegal in this region. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹3,500 per m² (e.g., 400 m² = ₹1,400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹2,800 per m² (e.g., 400 m² = ₹1,120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹3,200 per m² (e.g., 600 m² = ₹1,920,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹2,500 per m² (e.g., 600 m² = ₹1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹3,000 per m² (e.g., 800 m² = ₹2,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹2,300 per m² (e.g., 800 m² = ₹1,840,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxes based on residency, with worldwide income subject to Indian taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% standard GST on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules applied for taxation of foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on local municipality rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 7% on property transactions. |