Rishikesh Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Essential Apps

Navigation & Communication

Google Maps
An invaluable tool for navigation. Download offline maps.
Google Translate
Download the offline Hindi language pack.
Ola/Uber
Useful for transfers to and from Dehradun Airport or Haridwar.
UPI Apps (Google Pay/PhonePe)
Widely used for cashless payments at shops, cafes, and street vendors.
WhatsApp
Widely used for communication in India.

Booking & Information

RedBus / MakeMyTrip / Goibibo
For booking bus and train tickets within India.
Booking.com / Agoda / Hostelworld
Reliable for accommodation bookings with diverse options.
HappyCow
A useful app for finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
Uttarakhand Tourism
Official state tourism site with general information.
Indian Railways (IRCTC)
Official website for train ticket booking across India.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

An India guidebook with Rishikesh section is useful. Local maps navigate narrow lanes.

Books on Destination

"Autobiography of a Yogi" provides spiritual context. Books about The Beatles' time in Rishikesh are historical.

Local Publications

Local English-language newspapers or tourism leaflets offer information on current events.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts India

National Emergency Number: 112
Police: 100
Fire: 101
Ambulance: 102
Tourist Helpline: 1800-11-1363 or 1363

Hospital & Clinic Locations Rishikesh

AIIMS Rishikesh (All India Institute of Medical Sciences): Major public hospital.
St. Joseph's Hospital: A well-known hospital.
Numerous private clinics and Ayurvedic centers are available.
Keep local contacts readily accessible.

Critical Safety Information

Important Safety Notes

Lost Document Procedures

Report passport loss to local police station for a FIR.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance.
If e-Visa is lost, print a new copy from the official website.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Uttarakhand is in a seismically active zone.
If indoors during earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on.
During monsoon (July-September), be aware of landslides and flash floods.
Follow local warnings.

Health Safeguards

Practice good hand hygiene frequently.
Only consume sealed bottled water or purified water.
Avoid tap water for drinking.
Seek immediate medical advice for any symptoms.

Health & Wellness Prep

Vaccination & Doctor Consult

Consult a healthcare professional for vaccinations.
Discuss travel health precautions relevant to India.
Pack a personal first-aid kit for minor ailments.

Hygiene Practices

Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before meals.
Only drink sealed bottled or purified water.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly if consumed raw.

Financial & Connectivity Prep

Banking & Currency

Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card suspension.
Have small denomination notes for initial needs.
ATMs often present better exchange rates.

Phone & Internet

Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for connectivity.
Download offline maps and translation packs.
Keep devices charged, consider a power bank.

Smart Travel Pointers

Before You Go

Learn a few basic Hindi phrases.
Research Indian culture and customs.
Check weather patterns for your travel dates.
Review government travel advisories.

During Your Stay

Embrace spontaneity and flexibility.
Be prepared for unexpected delays.
Maintain patience in crowded areas.
Engage with locals respectfully.

Essential Services

Tourist Helpline

1800-11-1363 or 1363 (toll-free in India).

Embassy/Consulate

Keep your country's embassy contact details handy.

Local Police

Dial 100 for police assistance.

Critical Reminder

Save all important contact numbers (hotel, embassy, emergency) on your phone. Write them down on a piece of paper stored separately.

Immersion

Cultural Understanding

Spiritual Texts

Autobiography of a Yogi
Gains spiritual context from Paramahansa Yogananda.
Bhagavad Gita
A central text of Hinduism for spiritual insights.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
For foundational texts on yoga philosophy.

Local Practices

Ganga Aarti Rituals
Witness and understand the evening fire ceremonies.
Ashram Daily Life
Observe routines, including yoga, meditation, and meals.
Ayurvedic Principles
Gain knowledge of traditional Indian medicine concepts.

Art & Entertainment

Indian Classical Music

Listen to Hindustani or Carnatic music before your trip.

Films About India

Explore documentaries and films depicting spiritual journeys or life in India.

Visual Arts

Familiarize yourself with Indian traditional art forms and contemporary Indian art.

Community & Language

Online Communities

Join travel forums (e.g., Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum).
Explore TripAdvisor forums for India travel discussions.
Find Facebook groups dedicated to Rishikesh.
These communities offer advice and connections.

Language Learning

Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel for basic Hindi phrases.
Explore YouTube channels for Hindi pronunciation guides.
Practice conversational Hindi for better interaction.
Even a few words are appreciated by locals.

Wellness Practices

Yoga & Meditation

Practice basic yoga poses before your trip.
Incorporate simple meditation techniques into your routine.
Learn breathing exercises for calm and focus.
Rishikesh offers an ideal environment for practice.

Ayurveda Introduction

Understand basic Ayurvedic principles like doshas.
Explore Ayurvedic diet basics.
Discover holistic living tips for overall well-being.
Many centers offer introductory consultations.

Preparation Insight

Before travel, back up all essential documents digitally. Keep a separate physical copy.

Rishikesh Travel Resources