Best time for rafting?

September to June is the best time for rafting.

How far is the airport?

Jolly Grant Airport is about 20 km from Rishikesh.

Rishikesh

Train

Budgam to Rishikesh

Updated: 22 May 2026

The journey from Budgam to the yoga capital, Rishikesh, covers about 900 km. You must travel to Jammu Tawi to catch a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh. The total travel time is roughly 30 hours. The route takes you through the scenic landscapes of Kashmir, the plains of Punjab, and finally into the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.

Total Distance: 900 km by road, 600 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight from Srinagar to Dehradun, then a taxi to Rishikesh.

Cheapest Way

Train travel to Haridwar followed by a local bus to Rishikesh.

Compare Budgam to Rishikesh Routes

Train

Connecting

Duration

32 hours

Avg Price

1500-4500 INR

Operator

Yoga Express

Route

Budgam to Jammu Tawi, then train to Haridwar/Rishikesh.

Rishikesh has its own railway station, but Haridwar is better connected.

Travel Tips

Transport
Take a shared taxi from Haridwar to reach Rishikesh quickly.
Booking
Book rafting sessions in advance during peak tourist season.
Clothing
Carry light cotton clothes for summer and woolens for winter.
Cash
Keep cash handy as some smaller cafes do not accept cards.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available in most cafes and hostels in the Tapovan area.

Safety Tips

Rafting Safety
Always wear a life jacket and follow the instructor's guidelines.
Monkey Menace
Keep your belongings secure as monkeys are common near the bridges.
Night Travel
Avoid walking alone in isolated areas near the river at night.
Emergency
Keep the contact number of your hotel and local taxi services.