Good to know
Good to Know
- Formal dress codes at major temples and ashrams are enforced, not suggested—non-compliance may result in entry denial
- Ashrams have specific rules beyond dress code; maintain silence and follow posted regulations during meditation and spiritual practices
- Alcohol prohibition is total and enforced throughout the city—this includes bars, restaurants, and private consumption
- Modest clothing is as much about respect for local culture as personal comfort; even casual café areas in this temple town expect respect for sacred surroundings
- Bring a lightweight stole or scarf in your bag year-round for spontaneous temple or ashram visits
- Natural fibres like cotton are practical for both spiritual practice and climate comfort
Dress Code
- General
- Rishikesh is a holy city with specific dress expectations. Modest clothing covering the entire body is expected in public spaces and especially at ashrams and temples.
Casual Areas
- Specifics
- Acceptable at cafes and riverside areas but still modest—very short shorts or crop tops considered inappropriate; stole/scarf should be available for spontaneous temple visits
- Requirement
- Casual but modest
Yoga Practices
- Specifics
- Loose-fitting cotton clothing; tunics and palazzo pants preferred over tight activewear; shoulders and midriff covered; many classes prefer or require white clothing
- Requirement
- Functional and modest
Temples Ashrams
- Specifics
- Shoulders and knees must be covered. Women must have bodies covered up to 80% for entry into major temples. Body-hugging or scantily-clad clothing is prohibited.
- Requirement
- Formal dress codes enforced at temples and ashrams
Alcohol And Food
Alcohol
- Status
- Illegal within city bounds
- Details
- Rishikesh has outright prohibition on drinking and consuming alcohol inside municipal bounds due to its holy status and pious culture. Carrying and consuming alcohol is illegal.
Vegetarian Culture
- Status
- Strictly vegetarian
- Details
- Non-vegetarian food and meat are prohibited as the city is holy. Only vegetarian restaurants operate; international cuisines served are vegetarian only.
Sensitive Topics
- Animal Welfare
- Monkeys are sacred in Rishikesh; do not feed them as they may become aggressive or follow visitors for more food
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this culture & etiquette research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Rishikesh
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.