Rs 15,000 A Night In Rishikesh? Man Opts For Sri Lanka Holiday Instead: ‘Same Budget, Better Value’

A weekend trip plan took an unexpected turn after a traveller compared hotel and flight costs for Rishikesh with an overseas getaway and ended up choosing a different destination altogether.

The comparison, shared on X, has sparked a debate about whether some Indian tourist spots are becoming too expensive compared to international destinations.

A Price Check Changed The Plan

Content creator Paritsh Sharrma shared a post on X about a friend who was planning a trip to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. While looking at travel options, the friend was surprised by the overall cost of the vacation.

According to Sharrma, decent hotels in Rishikesh were priced between Rs 9,000 and Rs 15,000 per night. On top of that, flights from Mumbai to Delhi were costing around

Rs 7,000-8,000 one way, with additional travel required to reach Rishikesh.

Sharing the details, he wrote, “A friend was going to Rishikesh for a trip. Checked decent hotels, ₹9K–15K per night. Flights from Mumbai to Delhi were ₹7K–8K one way.”

After reviewing the expenses, the traveller reportedly began exploring other options and found that an international trip could fit within a similar budget.

Sri Lanka Seemed Like A Better Deal

Sharrma said his friend eventually booked a trip to Sri Lanka instead. According to him, hotel prices there were much lower, making the overall trip more attractive from a cost perspective.

He claimed that sea-facing five-star hotels were available for around Rs 3,000-5,000 per night. He also suggested that the destination offered a calmer experience and better value for the money spent.

Explaining the decision, Sharrma wrote, “On the same budget, he booked Sri Lanka instead. Got a 5-star sea-facing hotel for ₹3K–5K, better value for money, cleaner air, more peaceful and tourism friendly.”

He also raised concerns about the rising cost of domestic travel, saying, “Indian tourism is getting too expensive for what it offers. If this continues, the country will lose appeal as people find better value elsewhere.”

A friend was going to Rishikesh for a trip. Checked decent hotels, ₹9K–15K per night. Flights from Mumbai to Delhi were ₹7K–8K one way.

On the same budget, he booked Sri Lanka instead. Got a 5-star sea-facing hotel for ₹3K–5K, better value for money, cleaner air, more…

— Paritsh Sharrma (🗣️Paritosh) (@Paritolkks) June 24, 2026

Social Media Joins The Debate

The post sparked an online discussion, with users sharing their travel experiences and opinions on domestic tourism.

A user agreed that international destinations can sometimes offer better value and wrote, “Domestic Tourism has skyrocketed post Covid. That is what is causing higher prices. But demand still keeps growing despite rising prices. But Sri Lanka would be a good option for those looking for a good experience on a far more affordable budget.”

Another person shared a personal experience, saying, “I spent 1.5 lakhs for 3 people from Mumbai to Rishikesh round trip. I booked last minute and went for my yoga teacher training so didn’t have much choice. But dad did mention that we could have gone anywhere in Asia in that price.”

Not everyone supported the comparison. A user argued, “Rishikesh is not Sri Lanka. Cost of hotel room in Mumbai is not same as cost of hotel room in Kolkata. So that comparison is wrong. If he wanted to save money then better stay at home.”

Some also questioned the hotel rates mentioned in the post. A user commented, “Which 5 star sea facing at Rs 3000??? I had to pay Rs 15000 per night for the cheapest room at ITC Ratnadipa this month.”