Chennai, Tamil Nadu to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand from $13: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard catering services vary by operator, but generally you can expect meal options in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian categories. The Southern Railway, which services the Chennai to Rishikesh route through trains like the 'Nagercoil Express', often provides pre-booked meals as well as a pantry car service. Budget-friendly snack options may also be available for purchase during the journey.

• There are multiple seating options available for the Chennai to Rishikesh route, primarily including Sleeper Class, 3AC (Air-Conditioned 3-tier), and 2AC (Air-Conditioned 2-tier) on trains operated by Southern Railway and Indian Railways. If you’re looking for comfort and amenities, 2AC is a great choice, while 3AC offers a more economical option with decent comfort. Be sure to book your tickets early, especially during peak travel seasons.

• During your journey, you can travel with operators like Indian Railways and Southern Railway. Check schedules and book your tickets on their official websites: Indian Railways and Southern Railway. For local transport options and schedules in Rishikesh, consider visiting Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, which will provide you with essential transport information once you arrive.

• Upon arriving at Rishikesh station, be prepared for a smaller setup compared to major stations; however, there are basic restroom facilities available. If you need to explore the area or stick around, consider that there’s no formal luggage storage service. Alternatively, most nearby hotels will allow you to store your luggage for a few hours.

• The fastest way to reach Rishikesh city center from the train station is by taking an auto-rickshaw, which should take around 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from Rishikesh station; look for buses marked 'Rishikesh City' or similar, which frequently run. Auto fares generally range from ₹50 to ₹100.

• When flying from Chennai to Rishikesh, be prepared for a minimum of one stopover, often in cities like Delhi or Mumbai; ensure you check your itinerary for connection times, as layover durations can vary significantly.

• Upon arrival at Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, be aware that figuring out transportation to Rishikesh can be confusing; look for clearly marked taxi counters, where pre-paid taxi services are available, and expect to pay around ₹800 to ₹1200 ($10 to $15) for the ride to the city center.

• For a seamless travel experience, check the IndiGo (goindigo.in) and Vistara (vistara.in) websites for flight schedules and dining options onboard, and consider packing light as checked baggage fees can add to your total travel costs.