However, a recent online discussion has reignited questions about whether domestic travel destinations like Rishikesh still offer good value for money.
A viral post that started the debate
The conversation gained traction after content creator Paritsh Sharrma shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), describing a friend’s decision to skip a planned trip to Rishikesh in favour of an international holiday in Sri Lanka.
According to the post, the friend initially planned a trip from Mumbai to Rishikesh but reconsidered after checking accommodation and travel costs.
Sharrma claimed that decent hotels in Rishikesh were priced between ₹9,000 and ₹15,000 per night. Adding to that, flights from Mumbai to Delhi reportedly cost around ₹7,000–₹8,000 one way, followed by additional travel to reach Rishikesh.
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.”
Sri Lanka emerges as an alternative
Faced with these costs, the traveller reportedly explored other options and ultimately chose Sri Lanka instead.
According to the post, the international trip offered better perceived value within a similar budget. Sharrma claimed that sea-facing hotels in Sri Lanka were available in the range of ₹3,000–₹5,000 per night, making the overall experience more attractive in terms of pricing and amenities.
He added:
“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.”
Mixed reactions online
The post quickly sparked debate, with social media users divided over the comparison between domestic and international travel costs.
Some users agreed that travel within India has become more expensive in recent years, especially after the post-pandemic surge in domestic tourism demand. One user commented that rising demand has naturally pushed prices higher, even as interest in domestic travel continues to grow.
Another user shared a personal experience, claiming they spent nearly ₹1.5 lakh for a three-person trip from Mumbai to Rishikesh booked at the last minute, adding that similar money could have funded travel to other parts of Asia.
Pushback on the comparison
Not everyone agreed with the argument. Several users pointed out that comparing a single destination like Rishikesh with an entire country such as Sri Lanka may not be a fair comparison, given the differences in scale, experiences, and tourism infrastructure.
Others questioned the accuracy of the pricing claims, particularly the suggestion that five-star sea-facing hotels in Sri Lanka could consistently be found for ₹3,000–₹5,000 per night.
A larger trend in Indian travel
Beyond the debate, the discussion reflects a broader shift in Indian travel behaviour. With rising domestic hotel prices in several popular destinations and increasingly competitive international flight deals, budget-conscious travellers are now actively comparing domestic holidays with overseas options.
Countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia have become increasingly attractive due to perceived better value for money, especially for mid-range and luxury travellers.
The bigger question
The conversation ultimately raises a growing question among Indian travellers: as domestic tourism becomes more expensive in popular hotspots, does staying within India still provide the best value compared to international alternatives?
For many, the answer is no longer obvious.
