Sri Lanka offers better value than Rishikesh, man claims after staying in beach-facing hotel for half the price
Accommodation and travel costs in Rishikesh surprise travelers
According to Sharrma, her unnamed friend had initially planned a trip to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand but reconsidered after reviewing the accommodation costs.
He said the prices of good hotels in Rishikesh range from Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000 per night. In addition, flights from Mumbai to Delhi were expected to cost around Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 one way and further journeys would be required to reach Rishikesh.
“A friend of mine was going to Rishikesh for a trip. He looked at good hotels, Rs 9k – Rs 15k per night. Flights from Mumbai to Delhi were Rs 7k – Rs 8k one way,” Sharrma wrote in the X post.
Sri Lanka offered similar budget with lower hotel prices
Sharrma said her friend chose Sri Lanka after realizing the trip could be completed within a similar budget.
According to the content creator, the price per night for sea-facing hotels in Sri Lanka was between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000. He added that the destination offers a more peaceful environment and a tourism-friendly experience, as well as better value for money.
“With the same budget, he booked Sri Lanka instead. He bought a 5-star hotel overlooking the sea for Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000, he got better value for money, the air was cleaner, more peaceful and tourism-friendly,” Sharrma said.
He concluded by expressing concern about the rising cost of domestic tourism in India, noting that if current trends continue, travelers may increasingly seek better value abroad.
“India tourism is becoming too expensive for what it offers. If this continues, the country will lose its appeal as people find better value elsewhere,” he wrote.
Social media users discuss domestic versus international travel
The post sparked debate among social media users, with many sharing their views on the cost comparison between domestic and international holidays.
Aviraj Banerjee, a user, said that the domestic tourism demand increased sharply after the Covid period, which contributed to the rise in prices. He added that Sri Lanka could be an attractive option for travelers looking for a quality experience at a lower cost.
Another user recalled spending 1.5 lakh rupees for a round-trip trip for three from Mumbai to Rishikesh, noting that the same budget could potentially cover travel elsewhere in Asia.
Some users question comparison and pricing claims
Not all participants agreed with the comparison. Some have argued that Rishikesh and Sri Lanka offer different travel experiences and therefore should not be judged solely on hotel costs.
One user suggested that accommodation prices vary significantly between destinations and that the comparison is inappropriate.
Others questioned the hotel prices stated by Sharma. One user claimed to have recently paid Rs 15,000 per night for a basic room at a resort in Sri Lanka and asked which five-star sea-facing hotel was available for Rs 3,000 per night.
Disclaimer: This article is based on claims, statements, images, videos and other information shared by users on social media platforms. ET.com has not independently verified the truth, accuracy or completeness of these claims unless expressly stated otherwise. The opinions, claims and allegations contained in social media content belong to the relevant users and do not reflect the views of The ET.com. The publication assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of such claims and readers are advised to use their own judgment and seek independent verification where necessary.
