Other Tourist Scams in Rishikesh, India
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Rishikesh — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Kochi, Udaipur, and Kandy.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
2
Other Scams Scams
13
Total in Rishikesh
How it works
In Rishikesh's backpacker areas — particularly around Tapovan and Laxman Jhula — tourists are approached by strangers offering cannabis (charas), hashish, or other substances, claiming it is legal or widely tolerated in the spiritual city. In some cases the seller is working in coordination with corrupt police who arrive shortly after to extort large bribes (₹5,000–20,000) to avoid arrest. In other cases the buyer is simply robbed after the transaction.
How it works
Touts posing as ashram representatives approach tourists near Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, claiming that visitors must register or make a donation to stay in or visit legitimate ashrams. Registration fees of ₹500–2000 are collected and the tout disappears. Some operate with unofficial-looking receipts or ledgers to add legitimacy.
See all scams in Rishikesh
13 total warnings across all categories