"Tourism in Transition: Growth and Sustainability in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (2000–2020)”

This study traces the remarkable transformation of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, over two decades—from a tranquil pilgrimage town to a vibrant hub of global tourism. Drawing on government records and verified data, it explores how spiritual, wellness, and adventure tourism—especially yoga schools and river rafting—reshaped the town’s identity and economy. The paper highlights the digital amplification of Rishikesh’s global appeal and unpacks the severe disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Equally important, it investigates the growing environmental pressures from unregulated tourism, such as mounting plastic waste and overstretched municipal services. Finally, the paper presents sustainable tourism strategies tailored to Rishikesh’s unique socio-cultural and ecological context, aiming to balance growth with preservation. Drawing on time-series and environmental data, the study combines statistical trends with qualitative inputs to assess sustainability gaps. Findings reveal the sharp rise in non-biodegradable waste, digital crowding effects, and the absence of resilient tourism governance.