Catch an early flight from Ahmedabad (SVPIA) to Dehradun (Jolly Grant) via Delhi or direct if available; flying saves 10+ hours vs driving. Book earliest available to maximize day-time arrival in Haridwar.
Classic Haridwar vegetarian restaurant famous for thalis and local sweets; dependable, filling, and close to Har Ki Pauri. Good introduction to local cuisine and timings typically 7:00am–10:00pm.
Walk the ghats, watch pilgrims, shop for religious souvenirs and local snacks — the area is lively in the afternoon and easy to navigate on foot. Most shops open 9:00am–8:00pm and the ghat area is accessible all day.
Attend the iconic evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (timing varies with sunset, typically ~5:30–7:30pm) to experience the devotional rituals and lamp offerings. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a good viewing spot.
Choose a relaxed riverside restaurant or return to Chotiwala for a hearty vegetarian dinner; most local eateries remain open until ~10:00pm. Great time to sample sattvik thali and local sweets.
Start with a relaxed breakfast at a popular riverside cafe offering healthy, continental and Indian options; cafes open around 8:00am and are great for views and chilled vibes.
Short drive of ~30–60 minutes (depending on traffic) to reach Rishikesh; taxis and shared cabs are frequent between the two towns so plan for morning departure to avoid rush.
Explore the iconic suspension bridges, temples and riverside promenades — the bridges are accessible 24 hours though shops operate roughly 9:00am–8:00pm. Great photo opportunities and easy walking.
Enjoy a riverside or hill-view lunch with both Indian and international dishes; popular sit-down cafés open from about 11:00am onward and offer comfortable seating and scenic views.
Visit the atmospheric, graffiti-covered ashram and meditation caves where the Beatles stayed; site hours are roughly 8:30am–5:30pm and the ruins and art are worth an hour for photos and history.
Attend the serene Parmarth Niketan evening Aarti (typically 6:30–7:30pm) for a spiritually moving riverside ceremony led by ashram priests; arrive early to secure seating.
Quick breakfast at your hotel or a cafe and confirm bookings/gear for adventure activities; rafting operators and adventure providers typically begin operations from 7:00–8:00am.
Half-day rafting (2–3 hours on Ganga Class II–III/IV depending on stretch) is the quintessential adventure in Rishikesh; operators run trips daily from about 7:00am to mid-afternoon and include pick-up, gear, and guides.
Have a relaxed lunch at a themed cafe near the ghats with light continental and Indian choices; cafes normally open midday and provide a casual vibe for post-rafting relaxation.
If you want adrenaline, Jumpin Heights (Mohan Chatti) offers bungee and giant swing (book in advance); the site typically operates 8:00am–5:00pm and round-trip transfer takes ~45–60 minutes. Alternatively, opt for canyoning or zipline nearby.
A short scenic trek to Neer Garh waterfall for a relaxing swim/photo stop (access best between 8:00am–5:30pm); plan to arrive before dusk for safety and full flow.
Enjoy a riverside dinner with views of the illuminated ghats and bridges; many restaurants stay open until ~10:30pm so you can unwind after a full day.
Attend an early morning Ganges sunrise at Triveni Ghat or join a sunrise yoga session at Parmarth (yoga classes usually 6:00–7:30am) for a calm, spiritual send-off.
Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe to prepare for travel; most hotel breakfasts start around 7:00am and airports require usual check-in time allowances.
Private transfer or taxi to Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport allowing 1–1.5 hours buffer for check-in; if flying via Delhi consider the extra travel time and ticket schedule.