3-Day Ganga Aarti Trip: Haridwar & Rishikesh Spiritual Weekend

Viewed by 122 travelers

Day 1: Har Ki Pauri Evening

Haridwar, India on November 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chotiwala

Classic Haridwar vegetarian meal at the well-known Chotiwala (near Har Ki Pauri) — hearty local fare to start the day. Good for tasting local sweets and thalis.
INR200, 0h45m

9:30am

Mansa Devi Temple (ropeway)

Take the ropeway up to the hilltop Mansa Devi temple for panoramic views of Haridwar and the Ganga; popular for darshan and quick photo stops. Ropeway generally operates from early morning to late afternoon; check local timings on arrival.
INR150, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyarpuri

Comforting Punjabi/North Indian meal at a reliable local restaurant; good for dal, sabzi and parathas. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll the Ghats & Local Bazaars

Walk along the riverfront, browse puja shops, brassware and incense stalls, and soak up the temple-town atmosphere before aarti. Easy, open-air activity available all day.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

The iconic evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri (starts around sunset — typically 5:30pm in late November). Arrive 45–60 minutes early for a good spot; experience lamps, chanting and mass offerings to the Ganga.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Mohan Ji Puri Wale (or river-view eatery)

Enjoy light dinner like stuffed puris, chaat or traditional North Indian dishes near the ghats; calm riverside vibe after the aarti. Many places stay open late for visitors.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 2: Rishikesh Pilgrimage

Rishikesh, India on November 25, 2025

7:30am

Transfer Haridwar → Rishikesh

Short scenic drive (about 45–75 minutes depending on traffic) along the Ganges to Rishikesh; plan an early start to pack more into the day.
INR1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Little Buddha Cafe

Relaxed riverside breakfast with continental and Indian options; popular with travelers and yogis. Opens early for morning visitors and tourists.
INR350, 0h45m

9:30am

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Abandoned ashram turned graffiti-filled art site with Beatles-era history and panoramic Ganga views; ideal between 9am–5:30pm when the site is open for visitors.
INR150, 1h30m

11:30am

Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula walk

Cross the famous suspension bridges, visit riverside temples and cafes, and enjoy the bustling pedestrian atmosphere. Open all day; great for photos and people-watching.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant / Ganga View Cafe

Riverside lunch with North Indian and continental options; sit by the Ganga and recharge before afternoon activities. Most cafes open from late morning to evening.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon yoga / Parmarth Niketan visit

Join a drop-in yoga class or visit Parmarth Niketan ashram for a quiet riverside stroll; classes usually run in the morning and evening—book ahead for specific sessions.
INR300, 1h0m

6:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat / Parmarth

Sunset aarti (starts around sunset — typically ~5:45–6:15pm in late November) at Triveni Ghat is a serene, devotional ceremony performed by priests and devotees; arrive 30–45 minutes early.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Cafe or Beatles Cafe

Casual dinner with vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus, popular with travelers; pleasant riverside or balcony seating to end the day.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Adventure & Departure

Rishikesh, India on November 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at German Bakery / Organic Cafe

Fresh-baked breads, eggs, and continental options to fuel a day of activities; bakeries typically open by 7–8am in tourist areas.
INR300, 0h45m

8:00am

River Rafting (optional half-day)

Class II–III rafting on the Ganga (company-run trips start early morning and finish by late morning); book with a certified operator and check seasonal availability and safety briefings.
INR1200, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Free Bird Cafe / Little Buddha

Late lunch to warm up after rafting; menus include hearty wraps, pasta and Indian dishes. Cafes are open through the afternoon.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Excursion to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Visit the important Shiva temple set in the foothills (temple open typically 6:00am–6:00pm); expect a 1–1.5 hour drive one-way from central Rishikesh, plan time for travel and darshan.
INR0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Final Evening Aarti / Ghat Walk

Return to town for a relaxing final aarti at Triveni or an informal riverside pooja; a calm way to close the trip and reflect on the Ganga experience. Aarti timing around sunset — check local schedule.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Chotiwala (Rishikesh branch) or River-view Restaurant

Enjoy a final traditional meal near the ghats — light, vegetarian-focused options that capture the regional flavors. Good place to review photos and plan your return.
INR350, 1h0m
0