Leave Roorkee by taxi or bus via NH 334; the trip usually takes about 1–1.5 hours, but Saturday traffic can add time. Aim to reach Haridwar by late afternoon so you’re not rushing to the evening ceremony. Ask your hotel about parking or arrange a drop-off near the centre: roads around the ghats can be congested, and walking the last stretch is often easier.
Head to Har Ki Pauri for the Ganga aarti. The November ceremony is around sunset, but the exact timing can vary, so check locally that day and arrive 45–60 minutes early for a good place along the river; allow roughly 1.5 hours altogether. Afterward, wander through Bara Bazaar, a short walk away, for religious items and local sweets—give yourself about 45 minutes, and keep cash handy for small purchases.
For dinner, go to Hoshiyarpuri on Upper Road for traditional North Indian food; budget around ₹250–₹500 per person. If you still have time and energy, finish at Maya Devi Temple in Mayapur. It’s a historic temple and usually takes 30–45 minutes to visit; check evening access locally, since visiting hours may make a post-dinner stop impractical. For the return to your hotel, a short taxi or auto ride is convenient if you’d rather not walk.
After arriving in Rishikesh, leave your bags near Tapovan and head to Bharat Mandir in Old Rishikesh. Give yourself about 45 minutes to see this venerable temple and its quieter central-quarter setting; dress modestly and check locally for current visiting hours, as temple access can vary around पूजा times. A short auto-rickshaw ride from Tapovan is easiest, or take a taxi if you have luggage.
Keep the middle of the day unhurried, then make your way to Triveni Ghat in Mayakund for the riverfront and evening Ganga aarti. In late November, sunset is early, so aim to arrive around 4:30–5:00 pm and confirm the day’s ceremony time locally; the steps fill up, and sitting a little back from the water is often more comfortable. Allow roughly 1.5 hours. Afterward, cross toward Swarg Ashram for Chotiwala Restaurant—a familiar, no-fuss choice for a filling meal, usually about ₹250–₹500 per person. The river crossing and traffic can make this leg slower than it looks on a map.
Finish at Parmarth Niketan, a short walk from Chotiwala Restaurant. Allow about 45 minutes for the riverside grounds, but check the gate and visiting hours when you arrive: access can be restricted during prayers or after evening activities, so don’t count on a late visit if dinner runs long. Keep voices low around worshippers, follow any staff directions, and use an auto-rickshaw or taxi back toward Tapovan if you’d rather not walk or cross the river again.
Start early for Neer Garh Waterfall, on the Tapovan–Badrinath road, while the climb is still cool. A taxi or auto from central Rishikesh gets you near the trailhead; allow 2–3 hours round trip for the walk and time at the falls. The trail is uneven, so wear shoes with grip and carry water. There may be a small entry fee; bring cash and check locally for current access conditions.
From the falls, take a taxi toward The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) in Swarg Ashram. Give the mural-covered buildings and forest paths 1.5–2 hours; entry is ticketed, and hours or access can change, so confirm before setting out. Continue to Ram Jhula for a 30–45-minute riverside stroll and views over the Ganga. Check bridge access on the day—if it’s restricted, ask locally for the nearest open crossing or riverside route. Then settle in at Little Buddha Cafe in Tapovan for a relaxed lunch; budget about ₹400–₹800 per person.
For the drive back, leave Rishikesh with a buffer for Monday traffic and any onward connection. A taxi via NH 7 toward Haridwar, then NH 334 to Roorkee, usually takes around 2–2.5 hours; agree the fare in advance or confirm the app estimate. If taking a bus, check departure times before lunch so you can reach the bus stand without rushing.
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