7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Haridwar in October 2023

1. Day 1: Har Ki Pauri Ghat
   9 minutes (2.1 km) from Haridwar Railway Station

   Begin your journey with a visit to Har Ki Pauri Ghat in the morning to witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti. Take a dip in the holy river and spend the afternoon exploring the local markets. In the evening, visit Chandi Devi Temple for stunning views of the city.

2. Day 2: Mansa Devi Temple
   35 minutes (8.3 km) from Har Ki Pauri Ghat

   Start your day by visiting the popular Mansa Devi Temple. Take the cable car for a scenic ride to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring Swami Vivekanand Park and Bharat Mata Mandir. End your day with a walk along the Ganges river.

3. Day 3: Daksh Prajapati Temple and Shantikunj
   15 minutes (4 km) from Mansa Devi Temple

   Visit Daksh Prajapati Temple in the morning and learn about Hindu mythology. Spend the afternoon at Shantikunj, a spiritual research center for self-realization. Don't miss the impressive Gayatri Parivar Temple. End your day with a visit to Patanjali Yogpeeth for yoga and meditation.

4. Day 4: Rajaji National Park
   2 hours (60 km) from Shantikunj

   Spend the day at Rajaji National Park for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Take a jeep safari and spot tigers, elephants, and leopards. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Return to Haridwar in the evening.

5. Day 5: Maya Devi Temple and Sapt Rishi Ashram
   7 minutes (1.6 km) from Har Ki Pauri Ghat

   Visit the ancient Maya Devi Temple in the morning and learn about the history of the city. Spend the afternoon at Sapt Rishi Ashram, a serene spiritual retreat on the banks of the Ganges. Enjoy a relaxing evening boat ride on the river.

6. Day 6: Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar and Anandamayi Ashram
   30 minutes (8 km) from Sapt Rishi Ashram

   Start your day by visiting Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, a bird watching sanctuary. Spend the afternoon at Anandamayi Ashram, a peaceful meditation center. Don't miss the beautiful Kankhal town for its ancient temples and markets. End your day with a visit to the famous Pawan Dham temple.

7. Day 7: Gau Ghat and Bilkeshwar Temple
   20 minutes (6 km) from Pawan Dham Temple

   Begin your day with a visit to Gau Ghat for a unique experience of feeding cows. Spend the afternoon at Bilkeshwar Temple, a beautiful shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. End your day with a visit to the local markets for souvenirs and street food.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, consider a trip to Rishikesh, a serene town known as the yoga capital of the world. Take a dip in the Ganges river and visit the famous Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula bridges. Don't forget to try the local street food for a truly authentic experience. To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary around local festivals and events, such as the Kumbh Mela or the International Yoga Festival. Finally, don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations and tips on how to make the most of your trip.