5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Haridwar and Rishikesh in August 2023

1. Day 1: Har Ki Pauri
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Haridwar Railway Station

   In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat on the banks of River Ganges. Take a dip in the holy water and witness the Ganga Aarti in the evening. Afternoon, visit the Mansa Devi Temple via cable car and enjoy panoramic views of the city. End the day with a visit to the Maya Devi Temple, one of the Shakti Peethas of India.

2. Day 2: Neer Garh Waterfall
   1 hour 25 minutes (26 miles) from Haridwar

   Spend the morning at the Neer Garh Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Take a refreshing dip in the water and capture some scenic photos. Afternoon, visit the Rajaji National Park, home to a variety of flora and fauna, and enjoy a wildlife safari. End the day with a visit to the Triveni Ghat, a confluence of three rivers.

3. Day 3: Rishikesh Ashrams
   1 hour (14 miles) from Haridwar

   In the morning, visit the Parmarth Niketan and Gita Bhawan Ashrams in Rishikesh. Attend the morning yoga and meditation sessions, and learn about Hindu culture and philosophy. Afternoon, visit the Beatles Ashram, an abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968. End the day with a relaxing evening at the Ganga Beach.

4. Day 4: Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula
   25 minutes (6 miles) from Rishikesh

   Spend the morning at the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, two iconic suspension bridges in Rishikesh. Walk across the bridges and explore the markets and shops nearby. Afternoon, visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, a picturesque temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. End the day with a visit to the Trimbakeshwar Temple, a beautiful temple with intricate carvings and architecture.

5. Day 5: Shivpuri Adventure Activities
   18 minutes (6.5 miles) from Rishikesh

   In the morning, head to Shivpuri for some adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, and ziplining. Afternoon, visit the Swarg Ashram, a peaceful ashram on the banks of the Ganges. End the day with a visit to the Vashishta Gufa, a natural cave with a shivalinga and a tranquil ambiance.

Recommendations

You may also consider visiting the Chandi Devi Temple, the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, and the Neer Dhara Pakshi Vihar Bird Sanctuary. A side trip to Mussoorie, a picturesque hill station, can also be a great addition to your itinerary. To maximize your fun, try the local street food, shop for souvenirs, and participate in the Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Har Ki Pauri (3 hours, free)
• Mansa Devi Temple (2 hours, ₹100 per person for cable car)
• Neer Garh Waterfall (4 hours, free)
• Rajaji National Park (3 hours, ₹250 per person for safari)
• Rishikesh Ashrams (4 hours, free)
• Beatles Ashram (2 hours, ₹150 per person entry fee)
• Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula (3 hours, free)
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (2 hours, free)
• Trimbakeshwar Temple (1 hour, free)
• Shivpuri Adventure Activities (6 hours, ₹1500 per person for river rafting)
• Swarg Ashram (2 hours, free)
• Vashishta Gufa (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹2000 per person

To check hotel and flight prices, please visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.