Relaxation Itinerary for Banaras, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nainital and Surrounding Areas
Day 1: Banaras
30 minutes (9.3 miles) from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
In the morning, take a boat ride along the Ganges River and observe the morning rituals. In the afternoon, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Day 2: Haridwar
2 hours and 17 minutes (81.8 miles) from Banaras
In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri to take a dip in the holy Ganges River. In the afternoon, explore the city and visit the Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri.
Day 3: Rishikesh
1 hour and 14 minutes (34.9 miles) from Haridwar
In the morning, attend a yoga or meditation class in Rishikesh. In the afternoon, visit the Beatles Ashram and explore the colorful markets. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
Day 4: Nainital
4 hours and 48 minutes (157 miles) from Rishikesh
In the morning, take a scenic drive to Nainital and enjoy the beautiful views. In the afternoon, explore the town and take a boat ride on Nainital Lake. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk on the Mall Road and try some local food.
Day 5: Mukteshwar
1 hour and 38 minutes (34.6 miles) from Nainital
In the morning, visit Mukteshwar Temple and Chauthi Jaali for breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the town and visit Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls. In the evening, return to Nainital and relax by the lake.
Day 6: Bhimtal
40 minutes (12.5 miles) from Nainital
In the morning, visit Bhimtal Lake and take a boat ride. In the afternoon, visit Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple and Hidimba Parvat. In the evening, return to Nainital and relax.
Day 7: Departure
6 hours and 22 minutes (207 miles) from Bhimtal to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
In the morning, check out of the hotel and depart for the airport.
Recommendations
Consider taking a day trip to Corbett National Park for a chance to see tigers and other wildlife. Also, try some local street food and sweets in each location. To maximize relaxation, consider adding spa treatments or massages to your itinerary.
Time and Costs Estimates
Boat ride along the Ganges River in Banaras (2 hours, 300 INR)
Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Banaras (1 hour, free)
Attendance of Ganga Aarti ceremony in Banaras (1 hour, free)
Visit to Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar (2 hours, free)
Visit to Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples in Haridwar (2 hours, 400 INR)
Attendance of Ganga Aarti ceremony in Haridwar (1 hour, free)
Yoga or meditation class in Rishikesh (2 hours, 300 INR)
Visit to Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh (1 hour, 600 INR)
Attendance of Ganga Aarti ceremony in Rishikesh (1 hour, free)
Scenic drive to Nainital (5 hours, free)
Boat ride on Nainital Lake (1 hour, 250 INR)
Visit to Mukteshwar Temple and Chauthi Jaali in Mukteshwar (2 hours, free)
Visit to Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls in Mukteshwar (1 hour, free)
Visit to Bhimtal Lake in Bhimtal (1 hour, 150 INR)
Visit to Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple and Hidimba Parvat in Bhimtal (2 hours, free)
Spa treatment or massage (1 hour, 1000 INR)
Total Estimated Costs: 2300 INR (excluding spa treatment or massage and any optional activities)