Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a spiritual retreat. Start the day early with a yoga session by the Ganges. Head to the Beatles Ashram for meditative walks and graffiti art. Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage at Ananda Spa in the afternoon. End the day with a beautiful sunset view from Triveni Ghat.
The colonial charm of Shimla will transport you to a different era. Take a walk along Ridge Road for panoramic views of snow-clad mountains. Visit the Christ Church and Tara Devi Temple for their breathtaking architecture. Shop for souvenirs at the bustling Lakkar Bazaar. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the heritage hotel, The Oberoi Cecil.
If you have more time in Rishikesh, consider white water rafting or bungee jumping. For those looking for spiritual guidance, visit the Trayambakeshwar Temple and watch the evening aarti. In Shimla, you can take a toy train ride from Kalka to enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas. Time permitting, visit the Himalayan Bird Park and Kufri Fun World amusement park.
If you have less time, you can skip the spa treatment or souvenir shopping and choose to relax instead. Consider a picnic at the serene Jakhu Hill in Shimla.