Explore Rishikesh and Mussoorie: 4-Day Itinerary

Saturday, August 12: Arrival in Rishikesh

Start your trip by arriving in Rishikesh, a serene town known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. In the morning, visit the famous Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula suspension bridges, which offer stunning views of the Ganges River and the surrounding Himalayan foothills. Afterward, head to the Triveni Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening, where devotees offer prayers and light lamps to the holy river.

• Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula: Free, 2 hours
• Triveni Ghat: Free, 1 hour

Restaurants

• Cafe Delmar: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Delmar, located near Laxman Jhula. They offer a wide variety of fresh and healthy options, including homemade granola, freshly baked bread, and organic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Little Buddha Cafe: For lunch, head to the popular Little Buddha Cafe, situated near the bustling market of Rishikesh. This cozy cafe serves scrumptious Tibetan and Italian delicacies, such as momos, pasta, and pizzas. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• Jal & Jalebi: Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Jal & Jalebi, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ganges River. They specialize in North Indian cuisine, and their signature dishes like butter chicken and kebabs are definitely worth trying. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Sunday, August 13: Adventure in Rishikesh

Embark on an adventurous day in Rishikesh. Start your morning with an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience on the Ganges River, surrounded by scenic landscapes. Afterward, visit the Beatles Ashram, also known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in the late 1960s to learn Transcendental Meditation. In the evening, explore the bustling streets of Rishikesh and indulge in local street food.

• Whitewater Rafting: INR 1,500-2,000 per person, 4 hours
• Beatles Ashram: INR 150 per person, 2 hours
• Local Street Food: INR 200-300 per person, 1 hour

Restaurants

• The Sitting Elephant is a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options, such as fluffy pancakes and scrambled eggs. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Madras Cafe is a popular lunch spot offering a variety of South Indian dishes, including dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• Patio Restaurant is a charming dinner spot that specializes in North Indian cuisine, serving dishes like butter chicken and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Monday, August 14: Mussoorie Sightseeing

On this day, travel to Mussoorie, a popular hill station nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. Start your morning by visiting Kempty Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, explore the Mall Road, the heart of Mussoorie, lined with shops, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. In the evening, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill, the second-highest peak in Mussoorie, for breathtaking panoramic views.

• Kempty Falls: INR 50 per person, 2 hours
• Mall Road: Free, 3 hours
• Cable Car to Gun Hill: INR 100 per person, 1 hour

Tuesday, August 15: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Discover the hidden gems and local favorites in Mussoorie. Start your morning by exploring Landour, a colonial-era cantonment area known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful viewpoints. Visit the renowned Char Dukan, a cluster of four shops serving delicious snacks and beverages. In the afternoon, hike to Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie, for panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. End your day by enjoying a serene sunset at Cloud's End, a secluded spot surrounded by forests.

• Landour Exploration: Free, 2 hours
• Char Dukan: INR 200-300 per person, 1 hour
• Lal Tibba Hike: Free, 2 hours
• Cloud's End: Free, 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Rishikesh and Mussoorie, don't miss out on these hidden gems and local favorites. In Rishikesh, visit Vashishta Gufa, a serene cave where the great sage Vashishta is said to have meditated. In Mussoorie, head to the Company Garden, a well-maintained garden offering beautiful flower beds, fountains, and a small amusement park. Another hidden gem is the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, where you can take a peaceful nature walk amidst a variety of flora and fauna.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices and availability at Kayak.com.