Sunday, August 20: Arrival and Evening Ganga Aarti
Welcome to Haridwar! Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up. In the evening, head to Har Ki Pauri, one of the most sacred ghats, to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. Experience the enchanting prayers, chants, and the sight of hundreds of lamps floating on the river. Feel the spiritual ambiance and seek blessings from the holy river Ganges.
Hotel check-in: Check hotel and flight prices here
Har Ki Pauri (Ganga Aarti): Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, try Chotiwala, a popular restaurant known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. They serve a variety of breakfast items like parathas, puris, and dosas. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Head to Mathura Walo Ki Prachin Dukan for a lip-smacking lunch. This restaurant specializes in vegetarian thalis and offers a wide range of options with unlimited servings. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Hoshiyar Puri, a famous eatery renowned for its delicious street food dishes. Indulge in mouthwatering chaats, momos, and golgappas. The average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Monday, August 21: Temples and Cultural Exploration
Spend the morning exploring the famous temples of Haridwar. Start with a visit to the Mansa Devi Temple, located atop the Bilwa Parvat. Take the cable car ride to the temple and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterward, make your way to the Chandi Devi Temple, situated on the Neel Parvat. Enjoy the serene surroundings and seek blessings at both temples.
In the afternoon, visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. Admire the 8-story structure depicting different mythological and historical legends of India. Take a stroll along the bustling streets of Haridwar, exploring local markets and enjoying street food.
Mansa Devi Temple: INR 100 (cable car ticket), 2-3 hours
Chandi Devi Temple: INR 100 (cable car ticket), 2-3 hours
Bharat Mata Mandir: Free, 1-2 hours
Local exploration: Varies
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot is Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious Indian breakfast dishes such as aloo puri and poha. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri, a local favorite for its assortment of vegetarian dishes like rajma chawal and kadhi pakora. You can enjoy a satisfying meal here for around 200 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, try Invitation Restaurant which offers a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
Tuesday, August 22: Yoga, Wildlife, and Evening Ghat Experience
Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session in the serene surroundings of Haridwar. Join a yoga class or find a peaceful spot along the banks of the Ganges to practice your own yoga and meditation.
In the afternoon, visit the Rajaji National Park, located nearby. Embark on an exciting wildlife safari and spot various species of animals and birds in their natural habitat.
In the evening, explore more of Haridwar's ghats. Visit the Birla Ghat and witness the evening Ganga Aarti. Take a boat ride on the river and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Yoga session: Varies
Rajaji National Park: INR 750 (safari), 4-5 hours
Birla Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Boat ride: INR 100-200, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Haridwar is Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious North Indian cuisine. A meal here costs around ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri, a local favorite offering a wide variety of vegetarian dishes at an average cost of ₹150 per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at The Grand Venice, known for its elegant ambiance and extensive menu of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. Expect to spend around ₹500 per person for a meal here.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Haridwar, don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby town of Rishikesh, known as the yoga capital of the world. Experience the blissful ambiance, attend yoga and meditation retreats, and visit the iconic Beatles Ashram. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the suspension bridge, known as Laxman Jhula, and witness the evening Ganga Aarti at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
For a unique cultural experience, interact with the sadhus (holy men) at the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival held in Haridwar once every 12 years. Witness their rituals, participate in spiritual discussions, and gain insights into their way of life.