Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussourie

Thursday, September 28: Arrival in Haridwar

Start your trip by arriving in Haridwar, a sacred city in Uttarakhand known for its religious significance. In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat in Haridwar, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. In the afternoon, explore the bustling streets of Haridwar and try local street food. As the evening sets in, take a boat ride on the holy Ganges River and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

• Har Ki Pauri: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Exploring Haridwar streets and trying local street food: Estimated cost - INR 500, Time spent - 3 hours
• Boat ride on the Ganges River: Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 1 hour

Friday, September 29: Rishikesh Adventure

Embark on an adventurous day in Rishikesh, a city renowned as the "Yoga Capital of the World." In the morning, enjoy a thrilling session of river rafting in the Ganges. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges and explore the lively markets. As the evening approaches, attend a yoga or meditation session in one of the many ashrams in Rishikesh.

• River rafting in the Ganges: Estimated cost - INR 1500 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Yoga or meditation session in an ashram: Estimated cost - INR 500, Time spent - 1.5 hours

Saturday, September 30: Explore Haridwar

Discover more of Haridwar's cultural and natural beauty. In the morning, visit the Chandi Devi Temple, perched atop the Neel Parvat hill, via a cable car ride. In the afternoon, explore the Rajaji National Park, located on the outskirts of Haridwar, and enjoy a wildlife safari. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Ganges and witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti at other ghats.

• Chandi Devi Temple and cable car ride: Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 3 hours
• Rajaji National Park safari: Estimated cost - INR 1000 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
• Evening walk along the Ganges and witnessing Ganga Aarti at other ghats: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Sunday, October 1: Journey to Mussourie

Leave Haridwar and travel to the picturesque hill station of Mussourie. In the morning, enjoy a scenic drive through the winding roads of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, explore the Mall Road in Mussourie, known for its shops, restaurants, and stunning views. As the evening approaches, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill for panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.

• Scenic drive to Mussourie: Estimated cost - INR 1500 for taxi, Time spent - 4 hours
• Exploring Mall Road in Mussourie: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 3 hours
• Cable car ride to Gun Hill: Estimated cost - INR 75 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours

Monday, October 2: Mussourie Sightseeing

Dedicate the day to exploring the attractions of Mussourie. In the morning, visit Kempty Falls, a popular waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip. In the afternoon, explore the Camel's Back Road, a scenic promenade offering breathtaking views. As the evening sets in, visit the beautiful Company Garden and enjoy a leisurely picnic.

• Kempty Falls: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Camel's Back Road: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Company Garden: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, October 3: Excursion to Dhanaulti

Take a day trip to the serene town of Dhanaulti, located near Mussourie. In the morning, visit the Eco Park and enjoy a peaceful nature walk amidst lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Surkanda Devi Temple, situated at an altitude of 9,995 feet. As the evening approaches, indulge in some local Garhwali cuisine at one of the restaurants in Dhanaulti.

• Eco Park: Estimated cost - INR 25 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Surkanda Devi Temple: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Local Garhwali cuisine: Estimated cost - INR 500, Time spent - 1.5 hours

Wednesday, October 4: Return to Haridwar

Head back to Haridwar, bidding farewell to the scenic beauty of Mussourie. In the morning, visit the Mansa Devi Temple, located atop the Bilwa Parvat hill, via a cable car ride. In the afternoon, explore the bustling markets of Haridwar for souvenir shopping. As the evening sets in, enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of the Ganges and savor a final Ganga Aarti experience.

• Mansa Devi Temple and cable car ride: Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 3 hours
• Shopping in Haridwar markets: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
• Evening walk along the Ganges and witnessing Ganga Aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Haridwar, don't miss a visit to the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, a bird sanctuary where you can spot various species of birds and enjoy nature walks. In Rishikesh, take a short trek to the Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in the late 1960s, seeking spiritual enlightenment. Mussourie offers the enchanting Cloud's End, a serene spot surrounded by thick forests, perfect for a peaceful picnic and leisurely walks.

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