Family-Friendly Itinerary: Badrinath Haridwar Rishikesh

Sunday, February 11: Haridwar Arrival

Begin your family adventure by arriving in Haridwar, a spiritual city known for its sacred ghats and the Ganges River. In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat where pilgrims take holy dips. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. Spend a peaceful evening by the river and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.

• Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2 hours
• Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Free, 1.5 hours

Restaurants

• Bihari Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Bihari Restaurant, known for its delicious parathas and authentic Bihari cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
• Haveli Restaurant: For lunch, head to Haveli Restaurant and indulge in a wide variety of Indian dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
• Tulsi Restaurant: Treat your taste buds to a scrumptious dinner at Tulsi Restaurant, offering a range of North Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.

Monday, February 12: Rishikesh Exploration

Head to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the iconic Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges. Explore the vibrant streets lined with ashrams and shops selling spiritual items. In the afternoon, take a thrilling river rafting adventure on the Ganges. End the day with a peaceful visit to the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band once meditated.

• Laxman Jhula: Free, 2 hours
• River Rafting: INR 1,500 per person, 3 hours
• Beatles Ashram: INR 150 per person, 1.5 hours

Tuesday, February 13: Badrinath Journey

Embark on a scenic drive towards Badrinath, a holy town nestled in the Himalayas. Explore the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Neelkanth and Nar-Narayan mountain ranges. Spend the night in Badrinath and experience the tranquil ambiance of the town.

• Badrinath Temple: Free, 2 hours
• Tapt Kund: Free, 1 hour

Wednesday, February 14: Badrinath Sightseeing

Continue exploring the natural beauty around Badrinath. Visit the Mana Village, the last village on the Indian border, and witness the confluence of the Saraswati and Alaknanda rivers. Explore the Vasudhara Falls, a majestic waterfall surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Spend the evening in Badrinath, enjoying the serene surroundings.

• Mana Village: Free, 2 hours
• Vasudhara Falls: Free, 3 hours

Thursday, February 15: Haridwar Excursion

Return to Haridwar and explore more of this spiritual city. Visit the Chandi Devi Temple, located atop Neel Parvat, and enjoy a cable car ride to reach there. Explore the bustling markets and indulge in some local street food. In the evening, take a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony once again.

• Chandi Devi Temple: INR 360 per person (including cable car ride), 3 hours
• Local Market: Cost varies, 2 hours
• Ganges Boat Ride: INR 200 per person, 1.5 hours

Friday, February 16: Haridwar Wildlife Experience

Embark on a wildlife adventure by visiting the Rajaji National Park, just a short drive from Haridwar. Explore the park in a jeep safari and spot various wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, and deer. Enjoy a picnic amidst nature and soak in the tranquility of the national park. Return to Haridwar in the evening.

• Rajaji National Park: INR 1,000 per person (safari cost), 4 hours

Restaurants

• Breakfast: Shiv Mishthan Bhandar is a popular local restaurant famous for its traditional Indian breakfast dishes. Enjoy mouthwatering aloo puri and hot jalebis. An average breakfast here costs around INR 150 per person.
• Lunch: Hoshiyarpuri is a cozy restaurant serving delicious Punjabi cuisine. Try their special thali that includes dal makhani, butter naan, and paneer tikka. A satisfying lunch at Hoshiyarpuri costs about INR 250 per person.
• Dinner: The Sitting Elephant is a family-friendly restaurant offering a wide range of cuisines, from Indian to Italian. Indulge in their delectable butter chicken or indulge in a wood-fired pizza. Expect to spend around INR 400 per person for a delightful dinner at The Sitting Elephant.

Saturday, February 17: Departure

Say goodbye to the spiritual land of Haridwar as you depart for your next destination. Cherish the memories of your family-friendly journey through Badrinath, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience in Haridwar, visit the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram. This peaceful ashram is known for its connection to Steve Jobs and the Beatles. Explore the serene surroundings and attend meditation or yoga sessions. Another hidden gem is the Malakunti Devi Temple, located on a hilltop near Rishikesh. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ganges and the Himalayas while experiencing tranquility away from the crowds.

For more travel options, check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.