Start your trip by arriving in Haridwar and checking into your hotel. In the evening, head to Har Ki Pauri for the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony. Witness the mesmerizing sight of hundreds of lamps floating on the sacred Ganges River as priests perform rituals and chant prayers. This spiritual experience will leave you feeling enchanted and connected to the divine.
Arrival and Hotel Check-in: Cost varies, Time spent varies
Evening Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Free, 1-2 hours
Friday, September 1: Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple
Start your morning with a visit to Har Ki Pauri again, but this time during the day. Take a holy dip in the Ganges and witness devotees performing various rituals. Afterward, take a cable car ride to the top of Bilwa Parvat hill to visit the Mansa Devi Temple. Enjoy panoramic views of Haridwar from the hilltop and seek blessings from the goddess.
Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2-3 hours
Mansa Devi Temple: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Shree Ganga Maharani: Start your day with a delicious traditional Indian breakfast at Shree Ganga Maharani. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options like crispy dosas and fluffy idlis. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Haveli Restaurant: For lunch, head to Haveli Restaurant and indulge in a mouthwatering buffet spread of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. With its elegant ambiance and friendly staff, this restaurant is perfect for a family meal. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Aqua Grill: Treat your taste buds to a delightful dinner at Aqua Grill. This rooftop restaurant offers a serene ambiance and a tempting menu featuring an array of grilled dishes, seafood, and vegetarian specialties. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, September 2: Chandi Devi Temple and Rajaji National Park
Embark on a scenic cable car ride to Chandi Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Chandi. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and Haridwar city from the mountaintop. Afterward, head to Rajaji National Park for a wildlife safari. Spot diverse wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species, as you explore the park.
Chandi Devi Temple: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Rajaji National Park: Cost varies, 4-5 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to The Rishikesh Bistro, located near Chandi Devi Temple. This cozy cafe offers a range of fresh and healthy options, including homemade granola, smoothie bowls, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast here is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, check out The Spice Garden, a popular restaurant situated near Rajaji National Park. Known for its flavorful Indian cuisine, this restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Enjoy mouthwatering curries, biryanis, and tandoori specialties. The average cost for a lunch here is about ₹300 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit The Sitting Elephant, a charming restaurant located in the heart of Haridwar city. This eatery offers a tranquil atmosphere and serves a fusion of Indian and Continental dishes. Try their signature dishes like Tandoori Paneer Tikka and Chicken Alfredo Pasta. The average cost for a dinner here is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday, September 3: Rishikesh Excursion
Take a day trip to Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World" and a spiritual hub. Visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges, which are believed to be ancient mythical sites. Explore ashrams, attend yoga or meditation classes, and enjoy a serene boat ride on the Ganges. End the day with the divine Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Free, 2-3 hours
Ashram visits and activities: Cost varies, Time spent varies
Boat ride and Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Chotiwala. This popular restaurant offers a variety of Indian and Continental dishes, and a meal here costs around 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Hoshiyarpuri, a local favorite known for its authentic Punjabi cuisine. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes like butter chicken and sarson ka saag with makki ki roti. The average cost for a meal here is around 400 INR per person.
In the evening, treat your taste buds to a memorable dining experience at The Grand Venice, a fine dining restaurant specializing in Indian and Chinese cuisines. Indulge in their delectable kebabs or flavorful noodles, and enjoy the elegant ambience. The average cost for a meal here is around 800 INR per person.
Monday, September 4: Haridwar Market and Shantikunj
Explore the vibrant local markets of Haridwar, such as Moti Bazaar and Bara Bazaar, known for their variety of religious artifacts, handicrafts, and souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit Shantikunj, a spiritual and educational center that promotes the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Attend a spiritual discourse or participate in meditation sessions to rejuvenate your mind and soul.
Haridwar Market: Cost varies, Time spent varies
Shantikunj: Free, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious vegetarian dishes and cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Hoshiyar Puri, a popular local eatery offering mouth-watering street food like puri, bhaji, and halwa. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Sindhya Restaurant, an upscale restaurant known for its delectable North Indian cuisine and warm hospitality. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 5: Daksha Mahadev Temple and Sapt Rishi Ashram
Start your day with a visit to Daksha Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the tranquil surroundings and learn about the legends associated with the temple. Later, head to Sapt Rishi Ashram, a peaceful retreat where seven sages are believed to have meditated. Enjoy the serene environment and take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Ganges.
Daksha Mahadev Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
Sapt Rishi Ashram: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Himalayan Cafe: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this cozy cafe, located near Daksha Mahadev Temple. They offer a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and traditional Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Ganga View Restaurant: Indulge in a delicious lunch with a stunning view of the Ganges at this restaurant near Sapt Rishi Ashram. They serve a range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Chef's Table: Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Chef's Table, a popular dinner spot in Haridwar. The restaurant specializes in international cuisines and offers a diverse menu of gourmet dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, September 6: Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar and Haridwar Museum
Visit Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, a bird sanctuary located on the banks of the Ganges. Observe a variety of migratory and resident bird species in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, explore the Haridwar Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of the region through artifacts, sculptures, and interactive exhibits.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: Free, 2-3 hours
Haridwar Museum: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting the nearby town of Roorkee, known for its engineering institutions and historical sites. Explore the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee campus, which boasts impressive architecture and serene surroundings. Don't miss the iconic Roorkee Bridge, an engineering marvel, and take a walk along the tranquil Roorkee Canal.
Another hidden gem is the Sureshwari Devi Temple, located in the serene Rajaji National Park. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Sureshwari and offers a peaceful environment for meditation and introspection. Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of this off-the-beaten-path destination.