Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 65 travelers

5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Ganga Aarti, Haridwar

Tuesday, October 3: Arrival and Evening Aarti

Welcome to Haridwar! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and freshening up. In the evening, head to Har Ki Pauri, the famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges, to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. Join the locals in their devotional prayers as they offer diyas (oil lamps) to the sacred river. The atmosphere is filled with spirituality and the melodious chants of the priests. Don't forget to capture this unforgettable experience on camera.

  • Har Ki Pauri (Ganga Aarti): Free, Approximately 2 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, located near Har Ki Pauri. This family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of Indian and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
  • For lunch, try Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant, a popular spot known for its delicious North Indian and Punjabi cuisine. They serve a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
  • For dinner, visit Big Ben Restaurant, situated in a peaceful location overlooking the Ganges. Enjoy their wide selection of Indian and Chinese dishes, along with a great ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Temple Exploration

Start your day by visiting Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mansa, situated on top of Bilwa Parvat. Take the cable car ride for a scenic view of the city and the Ganges. Afterward, visit Chandi Devi Temple, perched on the Neel Parvat hill. Enjoy the panoramic views and seek the blessings of the goddess. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the ghats, immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance.

  • Mansa Devi Temple: Cable car ride - INR 170 per person, Approximately 3 hours
  • Chandi Devi Temple: Cable car ride - INR 170 per person, Approximately 3 hours
Restaurants
  • A popular breakfast spot near Mansa Devi Temple is Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious vegetarian breakfast options such as parathas and dosas. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
  • For lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri, a local favorite known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Indulge in their thali meals which include a variety of traditional dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
  • In the evening, dine at The Sitting Elephant, a cozy restaurant near the ghats offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Don't miss their special Ganga Aarti thali. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, October 5: Haridwar Exploration

Today, explore some of the prominent attractions in Haridwar. Start with a visit to Maya Devi Temple, one of the Siddh Peethas dedicated to Goddess Maya. Afterward, visit Shantikunj, a spiritual and educational center known for its teachings on social and moral values. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Ganges and witness the scenic beauty of the city from the river. Conclude the day by sampling delicious street food at the Haridwar Bazaar.

  • Maya Devi Temple: Free, Approximately 2 hours
  • Shantikunj: Free, Approximately 2 hours
  • Boat Ride on the Ganges: INR 100 per person, Approximately 2 hours
  • Haridwar Bazaar: Budget as per choice, Approximately 2 hours
Friday, October 6: Rishikesh Excursion

Embark on a day trip to Rishikesh, a spiritual town located just 20 kilometers from Haridwar. Start with a visit to the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges. Explore the various ashrams and temples in the area, including the Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in the 1960s. In the afternoon, indulge in an adventurous session of white water rafting on the Ganges. Enjoy the thrill of navigating through the rapids and take in the picturesque landscapes. Return to Haridwar in the evening.

  • Lakshman Jhula: Free, Approximately 3 hours
  • Beatles Ashram: Entry - INR 150 per person, Approximately 2 hours
  • White Water Rafting: Starts at INR 600 per person, Approximately 4 hours
Saturday, October 7: Departure and Hidden Gems

Before bidding farewell to Haridwar, explore a few hidden gems loved by the locals. Start your day with a visit to Rajaji National Park, located on the outskirts of the city. Experience the rich biodiversity and spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and birds. Afterward, visit Sapt Rishi Ashram, a serene and peaceful ashram where seven sages are believed to have meditated. Reflect on your journey and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings before departing from Haridwar.

  • Rajaji National Park: Entry - INR 150 per person, Safari - Additional cost, Approximately 4 hours
  • Sapt Rishi Ashram: Free, Approximately 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Haridwar, don't miss out on visiting Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, a bird sanctuary located near Bhimgoda Barrage. It is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a chance to spot a variety of migratory and resident bird species. Another local favorite is the Kankhal neighborhood, known for its ancient temples and spiritual significance. Explore the Daksha Mahadev Temple and witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Daksha Ghat for a more intimate and less crowded experience.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version