7-Day Itinerary for Shri Vaishno Devi Haridwar

Friday September 15: Arrival in Haridwar

Arrive in Haridwar and check into your hotel. In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. Explore the nearby markets and try local street food.

• Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2 hours
• Local Market: Budget-friendly, 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its traditional Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri. Enjoy their mouthwatering puri sabzi and other North Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• In the evening, dine at The Sitting Elephant, a cozy restaurant known for its vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Saturday September 16: Haridwar Exploration

Start your day with a visit to Mansa Devi Temple, located on a hilltop. Take a cable car ride to reach the temple and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the ashrams and temples in Rishikesh, including the famous Beatles Ashram. Enjoy an evening walk along the banks of the Ganges River.

• Mansa Devi Temple: Cable car ride - INR 100 per person, 3 hours
• Rishikesh Ashrams and Temples: Free, 4 hours

Sunday September 17: Journey to Vaishno Devi

Start your journey to Vaishno Devi. Reach Katra and check into your hotel. Begin the trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple early in the morning. The trek is approximately 14 kilometers long and takes around 6-8 hours. Seek blessings at the temple and return to Katra.

• Vaishno Devi Trek: Free, 6-8 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Devika Restaurant. They offer a wide range of traditional Indian breakfast options and the average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
• If you're looking for a place to have lunch, try Ram's Dhaba. They serve delicious North Indian cuisine and the average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
• For dinner, visit Shri Krishna Restaurant. They specialize in vegetarian dishes and have a peaceful ambience. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.

Monday September 18: Explore Katra

Take a day to relax and explore the town of Katra. Visit the Banganga Temple and the Ardh Kuwari Cave, which are significant pilgrimage sites. Enjoy local cuisine and indulge in some shopping for souvenirs.

• Banganga Temple: Free, 1 hour
• Ardh Kuwari Cave: Free, 2 hours
• Shopping: Budget-friendly

Tuesday September 19: Return to Haridwar

Travel back to Haridwar from Katra. In the afternoon, visit the Chandi Devi Temple, situated on top of Neel Parvat. Take the cable car ride to reach the temple. Enjoy a peaceful evening by the Ganges River and witness the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.

• Chandi Devi Temple: Cable car ride - INR 360 per person, 3 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Free, 1 hour

Wednesday September 20: Haridwar Sightseeing

Visit the Daksheswara Mahadev Temple in the morning, known for its mythological significance. Explore the nearby Rajaji National Park in the afternoon, home to diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy a wildlife safari and immerse yourself in nature.

• Daksheswara Mahadev Temple: Free, 1 hour
• Rajaji National Park: Safari - INR 1500 per person, 4 hours

Thursday September 21: Departure

Check out from your hotel and depart from Haridwar. If time permits, visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique eight-story temple dedicated to Mother India. Bid farewell to the spiritual city and cherish the memories of your journey.

• Bharat Mata Mandir: Free, 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Haridwar, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, a bird sanctuary located near the Ganges River. It's a tranquil place where you can spot various bird species in their natural habitat. Another hidden gem is the Maya Devi Temple, one of the oldest temples in Haridwar, known for its rich history and architectural beauty.

For local favorites, head to the Moti Bazaar in Haridwar, a bustling market known for its handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional clothing. Don't forget to taste the delicious local street food, such as kachoris, jalebis, and chaat, available in abundance throughout the city.

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