In the morning, start your spiritual journey by visiting Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat in Haridwar. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a beautiful ritual where priests offer prayers to the holy river. Afterward, head to Mansa Devi Temple, located atop Bilwa Parvat. Enjoy a cable car ride to reach the temple and seek blessings. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets around Har Ki Pauri, where you can shop for religious artifacts and souvenirs. In the evening, take a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the illuminated ghats, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.
Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2-3 hours
Mansa Devi Temple: Cable car ride - INR 100 per person, 2-3 hours
Ganges River boat ride: INR 100 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Har Ki Pauri is Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri, a restaurant famous for its authentic and flavorsome Punjabi cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Saffron Restaurant located near the Ganges River, offering a beautiful view along with a variety of Indian and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday, December 23: Nature and Adventure
Start your day with a visit to Rajaji National Park, a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Embark on a thrilling jungle safari to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature. In the afternoon, head to Chandi Devi Temple, located on Neel Parvat. Reach the temple by either hiking or taking a cable car ride. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Ganges River from the top. In the evening, stroll along the iconic Haridwar-Rishikesh Bridge, also known as Laxman Jhula, and marvel at the stunning sunset.
Rajaji National Park: Safari - INR 600 per person, full day
Chandi Devi Temple: Cable car ride - INR 100 per person, 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Haveli Restaurant. This family-friendly eatery offers a wide range of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Bhagwati Chole Bhature, a popular local restaurant known for its mouthwatering Punjabi cuisine. Enjoy their signature dish, chole bhature, along with various other North Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Sagar Ratna, a vegetarian restaurant that specializes in South Indian cuisine. Savour their authentic dosas, idlis, and uttapams, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Haridwar, don't miss the opportunity to visit Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. The temple showcases a map of India made entirely of marble and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. For a dose of cultural heritage, visit the Swami Vivekananda Park, a serene and well-maintained park where locals often go to relax and meditate. It offers a beautiful view of the Ganges River and the surrounding hills. Lastly, indulge in the local street food scene and try delicacies like Aloo Tikki, Kachori, and Jalebi, which are popular among both locals and tourists.