Start your trip in the bustling city of Delhi. In the morning, visit the iconic Red Fort and explore its rich history. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chandni Chowk, a bustling market known for its narrow lanes and delicious street food. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk at India Gate and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Red Fort: Cost estimate - INR 500, Time spent - 2-3 hours
India Gate: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Blue Door Café: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Blue Door Café, known for its cozy ambiance and healthy food options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale: For lunch, head to Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale, a famous eatery offering a variety of delectable kulfis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Indian Accent: Indulge in a fine dining experience at Indian Accent, known for its innovative Indian cuisine and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about ₹2500 per person.
Monday October 2: Haridwar
Start your day by attending the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, where devotees offer prayers to the River Ganges. In the afternoon, visit the Mansa Devi Temple located on top of Bilwa Parvat for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, take a walk along the ghats and witness the beautiful Ganga River.
Har Ki Pauri (Ganga Aarti): Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Ghats of Haridwar: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this cozy restaurant known for their delicious omelettes and freshly baked bread. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
The Spice Route: Indulge in a flavorful lunch at this popular Indian restaurant offering a wide range of authentic dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
The Riverside Grill: Treat yourself to a scenic dinner at this riverside restaurant serving mouthwatering grilled delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Tuesday October 3: Guptkashi
Travel to Guptkashi, a serene town known for its religious significance. In the morning, visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple and seek blessings. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Chopta, also known as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand," and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. In the evening, relax and soak in the peaceful ambiance of Guptkashi.
Exploring Guptkashi: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - Relaxation time
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Guptkashi is Cafe Mondegar. They offer a variety of delicious omelettes, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee. A typical breakfast here costs around 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Tadka Restaurant. They serve traditional Indian dishes like butter chicken and biryani as well as Chinese and continental cuisine. A meal at Tadka Restaurant costs approximately 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner experience at Red Chilli Restaurant. Known for their mouth-watering kebabs and curries, this restaurant offers a delightful blend of Indian flavors. Expect to spend around 400 INR per person for a dinner at Red Chilli Restaurant.
Wednesday October 4: Kedarnath Trek
Embark on an adventurous trek to Kedarnath. In the morning, start the trek from Gaurikund and reach Kedarnath by afternoon. Visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple and experience the spiritual aura of this holy place. In the evening, witness the enchanting evening aarti at the temple.
Kedarnath Trek: Cost estimate - INR 3000 (guide and porter charges), Time spent - Full day
Evening Aarti at Kedarnath Temple: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Chandra Lok Restaurant, located in Gaurikund. This cozy eatery serves delicious Indian breakfast options like parathas and poha. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try Hari Om Bhojanalaya, situated near Kedarnath Temple. They offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, including traditional North Indian thalis. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Om Shanti Restaurant in Kedarnath. This restaurant specializes in Indian and Chinese cuisine, serving flavorful dishes like butter chicken and fried rice. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Thursday October 5: Badrinath
Travel to Badrinath, one of the Chardham pilgrimage sites. In the morning, visit the famous Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore the Mana Village, known as the last village of India. In the afternoon, take a dip in the hot water springs of Tapt Kund for a rejuvenating experience. Spend the evening in peaceful contemplation at the temple.
Ambrosia Café: Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Ambrosia Café, known for its delicious continental and Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Satyam Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Satyam Restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sagar Ratna: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Sagar Ratna, a popular restaurant offering a variety of North Indian and South Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Friday October 6: Rishikesh
Head to the spiritual town of Rishikesh, also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. In the morning, visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges over the Ganges. Explore the ashrams and indulge in yoga and meditation sessions. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
Ashrams and Yoga Sessions: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Shambhavi's Cafe is a cozy vegetarian cafe offering a range of healthy breakfast options such as smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and fresh fruit juices. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Lunch: Little Buddha Cafe is a popular spot known for its delicious Tibetan and Italian cuisine. Try their momos or wood-fired pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Dinner: Chotiwala Restaurant is a well-known eatery serving authentic North Indian dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering butter chicken and naan bread. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday October 7: Delhi
Return to Delhi and spend the day exploring the cultural landmarks of the city. In the morning, visit the magnificent Qutub Minar and learn about its historical significance. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful architecture of Humayun's Tomb. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant markets of Delhi, such as Connaught Place or Karol Bagh, for shopping and culinary delights.
Start your day with a delicious Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. Indulge in their famous masala dosa and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Gulati Restaurant and savour their mouth-watering butter chicken and garlic naan. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Karim's. Indulge in their succulent kebabs and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Kainchi, Uttarakhand. This ashram is known for its spiritual vibes and peaceful surroundings. Another hidden gem is the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, where the famous band stayed in the 1960s. It's a great place to explore the graffiti-covered walls and reconnect with their music.
For local favorites, don't miss trying the famous street food of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. Indulge in delicious snacks like samosas, kachoris, and jalebis. In Rishikesh, try the local specialty dish called "Aloo Puri" at one of the local eateries near the ghats. It's a tasty combination of deep-fried bread and potato curry.
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