Family Friendly 3-Day Itinerary: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun

Saturday, September 30: Arrival in Haridwar

Start your trip in Haridwar, a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges River. In the morning, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri Ghat, where priests offer prayers to the holy river. Afterward, visit the Mansa Devi Temple, situated atop the Bilwa Parvat hill, accessible by cable car. In the afternoon, explore the bustling streets of Haridwar and indulge in local street food. In the evening, take a walk along the riverbank to experience the serene atmosphere.

• Har Ki Pauri Ghat (Free): Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
• Mansa Devi Temple (Cable Car Fee: INR 100 per person): Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Exploring Haridwar streets (Food Cost: INR 200 per person): Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• Head to Chotiwala Restaurant for breakfast, a popular spot known for its delicious Indian dishes. You can expect to spend around 200 INR per person for a meal.
• Enjoy a tasty lunch at Big Ben Restaurant, which offers a variety of Indian and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Hoshiyar Puri, a local eatery renowned for its authentic North Indian food. You can savor their delectable dishes for around 250 INR per person.

Sunday, October 1: Explore Rishikesh

Head to Rishikesh, a spiritual town known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Start your day with a yoga session overlooking the Ganges River. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding hills. Explore the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band stayed in the 1960s. In the evening, witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

• Yoga Session (Fee: INR 500 per person): Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Laxman Jhula (Free): Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
• Beatles Ashram (Entry Fee: INR 150 per person): Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram (Free): Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour

Monday, October 2: Explore Dehradun

Embark on a day trip to Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. Start your morning with a visit to Robber's Cave, a fascinating natural cave formation. Explore the beautiful Mindrolling Monastery and enjoy the serene ambiance. In the afternoon, indulge in shopping at Paltan Bazaar, known for its handicrafts and local products. End your day with a visit to the Forest Research Institute, where you can admire the colonial architecture and lush surroundings.

• Robber's Cave (Entry Fee: INR 25 per person): Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Mindrolling Monastery (Free): Estimated Time Spent - 1.5 hours
• Paltan Bazaar (Shopping Cost: INR 500 per person): Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Forest Research Institute (Entry Fee: INR 20 per person): Estimated Time Spent - 1.5 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun offer numerous popular attractions, there are also some hidden gems and local favorites worth exploring. For families, a visit to Neer Garh Waterfall near Rishikesh is highly recommended. This picturesque waterfall offers a refreshing escape amidst nature. In Dehradun, you can explore the beautiful Malsi Deer Park, where you can spot deer, peacocks, and other wildlife. Additionally, don't miss out on tasting the local cuisine, such as the famous Garhwali Thali, which offers a variety of traditional dishes.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.