Exploring Rishikesh: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary
Sunday, April 7: Arrival in Rishikesh
Welcome to Rishikesh! Start your trip by checking into a family-friendly hotel. You can find great hotel and flight deals here. In the morning, take a leisurely walk along the sacred Ganges River and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. In the afternoon, visit the famous Parmarth Niketan Ashram, known for its serene atmosphere and mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Enjoy a peaceful evening exploring the local markets and savoring delicious vegetarian cuisine.
Ganges River: Free, 2-3 hours
Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free, 2 hours
Local Markets: Varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Head over to Chotiwala Restaurant for a traditional Indian breakfast. Indulge in mouthwatering dosas, parathas, and delicious chai. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Visit Little Buddha Cafe for a delightful lunch experience. Enjoy their diverse menu featuring Indian and international cuisines, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Dinner: For a memorable dinner, dine at the famous Ramana's Garden Restaurant. This sustainable and organic eatery offers a variety of healthy and organic dishes, including gluten-free and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Monday, April 8: Adventure at Shivpuri
Embark on an exciting adventure at Shivpuri, a beautiful town near Rishikesh. Start your day with a thrilling white water rafting experience on the Ganges River. Afterward, enjoy a picnic amidst nature and indulge in activities like cliff jumping and body surfing. In the evening, relax by the riverside and witness a magnificent sunset.
White Water Rafting: INR 1500-2500 per person, 4-5 hours
Picnic and Adventure Activities: INR 500-1000 per person, 3-4 hours
Riverside Sunset: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant. This popular eatery offers a variety of Indian dishes and the average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head over to The Sitting Elephant. This charming restaurant serves a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit The Beatles Cafe. Enjoy the serene ambiance and delicious food inspired by the famous band. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Tuesday, April 9: Explore Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, situated amidst the picturesque hills of Rishikesh. Begin your day with a serene trek through lush green forests to reach the temple. After seeking blessings at the temple, take some time to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, unwind by attending a yoga or meditation session at one of the ashrams.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Free, 4-5 hours
Yoga/Meditation Session: INR 500-1000 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a hearty Indian breakfast at Little Buddha Cafe, known for its delicious vegetarian dishes and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Grab a quick and flavorsome lunch at Beatles Cafe, offering a range of international cuisines including Italian and Israeli. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant, a popular eatery serving authentic North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, April 10: Visit Beatles Ashram and Ram Jhula
Explore the historical Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. Walk through the scenic ruins and learn about the ashram's connection with The Beatles. Afterward, head to Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges River. Visit the various temples and ashrams nearby, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. In the evening, witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat.
Beatles Ashram: INR 150 per person, 3-4 hours
Ram Jhula and Surroundings: Free, 2-3 hours
Boat Ride on Ganges River: INR 500-1000 per boat, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Coffee Day, located near the Beatles Ashram. Enjoy a wide range of breakfast options such as sandwiches, pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delicious and filling lunch, head over to Chotiwala Restaurant, situated near Ram Jhula. Indulge in traditional Indian dishes like thalis, curries and tandoori specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Little Buddha Cafe, a popular dinner spot near Triveni Ghat. Savor international cuisines with a beautiful view of the Ganges River. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Thursday, April 11: Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Indulge in a rejuvenating day focused on well-being and relaxation. Start your day with a yoga and meditation session at one of the renowned yoga retreats in Rishikesh. Learn different yoga asanas and techniques to calm your mind and body. In the afternoon, pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic spa treatment. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the nearby cafes and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Yoga and Meditation Retreat: INR 1500-2500 per person, 4-5 hours
Ayurvedic Spa Treatment: INR 2000-4000 per person, 2-3 hours
Exploring Cafes: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Sitting Elephant: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Sitting Elephant, a charming café known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Ganga Beach Café: For lunch, head to Ganga Beach Café, a popular riverside restaurant offering a variety of Indian and international dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas! Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
The Chotiwala Restaurant: Indulge in a traditional Indian dinner experience at The Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Their extensive menu and warm hospitality make it a must-visit. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Friday, April 12: Excursion to Haridwar
Take a day trip to Haridwar, a holy city located near Rishikesh. Begin your day by attending the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri ghat. Explore the ancient temples and ashrams, and take a dip in the holy Ganges River. Visit Mansa Devi Temple by cable car for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, experience the vibrant market of Haridwar and indulge in local street food.
Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2-3 hours
Mansa Devi Temple: INR 200 per person (cable car extra), 3-4 hours
Exploring Temples and Markets: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its wide variety of Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Sitting Elephant, a popular vegetarian restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Shambhu's, a cozy rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. Enjoy their wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, April 13: Nature Walk at Rajaji National Park
Conclude your trip with a refreshing nature walk at Rajaji National Park. Embark on a guided safari through the park, home to diverse flora and fauna. Spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature and take in the serene surroundings. Return to Rishikesh in the evening and spend your last night exploring local markets and souvenir shops.
Rajaji National Park Safari: INR 1500-2500 per person, 6-7 hours
Packed Lunch: INR 300-500 per person
Exploring Local Markets: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Rishikesh is Chotiwala, known for its delicious vegetarian breakfast options. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast here for an average cost of about Rs. 200 per person.
If you're looking for a place to have lunch, head to German Bakery & Café. They offer a wide range of sandwiches, pizzas, and baked goods. On average, you can expect to spend around Rs. 400 per person for a satisfying meal.
For a memorable dinner experience, try the rooftop restaurant at The Sitting Elephant. With its cozy atmosphere and stunning views of the Ganges, this place offers a variety of Indian and international dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While in Rishikesh, don't miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Vasistha Cave, located on the banks of the Ganges River. It is believed to be the meditation spot of the Sage Vasistha. You can also take a short hike to the picturesque Patna Waterfall, a hidden gem in the outskirts of Rishikesh. These offbeat attractions offer tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty, perfect for a family-friendly adventure.