3-Day Low Budget Haridwar and Rishikesh Itinerary

Friday, September 29: Exploring Haridwar

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the spiritual essence of Haridwar, a holy city on the banks of the Ganges River. In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat where pilgrims gather to take a holy dip in the river. Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening, where priests offer prayers and light lamps, creating a magical atmosphere. Don't miss a visit to Mansa Devi Temple, located on the Bilwa Parvat hill, accessible via cable car, for panoramic views of the city.

• Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2-3 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Free, 1-2 hours
• Mansa Devi Temple: Cable car charges apply (~INR 100), 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Chotiwala, a popular restaurant known for its delicious vegetarian dishes. Try their mouthwatering parathas and chai. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, visit Captain's Cavalry Restro, a cozy place offering a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their special thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• For dinner, try the famous Hoshiyar Puri, a local favorite for North Indian cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful curries and freshly baked breads. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.

Saturday, September 30: Spiritual Rishikesh

Embark on a journey to the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges River. Explore the ashrams and temples in the area, including the famous Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Afternoon is a perfect time to experience a yoga and meditation session in one of the many yoga centers. As the sun sets, witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Ghat, which is truly a sight to behold.

• Laxman Jhula: Free, 1-2 hours
• Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free, 1-2 hours
• Yoga and Meditation Session: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 1: Adventure in Rishikesh

Spend your last day in Rishikesh indulging in thrilling adventure activities. Start with a thrilling river rafting experience on the Ganges River, suitable for beginners as well. Afterward, head to the Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles once stayed and meditated. Conclude your trip with a visit to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, located amidst the lush forests of the Pauri Garhwal district.

• River Rafting: Approx. INR 600-1000 per person, 3-4 hours
• Beatles Ashram: INR 150 entry fee, 1-2 hours
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Free, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head over to Chotiwala Restaurant, a popular local eatery known for its delicious vegetarian dishes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast of parathas and masala chai for an average cost of about Rs. 150 per person.
• For lunch, try the vegetarian thali at Rajasthani Restaurant, offering a wide variety of traditional Rajasthani flavors. Indulge in a wholesome meal with unlimited servings at an average cost of about Rs. 200 per person.
• For dinner, visit The Sitting Elephant, a cozy rooftop restaurant with a serene ambiance and stunning views of Rishikesh. They serve a range of Indian and international dishes, with an average cost of about Rs. 400 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Haridwar and Rishikesh, make sure to visit the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Rishikesh. This sanctuary is home to various species of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and deer. Another hidden gem is the Vashishta Gufa, a cave where the sage Vashishta is said to have meditated. It offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for introspection and meditation. Don't forget to try the local street food, such as aloo puri, kachori, and jalebi, which are popular and pocket-friendly options.

For hotel and flight bookings, check out Kayak for the best prices.