Day 1: Friday, September 29, 2023 - Arrival and Haridwar Exploration
In the morning, begin your journey by arriving at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, take a taxi or private transfer to Haridwar, a spiritual city located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Start your day with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, the most important ghat in Haridwar, known for its evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Afterwards, explore the ancient temples of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, both accessible by cable car and offering panoramic views of the city. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the bustling streets of Haridwar, where you can sample local street food and shop for souvenirs.
A popular breakfast spot in Haridwar is Mohanji Puri Wale, where you can enjoy delicious piping hot puris and aloo sabzi. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 100 per person.
For lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri, a local favorite known for its crispy and flaky puris served with a variety of curries. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 150 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional North Indian dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant, renowned for its authentic vegetarian thali meals. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 250 per person.
Day 2: Saturday, September 30, 2023 - Rishikesh Exploration
Start your day by traveling from Haridwar to Rishikesh, approximately a 30-minute drive. Rishikesh is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and offers a serene and spiritual environment. Begin your morning with a visit to the iconic Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges River offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Explore the various ashrams in Rishikesh, such as the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band once stayed. In the afternoon, experience an authentic yoga session or meditation class in one of the many yoga centers. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, a soul-stirring experience.
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free entry, 1 hour
Restaurants
Situated in the heart of Rishikesh, Chotiwala Restaurant is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious Indian vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Bistro Nirvana, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of international cuisines including Italian, Mexican, and Indian. The average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹400 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at The Sitting Elephant, a riverside restaurant offering a tranquil ambiance and a menu featuring Indian and Continental dishes. The average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹800 per person.
Day 3: Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Adventure and Nature
On your last day, indulge in adventure activities and experience the natural beauty of Rishikesh. Start your morning with a thrilling whitewater rafting session on the Ganges River, where you can navigate through exciting rapids. Afterward, visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, situated amidst the lush Shivalik Hills. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful nature walk along the banks of the Ganges River or explore the nearby Rajaji National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. As the day comes to an end, savor a delicious riverside dinner at one of the local cafes.
Whitewater Rafting: Starting from ₹1000 ($14) per person, 3 hours
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Free entry, 2 hours
Nature Walk/Rajaji National Park: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Riverside Dinner: ₹500-1000 ($7-14) per person
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious Indian cuisine. They serve a variety of breakfast options from traditional Indian dishes to continental breakfast. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Situated near the Ganges River, Little Buddha Cafe is a great choice for lunch. They offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, including healthy salads and refreshing smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Zorba Organic Restaurant. This rooftop restaurant offers a stunning view of the river and serves a mix of Indian and international dishes made with organic ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While Haridwar and Rishikesh have popular attractions, there are also some hidden gems worth exploring. Visit the stunning Vashishta Gufa, a cave where the sage Vashishta is said to have meditated. It offers a peaceful and mystical ambiance away from the crowds. Another hidden gem is the Sapt Rishi Ashram, located on the banks of the Ganges River and accessible by boat or a short trek. This ancient ashram is associated with the seven sages and provides a serene setting for meditation and self-reflection. Don't miss the opportunity to try the flavorsome local delicacies like Aloo Poori, Kachori, and Jalebi from the street food stalls near Har Ki Pauri.