Saturday, October 7, 2023: Day 1 - Explore Haridwar
In the morning, start your journey in Haridwar by visiting Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. Witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti, a prayer ceremony that takes place at sunset, where priests offer prayers and devotees light oil lamps. Experience the spiritual energy and the mesmerizing ambiance of this divine ritual. In the afternoon, visit Mansa Devi Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa. Enjoy a cable car ride to the top of the Bilwa Parvat hill and admire the panoramic views of the city. In the evening, explore the bustling markets of Haridwar, where you can find various religious items, handicrafts, and local delicacies.
Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2-3 hours
Mansa Devi Temple: INR 100 for cable car ride, 2 hours
Local Markets: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Coffee Day is a popular coffee chain where you can enjoy a variety of breakfast options such as sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Lunch: Hoshiyar Puri is a local restaurant famous for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Indulge in their delicious thali meals which include a variety of curries, bread, rice, and dessert. The average cost for a meal is about 350 INR per person.
Dinner: The Grand Dine is a fine dining restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and delectable Indian and international dishes. Treat yourself to their mouthwatering kebabs, curries, and desserts. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 8, 2023: Day 2 - Spirituality and Nature
Start your morning with a visit to Chandi Devi Temple, located atop the Neel Parvat hill. Embark on a thrilling cable car ride or take a trek to reach the temple and seek the blessings of Goddess Chandi. Afterward, head to the nearby Rajaji National Park for an adventurous wildlife safari. Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species. Spend the afternoon surrounded by nature's beauty. In the evening, take a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
Chandi Devi Temple: INR 100 for cable car ride, 2-3 hours
Rajaji National Park: INR 1500 for safari, 4-5 hours
Ganges River Boat Ride: INR 200-300, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit the famous Hoshiyar Puri restaurant known for its delicious and freshly made puris served with mouthwatering potato curry. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, a popular eatery offering a wide range of vegetarian dishes including thalis, biryanis, and Indian sweets. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the unique flavors of Akhilesh Restaurant which offers a variety of North Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their speciality, the Mutton Rogan Josh. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, October 9, 2023: Day 3 - Cultural Exploration
In the morning, visit the holy Rishikesh, located just a short distance from Haridwar. Explore the iconic ashrams, such as the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band once stayed and composed songs. Take a walk across the suspended Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, two iconic bridges over the Ganges River, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Rishikesh. Afterward, indulge in the adrenaline rush by trying river rafting in the Ganges or opt for a relaxing yoga and meditation session in one of the many wellness centers. In the evening, get mesmerized by the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh Sightseeing: Varies, 4-6 hours
River Rafting: INR 600-2000, 2-3 hours
Yoga and Meditation: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Karma: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Karma, known for its wide variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about ₹300 per person.
The Sitting Elephant: For a delightful lunch experience, head to The Sitting Elephant, a vegetarian restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and international cuisine. Enjoy their mouthwatering thali plates or try their innovative dishes like tofu tikka masala. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Bhandari Restaurant: Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Bhandari Restaurant, renowned for its authentic North Indian dishes and cozy ambience. Try their delicious butter chicken or paneer tikka along with freshly baked naan bread. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about ₹800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Haridwar, make sure to visit the Maya Devi Temple, the oldest temple in the city, dating back to the 11th century. It is a revered site for pilgrims and offers a glimpse into the rich history and architecture of the region. Another hidden gem is the Sapt Rishi Ashram, located in a peaceful and secluded spot. This ashram is known for its tranquility and natural surroundings, where you can meditate and find solace. The local delicacies of Haridwar, especially the street food like aloo puri and jalebi, are not to be missed. Grab a plate and savor the authentic flavors while exploring the city.