Rishikesh Family-friendly 4-day Itinerary - October 7 to October 10, 2023
Saturday, October 7: Ganges Aarti and Beatles Ashram
Start your first day in Rishikesh by immersing yourself in spirituality and nature. In the morning, visit the Triveni Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganges Aarti, a Hindu ritual of worshiping the river. Afterward, head to the famous ashram where the Beatles once stayed - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, also known as the Beatles Ashram. Explore the abandoned ashram amidst lush greenery and soak in the history and tranquility. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the suspension bridge, also known as Laxman Jhula, and enjoy beautiful views of the Ganges River.
Breakfast: Little Buddha Cafe offers a serene ambiance with a wide range of healthy and delicious breakfast options such as smoothie bowls, pancakes, and avocado toast. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Lunch: German Bakery is a popular spot for lunch, serving a variety of European and Indian dishes, including sandwiches, pizzas, and thalis. Enjoy your meal in their cozy outdoor seating area overlooking the river. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Dinner: Chotiwala Restaurant is a well-known local eatery offering a range of traditional Indian cuisine, including North Indian, South Indian, and Gujarati dishes. The restaurant is famous for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent service. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 8: Adventure Activities and Neelkantha Mahadev Temple
On your second day, get ready for some adventure and spiritual exploration. Morning starts with thrilling adventure activities like white-water rafting in the Ganges River. Afterward, visit the iconic Neelkantha Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, surrounded by lush green forests. Take in the serene atmosphere and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan range. In the evening, you can relax and rejuvenate with a yoga or meditation session in one of the many ashrams in Rishikesh.
White-water rafting: INR 1000-2500 per person depending on the package, spend around 4-5 hours
Neelkantha Mahadev Temple: Free, spend around 2 hours
Yoga or Meditation Session: Prices vary, spend around 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try The Sitting Elephant, a vegetarian restaurant serving a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Little Buddha Cafe, a popular spot for travelers, offering a mix of Tibetan, Thai, and Italian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, October 9: Trek to Kunjapuri Temple and Ganga Aarti
Embark on a scenic trek to Kunjapuri Temple, located on a hilltop, offering breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Start early in the morning to witness the enchanting sunrise. After the trek, explore the temple premises and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. In the evening, attend the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, where priests offer prayers to the holy river amid chanting and spiritual rituals.
Trek to Kunjapuri Temple: Free, spend around 5-6 hours
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free, spend around 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Sitting Elephant, a cozy cafe known for its delicious omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Little Buddha Cafe, a popular spot offering a variety of international cuisines including Italian, Tibetan, and Israeli dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering momos. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ramana's Organic Cafe, a charming restaurant known for its organic, vegetarian menu. Indulge in their homemade pizzas and organic salads. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Explore Shivpuri and Ram Jhula
Spend your final day exploring the serene surroundings of Shivpuri village. Start with a visit to the scenic Shivpuri Beach, where you can relax, swim in the river, or try your hand at water sports like river rafting or kayaking. Afterward, head to Ram Jhula, another iconic suspension bridge, and explore the various temples, ashrams, and shops. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerizing Ganges River sunset view from any of the rooftop cafes near Ram Jhula.
Shivpuri Beach: Free, spend around 3-4 hours
Ram Jhula: Free, spend around 2 hours
Ganges River sunset view: Prices vary, spend around 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its traditional Indian cuisine and delightful ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit The Sitting Elephant, a vegetarian restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at 60's (Cafe Delmar), a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the Ganges River and serving a range of international and Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique family-friendly experience in Rishikesh, consider visiting the Geeta Bhawan, a massive complex where you can attend spiritual discourses, watch religious movies, or visit the beautiful garden. Another hidden gem is the Beatles Café, a cozy café with Beatles-themed decor and a great ambiance. It's a perfect spot for refreshments and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Additionally, don't miss the chance to take a rejuvenating dip in the natural hot springs of Neer Garh Waterfall, located on the outskirts of Rishikesh.