Start your adventure in the spiritual town of Rishikesh. In the morning, head to Laxman Jhula, a famous suspension bridge overlooking the Ganges River. Enjoy the breathtaking views and visit the numerous ashrams nearby. In the afternoon, experience the thrill of white water rafting in the Ganges. As the evening approaches, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, where you can witness the rhythmic chanting and floating lamps on the river.
Laxman Jhula: Free, 2-3 hours
Ganges River Rafting: INR 1,500-2,500, 3-4 hours
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free, 1 hour
Sunday December 17: Trekking to Neer Waterfalls
Embark on a thrilling trek to Neer Waterfalls. Start early in the morning and hike through the lush forest trails, enjoying the serene beauty of the Himalayan foothills. Reach the picturesque waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Afterward, visit the nearby Patna Waterfall for more scenic views. In the evening, explore Rishikesh's local markets and savor delicious street food.
Trekking to Neer Waterfalls: Free, 4-5 hours
Patna Waterfall: Free, 1-2 hours
Exploring Local Markets: INR 500-1,000, 2-3 hours
Monday December 18: Yoga and Meditation
Immerse yourself in Rishikesh's spiritual practices and join a yoga and meditation session in the morning. Find inner peace and relaxation as you learn different yoga postures and breathing techniques. Afterward, visit the famous Beatles Ashram, where the legendary band once stayed. Explore the graffiti-covered walls and reconnect with nature in the ashram's lush surroundings. In the evening, attend a traditional Indian cooking class and indulge in a flavorful dinner.
Yoga and Meditation: INR 500-1,000, 2-3 hours
Beatles Ashram: INR 150-300, 1-2 hours
Indian Cooking Class: INR 1,000-1,500, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at The Sitting Elephant, a charming café known for its healthy and organic food options. Indulge in their delicious smoothie bowls and avocado toast. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Chotiwala, a popular vegetarian restaurant that offers a wide range of North Indian dishes. Try their Rajma Chawal or Dal Makhani for a satisfying meal. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cloud's End, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. Savor their delectable Indian and continental dishes, such as Butter Chicken and Pasta Alfredo. Average cost for a meal is about ₹700 per person.
Tuesday December 19: Kanatal Adventure Camp
Head to Kanatal, a serene hill station known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Arrive at your adventure camp and indulge in thrilling activities like rappelling, rock climbing, and valley crossing. Explore the nearby picturesque Surkhanda Devi Temple, surrounded by lush forests. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire under the starry sky, followed by a delicious dinner at the camp.
An ideal place for breakfast is The Breakfast Club, offering a wide variety of continental and Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head over to The River View Restaurant which offers a scenic view of the Ganges River. Enjoy a range of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Italian. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Mountain Top Restaurant which offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Indulge in delicious North Indian and Tibetan cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹700 per person.
Wednesday December 20: Dhanaulti Eco Park and Camping
Visit the tranquil Dhanaulti Eco Park in the morning and marvel at the dense deodar forests and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Engage in activities like horseback riding or adventure sports like zip-lining and skywalk. Enjoy a picnic amidst nature's beauty and breathe in the fresh mountain air. In the evening, go camping in the peaceful surroundings and indulge in stargazing.
Dhanaulti Eco Park: INR 50-100, 2-3 hours
Adventure Sports: INR 500-1,000, 1-2 hours
Camping: INR 1,000-1,500 (tent rental), 4-5 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Rishikesh is Cafe Nirvana, known for its mouthwatering pancakes and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch option, head to Little Buddha Cafe and enjoy their delectable Tibetan cuisine with stunning views of the Ganges river. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Chotiwala Restaurant, a well-known eatery in Rishikesh offering a variety of Indian dishes, including their famous thali. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Thursday December 21: Return to Rishikesh
Say goodbye to the serene mountains and return to Rishikesh. Spend the day at leisure, exploring any missed attractions or indulging in shopping for spiritual souvenirs. In the evening, witness the grand Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and offer prayers by the sacred river. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a riverside restaurant, reminiscing about your adventurous journey.
Leisure and Shopping: Variable, 4-5 hours
Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Farewell Dinner: INR 800-1,500, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Choti wala, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
When it comes to lunch, visit The Sitting Elephant, a cozy restaurant offering a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at The Ganga View Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the Ganges river and delectable Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventure enthusiasts seeking off the beaten path experiences, try paragliding in Rishikesh. Soar high above the Himalayas, enjoying the panoramic views of the entire region. Another hidden gem is Kaudia Forest, located near Kanatal. Take a peaceful nature walk through the forest, encountering diverse flora and fauna. Lastly, indulge in local delicacies like Kumaoni cuisine in Kanatal, such as Kafuli and Bhatt ki Churkani, for a taste of authentic flavors.
For hotel and flight bookings, check out Kayak to find the best deals and prices.