Rishikesh is a holy city located in the foothills of the Himalayas, known for its ancient temples and ashrams. Start with a visit to the Triveni Ghat, a sacred bathing spot in the Ganges river where locals and pilgrims perform daily rituals. Next, head to the Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges river with stunning views of the surrounding hills. Afterward, visit the Beatles Ashram, an abandoned ashram where The Beatles once lived and meditated. End your day with a visit to the Neer Garh Waterfall, a stunning waterfall located in the midst of a dense forest.
Haridwar is an ancient city located in the state of Uttarakhand, known for its temples and the evening Ganga aarti (worship of the river Ganges). Start with a visit to the Har Ki Pauri, a ghat on the Ganges river where the evening aarti takes place. Next, head to the Chandi Devi Temple, a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chandi. Afterward, visit the Mansa Devi Temple, a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mansa. End your day with a visit to the Shantikunj Ashram, a spiritual and educational center founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya.
To travel between Rishikesh and Haridwar, you can hire a private taxi or take a shared jeep or bus. The average cost for a one-way trip is INR 300 and the travel time is approximately 1 hour. Within Rishikesh and Haridwar, local three-wheeled auto-rickshaws are the most convenient mode of transportation. They are metered, and the minimum fare is INR 10.
If you have more time, you may consider visiting the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, which hosts the International Yoga Festival every year in March. The Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Ganges, is another excellent option for nature lovers. If you have less time, you may consider skipping the Beatles Ashram or the Shantikunj Ashram.
The nearest airport to Rishikesh and Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, approximately 35 miles away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.