Welcome to Rishikesh, a serene city nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Begin your trip by checking into a cozy hotel or guesthouse. Explore the local markets in the morning, where you can find traditional handicrafts and local delicacies. In the afternoon, head to the iconic Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges River. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride in the evening, while witnessing the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the river.
Rajaji National Park: ₹500 per person, 2-3 hours
Laxman Jhula: Free, 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Chotiwala Restaurant. This popular eatery offers a variety of Indian and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit The Sitting Elephant. This charming restaurant serves tasty vegetarian and vegan options. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, indulge in the flavors of Devraj Coffee Corner. This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the city and serves mouthwatering North Indian cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 19: Adventure and Nature
Embark on an adventurous day in Rishikesh. Start your morning with a thrilling white water rafting experience in the Ganges River. Afterward, visit the Neer Garh Waterfall, nestled in the tranquil forests of the Garhwal Himalayas. Explore the nearby Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. Wrap up your day by attending a yoga or meditation class at one of the many ashrams in the city.
White Water Rafting: ₹1000 per person, 3-4 hours
Neer Garh Waterfall: Free, 2-3 hours
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Yoga/Meditation Class: ₹500 per session, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Hungry Yogi: Enjoy a healthy and nutritious breakfast at The Hungry Yogi, located near the Ganges River. They offer a variety of freshly prepared vegetarian and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Ganga View Cafe: Indulge in a delicious lunch with a stunning view of the Ganges River at Ganga View Cafe. They serve a mix of Indian and continental cuisine, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Rishikesh Food Junction: Savor a flavorful dinner at Rishikesh Food Junction, known for its authentic Indian cuisine. They offer a wide range of dishes, including traditional curries and tandoori specialties. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Wednesday, December 20: Explore Temples and Ashrams
Spend the morning exploring the ancient temples and renowned ashrams of Rishikesh. Begin with the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band stayed in the 1960s. Next, visit the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, which offers spiritual discourses and Ganga Aarti ceremonies. Afterward, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Sivananda Ashram and participate in their yoga and meditation sessions. In the evening, head to Triveni Ghat to witness the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Beatles Ashram: ₹150 per person, 2-3 hours
Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free, 2-3 hours
Sivananda Ashram: ₹300 per person, 2-3 hours
Triveni Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Bistro Nirvana: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Bistro Nirvana, known for its healthy and organic options. Start your day with their freshly brewed coffee and indulge in their avocado toast. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about INR 300 per person.
Lakshman's Delight: For lunch, head to Lakshman's Delight, a vegetarian restaurant that offers a wide variety of tasty Indian and international dishes. Try their flavorful thali, which includes a selection of curries, rice, and bread. The average cost for a lunch meal is about INR 400 per person.
Rasa: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Rasa, a fine dining restaurant specializing in authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist. From their flavorful curries to their unique dessert creations, Rasa guarantees a delightful dining experience. The average cost for a dinner meal is about INR 800 per person.
Thursday, December 21: Day Trip to Haridwar
On your last day, take a day trip to the neighboring city of Haridwar, just a short distance from Rishikesh. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges. Explore the vibrant streets of Haridwar and indulge in some local street food, like the famous aloo puri and jalebi. In the afternoon, visit the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. Wrap up your day with a serene sunset boat ride on the Ganges.
Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2-3 hours
Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Mansa Devi Temple: ₹200 per person, 2-3 hours
Boat Ride: ₹200 per person, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
In addition to the popular attractions, Rishikesh has some hidden gems that are perfect for families. Take a short hike to the peaceful Patna Waterfall and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. Another off-the-beaten-path spot is the Geeta Bhawan, where you can attend spiritual discourses and explore the beautifully painted mythological scenes. These family-friendly spots offer a unique and peaceful experience away from the crowds.