2-Day "Foodie" Itinerary for Rishikesh in May 2023

1. Day 1: Breakfast at Chotiwala
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Laxman Jhula

   Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Chotiwala, an iconic eatery in Rishikesh. Indulge in their famous poori bhaji, samosas, and lassi while enjoying a view of the Ganges River. The restaurant opens at 7 am, so get there early to avoid the crowds.

2. Day 1: Local Flavors at Ramana's Organic Cafe
   5 minutes (0.3 miles) from Chotiwala

   For lunch, head to Ramana's Organic Cafe, a cozy eatery known for its fresh, healthy, and organic food. Try their thali, a platter of various dishes that perfectly capture the flavors of Rishikesh. The cafe is open from 11 am to 9 pm, so you can also drop by for a late dinner.

3. Day 1: Dinner with a View at The Sitting Elephant
   10 minutes (1.2 miles) from Ramana's Organic Cafe

   End your day with a dinner at The Sitting Elephant, a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the Ganges River and the city. Try their wood-fired pizzas, grilled fish, and cocktails while enjoying the sunset. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 10 pm.

4. Day 2: The Beatles Ashram for Breakfast
   20 minutes (3.8 miles) from The Sitting Elephant

   Start your day with a visit to The Beatles Ashram, a serene and abandoned ashram where the Beatles once meditated. Take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful graffiti art on the walls. You can also have breakfast at any of the street vendors outside the ashram, who sell hot parathas with pickle and chai.

5. Day 2: Lunch at The Ayurvedic Cafe
   15 minutes (2.2 miles) from The Beatles Ashram

   For lunch, head to The Ayurvedic Cafe, a restaurant that offers healthy, Ayurvedic food. Try their thali, which includes a variety of dishes made with fresh and organic ingredients. The cafe is open from 8 am to 9 pm, so you can also drop by for breakfast or dinner.

6. Day 2: Dinner at The Welcome Center
   15 minutes (1.5 miles) from The Ayurvedic Cafe

   End your day with a dinner at The Welcome Center, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant located in the Swarg Ashram area. Try their lentil soup, tofu tikka, and fruit lassi, all made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is open from 8 am to 9 pm.

Recommendations

Aside from the itinerary, you may also want to explore the local markets in Rishikesh, such as the Triveni Ghat Market and the Lakshman Jhula Market, where you can find traditional Indian handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing. If you have time for a side trip, you may also want to visit the Rajaji National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that's home to tigers, elephants, and other animals. To maximize your fun, you can also try outdoor activities in Rishikesh, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and hiking.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chotiwala (1 hour, INR 300)
• Ramana's Organic Cafe (1 hour, INR 500)
• The Sitting Elephant (1.5 hours, INR 1000)
• The Beatles Ashram (1 hour, INR 0)
• The Ayurvedic Cafe (1 hour, INR 400)
• The Welcome Center (1.5 hours, INR 600)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2800