Rishikesh and Haridwar 3-day Family Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday, December 23, 2023

Rishikesh

Start your trip by exploring the spiritual charm of Rishikesh. In the morning, head to the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge across the Ganges, offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding hills. Afterward, visit the Beatles Ashram, also known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the famous band stayed in the late 1960s. In the afternoon, rejuvenate yourself with a yoga session or take a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges. As the evening approaches, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat, where devotees offer prayers to the holy river.

• Lakshman Jhula: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Beatles Ashram: Cost - INR 150, Time Spent - 1.5 hours
• Yoga Session: Cost - INR 500, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour

Day 2: Sunday, December 24, 2023

Restaurants

• The Breakfast Club: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious options such as fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• Spice Garden: For a delightful lunch experience, head to Spice Garden, a local restaurant known for its authentic Indian cuisine. Indulge in flavorful curries, aromatic rice dishes, and traditional bread such as naan and roti. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
• Riverside Grill: Enjoy a scenic dinner at Riverside Grill, a charming restaurant by the river offering a serene atmosphere and delectable dishes. Savor grilled seafood, tender steaks, and mouthwatering desserts while admiring the beautiful view. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.

Restaurants

• Ambrosia Cafe: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Ambrosia Cafe, located near Lakshman Jhula. They offer a variety of freshly baked pastries and a selection of healthy breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• Ganga View Restaurant: For lunch, head to Ganga View Restaurant, situated on the banks of the Ganges. Indulge in traditional Indian thalis and enjoy the serene view of the river. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• Zest: For a delightful dinner experience, visit Zest, a rooftop restaurant offering a panoramic view of the city. They serve a fusion of Indian and international cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Haridwar

Embark on a spiritual journey in the holy city of Haridwar. Begin your day by visiting Har Ki Pauri, one of the most sacred ghats in India. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunrise, where priests perform rituals accompanied by chanting and music. Afterward, explore the vibrant streets of Haridwar, filled with shops offering religious items, sweets, and local handicrafts. In the afternoon, visit the Shantikunj Ashram, a spiritual hub known for its yoga and meditation teachings. As the day comes to an end, take a serene boat ride on the Ganges, allowing you to soak in the tranquil ambiance.

• Har Ki Pauri: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Exploring Haridwar Streets: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Shantikunj Ashram: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Boat Ride on the Ganges: Cost - INR 200, Time Spent - 1 hour

Day 3: Monday, December 25, 2023

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Bansal Sweet House, a popular local eatery known for its delicious traditional Indian breakfast items such as aloo puri and chole bhature. A meal here costs around 150 INR per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Big Ben Restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering thali meals. The average cost for a meal at Big Ben is around 300 INR per person.
• Indulge in a delectable dinner at Haveli Restaurant, a charming place offering authentic North Indian cuisine. Enjoy their signature dishes like butter chicken and kebabs. A meal at Haveli Restaurant costs approximately 500 INR per person.

Restaurants

• The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, located near Har Ki Pauri. This popular restaurant offers a variety of options including traditional Indian dishes and delicious breakfast staples. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
• Spice Garden: Indulge in a flavorful lunch at Spice Garden, a restaurant known for its delicious regional cuisine. Located in the heart of Haridwar, this eatery offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
• Ganga View Restaurant: For a memorable dinner experience with a stunning view, head to Ganga View Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious meal while overlooking the majestic Ganges River. The menu offers a mix of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.

Rishikesh and Haridwar

On your last day, spend the morning exploring the beautiful Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, located amidst lush greenery. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, make your way back to Haridwar and visit the Chandi Devi Temple, situated atop Neel Parvat Hill. The temple can be reached via a scenic cable car ride. In the afternoon, enjoy a serene walk along the banks of the Ganges and take in the serene beauty of nature. Before leaving Haridwar, don't forget to taste the famous local street food, such as aloo puri and jalebi, capturing the essence of the city's culinary delights.

• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Chandi Devi Temple: Cost - INR 200 (cable car ride), Time Spent - 3 hours
• Relaxing along the Ganges: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Tasting local street food: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Rishikesh and Haridwar, don't miss out on some hidden gems and local favorites. In Rishikesh, visit the Vashishta Cave, a peaceful spot for meditation and contemplation. You can also go for a thrilling river rafting experience in Rishikesh, which is a unique way to enjoy the stunning landscapes. In Haridwar, make sure to visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India, featuring a relief map of the entire country. Another off the beaten path attraction in Haridwar is the Sapt Rishi Ashram, a tranquil ashram located on the banks of the Ganges, away from the crowded tourist areas.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices on Kayak.com.