Start your day at Har Ki Pauri Ghat, the most famous ghat in Haridwar, situated on the banks of River Ganga. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti in the morning and take a holy dip in the river before exploring the local markets for souvenirs. For lunch, head to the nearby Chotiwala Restaurant, serving delicious North Indian food. Spend your afternoon at the Mansa Devi Temple, accessible via a cable car ride. In the evening, visit the Maya Devi Temple, one of the most ancient temples in India, and enjoy a peaceful evening aarti.
Take a day trip to the Rajaji National Park, a tiger reserve, and a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 400 species of birds and animals. Go for a jungle safari to spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and various species of deer. After the safari, visit the Chandi Devi Temple, situated atop the Neel Parvat, accessible via a cable car ride. In the evening, head to the famous Moti Bazaar for street food and shopping.
Start your day early and drive to the Neer Garh Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Haridwar. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall before heading to Rishikesh, a spiritual city, also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Visit the famous Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles spent their time meditating and composing music. For lunch, head to the Chotiwala Restaurant, Rishikesh branch. In the afternoon, go for a river rafting adventure in the Ganges, followed by a visit to the Triveni Ghat for the evening aarti.
Visit the Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and learn about the Hindu mythology associated with it. Then head to the Sapt Rishi Ashram, a peaceful retreat, where seven sages meditated in ancient times. Spend your afternoon at the local markets, purchasing souvenirs and local delicacies. In the evening, enjoy a Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri Ghat and take a final dip in the holy river.
Don't miss out on the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival, which takes place once in 12 years. It is scheduled to happen in Haridwar in 2022. You can also explore the nearby hill stations of Mussoorie and Dehradun for a day trip. To maximize your fun, try out adventure activities like bungee jumping, flying fox, and zip-lining in Rishikesh.