Begin your trip in Haridwar, a sacred city in Uttarakhand. In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri, a revered ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual celebrating the river. Afterward, explore the bustling markets selling religious items and souvenirs. In the afternoon, head to Mansa Devi Temple, located atop a hill. Take the cable car for panoramic views of the city and offer prayers at the temple. End the day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges River during the evening Aarti.
Har Ki Pauri: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Mansa Devi Temple: Estimated Cost: Cable Car - INR 170, Time Spent: 3 to 4 hours
Evening Ganges River Boat Ride: Estimated Cost: INR 200, Time Spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your morning at Chotiwal Restaurant, known for its delicious traditional Indian breakfast. Enjoy hot and crispy puri bhaji and a cup of masala chai. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant, famous for its mouthwatering Punjabi cuisine. Try their signature butter chicken with naan bread. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Ganga View Restaurant, offering a stunning view of the Ganges River. Indulge in their delectable seafood dishes like tandoori fish and prawn curry. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, November 5: Enjoying Dhanaulti
On the second day, travel to Dhanaulti, a serene hill station in Uttarakhand. Start your morning by visiting Eco Park, a beautiful garden offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Enjoy a picnic amidst the lush greenery and indulge in adventure activities like rappelling and zip-lining. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Deoban, a dense forest known for its picturesque hiking trails. Witness the mesmerizing sunset from this vantage point. Spend the evening stargazing and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.
Eco Park: Estimated Cost: Entry - INR 25, Time Spent: 2 to 3 hours
Deoban: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 4 to 5 hours
Stargazing: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1 to 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Bliss, a cozy eatery known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try out The Orchard, a charming restaurant offering a delightful spread of regional dishes and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, dine at Woods & Pines, a rustic restaurant that serves mouthwatering barbecues and sizzlers. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Monday, November 6: Returning to Haridwar
On the final day, head back to Haridwar for more exploration. Start your morning by visiting Chandi Devi Temple, located atop Neel Parvat. Reach the temple by either trekking or taking the cable car. Explore the serene surroundings and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. Marvel at the stunning map of undivided India and learn about its rich history. Conclude your trip by taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque streets of Haridwar and savoring the local cuisine.
Chandi Devi Temple: Estimated Cost: Cable Car - INR 750, Time Spent: 3 to 4 hours
Bharat Mata Mandir: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1 to 2 hours
Exploring Haridwar Streets and Cuisine: Estimated Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 2 to 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning at Rehman's Cafe, a cozy breakfast spot known for its delicious chai and samosas. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri, a popular local restaurant famous for its crispy puris and tantalizing Punjabi dishes. Indulge in a satisfying meal here for an average cost of $10 per person.
Treat yourself to dinner at Big Ben's Bistro, a charming restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about $15 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those looking to venture off the beaten path, consider visiting Kankhal, a suburb of Haridwar known for its ancient temples and serene ambiance. The Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple and Anandamayi Ashram are worth exploring. Another local favorite is the Patna Waterfall in Dhanaulti, a beautiful cascade surrounded by picturesque views. Enjoy a peaceful picnic or simply relax amidst nature's beauty.
Check here for hotel and flight prices in Haridwar and Dhanaulti.