In the morning, visit the Chilla Forest Range located on the outskirts of Haridwar. This range covers an area of 249 sq. km and is home to various wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and leopards. Afternoon can be spent volunteering at Rajaji National Park, which is located within the forest range. You can choose to participate in various activities like bird watching, nature walks, and animal care. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat located on the banks of river Ganges. The aarti is a divine experience where priests offer prayers to the holy river.
In the morning, head to Ganga Action Parivar, an NGO working towards the conservation of river Ganges and its ecosystems. The organization offers various volunteering opportunities such as tree plantation, water testing, and cleaning drives. In the afternoon, visit the Mansa Devi temple, located atop Bilwa Parvat. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi and is said to fulfill the wishes of its devotees. In the evening, take a dip in the holy waters of Ganges at Har Ki Pauri and witness the floating lamps that are released into the river during the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
If you have time, you can also consider visiting the Neer Garh Waterfall, located 6 km from Haridwar. The waterfall is a popular picnic spot and offers a serene environment. Another option is to take a side trip to Rishikesh, located 20 km from Haridwar. Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World and offers various ashrams and yoga centers for those interested in spiritual practices. To maximize your fun, try some local street food such as aloo puri, kachori, and jalebi. Lastly, make sure to carry comfortable shoes and clothing as most of the volunteering activities involve physical work.
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