One Day Itinerary for Rishikesh and River Rafting and Haridwar in July 2023

1. 9:00AM: Visit Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh
   Located around 5 km from the city centre, it takes around 20 minutes to reach by cab or tuk-tuk. Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge over the Ganges river and holds great religious significance.

   Walk on the bridge and visit the various temples and ashrams nearby. You can also indulge in some souvenir shopping at the market on the other side of the bridge.

2. 11:00AM: River Rafting on Ganges
   Located around 16 km from Lakshman Jhula, it takes around 40 minutes to reach by cab or tuk-tuk. River Rafting on Ganges is a must-do adventure activity in Rishikesh.

   Get ready for a thrilling experience as you navigate through the rapids of Ganges. The activity takes about 2-3 hours depending on the package you choose. Make sure to book in advance and check for weather conditions.

3. 3:00PM: Visit Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
   Located around 40 km from Rishikesh, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach by cab or tuk-tuk. Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the Ganges river and is considered one of the holiest places in India.

   Take a dip in the holy water and witness the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing prayer ritual performed every evening. You can also visit the nearby Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples.

4. 6:00PM: Dinner at Hoshiyar Puri, Haridwar
   Located around 2 km from Har Ki Pauri, it takes around 10 minutes to reach by cab or tuk-tuk. Hoshiyar Puri is a popular local eatery serving delicious North Indian cuisine.

   Try their famous puris and chhole and other mouth-watering dishes. The restaurant is a bit crowded, but the food is worth the wait.

Recommendations

You can also visit the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, which was the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, where the Beatles spent some time in 1968. You can also take a cable car ride to the top of the Mansa Devi hill for a panoramic view of the city. Another option is to visit the Rajaji National Park, located around 20 km from Rishikesh, for some wildlife spotting. Make sure to carry your ID proof and book in advance.

For a side trip, you can visit the hill station of Mussoorie, located around 85 km from Rishikesh. It is a beautiful place with scenic views and pleasant weather.

To maximize your fun, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, carry a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. Also, hire a trusted cab or tuk-tuk driver and negotiate the fare beforehand.

Lastly, make sure to book your hotels and flights in advance. You can use this link to find the best deals.