4-Day Shoestring Budget Rail Trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar

Haridwar, India

12:00PM

Arrival at Haridwar Station

Step off the train and feel the vibrant energy of Haridwar as you prepare for an exciting adventure.
Walk to a nearby affordable guesthouse.
INR500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Savour a delicious, budget-friendly Indian thali, a traditional meal packed with flavours.
A short 10-minute walk from the guesthouse.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Explore this sacred ghat, famous for its Ganga aarti that takes place every evening.
Walk or take a local rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Local Markets

Wander through vibrant markets and pick up souvenirs, snacks, and sweets.
Stroll through the lanes around Har Ki Pauri.
INR100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Witness the extravagant Ganga aarti ceremony, a spiritual experience that will leave you in awe.
Stay at Har Ki Pauri.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Aanchal Restaurant

Enjoy an authentic North Indian meal in a casual setting with great views of the river.
A 10-minute walk from the ghat.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 2: Exploring Haridwar

Haridwar, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at a local tea stall

Start your day with a cup of chai and some crispy pakoras, a classic Haridwar breakfast.
Nearby tea stalls within a 5-minute walk.
INR50, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Take a cable car ride to this hilltop temple for stunning views and spirituality.
Take the local cable car, short walk to the base.
INR150, 2 hours

11:00AM

Cable Car to Chandi Devi Temple

Another beautiful temple atop a hill, providing a serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.
Cable car ride from Mansa Devi, with scenic views.
INR150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mohanji Puriwala

Relish mouth-watering pooris with aloo sabzi, a local delicacy.
Return to the town via local transport.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Rajaji National Park

Explore flora and fauna, a great opportunity for wildlife spotting; plan a budget safari.
Take a bus to the park entrance.
INR300, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax and Watch the Sunset

Find a peaceful spot by the river to soak in the beautiful sunset over the Ganges.
Head back to Har Ki Pauri.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hoshiyarpuri

Experience traditional North-Indian flavors in a vibrant atmosphere after a long day.
A 5-minute walk from Har Ki Pauri.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Guesthouse

Enjoy a simple breakfast of toast and fruit at your guesthouse before departing.
Breakfast served at your lodging.
INR100, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Rishikesh

Take a local bus or shared taxi to Rishikesh, admiring the scenic views along the journey.
Board a local bus from Haridwar bus stand.
INR50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Arrival in Rishikesh

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for a day of exploration.
Check into a budget guesthouse upon arrival.
INR500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Trimbakeshwar Temple

Pay a visit to one of the significant temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Rishikesh.
Walk to the nearby temple.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Breakfast around Ram Jhula

Grab a light snack at one of the outdoor cafes by the river with a view of Ram Jhula.
A 10-minute walk along the Ganges.
INR150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Beatles Cafe

Enjoy a hip ambiance and delectable vegetarian dishes inspired by the famous band.
Head towards the Beatles Ashram.
INR350, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Beatles Ashram

Explore the iconic ashram and its artistic graffiti, an interesting historical spot.
A 15-minute walk from the cafe.
INR50, 2 hours

5:30PM

Enjoy the Ganga Aarti

Participate in the evening aarti at Parmarth Niketan, a peaceful and spiritually uplifting experience.
Walk to Parmarth Niketan by the riverbank.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Relax after a long day of exploring with delicious vegetarian food at one of the town’s favourite restaurants.
A short walk from the ashram.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 4: Adventure Activities in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Guesthouse

Fuel up for the day with a simple breakfast of bread, butter, and jam.
Breakfast served at your lodging.
INR100, 1 hour

9:00AM

White Water Rafting

Experience thrilling rapids on the Ganges; you'll remember this for a lifetime.
Head to the rafting provider's location nearby.
INR500 (shared group rate), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shambala Cafe

Enjoy healthy meals and refreshments post-rafting, a perfect way to relax.
Located near the rafting site.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Yoga Class

Attend a rejuvenating yoga class that Rishikesh is renowned for, offering inner peace.
Join a local yoga studio a short distance away.
INR400, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Laxman Jhula

Take a stroll across this iconic suspension bridge with stunning views of the Ganges.
Walk to Laxman Jhula, around 20 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Sunset at Ram Jhula

Conclude your journey with a serene sunset over the Ganges from Ram Jhula.
Return to Ram Jhula.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Ganga View Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell dinner with views of the Ganges, reflecting on your enriching journey.
A stroll from Ram Jhula.
INR350, 1 hour
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