Eco-Friendly Road Trip in India: Nature & Relaxation on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Adventure Begins

Rishikesh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Chillout Cafe

Start your day with a healthy smoothie bowl and homemade granola at this cozy café known for its organic ingredients.
Short walk from your accommodation in Rishikesh.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Laxman Jhula

Stroll across this iconic suspension bridge while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Ganges River.
Walk along the riverbank towards Laxman Jhula.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Experience the peaceful ambiance and perhaps join a yoga class at one of Rishikesh's largest ashrams.
Take a brief walk from Laxman Jhula.
INR 500 (if joining yoga session), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Beat Yoga Cafe

Enjoy a delicious set lunch with fresh local ingredients, perfect for refueling.
A short walk from the ashram.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

River Ganga Activities

Spend your afternoon white-water rafting or take a calming kayak experience on the Ganges.
Book through a local eco-friendly operator.
INR 1,200, 3 hours

6:00PM

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Relish the magical evening by witnessing the traditional Ganga Aarti on the riverbank.
Walk back towards the main ghat area.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Indulge in authentic North Indian cuisine in a charming family-run restaurant by the river.
Walking distance from the Ganga Aarti site.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Spiritual Journey

Haridwar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sharma's Prakash

Enjoy simple yet delicious aloo paratha with homemade yogurt to fuel your day.
Bus to Haridwar (1-hour ride).
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Explore this sacred bathing ghat that's pivotal for Hindu pilgrims and offers stunning river views.
Short walk from the bus station.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Mansa Devi Temple

Take the cable car or hike uphill to visit this famous temple dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi.
Cable car from Har Ki Pauri or hike.
INR 200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hoshiyarpuri

Savor a traditional thali for a wholesome meal, full of diverse flavors.
Walk back to the main market area.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Devprayag Confluence

Witness the majestic confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi in a serene setting.
Shared auto-rickshaw to Devprayag (1 hour).
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Haridwar

Back to Haridwar, take a moment to relax before dinner.
Shared auto-rickshaw back.
INR 100, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at A Vegetarian Restaurant

End your day with a flavorful vegetarian meal at a local diner.
Nearby the bus station.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Mountain Bliss

Mussoorie, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lovely Omelette Centre

Enjoy a local favorite - fluffy omelets and toast with a steaming cup of chai.
Bus from Haridwar to Mussoorie (2-hour ride).
INR 150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Camel's Back Road

Take a leisurely walk along this scenic route, soaking in breathtaking views of the mountains.
Walk or hire a bicycle nearby.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Experience delicious Tibetan cuisine, such as momos and noodles at this cozy eatery.
Short walk from Camel's Back Road.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Gun Hill Point

Take the cable car to this viewpoint for an exquisite panorama of the Himalayas.
Cable car station close by.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Company Garden

Wander through this serene garden and perhaps enjoy a short boat ride.
Rickshaw or walk from cable car station.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Hotel and Relax

Take some time to unwind and appreciate the peaceful mountain air.
Walk back to your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Urban Turban

Try out their hearty vegetarian dishes like the Paneer Tikka at this popular eatery.
Nearby your accommodation.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Dehradun, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ellora's Melting Moments

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes and coffee from this iconic café.
Bus from Mussoorie to Dehradun (1-hour ride).
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Robber's Cave

Explore this hidden gem with a beautiful natural cave and water stream, perfect for picnics.
Local bus or auto-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gurudev Annapurna

Relish some local cuisine including the famous Uttarakhand's pagar made with rice and dal.
Auto-rickshaw from Robber's Cave.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Forest Research Institute

Take a guided tour of this beautiful campus known for its stunning architecture and vast forest area.
Local bus or walk to FRI.
Free (entry), guided tours may have a fee., 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Buddha Temple

Find peace and tranquility at this magnificent temple adorned with peaceful idol and beautiful gardens.
Local auto-rickshaw or public transport.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Head back to Hotel and Freshen Up

Take some time to relax before dinner.
Walk back to your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Café Cibo

Wind down your day with comforting Italian cuisine featuring delicious pizzas and pasta.
Nearby your accommodation.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Wildlife Encounter

Rajaji National Park, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Fuel your final day with a hearty breakfast provided by your stay.
On-site.
INR included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Depart for Rajaji National Park

Take an early morning jeep safari through the diverse wildlife and lush landscapes of the park.
Book a jeep safari at Rajaji Park entrance.
INR 1,500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery Nearby

Enjoy local dishes cooked in an authentic style at a small eatery near the park.
Nearby the park’s entrance.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Nature Walk

Experience the serene beauty of the forest while taking in bird songs and refreshing greenery on a guided nature walk.
Participate in a guided eco-tour offered by the park.
INR 600 for guided tour, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at the Park

Unwind in the serene environment, soaking in the peace and beauty surrounding you.
Free exploration around the park area.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Dehradun

Head back to Dehradun, fondly remembering your nature-filled journey.
Shared taxi service back.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Backyard Brewery

Celebrate the end of your Eco-friendly adventure with delicious fusion food and local craft beers.
Easy access from Dehradun city center.
INR 600, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability