Eco-Friendly Rail Journey: Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh

Day 1: Arrive in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

09:00AM

Check-In at Hotel

Settle into your eco-friendly hotel in Varanasi, surrounded by a tranquil environment.
Hotel located near the river, easy walking distance.
INR 3000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the River Ganges, witnessing the early morning rituals epitomising the holiness of this river.
Board at the hotel ghats.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Savour traditional Varanasi street food, renowned for its authenticity and taste.
Take a cycle rickshaw from the ghats.
INR 200, 1 hour

01:30PM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the historical site of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
20-minute train from Varanasi to Sarnath.
INR 200, 4 hours

06:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual with music, fire, and community.
Walk back to the ghat from Sarnath.
Free, 1.5 hours

08:00PM

Dinner at The Kashi Cafe

Enjoy a wholesome meal at this eco-conscious café that serves delicious farm-to-table cuisine.
Located close to the ghats, easy walking.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Discover Varanasi

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in local breakfast offerings such as poha and chai at your hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Explore Varanasi's Alleys

Wander the ancient streets of Varanasi, capturing stunning architecture and local life.
Walking tour through the narrowest lanes.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Visit this mesmerizing temple that brings together history, culture, and spirituality.
Walk from the alleys.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

A charming café offering delicious fresh-baked items and organic meals.
A short walk from the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

02:00PM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the sprawling campus and the magnificent Vishwanath Temple.
Consume 30 min on foot or take a cycle rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

04:30PM

Relax at Assi Ghat

Enjoy some downtime by the Ganges, possibly with yoga or reading.
20 mins walk from BHU.
Free, 2 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

Savour health-conscious meals in a laid-back café with a local vibe.
Walking distance from Assi Ghat.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Haridwar

Haridwar, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Varanasi with a mix of North Indian delicacies.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Train to Haridwar

Scenic train journey to Haridwar allowing you to witness the beautiful landscapes of northern India.
Board train from Varanasi Junction.
INR 600, 5 hours

03:00PM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive and check into an eco-friendly hotel in Haridwar.
Short taxi ride from Haridwar station.
INR 1500, 1 hour

04:30PM

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Experience the famous ghat known for its divine atmosphere and beautiful ghats.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

06:00PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

Witness another breathtaking Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, showcasing local spirituality.
Free, 1 hour

08:00PM

Dinner at Hoshiyarpuri

Dine at a restaurant famous for its vegetarian North Indian cuisine.
Walking distance from the ghat.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Haridwar

Haridwar, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast featuring local ingredients.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Take a cable car ride to Mansa Devi Temple, offering panoramic views of Haridwar.
Cable car access near Har Ki Pauri.
INR 300, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Famous for its authentic Indian cuisine and beautiful riverside setting.
Accessible by short auto-rickshaw ride.
INR 600, 1 hour

02:00PM

Relax at The Ganges

Take some time to experience the soothing banks of the Ganges riverside and admire the beauty.
Walk to the banks.
Free, 2 hours

04:00PM

Explore Local Handicrafts

Stroll through markets to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Walking tour of Haridwar market.
Free, 2 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at Anupam Restaurant

Relish delightful vegetarian dishes with unique presentations.
Short walk through the market.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 5: Travel to Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour a healthy breakfast with options like granola and fresh fruit.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Train to Rishikesh

Enjoy a short train ride through scenic routes from Haridwar to Rishikesh.
Depart from Haridwar Railway Station.
INR 200, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check-In at Hotel

Settle into your Rishikesh accommodation, known for its eco-conscious practices.
Close to the river, easily accessible.
INR 2000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy meals prepared with local ingredients and overlooking the Ganges.
Short transfer from the hotel.
INR 700, 1 hour

02:00PM

Visit Triveni Ghat

Explore this sacred bathing ghat and its prominent spiritual significance.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

04:00PM

Yoga Session

Join a yoga session by the riverside, focusing on relaxation and mindfulness.
Book session through the hotel.
INR 600, 2 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at Cafe Karma

Dine in this peaceful spot known for its organic and vegetarian options.
Short walk from your hotel.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Adventure in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with an energising breakfast featuring smoothies and wholesome grains.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Rafting on the Ganges

Experience an exhilarating morning rafting on the river, surrounded by the Himalayas.
Join a group tour pre-arranged by the hotel.
INR 1500, 3 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at The River View Café

Relax with a meal while enjoying stunning views of the Ganges.
Located near the rafting point.
INR 600, 1 hour

02:30PM

Explore Ashrams

Visit nearby ashrams known for their spiritual practices and teachings.
Short rickshaw ride to the ashrams.
Free, 2.5 hours

05:00PM

Relax at Laxman Jhula

Walk across this iconic bridge while enjoying the surrounding views.
Short walk from the ashrams.
Free, 1 hour

06:30PM

Dinner at The Olive Garden

Dine at this café known for its diverse menu accommodating various dietary preferences.
Quick walk from Laxman Jhula.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Nature & Culture in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local specialties and herbal teas.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Nature Walk near Rajaji National Park

Embark on a rejuvenating nature walk amidst wildlife and flora in the national park.
About an hour drive to the park entrance.
INR 600, 3 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at Divine Cafe

Replenish your energy with delicious vegetarian meals at this café with a positive vibe.
Located close to the park.
INR 500, 1 hour

02:30PM

Visit Beatles Ashram

Explore the cultural and artistic remnants of the Beatles' visit to Rishikesh.
Taxi from Divine Cafe.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

04:30PM

Free Time for Relaxation

Spend your afternoon indulging in yoga, meditation or simply relaxing by the river.
Free, 2 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at Namaste Café

Savour healthy meals in an eclectic setting known for its friendly staff.
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Final Day in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring a mix of Western and Indian fare.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Final Yoga Session

Join a morning yoga session to wrap up your wellness journey in Rishikesh.
Book through the hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Explore this well-known ashram that holds various spiritual and yoga workshops.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at Sattvic House

Enjoy delicious organic food in a peaceful environment.
Short walk from the ashram.
INR 600, 1 hour

02:30PM

Free Time for Final Relaxation

Spend your afternoon doing whatever you'd like: journaling, reading, or meditating.
Free, 2.5 hours

05:00PM

Dinner at Chat House

Have your last dinner in Rishikesh enjoying excellent views along with your meal.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast before heading back to Varanasi.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Train to Varanasi

Travel back to Varanasi for the final leg of your journey.
Board train from Rishikesh Railway Station.
INR 200, 6 hours

03:30PM

Check-In at Hotel

Settle into your familiar eco-friendly hotel in Varanasi.
Brief taxi ride from the station.
INR 3000, 1 hour

04:30PM

Leisure Time by the Ganges

Take some free time to relax at the banks of the Ganges, soaking in the vibrant local culture.
Walk towards the ghats.
Free, 2 hours

06:30PM

Final Ganga Aarti

Experience the vibrant evening Aarti one last time during your stay.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

08:00PM

Dinner at The Blue Lassi Shop

End your day with a delightful meal at this famous establishment known for its lassi.
A close distance from the ghats.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 10: Departure from Varanasi

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast before departure, reminiscing your trip.
INR 300, 1 hour

09:30AM

Check-Out and Departure

Check out from your hotel, cherishing fond memories of this eco-friendly journey.
Arrange taxi to the airport or railway station.
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability