5-Day Scenic Rail Trip in Rishikesh, India

Day 1: Explore Haridwar

Haridwar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chotiwala

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Chotiwala, famous for its delicious North Indian dishes.
Take a 10-minute walk to the Ganga river banks
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Experience the spiritual ambiance at the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat, perfect for soaking in local culture.
It's a short walk from breakfast, about 15 minutes
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Sankat Mochan Temple

Explore the historic Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, nestled on the banks of the Ganges.
A quick 20-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Har Ki Pauri.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Enjoy authentic Punjabi dishes at Hoshiyar Puri, popular for its ambience and food.
Return to Haridwar town center (20-minute ride)
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shanti Kunj

Visit Shanti Kunj, a tranquil Ashram known for its beautiful gardens and meditation spaces.
20-minute auto-rickshaw trip from Hoshiyar Puri
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Ganga Aarti

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri as the sun sets.
Return to Har Ki Pauri
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Sitting Elephant

End the day with dinner at The Sitting Elephant, enjoying traditional Indian and international dishes with a view.
10-minute walk from the Aarti ghat.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure at Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Natraj Restaurant

Savor beautiful views of the Ganges while enjoying a delicious, varied breakfast at Natraj Restaurant.
Take a 30-minute taxi from Haridwar to Rishikesh.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Rafting on the Ganges

Embark on an exhilarating white-water rafting expedition on the Ganges – a must-do in Rishikesh!
Join a tour operator a short ride from the restaurant.
INR 1500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The River View Café

Recharge with a delightful organic meal at The River View Café, with stunning river vistas.
5-minute walk from rafting base.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Laxman Jhula

Stroll across the iconic Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge with views of the majestic Ganges.
A short 15-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Yoga Session

Participate in a rejuvenating yoga session at one of the well-known ashrams in the area.
Walk to the nearest ashram, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 600, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy North Indian cuisine in the restaurant that bears your breakfast name at Rishikesh.
Return to the main street for a quick 5-minute walk.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 3: Nature and Spiritual Retreat

Rishikesh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ananda in the Himalayas

Delight yourself with a luxurious breakfast offering western and Indian cuisines overlooking the mountains.
30-minute taxi ride from the city center.
INR 1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Neer Garh Waterfall

Hike to Neer Garh Waterfall, a refreshing location perfect for nature lovers and photography.
15-minute ride from breakfast spot.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Lemon Tree

Rejuvenate with fresh salad bowls and smoothies at The Lemon Tree, known for healthy eating.
A 20-minute taxi ride back to Rishikesh.
INR 500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Weekend Market Visit

Explore the vibrant local market for handmade items and souvenirs, an ideal opportunity to buy unique gifts.
A short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ram Jhula

Walk to Ram Jhula, another picturesque suspension bridge with incredible river views.
15-minute walk from the market.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Sunset at Triveni Ghat

Find a tranquil spot to enjoy the stunning sunset along the Ganges at Triveni Ghat.
25-minute walk from Ram Jhula.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ganga Kinara

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Ganga Kinara, featuring delectable local dishes while enjoying the Ganges view.
15-minute walk from Triveni Ghat.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Historical Dehradun

Dehradun, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Ajanta

Begin your day with breakfast at Hotel Ajanta, which serves delightful traditional Indian and Continental dishes.
Take a train from Rishikesh to Dehradun (1 hour).
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Forest Research Institute

Delve into the rich history and stunning architecture at the Forest Research Institute, surrounded by lush landscapes.
20 minutes by taxi from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Robber’s Cave

Enjoy the natural beauty of Robber’s Cave, a scenic picnic spot that transforms into a gentle stream.
30 minutes by taxi from the Forest Research Institute.
INR 100, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Try their well-known Tibetan food and momos at Kalsang, a local favorite.
30-minute taxi ride from Robber’s Cave.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Mindrolling Monastery

Discover the grand architecture and serene atmosphere at Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India.
20-minute taxi ride from Kalsang.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Black Honey Café

Enjoy your dinner at the cozy Black Honey Café, known for its range of local and international dishes.
20-minute taxi back to the city center.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Haridwar Departure

Haridwar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Aum Cafe

Re-energize with a fresh breakfast and organic coffee at Aum Cafe, a quaint spot among the hustle.
Return to Haridwar from Dehradun (1 hour by train).
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping at Haridwar Markets

Spend your last morning shopping for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at local markets in Haridwar.
Walk to the nearby markets (5 minutes).
Variable, 2 hours

11:30AM

Morning Stroll by the Ganges

Take a reflective stroll along the Ganges, absorbing the serene beauty and spirituality of the area.
A short 10-minute walk from the markets.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Old Rajasthani Dhabha

Savor traditional Rajasthani cuisine before you prepare to leave – a perfect culinary farewell.
Walk back to the markets and the dhaba (10 minutes).
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Final Visit to Har Ki Pauri

Return to Har Ki Pauri for one final experience of the sacred ghat before your departure.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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