5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Rishikesh in December 2023

1. Day 1: Ram Jhula Suspension Bridge
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Rishikesh Bus Station

   In the morning, visit the iconic Ram Jhula Suspension Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge over the river Ganges. Take a stroll across the bridge and enjoy the scenic views of the river. In the afternoon, savour the local street food and shop for souvenirs near the bridge. As the sun sets, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship to the river Ganges.

2. Day 2: Neer Garh Waterfall
   1 hour 15 minutes (14 miles) from Ram Jhula Suspension Bridge

   Explore the natural beauty of the Neer Garh Waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water and soak up the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Patna waterfall and try out some adventure activities like zip-lining and rappelling. End the day with a delicious dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

3. Day 3: The Beatles Ashram
   20 minutes (3.5 miles) from Neer Garh Waterfall

   Visit the famous Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, also known as the Beatles Ashram. Explore the graffiti-covered ruins of the ashram and learn about the history of transcendental meditation. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Rajaji National Park and enjoy a jeep safari to spot the majestic Bengal tigers. End the day with a bonfire and stargazing.

4. Day 4: Triveni Ghat
   30 minutes (5 miles) from The Beatles Ashram

   Visit the Triveni Ghat, a popular bathing ghat surrounded by temples and ashrams. Take a dip in the river Ganges and witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Parmarth Niketan Ashram and participate in yoga and meditation sessions. End the day with a dinner at the famous Chotiwala restaurant.

5. Day 5: Rajaji National Park
   50 minutes (11 miles) from Triveni Ghat

   Explore the Rajaji National Park, a wildlife sanctuary known for its elephants, tigers, and leopards. Enjoy a jungle safari and birdwatching to spot the exotic wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vashistha Cave, a peaceful meditation spot. End the day with a dinner at the scenic Beatles Cafe.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby town of Haridwar, known for its ancient temples and the Kumbh Mela festival. You could also try out adventure activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping, and kayaking. To maximize your fun, try to attend a local festival and indulge in the local street food. Lastly, don't forget to pack warm clothes as December in Rishikesh can get chilly.

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