15-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey from Howrah to Rishikesh, Varanasi, Delhi, Vrindavan, Dehradun and Mussoorie

Day 1: Travel to Rishikesh

Howrah to Rishikesh, India on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Train Howrah to Haridwar

Board the morning train from Howrah Station to Haridwar, approximately 30 hrs journey; comfortable overnight travel on AC coach recommended.
INR1500, 30h0m

Day 2: Arrival and Explore Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on April 29, 2025

11:00am

Bus Haridwar to Rishikesh

Take a short bus ride from Haridwar station to Rishikesh, about 1h travel. Check into your hotel and relax.
INR100, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy authentic North Indian cuisine in a calm ambiance, open 12pm-10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Laxman Jhula

Iconic suspension bridge spanning the Ganges River with beautiful views and local shops, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Experience the spiritual evening Ganga Aarti ritual, a must-see cultural event starting at sunset.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Have a healthy and organic dinner; the café is open until 9:30pm.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 3: Explore Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Little Buddha Café

Start your day with excellent coffee and breakfast options, open from 7:30am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Yoga Session at Parmarth Niketan

Participate in a morning yoga class at this famous ashram, classes usually start early morning and last 1-2 hours.
INR300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chatsang Café

Enjoy a relaxing lunch in a garden setting; known for great vegetarian options, open until 6pm.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Neer Garh Waterfall Trek

Take a moderate 1.5-hour trek to the beautiful Neer Garh Waterfall, best visited in the afternoon for cooler weather.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Beatles Café

Dine at this iconic café with a musical vibe, open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 4: Travel to Varanasi

Rishikesh to Varanasi, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Bus to Haridwar

Take the morning bus back to Haridwar Railway Station, duration approximately 1 hour.
INR100, 1h0m

10:00am

Train Haridwar to Varanasi

Board the train journey to Varanasi, approximately 14 hours; opt for an overnight AC sleeper coach.
INR1200, 14h0m

Day 5: Arrive and Explore Varanasi

Varanasi, India on May 2, 2025

12:00pm

Arrive and Check-in

Arrive at Varanasi Junction and check into your hotel to freshen up after your train journey.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Try authentic Varanasi street food, famous for chaat and snacks, open all day.
INR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, open from 5am to 11pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Enjoy a scenic boat ride at sunset on the Ganges River to see the ghats and evening rituals.
INR300, 1h0m

7:00pm

Attend Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the spectacular nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony with fire and chants.
Free, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Moti Mahal Restaurant

Dine on traditional Uttar Pradesh dishes, open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 6: Explore Varanasi

Varanasi, India on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Lassi

Try famous lassi and breakfast snacks, open from early morning.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Sarnath Visit

Take a short 30-minute drive to Sarnath, the site where Buddha gave his first sermon; the archaeological museum opens from 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy organic healthy meals and fresh bakery items, open until 6pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Varanasi Ghats and Market

Stroll through colourful markets and ghats, experiencing local life and shopping for souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Surya

Try local vegetarian cuisine with rooftop views over the river, open till 10pm.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 7: Travel to New Delhi

Varanasi to New Delhi, India on May 4, 2025

9:00am

Train from Varanasi to New Delhi

Board the Shatabdi Express for a fast 8-hour journey to New Delhi, arriving late afternoon.
INR1400, 8h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and Dinner

Check into your Delhi hotel and have dinner at the hotel restaurant or nearby, open late.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 8: Explore Delhi

New Delhi, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Siyat Café

Delicious and affordable breakfasts in Connaught Place, open from 8am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Red Fort

Explore the historic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
INR600, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Karim's

Taste traditional Mughlai cuisine near Jama Masjid, a Delhi favourite.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Qutub Minar

Discover the iconic Qutub Minar complex, open from sunrise to sunset.
INR500, 1h30m

4:00pm

India Gate & Rashtrapati Bhavan Drive

Drive past India Gate and the presidential palace for photo opportunities.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bukhara

Experience world-class North-West Frontier and tandoori cuisine, open for dinner from 7pm.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 9: More Delhi Sights

New Delhi, India on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Iconic chain with nostalgic charm, serving simple breakfast options, open early morning.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Lotus Temple

Visit the stunning Bahá'í House of Worship with beautiful architecture, open 9am to sunset.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Humayun's Tomb

Explore this beautiful Mughal-era tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal, open sunrise to sunset.
INR600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at SodaBottleOpenerWala

Irani café serving Parsi and Mumbai style dishes in an eclectic setting, open for lunch till 3pm.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Raj Ghat

Visit the peaceful memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Shopping at Dilli Haat

Explore colourful handicrafts and food stalls from across India in this open-air market, open till 10pm.
Free entry; shopping extra, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Andhra Bhavan

Experience authentic South Indian thali meals, open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 10: Travel to Vrindavan

New Delhi to Vrindavan, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Bus/Taxi from Delhi to Vrindavan

Take a 3-4 hour bus or taxi ride south to Vrindavan, arrive by lunchtime to explore.
INR500, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Brijwasi Mithai Wala

Enjoy traditional sweets and local vegetarian cuisine, open until late evening.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Banke Bihari Temple

One of the most famous and lively temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, open 7am-12pm and 4pm-9:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit ISKCON Temple

Beautiful modern temple with impressive architecture and peaceful gardens, open 6am-8pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Govinda's Restaurant

Veg restaurant serving simple but delicious meals near the ISKCON temple, open till 9pm.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 11: Vrindavan and Travel to Dehradun

Vrindavan to Dehradun, India on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hare Krishna Restaurant

Start the day with traditional vegetarian dishes, open early morning.
INR250, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Prem Mandir

Magnificent temple complex known for its marble carvings and lighting shows, open 8am to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Bus/Taxi to New Delhi

Return by road to New Delhi (approximately 3-4 hrs).
INR500, 4h0m

3:00pm

Train from New Delhi to Dehradun

Board the late afternoon train to Dehradun, journey time approx. 6 hours.
INR700, 6h0m

9:00pm

Check-in and Dinner

Check-in at Dehradun hotel and have dinner at hotel or nearby restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 12: Explore Dehradun

Dehradun, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ellora’s Melting Moments

Famous bakery and café serving great breakfast items, open from 7:30am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Forest Research Institute

Visit architectural marvel and museum about forest conservation, open till 5pm.
INR40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy Tibetan and Indian cuisine in a lively setting, open all day.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore this natural cave formation and fresh water stream, ideal for afternoon outdoor fun.
INR30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Black Pepper Restaurant

Great North Indian and continental food open till 9:30pm.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 13: Travel to Mussoorie

Dehradun to Mussoorie, India on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Bus or Taxi to Mussoorie

Drive 1.5-2 hours uphill to Mussoorie scenic hill station.
INR400, 2h0m

10:00am

Check-in Hotel & Breakfast

Check into your hotel and enjoy late breakfast at hotel or nearby café.
INR400, 1h0m

11:30am

Mall Road

Stroll along Mussoorie’s famous Mall Road for shopping and cafes, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Lovely Omelette Centre

Try various styles of omelettes and simple local fare, open till 4pm.
INR250, 1h0m

3:30pm

Camel’s Back Road Walk

Enjoy a scenic and peaceful walking trail with beautiful mountain views.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kalsang Friends Corner Mussoorie

Enjoy Tibetan and Indian food in a popular Mussoorie spot, open till 9:30pm.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 14: Explore Mussoorie

Mussoorie, India on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Ivy

Popular café with varied breakfast options, open from 8am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Kempty Falls

Visit beautiful waterfalls about 15 km from Mussoorie, open from 9am to 6pm.
INR25, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Tavern

Relaxing restaurant offering Indian and continental food, open till 4pm.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Gun Hill

Take the cable car or hike to Gun Hill lookout point for panoramic views.
INR80 (cable car), 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Olive Garden

Enjoy Italian dishes and a cosy atmosphere, open until 9pm.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 15: Return Howrah

Mussoorie to Howrah, India on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Dehradun Airport

Early morning drive back to Dehradun airport for flight back to Howrah; approximately 2 hours.
INR1000, 2h0m

10:00am

Flight Dehradun to Kolkata Howrah

Book direct or connecting flight (via Delhi) from Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) to Kolkata Airport, then take taxi to Howrah station.
INR3500, 4h0m