In the morning, witness the daily Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat. Afterward, visit the Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges River, and the nearby 13-story Trayambakeshwar temple. For lunch, try the local street food in the area. Spend the afternoon at the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band once meditated, and now turned into an open-air graffiti gallery. In the evening, head to Parmarth Niketan, one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, to attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Begin the day with a hike to the Neer Garh waterfall, known for its stunning views and cool waters. After a refreshing dip, take a short drive to the Rajaji National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a guided safari ride or walk to spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. For lunch, have a picnic lunch in the park. In the evening, head back to Rishikesh and explore the local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
In the morning, drive to Kunjapuri Temple, located on a mountaintop with panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Witness a beautiful sunrise and take a guided tour of the temple. On the way back, stop by the Vashishta Gufa, a cave where the famous sage Vashishta once meditated. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the area. In the afternoon, go for a refreshing dip in the Ganges river. For the evening, attend a classical music performance at the Swarg Ashram.
Other attractions to consider include the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, also known as the Beatles Ashram, which was abandoned for years and now turned into an open-air graffiti gallery; and the Trimbakeshwar Temple, known for its ancient architecture and historical significance. For side trips, you can take a day trip to Haridwar, located 20 km from Rishikesh, and visit the Har Ki Pauri ghat, an ancient bathing ghat on the Ganges, and the Chandi Devi temple, located on a hilltop. To maximize your fun, you can book a rafting trip on the Ganges river, go for a yoga or meditation retreat at one of the many ashrams, or indulge in local Ayurvedic massages. Finally, we recommend trying the local cuisine, which includes dishes such as chhole bhature, aloo poori, and lassi.
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