7-Day Scenic and Cultural Itinerary from Rishikesh to Amritsar Including Must-See Stops

Day 1: Rishikesh Exploration

Rishikesh, India on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Indian breakfast in this iconic vegetarian restaurant near the Ganges, as it opens from 7am onwards.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Triveni Ghat

A sacred bathing spot on the Ganges, known for its spiritual significance and morning rituals.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Attend Yoga Session at The Beatles Ashram

Explore the famous Beatles Ashram ruins and participate in an invigorating yoga class in the surrounding area.
INR300, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Savour healthy and organic vegetarian dishes, open daily from 11am to 5pm, perfect for rejuvenation after yoga.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Neer Garh Waterfall

Enjoy a short trek to the scenic waterfall located about 5 km from Rishikesh, ideal for relaxation and nature photography.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

Experience the peaceful and colourful evening ritual on the riverbank starting at 6:30pm, open to all visitors.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Little Buddha Café

Dine on global cuisine including delicious Indian and European fusion dishes, this café is open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 2: Haridwar Spiritual Day

Haridwar, India on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Rishikesh to Haridwar

Take a 1-hour scenic drive heading south-east to the holy city of Haridwar.
INR500 by taxi, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Hoshiyar Puri

Relish traditional North Indian breakfast items like puris and aloo sabzi at this famed eatery open from 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Take a cable car ride to the hilltop temple offering panoramic views of Haridwar; the temple opens at 7am.
INR150 ticket + INR60 cable car, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy authentic vegetarian cuisine near Har Ki Pauri, open from 11am to 4pm.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Har Ki Pauri and Ganga Aarti Preparations

Stroll along the famous riverfront and prepare to experience the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Attend Evening Ganga Aarti

Witness the spectacular ritual on the banks of the Ganges, starting sharply at sunset, around 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mohan Ji Puri Wale

Relish delicious puris and local sweets at this popular evening eatery open till 9pm.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 3: Dehradun Cultural Visit

Dehradun, India on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Haridwar to Dehradun

Board a car or bus for a 1.5-hour trip westwards to the capital of Uttarakhand.
INR600 by taxi, 1h30m

9:45am

Breakfast at Ellora’s Melting Moments

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at this quaint café open from 8am to 7pm daily.
INR300, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore this natural cave formation with cool water streams, open daily from 9am to 5pm.
INR10 entry, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Taste authentic Tibetan cuisine in the heart of Dehradun, open 11am-10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Forest Research Institute

Tour the colonial-style architectural wonders and botanical museum, open 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Black Pepper Restaurant

Dine on Indian and continental dishes in a friendly atmosphere, open until 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 4: Spiritual Journey to Paonta Sahib

Paonta Sahib, India on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Dehradun to Paonta Sahib

Depart early for a longer 3.5-hour drive to the historic town in Himachal Pradesh known for its Sikh shrine.
INR1500 by taxi, 3h30m

11:00am

Breakfast Stop at local dhaba en route

Enjoy simple North Indian breakfast options like parathas and chai at a road side dhaba open all morning.
INR150, 30m

1:00pm

Visit Paonta Sahib Gurudwara

Explore the revered Sikh gurdwara, its peaceful surroundings and historic significance. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Local Market

Take a walk through the local market for handicrafts and traditional sweets.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Hari

Sample Himachali cuisine and other Indian dishes at this established hotel restaurant, open till 9pm.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 5: City Tour of Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Paonta Sahib to Chandigarh

Set off for a 3.5-hour drive west to Chandigarh, famous for its planned architecture and urban design.
INR1800 by taxi, 3h30m

11:30am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy South Indian delicacies and classic coffee at this longstanding café open from 8am to 4pm.
INR200, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Rock Garden

Explore Nek Chand’s unique sculpture garden made from industrial and domestic waste. Open 9am-6pm.
INR30, 2h0m

3:30pm

Walk around Sukhna Lake

Relax by the peaceful artificial lake with walking paths, boating options and refreshment stalls.
INR50 for boating, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Virgin Courtyard

Indulge in continental and Indian cuisine in this elegant open-air courtyard restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 6: Historic Jalandhar

Jalandhar, India on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Chandigarh to Jalandhar

Depart for a 2-hour trip northwest to Jalandhar, known for its sports goods industry and historic sites.
INR1200 by taxi, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Grab coffee and light breakfast items in a modern setting, cafe opens from 8am to 11pm.
INR250, 1h0m

11:45am

Visit Devi Talab Mandir

Explore this ancient Hindu temple renowned for its architecture and religious importance, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Chaman Kulfi

Try local delicacies and famous kulfi desserts at this iconic eatery open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Pushpa Gujral Science City

Engage with interactive science exhibits and gardens, open 10am to 5pm, closed on Mondays.
INR100, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Rishi Food Plaza

Enjoy Punjabi cuisine in a casual environment, open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 7: Amritsar Grand Finale

Amritsar, India on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Jalandhar to Amritsar

Take a 1.5-hour drive northwest to Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural hub of Punjab.
INR900 by taxi, 1h30m

8:45am

Breakfast at Bharawan Da Dhaba

Experience authentic Punjabi breakfast dishes at this local favourite, open from 7am to 11am.
INR250, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)

Explore the stunning Sikh temple complex, including the community kitchen and museum. Open 24/7.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Langar Hall, Golden Temple

Partake in a free vegetarian meal served to thousands daily at the temple's community kitchen.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Jallianwala Bagh

Walk through the historic garden and memorial of the tragic 1919 massacre, open 9am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Wagah Border Ceremony

Witness the daily flag-lowering ceremony between India and Pakistan starting around 5pm, a vibrant patriotic display.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kesar Da Dhaba

Savour legendary Punjabi vegetarian dishes at this well-known dhaba, open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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