5-Day Budget-Friendly Refreshing Trip in Northern India: Nature, Culture & Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing

Delhi, India on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with delicious South Indian vegetarian breakfast at this budget-friendly and popular chain serving dosas and idlis.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit India Gate and Connaught Place

Begin with a stroll around the iconic India Gate war memorial, then explore the colonial architecture and shopping in nearby Connaught Place.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Karim's

Enjoy authentic Mughlai cuisine at this legendary budget eatery near Jama Masjid, famous for kebabs and biryanis.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Humayun's Tomb

Explore this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and precursor to the Taj Mahal with beautiful gardens and Mughal architecture.
INR600, 1h30m

3:30pm

Travel to Rishikesh by bus/train

Take an evening bus or train to Rishikesh (6-7 hours), a serene town known for adventure and spirituality.
INR500 - INR700, 6h30m

9:30pm

Check-in and rest

Check into a budget guesthouse or hostel in Rishikesh to relax after your journey.
INR500, Rest
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Day 2: Adventure & Wellness

Rishikesh, India on August 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Chotiwala

Eat a traditional North Indian breakfast including stuffed parathas and chai at this local favourite.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

White Water Rafting

Experience an exhilarating 2-3 hour rafting adventure on the Ganges river rapids, suitable for beginners.
INR800, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy healthy, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly meal options with a chill atmosphere overlooking the river.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Explore the graffiti-covered ruins of the ashram where The Beatles studied meditation in the 1960s, open 8:30am-6:30pm.
INR200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Yoga Session at Parmarth Niketan

Join an afternoon yoga and meditation session at this renowned ashram for rejuvenation and spiritual calm.
Donation based, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Little Buddha Cafe

Relax with international and Indian dishes in a lively café with live music some evenings.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 3: Spiritual & Nature Walks

Rishikesh, India on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pure Soul Café

Enjoy organic and vegan breakfast options to start your day healthfully.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Trekking to Neer Garh Waterfalls

Trek through lush forest trails to the pristine Neer Garh waterfalls for swimming and nature admiring. Best done during morning hours to avoid heat.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at German Bakery

Feast on simple continental and Indian dishes in a laid back setting near the river.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Triveni Ghat

Witness the spiritual heart of Rishikesh and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony facing sunset, starting from 6pm.
Free, Evening

6:00pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Experience the magical river Aarti with rhythm and lights in a sacred ambiance.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Chatsang Café

Have a relaxed dinner with Indian and Tibetan dishes in a peaceful atmosphere.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Haridwar Spiritual Day

Haridwar, India on August 18, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Haridwar by bus/train

Short 1-hour trip to Haridwar, another sacred town on the Ganges with rich cultural experiences.
INR100, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Blue Lassi Shop

Try refreshing and flavourful traditional lassi and light snacks for breakfast.
INR80, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Take the cable car up to this hilltop temple for panoramic views of Haridwar and spiritual vibes.
INR60, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Dine on classic North Indian vegetarian thalis here, beloved by locals and visitors.
INR200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relaxation along the Ganges banks

Enjoy peaceful evening walks and boat rides on the sacred river banks.
INR100, 2h0m

6:00pm

Attend Haridwar Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Experience the spiritually uplifting ceremony with fire, chants and devotion, lasting 1 hour.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Taste traditional Indian meals at this iconic and budget-friendly institution.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30pm

Return to Rishikesh

Travel back to Rishikesh and rest for the night.
INR150, 1h0m
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Day 5: Return & Local Shopping

Delhi, India on August 19, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Delhi by bus/train

Early morning travel back to Delhi from Rishikesh (6-7 hours).
INR700, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sarojini Nagar Market

Grab a quick and affordable lunch at local market stalls and explore budget shopping for souvenirs.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Lotus Temple

Tour this architecturally unique Bahá'í House of Worship, open 9am-5pm, offering tranquil surroundings.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Lodhi Garden

Spend your afternoon in this serene historical park with gardens, tombs, and walking paths.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Khan Market Café

Enjoy your final meal at this vibrant market with various affordable cafés offering Indian and international cuisine.
INR400, 1h0m
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