HARIDWAR- RISHIKESH 2N/3D
Haridwar and Rishikesh Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar
Arrival Arrive in Haridwar, check in to your hotel, and relax after the journey. Sightseeing in Haridwar.
1. Mansa Devi Temple: Take the cable car (ropeway) or hike to the Mansa Devi Temple, situated on Bilwa Parvat. It offers stunning views of the city and the Ganges River.
2. Chandi Devi Temple: Visit another popular temple via a ropeway. It’s located on Neel Parvat and is dedicated to Goddess Chandi.
Lunch: Have a local vegetarian lunch at a restaurant in Haridwar. Explore local food like “Kachori-Sabzi” and “Chole Bhature.”
3. Har Ki Pauri: Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, which is a mesmerizing spiritual experience where devotees light lamps and offer prayers to the Ganges River. The Aarti is held around sunset. Spend some time on the ghats, soaking in the divine atmosphere. Dinner: Return to your hotel for dinner or explore local dhabas serving traditional North Indian cuisine. Overnight Stay at a hotel in Haridwar.
Day 2: Haridwar to Rishikesh
Morning in Haridwar
1. Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple: Visit this ancient Shiva temple in Kankhal, a short drive from Haridwar.
2. Sapt Rishi Ashram: A serene place near the bank of the Ganges where seven sages meditated. Drive to Rishikesh: After breakfast, drive to Rishikesh (approximately 1 hour from Haridwar). Lunch: Check-in to your hotel in Rishikesh and enjoy a light lunch.
-Rishikesh Sightseeing:
1. Laxman Jhula: Visit the iconic suspension bridge over the Ganges and the surrounding area, known for its ashrams and temples.
2. Ram Jhula: Another famous suspension bridge close to Laxman Jhula, offering panoramic views of the river and ghats.
3. Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Visit this peaceful ashram known for its spiritual discourses and yoga sessions.
4. The Beatles Ashram (optional): Explore the abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed in the late 1960s.
-Adventure (Optional): If you’re into adventure, you can go for activities like river rafting in the Ganges or a short trek to Neer Garh Waterfall. Evening Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Attend the serene evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, which is less crowded compared to Haridwar but equally divine. Dinner: Enjoy a meal at one of Rishikesh’s famous cafés (e.g. Chotiwala or Ganga View Café), serving a variety of local and international dishes. Overnight: Stay at a hotel or riverside camp in Rishikesh.
Day 3: Rishikesh Exploration and Departure
Morning Yoga (Optional): Participate in a yoga session at an ashram or hotel if interested. Breakfast Have a hearty breakfast at your accommodation. Sightseeing
1. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: A popular temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located amidst the lush forests, about 20 km from Rishikesh.
2. Vashishta Gufa: A peaceful cave where sage Vashishta is said to have meditated. It’s located about 16 km from Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganga. Lunch: Have lunch at one of the local eateries in Rishikesh. Leisure Time: Spend the afternoon relaxing by the river, visiting cafés, or doing some shopping for souvenirs in the local markets. Departure: Drive back to Haridwar or Dehradun for your onward journey, depending on your travel plans.
Key Travel Tips
-Best Time to Visit: October to April for pleasant weather.
-Clothing: Carry light woolens if traveling during winters and modest clothing for temple visits.
-Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking and temple visits.
-Adventure Sports: If planning to do river rafting, check the seasonal availability.