Haridwar & Rishikesh Itinerary
A four-day tour of Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, India, can provide you with a wonderful opportunity to explore the spiritual, cultural, and natural beauty of these two cities. Here's a suggested itinerary for your Haridwar and Rishikesh tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar
- Arrive in Haridwar, which is well-connected by road and rail.
- Check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
- In the evening, head to Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony that takes place every evening.
- Explore the local market around Har Ki Pauri.
- Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Haridwar Sightseeing
- After breakfast, visit Mansa Devi Temple. You can take a cable car ride to reach the temple and enjoy panoramic views of Haridwar.
- Visit Chandi Devi Temple, another prominent shrine, either by trekking or using the ropeway.
- Explore other attractions in Haridwar, such as Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi Temple, and Bharat Mata Mandir.
- In the evening, you can opt to attend another Ganga Aarti at a different ghat.
- Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Rishikesh Exploration
- Check out from your Haridwar hotel after breakfast and drive to Rishikesh, which is just about 20-30 kilometers away.
- Upon arrival in Rishikesh, check-in to your hotel.
- Visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, iconic suspension bridges that offer stunning views of the Ganges and surrounding areas.
- Explore the famous Trayambakeshwar Temple and the nearby Swarg Ashram, a tranquil spiritual retreat.
- Enjoy a walk along the Ganges ghats and the bustling market in Rishikesh.
- In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat.
- Return to your hotel in Rishikesh for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Adventure and Relaxation
- After breakfast, you can choose to embark on adventure activities like white-water rafting, trekking, or camping, which Rishikesh is known for.
- Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring more temples, ashrams, and yoga centers.
- For a serene experience, visit the famous Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram), where the Beatles once stayed.
- In the evening, you can relax on the banks of the Ganges, attend a yoga class, or indulge in meditation.
- Overnight stay at your hotel in Rishikesh.
Day 5: Departure
- After breakfast, check out from your hotel and depart for your onward journey.
Please note that this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it based on your interests and the time available. Both Haridwar and Rishikesh offer a wide range of spiritual, cultural, and adventure experiences, so you can tailor your tour to suit your preferences. Additionally, consider the season and local events when planning your visit, as some festivals and events may provide unique cultural experiences.