About Rishikesh and Haridwar Travel Guide

Destination Overview – Rishikesh & Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh and Haridwar, located along the sacred Ganga River in Uttarakhand, are two of the most spiritually significant and scenic destinations in India. Haridwar is known as the gateway to the Char Dham and a city of ancient rituals, while Rishikesh is called the Yoga Capital of the World and is also a hub for adventure sports and spiritual retreats.

Together, they offer a perfect blend of faith, wellness, nature, and thrill.

Top Attractions & Places to Visit

Haridwar:

• Har Ki Pauri Ghat – Sacred bathing ghat and famous for Ganga Aarti

• Mansa Devi Temple – Hilltop temple accessed by cable car

• Chandi Devi Temple – Panoramic views, also accessible via ropeway

• Bharat Mata Mandir – Unique multistory temple celebrating India

• Daksha Mahadev Temple – Important Shaivite site

Rishikesh:

• Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula – Iconic suspension bridges over the Ganga

• Triveni Ghat – Evening Ganga Aarti and spiritual atmosphere

• Parmarth Niketan Ashram – Yoga, meditation, and spiritual programs

• Neer Garh Waterfall – Scenic nature walk and freshwater plunge

• The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) – Graffiti-filled ruins of Maharishi’s ashram

Best Time to Visit

• October to April – Pleasant weather for spiritual tourism and rafting

• July to September – Monsoon season; lush green views but occasional floods

• May to June – Hot, but suitable for Char Dham start and river dips

How to Reach

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) – 35 km from Haridwar, 21 km from Rishikesh

• By Train: Haridwar Junction – well connected with major cities

• By Road: NH-34 and NH-7 link both cities with Delhi, Dehradun, and other towns

Accessibility for Differently-Abled Travelers

• Har Ki Pauri and major temples have ramp access

• Ropeways to temples help reduce physical strain

• Choose Ganga-facing hotels with elevators and accessible paths

Things to Do & Experiences

• Attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri and Triveni Ghat

• Try white water rafting (Rishikesh, Oct–June)

• Go for a yoga session in an ashram

• Enjoy Ayurvedic massage and wellness retreats

• Walk across Ram and Laxman Jhula for panoramic views

• Hike to Neer Garh waterfalls or Kunjapuri Devi Temple

• Participate in a silent retreat or spiritual satsang

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

• Ananda in the Himalayas (Rishikesh)

• Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa

• Haveli Hari Ganga (Haridwar)

Mid-Range:

• Aloha on the Ganges

• EllBee Ganga View

• Hotel Ganga Lahari

Budget:

• Zostel Rishikesh

• Hotel Alpana Haridwar

• Yog Niketan by Sanskriti

Local Cuisine & Dining

Must Try:

• Aloo Puri at Mohan Ji Puri Wale

• Kachori Sabzi, Chole Bhature

• Kesar Lassi, Fruit Chaat, Jalebi

Top Spots:

• Chotiwala Restaurant (Rishikesh)

• Hoshiyar Puri (Haridwar)

• The Sitting Elephant (rooftop view)

• Beatles Café and Little Buddha Café (Rishikesh)

Travel Tips & Safety

• Both cities are vegetarian and alcohol-free zones

• Dress modestly in temples and ashrams

• Riverbanks can get slippery – wear good footwear

• During Kumbh Mela, expect massive crowds and plan ahead

• Avoid rafting during peak monsoon

Weather & Packing Suggestions

Summer (Apr–Jun): Light cottons, river sandals, sunscreen
Winter (Oct–Feb): Light woolens, shawl, yoga mat
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Umbrella, quick-dry clothes

Currency & Connectivity

• ATMs and money exchanges are common in both cities

• UPI and mobile wallets work at most shops and dhabas

• Good 4G signal and Wi-Fi in cafes and hotels

Suggested Itinerary

3N/4D Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Reach Haridwar → Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti → Street Food Trail
Day 2: Mansa & Chandi Devi Temples → Drive to Rishikesh → Evening at Triveni Ghat
Day 3: Ram/Laxman Jhula → Rafting Adventure or Beatles Ashram Visit
Day 4: Yoga session → Ayurvedic spa → Return

Shopping & Souvenirs

• Rudraksha beads, brass idols, incense sticks

• Organic wellness products and ayurvedic oils

• Ganga jal in copper vessels

• Spiritual books, CDs, and yoga mats

Best Markets:

• Moti Bazaar (Haridwar)

• Lakshman Jhula Market (Rishikesh)

• Swarg Ashram Local Stalls

Cultural & Historical Background

Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and a prime location for the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years. Rishikesh gained international fame after The Beatles visited in 1968, and is globally recognized as a center for yoga and meditation.

Both cities are deeply rooted in Vedic and Ganga traditions.

Local Transport Options

• Shared e-rickshaws and autos available

• Ropeways in Haridwar (Udan Khatola)

• Cab aggregators (Ola) available for intercity trips

• Walkable towns – perfect for spiritual strolls

Nearest Railway Station

• Haridwar Junction (HW) – Major station with multiple trains

• Rishikesh Railway Station – Local connectivity (Yog Nagari Rishikesh station also operational)

FAQs About Rishikesh & Haridwar Tour

Can I visit both cities on a weekend trip?
Yes, they're only 25 km apart and can be covered comfortably in 2–3 days.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, especially around ashrams and popular areas. Follow basic precautions.

Is alcohol or non-veg food allowed?
Both cities are strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free as per local religious customs.

Do I need to pre-book rafting or yoga classes?
Yes, especially in peak season (Oct–Mar) to ensure availability.

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

• Avoid using plastic near riverbanks

• Respect silence and cleanliness in ashrams

• Use eco-friendly toiletries and reusable bottles

• Support local artisans and Ayurvedic products

• Don’t bathe in the river near cremation ghats or crowded Aarti areas