Ganges Calling: A Spiritual & Adventurous Journey through Rishikesh & Haridwar
Complete Journey Overview
Ganges Calling: A Spiritual & Adventurous Journey through Rishikesh & Haridwar
Ganges Calling: A Spiritual & Adventurous Journey through Rishikesh & Haridwar
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1 - Arrival in Holy Haridwar & The Ganga Aarti
Arrival in Haridwar
Arrive at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) or Haridwar Railway Station (HW). Take a pre-paid taxi or a ride-sharing service to your hotel in Haridwar.
Check-in to Hotel
Check into a comfortable hotel near the ghats to easily access the evening ceremony. Settle in and freshen up after your journey.
Explore Har Ki Pauri Ghat
Walk to the famous Har Ki Pauri (Step of God), the sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges. This is where the evening Aarti takes place. Observe pilgrims taking a holy dip and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Witness the Grand Ganga Aarti
Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Priests perform a ritual of worship with large fire lamps, accompanied by chants and bells. It's a powerful and unforgettable spiritual spectacle.
Dinner at Hoshiyarpuri
Enjoy an authentic North Indian vegetarian dinner. Haridwar is a holy city, so all food is vegetarian and alcohol is prohibited. Try a traditional thali for a variety of local flavors.
Day 2 - Hilltop Temples & Journey to Rishikesh
Visit Mansa Devi Temple
Take the 'Udan Khatola' (cable car) to the Mansa Devi Temple, perched atop the Bilwa Parvat. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site and offers panoramic views of Haridwar.
Explore Chandi Devi Temple
Travel to the other side of the river and take another cable car to the Chandi Devi Temple on Neel Parvat. It's another important 'Shakti Peeth' with stunning views.
Lunch in Haridwar
Have a quick and delicious lunch before you depart for Rishikesh. Try the famous 'Aloo Puri' at Mohan Ji Puri Wale near Har Ki Pauri.
Travel to Rishikesh
Hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw for the scenic one-hour drive from Haridwar to Rishikesh. You'll travel alongside the Ganges River and through parts of Rajaji National Park.
Check-in to Rishikesh Hotel
Check into your hotel in the Tapovan or Laxman Jhula area. This part of Rishikesh is known for its vibrant cafe culture, yoga schools, and proximity to major attractions.
Dinner at The Beatles Cafe
Relax and unwind with dinner at a cafe overlooking the Ganges. The Beatles Cafe offers great views of the river and Laxman Jhula bridge, along with a multi-cuisine menu.
Day 3 - River Rapids & The Beatles' Ashram
White Water Rafting
Embark on an exciting river rafting adventure on the Ganges. The 16 km stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is the most popular, offering Grade II and III rapids. It's a thrilling experience with stunning scenery.
Post-Rafting Lunch
After your rafting adventure, you'll be hungry. Head to a nearby cafe for a well-deserved lunch. Many cafes in the Laxman Jhula area cater to tired but happy rafters.
Explore The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Visit the abandoned ashram where The Beatles stayed and wrote many songs for their 'White Album'. Now managed by the forest department, its decaying meditation domes are covered in vibrant graffiti and art. It's a uniquely serene and photogenic place.
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan
Experience the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It's a more intimate and participatory ceremony compared to Haridwar's, with a focus on bhajans (devotional songs) and a spiritual discourse.
Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant
Dine at one of Rishikesh's oldest and most iconic restaurants near Ram Jhula. Famous for its traditional Indian thalis and the mascot-like pandit sitting outside.
Day 4 - Yoga, Waterfalls & Sunset Views
Morning Yoga/Meditation Session
Start your day like a local with a drop-in yoga or meditation class. Rishikesh is the 'Yoga Capital of the World', and there are countless schools and ashrams offering sessions for all levels.
Hike to Neer Garh Waterfall
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride and then a 20-30 minute hike up to the beautiful Neer Garh Waterfall. It's a multi-tiered waterfall with clear blue pools where you can take a refreshing dip.
Lunch with a View
After your hike, have lunch at a cafe that offers stunning views of the Ganges. Little Buddha Cafe is a popular choice, with a treehouse-like structure and a relaxed atmosphere.
Explore Ram Jhula & Local Markets
Spend the afternoon exploring the area around Ram Jhula. Walk across the iconic suspension bridge, visit ashrams like Gita Bhavan and Swarg Ashram, and browse the local markets for souvenirs, books, and clothing.
Sunset and Dinner
Find a quiet spot or a rooftop cafe to watch the sunset over the river. For dinner, try A Tavola Con Te, an authentic Italian restaurant run by an Italian family, for a change of pace.
Day 5 - Himalayan Sunrise & Departure
Sunrise at Kunjapuri Temple
Take an early morning taxi for a one-hour drive up to the Kunjapuri Temple. Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the valley below. It's a truly magical and spiritual experience.
Breakfast and Check-out
Return to your hotel after the sunrise trip. Enjoy a final breakfast in Rishikesh, pack your bags, and complete the check-out formalities.
Departure from Rishikesh
Take a taxi to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) or Haridwar Railway Station (HW) for your journey back home, filled with memories of adventure and spirituality.
