Haridwar and Rishikesh Complete Tour Guide
Your Ultimate Travel Plan: When to Go, Where to Stay, How to Visit
If you're planning a trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh, you're at the right place!I’m sharing a complete and detailed guide covering everything — how to reach, where to stay, places to visit, the right way to plan your journey, budget ideas, and best visiting times.Since most travelers visit Rishikesh along with Haridwar, this guide will help you enjoy both beautifully. Let’s get started!How to Reach Haridwar I recommend you start your journey from Haridwar.There are several convenient ways to reach here:
By Train: Haridwar is well-connected to almost all major cities by direct trains. It's the easiest and most economical option.By Bus: Excellent bus connectivity from nearby states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, etc. You’ll easily find regular and Volvo buses. By Private Car: A great option if you prefer flexibility. Paid parking is available near Har Ki Pauri grounds.By Flight: The nearest airport is in Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), about 38 km from Haridwar. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus.And here you are – Welcome to the holy land of Haridwar! Where to Stay in Haridwar
Accommodation is easily available, from budget Dharamshalas to comfortable hotels: Dharamshala: On Har Ki Pauri Road or nearby
— starting from Rs 500. Hotels: Good hotels available between Rs 700 to 1500 range. Tip: Stay near Har Ki Pauri for easy access to major temples and evening Ganga Aarti. Places to Visit in Haridwar Har Ki Pauri:Start your day with a holy dip in the sacred Ganga at Brahm Ghat or Ghanta Ghar Ghat. Don’t miss the magical Ganga Aarti at 6 PM — a truly divine experience!
Mansa Devi Temple:
Located atop a hill, you can reach by either climbing stairs or taking a ropeway (ticket Rs 129). Combine Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi ropeways with a combo ticket (Rs 349). Chandi Devi Temple: Another sacred temple on a hilltop — fulfills the wishes of devotees.
Sheesh Mahal:
A beautiful temple decorated with intricate mirror work. A must-visit! Shantikunj: A spiritual ashram dedicated to Gayatri Mata. You can also stay or have free meals (langar) here. Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Haridwar): A beautiful temple built in the form of a cave — very peaceful!
Bharat Mata Mandir:
A seven-storey temple symbolizing India's culture and heroes. Visit the huge Bharat Mata statue here. Shri Ram Mandir: Located nearby, this temple is another spiritual attraction. Tip: Hire an auto for about Rs 300–400 to visit all these spots comfortably.
Stay one night in Haridwar to experience its complete spiritual charm! Moving to Rishikesh After Haridwar, head towards Rishikesh (only 28 km away). By Bus/Auto/Train: Fares range from Rs 30–60. By Private Taxi: Easily available for a little extra.
Where to Stay in Rishikesh Rishikesh offers a variety of options for every budget: Near Bus Stand / Ram Jhula / Laxman Jhula: Good location choices. Dharamshala: Budget-friendly stays around Rs 800–1500. Hotels: Nice hotels in the range of Rs 1000–2000. Free Stay Options: Ashrams like Parmarth Niketan and Geeta Bhawan offer free or donation-based stays. Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Ram Jhula: A famous swinging bridge connecting two banks of the Ganga. It actually feels like a swing when you walk in the middle!
Parmarth Niketan: Attend the serene Ganga Aarti (6-7 PM) and see the grand Lord Shiva statue right in the river. Geeta Bhawan:A peaceful place to stay, meditate, or just relax. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:Located 30 km away — hire a Bolero taxi (fare Rs 150–200). This sacred temple is surrounded by mountains and forests — absolutely worth it! Adventure Activities:
Rishikesh is India's adventure capital! Enjoy: River Rafting Bungee Jumping Zipline Camping The Beatles Ashram:
Explore the famous ashram where The Beatles once stayed. Triveni Ghat:Attend the beautiful night aarti here for a spiritual experience.Tip: Stay one night in Rishikesh to cover all major attractions peacefully.Ideal Trip Duration 4 Days Trip Plan: 2 days in Haridwar + 2 days in Rishikesh for a comfortable and memorable experience.Best Time to Visit Al though Haridwar and Rishikesh are busy year-round, the best months to visit are: January - February May - June The weather remains pleasant and perfect for exploring temples and enjoying adventures.Estimated Budget Stay: Rs 800–2000 per night Food: Rs 200–500 per day Local Travel: Rs 300–500 per day Adventure Activities (optional): Rafting and bungee jumping around Rs 1000–3000 A comfortable trip for 4 days would cost around Rs 4000–8000 per person (excluding adventure sports).
Final Thoughts Haridwar and Rishikesh together offer a beautiful blend of spiritual peace and thrilling adventures. Whether you want to bathe in the holy Ganga, seek blessings, or indulge in adventurous activities, this trip will rejuvenate your mind and soul. So pack your bags, follow this guide, and create unforgettable memories! Would you also like me to format it into a PDF or travel blog post ready to publish?Let me know! (If you want, I can also make a quick day-wise itinerary for your 4-day plan!)