Haridwar Rishikesh Tour

Haridwar Rishikesh Tour Guide

( Travel Tips to help you plan your Haridwar Rishikesh Tour.)

Places to Visit in Haridwar / Haridwar Temple Tour

• Har ki Pauri: It is one of the must-visit places to visit in Haridwar. Har ki Pauri literally means the Lord’s Footsteps and it is believed that the footprints of Lord Vishnu lie right at the point where River Ganges meets the plains from the mountains. The place is known for numerous temples and being the location of the world-famous Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha Mela.
• Mansa Devi Temple: It is one of the most popular temples in Haridwar and a must-visit on your Haridwar Rishikesh tour. The temple, dedicated to Mansa Devi, is situated atop a hillock, the Bilwa Parvat of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. The Goddess is believed to fulfil all the wishes of Her devotees.
• Maya Devi Temple: It is a famous ancient temple in Haridwar and one of the Siddh Peethas in Uttarakhand. Goddess Maya, the presiding deity of the shrine, is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. According to Hindu mythology, the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell in this location where the Maya Devi Temple exists.
• Daksha Mahadeva Temple: Another popular temple in Kankhal, Haridwar, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a sacred place of faith among the devotees of Lord Shiva which attracts heavy footfalls in the holy month of Saavan. It is certainly a must-visit place on your Haridwar tour.
• Chandi Devi Temple: The holy shrine is believed to be a Siddh Peetha, where all wishes and desires are granted. It is located atop a hill, Neel Parvat, near Haridwar.
• Pavan Dham: It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in Haridwar and famous for unique temple architecture and craftsmanship. The beautifully crafted glass and mirror work is a beauty to behold. 

Best Places to Eat in Haridwar                   

• Hoshiyar Puri: The old Dhaba is famous for a delectable fare of Laccha Paratha, Dal Makhani, Aloo Gobi and Kheer which is deliciously good. The ambience is clean. Price: Mains starting from INR 65 – 150.
• Chotiwala: Non-vegetarian is not available in Haridwar. Therefore, for people seeking quality vegetarian food, Chotiwala is a preferred choice. It is famous for vegetarian snacks and Chinese delicacies. Price: Meals starting from INR 20 – 60.
• Haveli Hari Ganga Restaurant: The restaurant lies in Haveli Hari Ganga heritage hotel, known for Thali lunch and buffet dinner. The ambience is classy. Price: lunch thali INR 350; Dinner buffet INR 450.
• Big Ben Restaurant – Savour some of Haridwar’s finest food at Big Ben Restaurant, served amidst an atmosphere blessed with soft music, friendly staff and mirrors. It is an ideal choice for good coffee and breakfast. Price: Mains starting from INR 85 – 200.

Unique Things to Do in Haridwar         

• Immerse into the Spectacle of Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri: Every evening during sun down, the Har ki Pauri Ghat in Haridwar transforms into a sensory spectacle when the Ganga Aarti is performed, with flaming diyas and bells ringing everywhere – a beauty to behold forever!
• Visit the Ashrams: For travellers seeking peace and tranquillity, Shanti Kunj Ashram and Patanjali Yogpeeth are worth visiting for a divine experience.
• Escape on a Food Trail: Haridwar is known for its street food. Do not miss to relish on Aloo Puri at Mohanji Puriwale, sweets at Mathura Walon ki Prachin Dukaan and the Kachoris at Kashyap Kachoriwala.
• Rope Way: Rope Way services, or Udan Khatola, are available to reach Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness stunning beauty of Haridwar on a ropeway.
• Adventure Tour: The holy land is also famous for adventure activities like bird watching, trekking and rafting. One of the most unique things to do in Haridwar is visiting Rajaji National Park, where you can spot wild elephants and even a tiger.

Shopping in Haridwar       

• Moti Bazaar: The Moti Bazaar stands on the Upper Road, popular for Puja items, copper and brass utensils, glass bangles, sweets, pickles, cane products and Ayurveda products.
• Bara Bazaar: Located on Railway Road, Bara Bazaar attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, presenting a wide range of Rudraksha seeds, churan or digestive powders, Ayurveda medicines and sweets.  
• Jwalapur: The market is popular for a wide spectrum of beautiful souvenirs and sweetmeat shops.
• State Government Emporiums: There are many government-run handicraft emporiums and shops where you can buy exquisite handcrafted items, jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones, gemstones, Yoga books, rosaries and religious CDs and DVDs.

Haridwar Tour Tips

• Distance from Delhi – 250 km.
• Accommodation – Aalia on Ganges (5 star hotel), Godwin Hotel (4 star hotel) and Hotel La Casa (3 star hotel)
• Budget: What your Haridwar Rishikesh tour package covers
• Non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in Haridwar. No hotel or restaurant serves non-vegetarian food
• Wear decent clothes as it is primarily a pilgrim centre, especially when you visit the temples

Places to Visit in Rishikesh/Rishikesh Temple Tour

• Neelkantha Mahadev Temple: Perched at a height of 1675 metres on a hillock above Swarg Ashram, Neelkantha Mahadev Temple is one of the most important places to visit on your Haridwar Rishikesh tour. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most important ones in India.
• Laxman Jhula: Built in 1939, Laxman Jhula is a suspension bridge with a height of 70 feet from the river and length of 450 feet. It is an important pilgrim centre and one that exhibits science and architectural marvel at its best.
• Ram Jhula: Next, Haridwar Rishikesh tour packages include Ram Bridge, another 450-feet long iron suspension bridge built over River Ganga and which connects Shivananda Ashram with Swargashram. It offers panoramic view of the river, temples and surrounding mountains.
• Triveni Ghat: A sacred ghat in Rishikesh, it is the confluence of three holy rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Devotees from around the country visit here to take a holy bath in the river here.
• Trimbakeshwar Temple: The 13-storied temple is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh. Each storey has innumerable small temples, with idols of many Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
• Raghunath Temple: It is one of the most important shrines in Rishikesh, dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife, Devi Sita.
• Kunjapuri Devi Temple: It is a holy shrine of immense significance in Hindu religion. It is believed to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in Uttarakhand, where the chest of Sati had fallen. It is located at a height of 1676 metres on a hill.
• Rishikund: A holy pond situated near Raghunath Temple, it is believed to be sacred where devotees take a bath to get rid of their sins.
• Vashistha Cave: It is an ancient cave where Sage Vashistha is believed to meditate. It is located 25 km. from Rishikesh.

Best Places to Eat in Rishikesh                  

• Little Buddha Cafe: The cosy cafe offers unlimited breakfast, lunch and dinner fare and a wonderful place to lounge. The restaurant is designed like a tree-house which lends a cosy and warm touch. The food is fresh and service is prompt. Price: Mains starting from INR 100-200.
• Ramana’s Garden Restaurant: One of the best places to eat in Rishikesh, the restaurant is known for its prompt service, pleasant atmosphere, outdoor seating, organic and fresh food and panoramic views it offers. Price: Starting from INR 60.
• Chotiwala: The popular eating joint is famous for South Indian cuisine, sweet lime soda and delicious thalis for lunch and dinner. Price: Meals INR 20-80; Thalis INR 65-120.
• Devraj Coffee Corner: Tucked above a bridge and overlooking the Trimbakeshwar Temple, the German bakery is an ultimate spot for a quick break at any time. It is famous for brown bread, yak cheese, soups, sizzlers, apple strudel, croissants and more.

Unique Things to Do in Rishikesh                  

• Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: An experience worth exploring, when thousands of flaming diyas and temple bells adorn the ambience with divinity and spirituality.
• Adventure Sports: Visit Jumpin Heights in Rishikesh, one of the best places to experience adventure of fox flying, bunjee jumping and giant swing over the river.
• White Water Rafting: Rishikesh is famous for white water rafting on the River Ganga. The best season for water rafting is March-April-May and September-November.
• Visit Ashrams in Rishikesh: There are innumerable ashrams in Rishikesh that renders unmatched tranquillity, peace and spirituality. Some of the most popular ones are Sivananda Ashram, Swargashram, Omkarananda Ashram and Himalayan Yog Ashram.
• Yoga in Rishikesh: Rishikesh is an abode for travellers seeking spiritual enlightenment through meditation and Yoga. Practicing Yoga is one of the most unique things to do in Rishikesh.

Shopping in Rishikesh                  

The bustling bazaars of Rishikesh are a shopper’s paradise. Some of the popular shopping places are Laxman Jhula Market, Ram Jhula Market and Rishikesh Main Market. Here you can buy wooden furniture, wall paintings, Rudraksha seeds, spiritual charms, clothes and jewellery.

Yoga in Rishikesh                  

Rishikesh is one of the most famous destinations for Yoga in India. There are various ashrams providing the opportunity to practice Yoga, choosing from numerous styles and forms. It is an important part for an unusual experience on Haridwar Rishikesh tour. Some of the most popular places for Yoga in Rishikesh are:

• Parmarth Niketan: Located on the banks of River Ganges, it is one of the top Yoga centres in India. It costs INR 300 per person per day, inclusive of two Yoga classes and three meals daily. It has 1,000 rooms for accommodation. The ashram runs beginner Yoga programs, teacher training courses and Vedic heritage and spirituality.
• Sivananda Ashram: It is another popular Yoga centre in India, where free Yoga and meditation classes are offered daily. Accommodation is not available to those seeking serious spirituality.
• Patanjali International Yoga Foundation: PIYF offers dedicated Yoga classes and Ayurveda retreats, treatment for health and wellbeing, and accommodation with modern amenities.  

Tips for Rishikesh Tour                  

• Distance from Delhi: 220 km.
• Accommodation: Ananda in the Himalayas (5 star), The Amaris (4 star) and Hotel Akash Continental (3 star)
• Wear decent clothes especially when you visit the temples, as Rishikesh is a pilgrim centre,