Top Things to Do in Haridwar and Rishikesh

Holy cities abound in India and coming in a close second to Benares are the cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Haridwar literally means ‘the abode of Lord Vishnu’ and millions of people flock here every year to take part in an annual pilgrimage. Rishikesh is another perfect weekend getaway endowed with natural beauty. Haridwar and Rishikesh are meat and alcohol free cities because of their holy nature. Haridwar and Rishikesh are considered the “twin national heritage cities”. Since both the cities are popular tourist destinations, they provide a wide range of gastronomic options that are delicious and caters to people on various budgets and with different tastes. The mystical and spiritual environment of Haridwar and Rishikesh are the reason why they are considered perennial holiday destinations for people all around the world. 

What to Do in Haridwar​?

Gateway to the Char Dham, Haridwar is the welcome junction of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. Masses of people frequent Haridwar every year to pay their respects to the holy river Ganga. The bustling lanes of Haridwar will have you roaming for a long time because there’s a unique sight to see at every corner of the town. However, beware of rhesus monkeys who are notoriously famous for harassing people along the ghats. Along with the holy cities of Prayagraj, Ujjain and Nashik, Haridwar also happens to be a destination where the mammoth Kumbh Mela is organised. Busiest during the religious pilgrimage of Kumbh Mela, Haridwar become a photographer’s paradise because of unique and lively sights seen during this event. 

1) Har ki Pauri Ghat

Translating to ‘Footstep of God’, this is a holy bank on the river Ganga. Brimming with life and colours, the place is teeming with people wanting to take a dip in the holy waters to wash off their sins. Every evening at sundown, the ghat is a sensory spectacle when the Ganga aarti is performed. With bells ringing and flaming torches being moved in a harmonious synchronisation by the Pandits, evening at the ghat is the experience of a lifetime. Push yourself out of bed in the early hours of the day and head to the ghat to witness surreal beauty of the sun rising from the river.

2) Temple Hopping

Ringing bells and mantra chantings emanate off every street in the temple city of Haridwar. Adorned with several temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses, the city is touched by the hand of God himself. Whisper a prayer at the hilltop temple of Mansa Devi which is very popular as the Goddess is considered to be wish-fulfilling. You can either walk up the hill or take the cable car and enjoy a bird's eye view of the lively city. The Maya Devi temple on the riverbank and the Chandi Devi temple on Neel Parvat are some of the other important temples that call for your attention.

3) Ashrams

If you’re looking for a peaceful abode for meditation, the city is home to a number of ashrams radiating vibrant positivity and a refreshing atmosphere. Shanti Kunj Ashram is set in a beautiful garden and provides lodging, meals and sessions of spiritual activities. Reward yourself with an unwinding Yoga session at the popular  Patanjali Yogpeeth.

4) Adventure Tours

Apart from its spiritual and religious character, Haridwar also has a lot to offer to people who seek a pumped-up day. The city has earned a name when it comes to enthralling activities such as trekking, bird-watching and rafting. Visit Rajaji National Park, which has a large population of wild elephants and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a tiger!

5) Food Trail

No trip is complete without trying lip-smacking street food of region. Lucky for you, Haridwar is renowned for its local food especially the aloo puri at Mohanji Puriwale and the kachoris at Kashyap Kachoriwala. Head to Pandit Sevaram Sharma Doodhwale in Moti Bazar for delicious Rasmallai and Kulhad dudh. Don’t forget to treat your sweet-tooth with sugary delights from Mathura Walon Ki Prachin Dukaan. 

Read more: Weekend Getaway to the Holy City of Haridwar

Travel Tips

Budget: Rs. 1,000 per person for 2 nights (inclusive of 3 star hotel and breakfast)

Distance From Delhi: Haridwar - 250 km 

Traveller Type: Family, Friends

Distance from Delhi: 220 kilometers

What to Do in Rishikesh?

Blessed with the title of “Yoga Capital of the World”,  Rishikesh has a lot to offer in terms of Spirituality and adventure. The city is quite popular for its Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula and is dotted with plenty of ashrams that allow you a chance to meditate and unwind from the mundane hassle of daily life. The birthplace of Ayurveda, life in Rishikesh draws inspiration from the age-old practice. 
Despite being a magnet for soul searchers and thrill seekers, Rishikesh has survived the ravages of time and has retained an old-world charm that influences you the moment you set foot in the tranquil town. Even The Beatles had visited Rishikesh back in the 60’s in search of what everyone comes to Rishikesh for, enlightenment and activism. There is lots to see and a lot more to do once you’re in Rishikesh.

1) Adventure Trails ​

Rishikesh is very popular with adrenaline junkies who are lured by the white rapids of the Ganga. White water rafting is very popular and you can choose the grade (ranging from 1 to 4) based on your age and appetite for adventure. Bungee jumping is another activity you can indulge in here for some extra thrills.

2) Yoga Retreats

Ever since the Beatles popularised transcendental meditation years ago, Rishikesh has been a haven for those seeking spiritual enlightenment through yoga and meditation. Parmarth Niketan on the banks of the Ganga is the foremost yoga centre in the city. Alternatively, try Ayurpak for a stay in scenic jungle cottages or Nature Care Village featuring an organic farm and popular for raw food, yoga and meditation retreats.

3) Temples

Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dhaam Yatra and is adorned with several ancient temples around Lakshman Jhoola, the bridge that spans the Ganga. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Temple are most popular one here, however, the tranquil settings of Bhootnath Temple and Shatrughna Temple makes them nothing less. 

4) Triveni Ghat

Point of confluence of the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Triveni Ghat is the biggest and the most famous ghat of Rishikesh. The ghat witnesses a massive footfall of devotees that come here for a dip in the holy waters to wash off their sins. Idols of Lord Vishnu and Krishna can be seen here. The ancient Rishi Kund and Raghunath Temple nearby are also worth a visit.

5) Shopping

The bazaars of Rishikesh are a shopper’s paradise. Head to Laxman Jhula market to shop for some beautiful wall paintings and wooden furniture to give a rustic haveli look to your home. Try the juiciest and fresh fruits of the hills at the Shyampur Haat Bazaar. 

​6) Aarti at Parmarth Ghat

Rishikesh is popularly known for it’s aartis that take place at the ghats at dusk. Aarti at the Parmarth ghat is a spectacular sight and provides a soothing experience that you can’t afford to miss. Carry along your camera and capture the lively crowd and the auspicious aura of the ghat.

Where to eat in Rishikesh? 

Trying Chole Bhature at the Chotiwala restaurant is an experience in itself. This is an age old family run business that deserves a visit for it’s fabulous food and the dressed up Chotiwala pandit who sits outside the restaurant at all times. Another delicacy that calls for your attention is the Surat Ki Mashoor Aloo at 60’s The Eat Story. 

Attractions Around 

Take a fun day trip to Rajaji National park located close to Haridwar, and travel among the thickets of the jungle to discover herds of elephants who roam free there. Travel a bit further to the abode of Lord Shiva in Shivpuri which is dotted with various temples dedicated to the presiding deity or picnic in nature's lap at the quaint village of Byasi.
Haridwar and Rishikesh will invigorate you and will compel you to keep returning to both the cities for years after. Seek enlightenment and more at Haridwar and Rishikesh. 

Here are a few tips if you're planning a weekend getaway to Rishikesh:

Budget: INR 5,000 per person for 2 nights (inclusive of 3 star hotel, transfers and sightseeing)

Distance From Delhi: 220 km 

Traveller Type: Family, Friends

Book Your Haridwar Holiday Now!