Posted 16 April 2024 in Summer vacay

Here is how you can have a thrilling weekend in Haridwar & Rishikesh from Delhi

Planning a weekend getaway from Delhi? Go to Haridwar & Rishikesh, two renowned top spiritual destinations in India. Just under 250 kilometres, it’s a different world filled with mountains, holy river Ganga, and auspicious evening aarti that happens in Triveni ghat in Rishikesh. It is not just a destination for spiritual seekers, but also for nature lovers, and for those seeking adventure.

An hour away, the entire ambience takes a shift with an array of cafes, shops, and several river beds that offer a beach like ambience - Rishikesh. This is the yoga capital, where you can take classes, or get trained to become a yoga instructor. There are many things to do in Rishikesh such as river rafting, bungee jumping and trekking.

For travellers looking for a thrilling weekend getaway from Delhi, Haridwar & Rishikesh offers a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and cultural immersion. Excited to explore these two stunning places and want to know how? Here's how you can have a thrilling weekend in Haridwar:

Day 1: Explore the spiritual side of Haridwar

Explore the famous Har Ki Pauri, it is an iconic ghat on the banks of the Ganga river. Here, you can take a dip in the holy waters to cleanse your soul and seek blessings.
Visit the nearby temples such as Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple, both accessible via car or auto.
In the evening, witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti in ashrams, a spiritual ceremony where priests offer prayers to the river with lit lamps and incense, creating a captivating atmosphere.
Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, savouring the flavours of North Indian cuisine.

Day 2: Go for adventure and explore Rishikesh

Go for an early morning visit to Rajaji National Park, located approximately 20 kilometres from Haridwar. Here, you can embark on a thrilling wildlife safari to spot diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species.
Just a short drive away from the national park is Rishikesh, explore the bustling market, hop in and out of various cafes on both sides of Rishikesh and shop for souvenirs.
Visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges spanning the Ganga river, offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding hills.
Experience the adrenaline rush with adventure activities like white-water rafting on the Ganga, bungee jumping, and zip-lining.
Attend a yoga or meditation session to rejuvenate your mind and body. Evening Ganga aarti in Triveni ghat is also free to attend as well as in some of the ashrams in Rishikesh.

Note: Crossing the Laxman Jhula is not accessible. To get to another side, you can either cross from Ram Jhula, or via ferry.

Day 3: Drive to Devprayag and unwind in Rishikesh

Drive to Devprayag, one of the holy sites in India to see the river confluence between Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, that together form the holy river Ganga.
Walk around the temple town and explore the stunning merging of two rivers. On your way back to Rishikesh, visit the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, famously known as the Beatles Ashram.
Later, enjoy a calming afternoon or evening by the river beds along the Ganga river in Tapovan area. Each beach is given a name, the must-visit beaches in Rishikesh are Goa beach, Neem beach, Ganga beach, Kaudiyala beach, and Shivpuri beach.

How to reach Haridwar?

Air: The closest airport to Haridwar is located in Dehradun. Several Delhi to Dehradun flights take off on separate intervals and it may take approximately 45 minutes to 50 minutes.
Train: Haridwar has a railway station with regular trains from Delhi. Since the railway station is located within the city, it gets easy to quickly access the attractions or hotels in Haridwar.
Road: There is a bus stand outside the railway station in Haridwar. Many buses leave Delhi’s ISBT, there are both local and private buses. You can also book buses using travel applications.

How to reach Rishikesh from Delhi?

Air: The closest airport to Rishikesh is located in Dehradun. Several Delhi to Dehradun flights take off on separate intervals and it may take approximately 45 minutes to 50 minutes.
Train: Haridwar has a railway station with regular trains from Delhi. Since the railway station is located within the city, it gets easy to quickly access the attractions or hotels in Haridwar.
Road: If you choose a local bus, most buses halt in the ISBT Rishikesh, however, every private bus via booking application or ISBT Delhi stops at Nepali Farm. From here, sharing autos will take you to Rishikesh, with the last stop being the Tapovan area.

Best time to visit Haridwar & Rishikesh

The best time to visit Haridwar and Rishikesh is during the months of February to April and September to November. During this time of the month, the weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rainfall can lead to flooding and disruption of activities. Similarly, the winter months (December to January) can be quite cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings.

Although, winter is ideal for those seeking a quieter and more introspective experience amidst the serenity of the Himalayas.

Conclusion

With its perfect combination of spirituality, adventure, and cultural immersion, Haridwar & Rishikesh offers a thrilling weekend escape from Delhi, leaving you with cherished memories to last a lifetime.