Overview

Haridwar and Rishikesh are two of the most sacred and scenic towns of Uttarakhand, located on the banks of the holy River Ganga. Together, they represent the perfect harmony of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty.
Haridwar (meaning Gateway to God) is one of the seven holiest cities in India, famous for its ancient temples, ghats, and the Ganga Aarti.
Rishikesh, just 25 km upstream, is known as the Yoga Capital of the World — a peaceful haven for meditation, river rafting, and adventure seekers.
Both towns hold deep spiritual significance and are the starting points of the Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri).

🚗 How to Reach
By Road: Haridwar is about 220 km from Delhi and Rishikesh is 240 km, taking around 5–6 hours via NH334. Buses, taxis, and private cars are easily available.
By Train: Haridwar Junction is a major railway station connected to Delhi, Varanasi, and Dehradun. Rishikesh also has a small railway station, mainly for local trains.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (around 35 km from Rishikesh). From the airport, taxis are available to both towns.

🌦️ Best Time to Visit
October – March: Pleasant and cool; best for sightseeing and adventure sports.
April – June: Warm but ideal for evening Ganga Aarti and temple visits.
July – September: Monsoon brings lush greenery; however, river activities are limited.

🕉️ Top Places to Visit in Haridwar
1. Har Ki Pauri
The most iconic ghat of Haridwar, where the Ganga Aarti takes place every evening. Thousands of diyas float on the river, creating a magical sight — a must-experience moment for every visitor.
2. Mansa Devi Temple
Situated atop the Bilwa Parvat, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. You can reach it via a short trek or ropeway ride.
3. Chandi Devi Temple
Located on Neel Parvat, it offers panoramic views of Haridwar. The temple is accessible by a ropeway and is one of the Siddha Peethas of the region.
4. Daksha Mahadev Temple
An ancient temple linked with Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati’s legend, located in Kankhal.
5. Bharat Mata Temple
A unique multi-storeyed temple celebrating India’s unity and diversity, each floor dedicated to different gods and national heroes.

🧘‍♀️ Top Places to Visit in Rishikesh
1. Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula
Iconic suspension bridges across the Ganga offering scenic views and connecting ashrams, cafes, and temples. They’re symbols of Rishikesh’s charm.
2. Triveni Ghat
The most famous ghat in Rishikesh where the evening Ganga Aarti is peaceful and spiritual — less crowded than Haridwar’s but equally divine.
3. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, known for its serene environment and evening aarti. It’s also a global center for yoga and meditation.
4. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
A must-visit for art lovers and history buffs — where The Beatles stayed in 1968. The walls are covered with graffiti, and the forest setting feels otherworldly.
5. Neer Garh Waterfall
A short trek from Tapovan takes you to this stunning natural waterfall — a great spot for relaxation and photography.
6. Adventure Zone
Rishikesh is India’s adventure capital, offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, cliff jumping, and camping by the Ganga.

🎯 Top Things to Do
Attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) and Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh)
Take a holy dip in the Ganga for purification and blessings
Enjoy yoga and meditation retreats in Rishikesh’s peaceful ashrams
Experience river rafting and camping adventures
Try local street food — kachori, aloo puri, jalebi, and lassi in Haridwar
Visit café culture in Rishikesh — Beatles Café, Ganga View Café, and Shambala Café

🏡 Where to Stay
Haridwar: Stay near Har Ki Pauri for easy access to ghats and temples. Options include Ganga Lahari, Haveli Hari Ganga, and Hotel Ganga View.
Rishikesh: Choose between riverside resorts, yoga ashrams, or hostels. Popular options: Divine Ganga Cottage, Aloha on the Ganges, and Live Free Hostel (budget).

🍛 Local Cuisine
Both towns are vegetarian-only zones with delicious North Indian and Garhwali dishes. Must-try items include:
Aloo Puri, Chhole Bhature, Kachori Sabzi, and Jalebi in Haridwar
Pahadi Thali, Masala Chai, and Pancakes or Smoothie Bowls in Rishikesh cafés

💡 Travel Tips
Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol within city limits — both towns are sacred.
Carry light cotton clothes in summer and warm layers in winter.
Respect local customs while attending the aarti or entering temples.
For rafting, wear proper gear and always go with certified operators.
Early morning and sunset are the best times for photography at the ghats and bridges.