Bathing in the Ganges, attending Aarti, taking yoga classes, and visiting famous temples and ashrams are quick overview of Haridwar Rishikesh Tour. Both cities do not look like unknown tale, but still a guide will help you to experience best of both cities. You will find best time to visit, list of attractions, things to do, a sketch itinerary for better travel experiences.
Best Time to Visit Haridwar and Rishikesh: Seasons, Festivals & Weather Tips
Searching for weather in Haridwar and Rishikesh to plan a trip in best season? Good news — there is more than one “best time” to go, depending on what you are looking for- peace, adventure, or spiritual trip. October to March is hands down the most comfortable season. The weather is cool, the Ganges is crisp but not icy, and the skies are clear — perfect for Ganga Aarti, yoga sessions, and white water rafting in Rishikesh.
April to June is hot, but manageable if you like sweating through your linen kurta. It is quieter, especially during early mornings, and great for those wanting to avoid big crowds while still enjoying the sights.
Monsoon (July–September)? It is green and dramatic, but expect travel disruptions and slippery paths. In this season, there are fewer tourists and cheap accommodations.
If you are fond of festivals, plan around Kumbh Mela (every 12 years), Ardh Kumbh, or Ganga Dussehra. Haridwar turns into a spiritual hub that looks chaotic and unforgettable. Book Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Haridwar to get on a comfortable trip.
A Trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh in 3 Days- A Perfect Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar
Arrive in Haridwar by morning. Check into your hotel or ashram depending on your choices. Visit Har Ki Pauri for a holy dip which is mandatory as a trip is incomplete without it. The water is ice-cold and vaguely brown, but it is sacred, so just smile through it. Take the ropeway to Mansa Devi Temple and/or Chandi Devi Temple. By Evening, witness the famous Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Stay overnight.
Day 2: A short trip to Rishikesh
Check out of Haridwar and hop over to Rishikesh (about 1 hour) as Haridwar to Rishikesh distance is 25 km. Start with Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula – they are bridges, not magical portals, but people act like they are. Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram or Beatles Ashram for a yoga session if you enjoy being reminded of how inflexible your body truly is. If you have missed the Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri, visit Triveni Ghat for Ganga Aarti rituals which has impressive vibes. Night market browsing, riverside cafés, and herbal tea that tastes like regret. Stay overnight at Rishikesh.
Day 3: A Full Day Adventure Trip in Rishikesh
Morning white-water rafting on the Ganges. You will scream, splash and dive in adventure. Try bungee jumping, ziplining, cliff jumping or rafting in Ganges. Lunch at a riverside café, sit back and stare at the Ganges. Head back to Haridwar or onward to your next escape.
Best Local Food to Try in Haridwar and Rishikesh
Haridwar:
- Aloo Puri from Mohanji Puriwale – Spicy and tasty
- Kachori Sabzi – like an edible uppercut to your hunger.
- Jalebi – Weakness of Sweet lovers
- Lassi – Thick, sweet, and served with a spoon.
Rishikesh:
- Chotiwala Restaurant – Old school Indian thali that’s been satisfying pilgrims and backpackers for decades.
- Riverside Cafés (Little Buddha, Freedom Café, etc.) – Think vegan pancakes, avocado toast, and masala chai served with Bob Marley posters.
- Street momos – You didn’t come to the Himalayas to avoid the carbs.
- Ayurvedic teas & smoothies – for when you want your drink to taste like leaves and self-importance.
Adventure Activities in Rishikesh You Must Try
White-Water Rafting – Rowing across 16 km of Ganga Stream and perfect for when you need a spiritual cleanse via splash damage.
Bungee Jumping – India’s highest at Mohan Chatti. 83 meters of “why did I pay for this?”
Flying Fox (Ziplining) – Fly over rivers and forests like a sad Iron Man.
Cliff Jumping – Because throwing yourself off a rock is apparently therapeutic.
Kayaking & Body Surfing – For those who want to touch water without immediate panic.
Trekking in the nearby hills – Pretend to be one with nature until you run out of breath.
Pro Tip: Go with a private transportation if you are 5-6 members as it allows flexibility of time planning and choosing a trip, route, places to visit and activities to do. Search for best offered Innova Taxi rates in Delhi for Haridwar Rishikesh 3 Days Tour package.
Top Temples to Visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh
Both cities in Uttarakhand are best for spiritual tour in India. Visit to famous temples is best way to explore the cultural marvels of Haridwar.
Haridwar:
- Mansa Devi Temple – Wishes granted, but you gotta work for it. Or take the ropeway.
- Chandi Devi Temple – Sister shrine. Slightly higher, slightly holier, slightly harder to pronounce.
- Daksha Mahadev Temple – For Shiva stans. Also features some solid mythological gossip.
- Maya Devi Temple – One of the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga.
Rishikesh:
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Lord Shiva allegedly drank poison here. You just need to drink water after the uphill ride.
- Parmarth Niketan – Spiritual Disneyland, but more real.
- Bharat Mandir – Rishikesh’s oldest temple, for when you want history with your darshan.
- Trayambakeshwar Temple – That big 13-story orange thing you see in every photo. Yes, go inside.
How to Plan Haridwar and Rishikesh Travel in Budget?
With some great travel tips and a well-planned itinerary, it is easy to plan Haridwar Rishikesh tour in budget or a cost-effective way.
Choose Affordable Ways to Reach Haridwar and Rishikesh
Take a train or bus to Haridwar- both ways are affordable and easily available. If you are travelling in a big group, Luxury Tempo Traveller Hire in Delhi is also a cost-effective way which offers flexibility and convenience of travelling around.
Choose Budget-Friendly Stay Options
Go for Budget hotels and dharamshalas available in 3, 4, and 5 star options. Obviously, both places are not for taking bath in tub. There are tons of hostels and ashrams, from ₹300 dorms to cheap private rooms with Ganga views and faint smells of incense. Haridwar and Rishikesh are best places to visit in Uttarakhand with Family, so it is easy to find good options in budget here.
Bonus Tips:
- Travel offseason (July–August) if you like rain and low prices.
- Always ask locals – they are more helpful than your travel app.
- Plan across Festivals and Events to experience best vibes of both cities.