Highlights
- Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi by Udan Khatola ropeway
- Neelkanth Mahadev in the hills above Rishikesh
- Bajrang Setu and Ram Jhula
- Evening aarti at Parmarth Niketan
- Morning snan at Har ki Pauri before you leave
This is the short Haridwar trip that covers what most families come for, without rushing the aartis. Both hill temples are done by ropeway on the first afternoon, Rishikesh and Neelkanth get a full day, and you see the Ganga aarti in both towns on different evenings. Both nights are in Haridwar, so there’s only one hotel check-in.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Haridwar, Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and the Har ki Pauri aarti
Pickup at Haridwar station or Dehradun airport and check in. After lunch, the Udan Khatola ropeways to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, using the combined ticket and the operator’s bus between the two. Then to Har ki Pauri at least 45 minutes before sunset to find a place for the Ganga aarti, and a diya on the river afterwards.
Day 2: Neelkanth Mahadev and Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan aarti
An early start for Neelkanth Mahadev, about an hour’s drive into the hills beyond Rishikesh, to get there ahead of the queues. Back in Rishikesh, walk across Bajrang Setu next to the closed Lakshman Jhula and cross to Swargashram by Ram Jhula. Lunch in Rishikesh, then the evening aarti at Parmarth Niketan, where there’s seating on the steps. Drive back to Haridwar for the night.
Day 3: Morning snan at Har ki Pauri, departure
A morning dip or the morning aarti at Har ki Pauri, when it’s far less crowded than the evening. Time for Ganga jal and prasad shopping in the bazaar, then drop at the station or airport.
Adapting it for elderly parents
Both hill temples are by ropeway, so nobody has to climb. The tiring part is the walking around Har ki Pauri, where cars can’t get close. We arrange drop-off as near as traffic allows. If the Neelkanth drive is too much, skip it and spend that morning at Rishikesh’s ashrams and ghats instead.
What's included and what isn't
Included
- Hotel in Haridwar for 2 nights with breakfast
- Pickup and drop at Haridwar station or Dehradun airport
- Private car for all sightseeing, including the Neelkanth and Rishikesh day
- Drop and pickup as close to Har ki Pauri as traffic allows
Not included
- Train or flight tickets (quoted on request)
- Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi ropeway tickets (₹460 per adult for both, paid at the counter or online)
- Lunches and dinners
- Puja, offerings and donations
- Tips and personal expenses
Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Haridwar Rishikesh Yatra Packages.