Rishikesh & Haridwar

Iconic iron suspension bridge across the Ganges, with temples, shops and cafes on both banks.

Evening ceremony of lamps, hymns and bells on the river steps, with a gentle, devotional mood.

Another famous bridge and a large ashram known for its evening aarti and gardens.

Abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968, now covered with graffiti and forest.

Run Ganges rapids like Roller Coaster and Golf Course, with local guides. Seasonal, not in monsoon.

Haridwar's most sacred ghat, where the evening aarti sees thousands of lamps floated on the river.

Hilltop shrine reached by ropeway with views over Haridwar and the river.

Short forest trail to a tiered waterfall with small pools, a pleasant change from the river.

Hilltop temple above Rishikesh with sunrise views over the Himalayan peaks and the plains.

Jeep safari for elephants and deer in dry forest beside the Ganges.

India's tallest bungee platform sits above a gorge; choose licensed operators with safety checks.

Multi-storey temple that honours goddesses, saints and heroes of India on separate floors.

Traditional vegetarian meal in a family-run restaurant near Ram Jhula, well loved by locals.

Eat hot kachori and jalebi from street stalls beside the ghat, like local pilgrims.

Lanes of brass idols, prayer beads, copper and sweets near the river.

Join a drop-in hatha or pranayama class with experienced teachers on a riverside terrace.

Learn simple vegetarian recipes using spices and herbs considered balancing in Ayurveda.

Meditation cave beside the Ganges beyond Shivpuri, quiet and used for centuries by sages.

Old stone tank and barrage on the Ganges canal, with fish and calm river views.

Peaceful ashram complex where the Ganges is said to split into seven streams.

Old temple linked to a myth of Shiva and Sati, a short ride south of Haridwar.