Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar
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Morning: Arrive in Haridwar, a significant pilgrimage city on the banks of the Ganga River. The nearest major airport is in Dehradun (around 35 km away), or you can take a train or bus to Haridwar.
- Check-in at your hotel and freshen up.
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Late Morning to Afternoon:
- Har Ki Pauri: Begin your trip with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, one of the most sacred ghats in India. Here, take part in the Ganga Aarti (evening prayer) which is a mesmerizing experience. The aarti is conducted every evening and draws a large crowd.
- Chandi Devi Temple: Located on top of the Neel Parvat, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. You can reach the temple via a cable car or a short trek.
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Evening:
- Visit Maya Devi Temple, another important temple dedicated to Goddess Maya, one of the Siddh Peeths.
- Enjoy a walk along the Har Ki Pauri ghat and experience the evening Ganga Aarti.
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Night: Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Day 2: Haridwar to Rishikesh
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Morning: After breakfast, head to Rishikesh, which is just 25-30 km away (about an hour’s drive).
- Check-in at your hotel or resort in Rishikesh.
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Late Morning to Afternoon:
- Triveni Ghat: Visit Triveni Ghat, another important ghat in Rishikesh where you can witness the serene Ganga Aarti in the evening. It’s also a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the river's beauty.
- Lakshman Jhula: Visit this iconic suspension bridge, which connects the two banks of the Ganga River. The Ram Jhula is another bridge worth visiting nearby.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Located around 12 km from Rishikesh, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views.
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Evening:
- Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at this renowned ashram, one of the most tranquil experiences in Rishikesh.
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Night: Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in Rishikesh, offering a mix of local and international cuisines. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
Day 3: Rishikesh to Dehradun
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Morning: After breakfast, head to Dehradun (about 45-50 km, approximately 1.5 hours by car). The capital city of Uttarakhand is known for its pleasant weather and scenic views.
- Check-in at your hotel in Dehradun.
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Late Morning to Afternoon:
- Robber's Cave: A popular tourist spot, Robber’s Cave (or Gucchupani) is a natural cave formation with cool water streams flowing through it.
- Mindrolling Monastery: Visit this beautiful Buddhist monastery that is known for its serene surroundings and large stupa.
- Tapkeshwar Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in a cave, with a natural spring that drips water onto the Shiva Lingam.
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Evening:
- Forest Research Institute (FRI): Visit this grand colonial-era building set amidst lush greenery. The campus is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
- Explore the local markets in Dehradun, such as Paltan Bazaar, where you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
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Night: Overnight stay in Dehradun.
Day 4: Dehradun to Mussoorie
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Morning: After breakfast, head to Mussoorie, a popular hill station just 35 km from Dehradun (around 1.5 hours by car).
- Check-in at your hotel in Mussoorie.
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Late Morning to Afternoon:
- Kempty Falls: Visit the famous Kempty Falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the water or simply enjoy the view.
- Gun Hill: Take a cable car ride to Gun Hill, one of the highest points in Mussoorie, offering panoramic views of the town and nearby mountain ranges.
- Camel’s Back Road: This road is famous for its scenic walk, with views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
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Evening:
- Mall Road: Explore the Mall Road, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and viewpoints. You can shop for local handicrafts, woolens, and souvenirs.
- Mussoorie Lake: A peaceful spot to relax and enjoy boating with stunning views of the nearby mountains.
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Night: Enjoy a cozy dinner at one of the local restaurants in Mussoorie. Overnight stay in Mussoorie.
Day 5: Mussoorie to Dehradun & Departure
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Morning: After breakfast, head back to Dehradun (around 1.5 hours’ drive).
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Late Morning to Afternoon:
- If you have time before your departure, visit the Sahastradhara Springs, which is known for its therapeutic qualities, or take a stroll around the Rajaji National Park if you're interested in wildlife and nature.
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Departure: From Dehradun, you can head to Jolly Grant Airport for your flight or take a train or bus for onward travel.
Additional Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit these places is between March and June (summer) and September to December (autumn), when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
- Local Cuisine: While in these areas, try the local cuisines such as Aloo ke Parathe, Kachoris, Pahadi Chicken, and sweets like Bal Mithai (in Dehradun) and Singhori (in Mussoorie).
- Weather: While Haridwar and Rishikesh are hot in summers, Mussoorie and Dehradun offer cool weather, so pack accordingly.
- Travel Tips: Hiring a private vehicle or booking a tour package can help you explore these places conveniently.