Haridwar and Rishikesh sit 25 km apart on the Ganga where it leaves the Himalayas for the plains — one a 3,000-year-old pilgrimage town, the other the yoga capital of the world. Together they make the most rewarding two-day trip from Delhi, and the one Tamil families request most often after the Golden Triangle.
Getting there from Delhi
Delhi to Haridwar is 220 km, about five hours via NH-334 and the Delhi–Dehradun corridor. Leave by 6:00 AM to arrive in time for a Har Ki Pauri afternoon and the evening aarti. Rishikesh is a further 25 km, roughly 45 minutes.
Har Ki Pauri and the Ganga Aarti
Har Ki Pauri is the ghat where Vishnu is believed to have left his footprint, and the site of the Kumbh Mela bathing. The Ganga Aarti happens every evening at dusk — roughly 6:00-7:00 PM in summer and 5:30-6:30 PM in winter.
Arrive at least 45 minutes early for a seat near the water. Hundreds of lamps are floated downstream as the aarti reaches its peak; it is the emotional high point of the trip for most visitors. The current at the ghat is strong — bathe only where chains and railings are provided.
Haridwar temples
- Mansa Devi Temple — hilltop shrine reached by ropeway or a 1.5 km climb
- Chandi Devi Temple — a second hilltop temple across the river, also with a ropeway
- Maya Devi Temple — one of the 51 Shakti Peethas
- Daksha Mahadev Temple — at Kankhal, linked to the Daksha Yagna legend
- Bharat Mata Mandir — an eight-storey temple dedicated to Mother India
Rishikesh highlights
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are the iconic suspension bridges over the Ganga, lined with ashrams and cafés. Triveni Ghat hosts its own evening Maha Aarti, quieter and less crowded than Haridwar's.
The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) — where the band stayed with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1968 — is now a graffiti-covered heritage site inside Rajaji National Park. Parmarth Niketan offers evening aarti and yoga sessions open to visitors.
For the adventurous, white-water rafting on the Shivpuri to Rishikesh stretch runs from September to June, with grade II-III rapids suitable for beginners.
Two day itinerary
With a third day you can add Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, 32 km from Rishikesh through Rajaji forest, or continue to Mussoorie.
- Day 1: Delhi 6:00 AM departure → Haridwar by 11:00 AM → Mansa Devi ropeway → lunch → Ganga snanam at Har Ki Pauri → evening Ganga Aarti → overnight Haridwar
- Day 2: Chandi Devi or Daksha Mahadev → drive to Rishikesh → Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Beatles Ashram → 4:00 PM depart → Delhi by 9:00 PM
Practical notes
- Both towns are strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free — plan accordingly
- Carry a change of clothes and a towel for the holy dip
- October to March is most comfortable; avoid peak monsoon when the current is dangerous
- Kumbh and Kanwar Yatra periods bring enormous crowds and traffic restrictions
- Remove footwear before ghat steps and temple entrances
Book with a Tamil speaking driver
Shri Ram Tamilan Travels is a trusted Tamil travel agency in Delhi offering customized North India tour packages with professional Tamil speaking drivers. Our Haridwar Rishikesh tour includes hotel arrangement near the ghats, aarti timing planning and a Tamil speaking driver who guides you through the rituals in your own language.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ganga Aarti timing at Har Ki Pauri?
Around 6:00-7:00 PM in summer and 5:30-6:30 PM in winter, at sunset. Arrive 45 minutes early for a good position.
How far is Haridwar from Delhi?
About 220 km, roughly five hours by road.
Can Haridwar and Rishikesh be covered in two days?
Yes. Haridwar on day one with the evening aarti, and Rishikesh on day two before returning to Delhi.
Plan this trip with a Tamil speaking driver
Shri Ram Tamilan Travels is a trusted Tamil travel agency in Delhi offering customized North India tour packages, airport pickup and outstation cab services with professional Tamil speaking drivers.