Day Trips

Excursions from Haridwar

Rishikesh

25 km (1 hour)

The Yoga Capital of the World — just an hour from Haridwar. Famous for rafting, ashrams, Beatles Ashram, Lakshman Jhula, and a vibrant cafe culture. An essential day trip or overnight excursion.

White-water raftingLakshman Jhula & Ram JhulaBeatles AshramYoga and meditationCafe hopping

Shared autos (₹30-40), bus (₹25), taxi (₹400-600) Full day recommended, or overnight

Full guide on VisitRishikesh →

Rajaji National Park

10 km (20 minutes)

One of the richest wildlife areas in North India, home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and over 400 bird species. Jeep safaris and elephant safaris available. Open November to June.

Asian elephantsTiger sightings400+ bird speciesJeep safari

Taxi (₹200-300), auto-rickshaw Half day (one safari session)

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

45 km via Rishikesh

Ancient Shiva temple nestled in the Garhwal hills. The temple marks the spot where Lord Shiva drank the cosmic poison during Samudra Manthan, turning his throat blue (Neelkanth). A scenic drive through forests.

Sacred Shiva templeScenic mountain driveHot sulfur springs nearby

Taxi via Rishikesh (₹1500-2000 return). Shared jeeps from Rishikesh (₹80-100). Half day

Mussoorie

90 km (3 hours)

The "Queen of the Hills" — a classic Uttarakhand hill station at 2,000m elevation. Offers dramatic views of the Himalayas and Doon Valley, colonial-era architecture, and pleasant weather year-round.

Kempty FallsMall RoadGun Hill viewpointLal Tibba (highest point)

Taxi (₹2000-3000), bus via Dehradun Full day or overnight

Dehradun

55 km (1.5 hours)

The capital of Uttarakhand, offering a mix of colonial heritage, natural attractions, and urban amenities. Home to the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Sahastradhara, and Robber's Cave.

Forest Research Institute (FRI)Sahastradhara sulfur springsRobber's Cave (Guchhupani)

Train (1 hour), bus (₹50-80), taxi (₹800-1200) Full day