Haridwar Vs Rishikesh: Best place to visit for your upcoming vacation

In respect of spirituality, both Haridwar and Rishikesh hold a strong position in the heart of the people of not only India but in the world as well. These two places are widely popular among tourists across the globe. Not only are they quite significant for the people of the Hindu community, but the natural scenic beauty surrounding these two places are quite spectacular. Because these two places are located quite close to one another, most tourists prefer to visit them.

However, if you want to decide between these two glorious places of Uttarakhand, you will have to consider some aspects while making your decision. These two towns, while being quite similar, can be pretty different in some issues.

In this blog, you will get to know about the detailed comparison of the two towns of Uttarakhand. If you are planning to visit either one of them, you should read this blog carefully because here you will get to know the essential facts surrounding the two towns.

Difference between the natural landscape of Haridwar Vs Rishikesh

One of the most crucial differences between the natural views between Haridwar and Rishikesh is that Rishikesh is way more naturally beautiful than Haridwar as it is situated at a higher altitude and it is located by the roaring Ganges. Whereas the calmness of Ganga locates Haridwar. It is known more because of the spiritual and religious impact it has on the tourists.

Though both the towns are located in Uttarakhand, the scenic beauty is quite different between them. Rishikesh is quite rustic and offers you the authentic experience of Uttarakhand, while Haridwar is filled with temples, shops and hotels in every possible corner. The reason behind this disparage is that since Haridwar is a place of pilgrimage to many people in the country, it is widely visited by millions of people every year. Those tourists usually visit Rishikesh as a sightseeing spot. That is why there are lesser hotels in Rishikesh compared to Haridwar.

Haridwar Vs Rishikesh: main highlights

The main highlight of Haridwar is the Kumbh Mela that is held every twelve years, and many devoted travellers are looking forward to 2022 when the next Mela is going to be held. Apart from that, Haridwar’s Aarti is famous all around the world. The magnificent Aarti that takes place in the Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat is another reason why so many people visit Haridwar quite frequently.

Rishikesh, on the other hand, is famous as it is known as the “World Capital of Yoga”. Not only it was notable for the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram, but it is quite famous for the scenic beauty surrounding the town. Also, Rishikesh is the place where most travellers start their Char Dham Yatra. Apart from the scenic beauty, Rishikesh is also quite famous in Uttarakhand for offering tourists to take part in adventure infused activities like river rafting, paragliding, parasailing and many more.

Best time to visit Rishikesh and Haridwar

Both Rishikesh and Haridwar are located a few kilometres apart from one another; hence the temperature of the two places are almost the same. You will be able to explore Haridwar quite comfortably if you visit between February, March or from August to October. In the summer, Haridwar can get quite humid. Hence, it is better to avoid it during the summers.

In the same way, Rishikesh is also quite hot in the summer, and it would be better if you avoid that time. But if you are interested in adventure sports, you should visit Rishikesh from September to November. Otherwise, you will not be able to take part in river rafting.

Days required to explore

If you are visiting only Haridwar, you will be able to examine the entirety of it within four days or even less. But if you are visiting other places as well, it would require more days to cover the trip.

Rishikesh, on the other hand, can be covered within three days quite easily. But in case you are visiting different places from there, you will require more days.

Currency for Haridwar and Rishikesh

Both Haridwar and Rishikesh are located in India. Hence you will have to convert your money to the Indian currency. For your convenience, the major currency exchanges are given below. Before planning a trip to India, you must convert your money to INR.

1 USD = 70.86 Indian Rupee or INR.

1 Euro = 78.87 INR.

1 pound = 92.29 INR.

Average budget: Haridwar Vs Rishikesh

If you want to plan a trip to Haridwar or Rishikesh, you will have to take into account how you want to conduct this trip. The cost will quite obviously vary if you’re going to plan the journey luxuriously or if you want to design it in a budget-friendly way. The more you spend on unnecessary aspects, more the budget of the trip goes up.

In order to help you plan the trip, an estimation is provided in the following section to allow you to design the journey depending on various constraints including transportations, lodging, food and other miscellaneous costs. By following this, you will be able to get the estimate of how much money would you require to plan the trip.

The average cost for exploring Haridwar

Transportations:

Flights (Economy): INR 10,000. Remember, Haridwar does not have an airport. Hence you will have to rent a cab from Dehradun where the nearest airport to Haridwar is located.

Average Lodging cost:

You will find hotels in Haridwar that differ hugely depending on the price. But the average price is around INR 1200 for two people.

The average cost for meals:

INR 1000 to 2000 per day approximately including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Transfers:

INR 80 to INR 100 for taking you to one place to another in Haridwar for two people.

Sightseeing:

INR 200 to INR 400 for two people.

Miscellaneous:

INR 300.

The average cost of exploring Haridwar per day for two people:

INR 1650 or 24 USD accept flight fare approximately.

The average cost for exploring Rishikesh

Transportations:

Flights (Economy): INR 10,000 for two people. Also, like Haridwar, there are no airports in Rishikesh. Hence you will have to get there by renting a cab from Jolly Grant Airport that is located in Dehradun.

Average Lodging cost:

The average cost of getting a hotel in Rishikesh is around INR 1500 for two people per day approximately. Though the prices vary quite substantially.

The average cost for meals:

INR 1000 to INR 2000 approximately for two people, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Transfers:

In Rishikesh, you will have to rent a car to explore the town. Unlike Haridwar, there are not any Tangas or Rikshaws. The average cost is around INR 800 for a car approximately.

Sightseeing:

INR 1500 approximately for two people.

Miscellaneous:

Rishikesh has many adventure activities, and many people prefer to take part in them. Hence, it is difficult to estimate the miscellaneous cost out there.

The average cost of exploring Rishikesh per day for two people:

INR 2500 or 35 USD approximately for two people excluding any different activities.

Acquiring Visa: Haridwar Vs Rishikesh

Because Haridwar and Rishikesh are located in India, you would have to purchase the visa to India to reach there. If you are from the neighbouring countries of India, including Nepal and Bhutan, you will not require any Visa. But if you are from any other place, you will have to get a visa to India that can be acquired online.

The e-Visa is sufficient for getting into India and in case you are from the USA, you can get a regular tourist visa. That visa will let you enter India for up to ten years. For tourists from Canada and Japan too the same can be applied. If you are from any other country, your visa will get expired within three to six months.

Places to visit in Haridwar

If you visit Haridwar, you will have to visit the sites mentioned below. Otherwise, your trip will not be complete.

Har-Ki-Pauri

Har-Ki-Pauri is one of the most popular places in Haridwar since it is the focal point of the town. Not only the world-famous Aarti is held every day out there, but it looks spectacular in the evening.

Manasa Devi Mandir

This temple is not famous for its religious significance, but it is renowned because of the beautiful surroundings it is located in. You will get to travel to the temple through a cable car that makes the experience even more worthwhile.

Ma Anadamayee Ashram

The Ashram is located in Kankhal, and it is quite popular in India. You can also stay in the Ashram if you have made the necessary arrangements.

Places to visit in Rishikesh

Like Haridwar, Rishikesh has a lot of places that require a few days to explore them. Though every site cannot be mentioned in the blog, you have to visit the following to have a fulfilling experience.

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is the most popular place in Rishikesh as the main Aarti is held there every evening and people go there to bathe in the holy Ganges.

Swarg Ashram

This Ashram is famous among travellers all around the world. Not only is this place sacred, but it offers you a feeling of calm when you visit there.

Lakshman Jhula

You will have to visit Lakshman Jhula when you visit Rishikesh because it is the identity of the place.

Shopping: Haridwar Vs Rishikesh

Haridwar receives a lot of pilgrims and tourists every year. Hence, there is a considerable number of shops located out there that sells woollen garments, brass utensils, ornaments, stone idols and other exciting items.

On the other hand, Rishikesh is not for shopaholics because there are not many shops that sell garments or pieces of jewellery. But you will find several shops that sell necessary items for daily life.

Getting around: Haridwar Vs Rishikesh

The entirety of Haridwar can be explored by walking, but you can opt for rickshaws and autos as well. There are even rental cabs available that allow you to explore the town.

Rishikesh can be explored by autos, shared taxis and rikshaws. You can also explore the town by walking as well.

Frequently asked questions about Haridwar Vs Rishikesh

1. Which is the best place to view Ganga Aarti- Rishikesh or Haridwar?

Ans. Though both the places are quite well-known for Ganga Aarti, Haridwar is way more popular than Rishikesh in that respect.

1. Which is the top place to spend a few days- Rishikesh or Haridwar?

Ans. It depends upon what you want to do in your vacation. If you are looking forward to ta spiritual trip, Haridwar is the right option for you. But if you are looking for some adventure, then opt for Rishikesh.

1. Which place is cheaper- Haridwar or Rishikesh?

Ans. Both Haridwar and Rishikesh are quite affordable but calculating the cost of lodging and food, Haridwar is cheaper than Rishikesh.