Off-beat Rishikesh and Dehradun
Overview
Experience the offbeat soul of Uttarakhand with a slow-paced, immersive trip through Dehradun’s forests and heritage to Rishikesh’s spiritual serenity and outdoor adventures. This itinerary skips the clichés and takes you through hidden gems and peaceful stays.
Highlights
- Forest walks in Maldevta and riverside peace
- Visit to Robber’s Cave and Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Hidden George Everest Trail & Sahastradhara hike
- Kalsi Rock Edicts & colonial Forest Research Institute
- Offbeat route via Song River and Neer Garh waterfall
- Sunset hike to Kunjapuri Devi Temple
- Vashishta Gufa and Beatles Ashram
- Adventure activities like kayaking and cliff jumping
- Organic village experiences at Kyarki and Bhadrakali
- Optional wildlife safari at Rajaji National Park
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun – Forest Escapes & Caves
Arrive at Jolly Grant Airport. Head straight to Maldevta for forest walks and riverside peace. Visit Robber’s Cave (early morning or late evening preferred). Evening visit to Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Stay in a nature camp near Maldevta or boutique homestay in Old Dehradun.
Day 2: Hidden Trails & Local Villages (Dehradun)
Hike the George Everest Trail near Maldevta. Explore the quiet hills around Sahastradhara. Visit ancient Ashokan rock edicts at Kalsi. End the day at the peaceful Forest Research Institute. Stay in the same place or shift to a hill-view retreat in Rajpur.
Day 3: Scenic Drive to Rishikesh via Song River
Drive the offbeat route via Raipur–Thano–Shyampur. Visit Neer Garh Waterfall (upper tier). Check into a riverside glamping or forest homestay near Phoolchatti. End the day with a sunset hike or jeep ride to Kunjapuri Devi Temple.
Day 4: Hidden Spiritual Corners of Rishikesh
Morning riverside yoga. Visit the peaceful Vashishta Gufa. Cross the Ganges via Janki Setu and explore the Swargashram side. Visit the Beatles Ashram during golden hours. End with Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
Day 5: Adventure + Local Culture
Try kayaking or cliff jumping near Shivpuri. Short trek to Garud Chatti Waterfall. Lunch at a satvik or Ayurvedic café. Explore local life in Kyarki or Bhadrakali village. Optional sound healing or breathwork session in the evening. Stay in a treehouse or boutique mud cottage.
Day 6: Return via Dehradun or Haridwar
Sunrise by the river or a forest walk. Drive back to Dehradun or Haridwar for departure. Optional stop at Rajaji National Park (buffer zone safari only).
Trip Details
- Accommodation on double sharing
- Daily breakfast & dinner
- All internal transfers & sightseeing in private cab
- Guided treks and yoga sessions as per itinerary
- Permits & tolls where applicable
What Travelers Say
Real experiences from our amazing travelers
"Absolutely incredible experience! The itinerary was perfectly planned and every moment was magical. Our guide was knowledgeable and the accommodations exceeded expectations."
Sarah Johnson
New York, USA
"This trip changed my perspective on travel. Every detail was taken care of, and the local experiences were authentic and memorable. Highly recommended!"
Raj Patel
Mumbai, India
"Beautiful destinations and well-organized tour. The food experiences were a highlight, and the group was fantastic. Would definitely book again!"
Emma Chen
Singapore
"Outstanding service from start to finish. The team went above and beyond to make our honeymoon perfect. Every detail was thoughtfully planned."
Michael Rodriguez
Barcelona, Spain
"An unforgettable family vacation! The kids loved every activity, and we adults were equally entertained. Perfect balance of adventure and relaxation."
Priya Sharma
Delhi, India
FAQs
Yes, though there are hikes, they are short and moderate. Accommodations and travel are comfortable.
It's best for kids 8+, as there are forest walks and light treks involved.
Most stays have Wi-Fi or good 4G network, though forest-side spots may have limited connectivity.
Yes, the trip is flexible. Let us know and we’ll tailor it accordingly.