Embark on a captivating journey through India's rich heritage from the regal palaces of Jaipur to the bustling streets of Delhi, and find spiritual solace in the sacred cities of Haridwar and Kedarnath nestled in the Himalayas.
Hello! That sounds like an amazing adventure. Here are some travel tips for your journey.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Haridwar, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Delhi is from October to March when the weather is favorable. However, if you're visiting Kedarnath specifically, the temple is only open from end of April till November due to extreme weather conditions in winter.
Route and Accessibility:
Start your journey from Delhi and from there take a flight or train to Dehradun. From Dehradun, the most convenient way to reach Haridwar and Rishikesh is by road. For visiting Kedarnath, you can drive up to a certain point (Gaurikund); after that, it is accessible by a 16 km trek or by helicopter services available at multiple locations.
Accommodation and Booking:
All cities have a range of accommodations to suit various budgets. Elements of advance booking especially for Kedarnath is recommended as accommodations there are limited. It's also advisable to check for accommodation with heating facilities due to cold weather.
Clothing and Essentials:
Regular clothes would suffice for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Delhi. However, for Kedarnath, pack warm layers, thermal inners, socks, gloves, a cap and good quality trekking shoes. Don't forget your personal medication, high-calorie snacks, a water bottle, flashlight, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sturdy backpack.
Health and Safety:
Stay hydrated and ensure you have a medical kit with necessary medications. Listen to your body and do not overexert. Maintain decorum in religious places. Also, keep in mind to respect local customs and culture.
Local Etiquette and Respect:
Always respect local culture and religious customs, especially in these temple towns. Dress conservatively when visiting temples and avoid clicking pictures where it's not permitted. Functioning on Indian Standard Time, punctuality might not always be stringent.