Konkan coastal paradise! Tarkarli in Maharashtra offers pristine 3km white sand beach, crystal-clear water (visibility up to 20 feet), water sports paradise. Snorkeling to see colorful marine life, scuba diving, dolphin spotting, parasailing, banana boat rides available. Sindhudurg Fort (built by Shivaji 1664 in sea, accessible by boat, naval museum, temples, Shivaji handprint and footprint), Tsunami Island water sports hub add attractions. Less crowded than Goa beaches, authentic Malvani cuisine, Devbag beach, Cashew plantations. Perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts seeking clean Konkan coastline.
Day 1:
Arrive Rishikesh - Arrive Haridwar/Dehradun, transfer to Rishikesh (Yoga Capital of World on Ganga banks, 340m altitude), check-in ashram or riverside resort, afternoon visit Laxman Jhula (450ft iconic suspension bridge, mythologically where Laxman crossed Ganga on jute rope, bustling with pilgrims, shops, cafes, Trayambakeshwar Temple 13-story), Ram Jhula (similar suspension bridge downstream), evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan Ashram (6:30pm, hundreds of diyas floating, priests in saffron, devotional singing, spiritual atmosphere, free to attend), overnight Rishikesh|
Day 2:
River Rafting & Beatles Ashram - Early morning yoga session at ashram (many offer free/paid sessions, rooftop yoga with Ganga sounds), after breakfast white water rafting on Ganga (Shivpuri to Rishikesh 16km Grade 2-3 rapids, exciting but safe, Ôé╣800-1500 per person including transport, equipment, guide, Cliff Jumping and body surfing included, 2-3 hours activity, best Feb-May and Sep-Nov, closed during monsoon high water), afternoon visit Beatles Ashram/Chaurasi Kutiya (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram where Beatles stayed 1968, now abandoned and turned graffiti art gallery, meditation huts, atmospheric ruins, Ôé╣150 entry), Neelkanth Mahadev Temple optional (32km, hilltop Shiva temple at 1330m where poison turned throat blue), evening cafe hopping (Little Buddha Cafe, 60s Beatnik Cafe, Ganga View), overnight Rishikesh|
Day 3:
Haridwar Day Trip - Morning drive to Haridwar (20km, one of seven holiest cities in Hinduism), visit Har Ki Pauri (Footsteps of God, holiest ghat where Ganga enters plains from mountains, pilgrims take holy dip, Brahma Kund most sacred spot, believed to have nectar drops from Amrit Manthan, very crowded), Mansa Devi Temple (cable car to hilltop Ôé╣75 return or 1.5km steep walk, wish-fulfilling deity, thread-tying tradition, panoramic Haridwar views), Chandi Devi Temple (cable car or 3km trek, Anusuya Devi), afternoon walk through Bara Bazaar (religious items, Ayurvedic medicines, Patanjali Yogpeeth mega store), evening attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (grand spectacular aarti at 6-7pm with massive diyas, thousands gather, priests with huge Agni torches, conches and bells, "Har Har Gange" chants echo, one of most famous aartis in India, reach 1 hour early for good spot), return Rishikesh, overnight|
Day 4:
Rishikesh Adventure & Departure - Morning optional bungee jumping at Jumpin Heights (83m highest in India, Ôé╣3500 per jump, giant swing, flying fox), or visit Vashishta Cave (ancient meditation cave, 25km, Vashishta sage meditated here), or trekking to Neer Garh Waterfall (5km round trek, beautiful waterfall with pool for swimming, seasonal best post-monsoon), afternoon checkout, last walk across Laxman Jhula, shopping for rudraksha, yoga mats, Ayurvedic products, departure for Haridwar station/Dehradun airport, tour ends with spiritual and adventure memories (Best season: Feb-May and Sep-Nov for rafting, Dec-Jan cold but clear, Jun-Aug monsoon heavy rains rafting closed, International Yoga Festival in March attracts global yogis)