Tips & Advice

Haridwar Trip Cost: Travel, Hotels, Food and Other Activities

Personal Finance
21-08-2025
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Haridwar, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage cities, welcomes millions of devotees and travelers every year. Nestled along the banks of the holy Ganges, Haridwar is famous for its Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, ancient temples, yoga ashrams, and spiritual atmosphere. Whether you are planning a family trip, a pilgrimage, or a short weekend getaway, knowing the Haridwar trip cost in advance helps you budget better.

Travel Cost to Haridwar

Reaching Haridwar is convenient since the city is well-connected by rail, road, and nearby airports.

  • Flight (Delhi to Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, 35 km from Haridwar): ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 (round trip)
  • Cab from Dehradun Airport to Haridwar: ₹1,000 – ₹1,800
  • Train from Delhi to Haridwar: ₹400 – ₹1,500 (depending on class)
  • Bus (Delhi to Haridwar): ₹500 – ₹1,200 (Volvo or luxury coaches)

For most budget travelers, train and bus journeys are the best options, while families often prefer flights and private cabs for convenience.

Hotels in Haridwar

Accommodation in Haridwar ranges from dharamshalas and budget lodges to luxury hotels and riverside resorts.

  • Budget dharamshala / lodges: ₹500 – ₹1,200 per night
  • Mid-range hotels near Har Ki Pauri: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per night
  • Luxury resorts & Ganga-facing hotels: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000+ per night

For a 3-night stay:

  • Budget trip: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
  • Mid-range: ₹6,000 – ₹12,000
  • Luxury: ₹18,000+

Food & Dining in Haridwar

Haridwar is known for its vegetarian cuisine and street food such as aloo puri, kachoris, jalebis, and lassi.

  • Street food & small eateries: ₹200 – ₹400 per person per day
  • Mid-range restaurants: ₹800 – ₹1,500 for two people
  • Special dining (riverside or ashram-style meals): ₹2,000+ for two

For a 4-day trip, expect food costs of:

  • Budget: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
  • Mid-range: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
  • Luxury: ₹8,000+

Local Transportation

Getting around Haridwar is inexpensive.

  • Cycle rickshaw / auto: ₹20 – ₹100 per ride
  • Private cab for sightseeing: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per day
  • Shared jeeps to Rishikesh: ₹300 – ₹500 per person

If you also plan to explore Rishikesh (25 km away), cab fares may add to your trip cost.

Sightseeing & Activities

Haridwar is primarily about spirituality and cultural experiences.

  • Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti: Free (donations welcome)
  • Chandi Devi Temple (ropeway): ₹150 – ₹200 per person
  • Mansa Devi Temple (ropeway): ₹150 – ₹200 per person
  • Rajaji National Park Safari: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person
  • Excursion to Rishikesh: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 (shared or private cab)

Total sightseeing budget: ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 per person for 3–4 days.

Haridwar Trip Cost for a Couple

For a 4-day Haridwar trip, here’s an approximate cost:

  • Budget trip: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
  • Mid-range trip: ₹20,000 – ₹35,000
  • Luxury trip: ₹50,000+

Travel Loan for Haridwar Trip

If you are planning a comfortable family or group trip, a personal loan for travel can help you manage expenses such as train/flight bookings, hotel stays, and sightseeing with easy EMIs.

FAQs on Haridwar Trip Cost

Q1. How much does a Haridwar trip cost from Delhi?
A 3-day trip from Delhi to Haridwar costs around ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 per person (budget travel).

Q2. Which are the best hotels in Haridwar near Har Ki Pauri?
Some popular hotels include Ganga Lahari, Haveli Hari Ganga, and budget-friendly Dharamshalas near the ghat.

Q3. What are the best places to visit near Haridwar?
Rishikesh, Rajaji National Park, Mansa Devi Temple, and Chandi Devi Temple are must-visit places near Haridwar.

Q4. What is the cheapest way to reach Haridwar?
Trains and buses from Delhi, Jaipur, or Lucknow are the most budget-friendly options.

Q5. How many days are enough for a Haridwar trip?
A 2–3 day trip is enough for darshan, Ganga Aarti, and nearby sightseeing.

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How to Reduce Interest Rate Before Applying Home Loan Bargaining Tips After Loan Approval Switching Lenders for a Better Rate Why Choose Piramal Finance? Final Thoughts FAQs 1. Can You Really Negotiate a Home Loan Rate? Yes, you can often negotiate home loan rate if you know how to approach the lender. Many borrowers don’t realise that interest rates are not always rigid. Lenders may be willing to adjust rates if they see you as a low-risk customer. This is especially true in competitive markets where banks and NBFCs are actively looking for new customers. Negotiation works best when you have a strong repayment profile, good credit score, and clear understanding of your options. 2. How Lenders Decide Your Rate Before you learn how to reduce interest rate, it helps to know what factors influence it: Credit score: A score above 750 increases your bargaining power. Income stability: A steady income assures lenders of timely repayments. 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Before we get into the documentation requirements, let’s understand what goes through the lending bank’s mind when they review an application of home loan application for the self-employed: ● Will you be able to consistently pay your EMI for 15-20 years? ● Is your business or freelance job giving you enough profit? ● How sustainable is your business, and what is its growth potential? ● Are you managing money responsibly? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can proactively address them in your application. Essential Documents for Self-Employed Home Loan Here’s the checklist of the documents for a self-employed home loan application: Personal Documents ● Aadhaar Card or PAN Card Copy, along with the original for verification ● Recent passport-size photographs ● Proof of residence, like utility bills, rental agreement, etc. Business Documents ● Registration certificate for the business, like a partnership deed, trade licence, etc. ● GST registration certificate ● Professional qualification certificates of consultants, CAs, etc. ● Proof of office address, like utility bills or a rental agreement Financial Documents ● Bank statements for the last 1 to 2 years (personal & business) ● ITR for the last 2-3 years ● Form 16A, if applicable ● Profit & Loss statements audited by a CA ● Balance sheet for 2-3 years ● CA certificate stating your income on a monthly or annual basis Property Documents ● Sale agreement ● Property papers and title documents ● Approved building plan ● NOC from society or the builder Business Owner Home Loan Eligibility Criteria The eligibility criteria may differ from one lender to another. Still, here are some of the generic requirements for business owner home loan eligibility criteria: Personal Details: ● Age should be between 23 and 65 years ● Professional experience should be a minimum of 3-5 years in the same field as the business ● Minimum annual income needs to be Rs 2-3 lakhs, & this varies according to the city ● CIBIL score of more than 650. An ideal CIBIL score of more than 750. ● A Clean credit history, definitely no defaults ● Consistent replaying of existing loans, if any ● A debt-income ratio of less than 40% ● A Fixed Obligation to Income Ratio (FOIR) of less than 55% Business Details: ● Business needs to be in operation for 2-3 years ● Consistent profits for a minimum period of 2 years ● Stable and growing income trend How to Strengthen Your Application ● Show a growing income: While submitting your ITR, add a note explaining any fluctuations in income and also highlight overall growth. In case you had a rough year, explain how you overcame it. ● Maintain separate business account: Keep your personal and business accounts separate, as it shows financial discipline and is easy for lenders to assess your business income or profits. ● Audited financial statements: When a CA audits your statements, it adds credibility to your application and shows that you professionally run your business. ● Higher down payment: When you offer to pay more than the minimum 20% of property value, the lender’s risk is less, and they may even offer better interest rates. ● Add a co-applicant: When a salaried person is a co-applicant, maybe a spouse, parent, or business partner, the lenders may feel more confident in approving your application. ● Choose the bank carefully: Applying with banks that hold your business accounts can make the process smoother as they already know the financials of the business. Common Mistakes to Avoid In the last section, we saw what you can do to get your loan approved. Here’s what you should not do: ● Don’t show too many cash transactions. Use digital methods to collect and spend money. ● Never miss an ITR filing deadline, as it can impact your credibility ● Avoid adding personal expenses or income into your business account ● Stay away from understating income, as it may save taxes but hurt your loan eligibility ● Apply only to selective loans, as every rejection may hurt your credit score. Final Thoughts Getting a home loan for self-employed individuals needs more preparation than that for a salaried employee, but you can easily get it approved. When you present yourself as a successful, stable business owner who is self-employed, the banks will have no reason to reject your application. Ensure all your documentation is in place and make them see you as a safe bet. Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What is the minimum number of years a business should be operational to apply for a home loan? Most lenders require your business to be operational for a minimum of 2 to 3 years with consistent profits. Q2. Can I get a home loan without an ITR as a self-employed person? ITR is the main proof of income for a self-employed person. Though some lenders may accept bank statements along with CA certificates, there is no guarantee that the home loan will be approved. Q3. Is the interest rate higher for home loans applied for by self-employed persons? Interest rates are determined based on many factors. If a self-employed person is eligible for the home loan and has proper documentation, the interest rate can be the same as a home loan applied for by a salaried employee. Q4. How much home loan can I get as a self-employed person? Just like a home loan for a salaried person, about 60 to 80 percent of the property value can be approved as a home loan. It will depend on the income, credit score, and the lender’s policies. Q5. Can freelancers get home loans? Freelancers can also get home loans if they can show consistent income through ITRs, bank statements, and client contracts. Q6. Do I need a guarantor for a self-employed home loan? It is not essential to have a guarantor, but having a co-applicant or guarantor can strengthen your application in cases of irregular income.
15-09-2025
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Business Loan

Top Business Ideas Under 10 Lakhs Investment

Starting your own business no longer requires crores in investment. With the right planning and execution, launching a profitable business under ₹10 lakhs in India is very much possible, even in today’s competitive market. Whether you are looking to start small or scale later, ₹10 lakhs can open up a variety of lucrative opportunities.For aspiring entrepreneurs with limited capital, getting access to a business loan can help you kickstart or expand these ideas with ease. Here’s a look at some of the best 10 lakh business ideas that offer high potential returns across different industries. Food Truck Business The Indian food industry is booming, and mobile eateries are leading the way in terms of profitability and low overheads.Within this budgeted amount, you can easily set up a fully-equipped food truck serving popular street food, fast food, or regional cuisine. The flexibility of changing locations, relatively low rentals, and increasing demand make this a solid business to start with 10 lakhs. Initial Setup includes: A second-hand or a modified vehicle Kitchen equipment & safety fittings Licenses and registrations Staff hiring & initial inventory Ideal For: Young entrepreneurs, chefs, or foodiesBusiness loan usage: To purchase the vehicle and customise it for kitchen use Boutique or Custom Clothing Store Fashion is an evergreen industry in India. A boutique with unique designs, tailoring services, or ethnic/fusion wear can attract a loyal customer base.This is one of the best business ideas under 10 lakhs, especially in metros and tier-2 cities where fashion-conscious consumers are always seeking something different.Costs Typically Cover: Rent & interior décor Inventory and fabric sourcing Hiring tailors/designers Marketing & branding Niche Ideas include: Bridal boutique Kidswear store Sustainable/fabric-specific clothing Business loan usage: For store setup, initial working capital and inventory ✔️ Franchise Business Under 10 Lakhs Owning a franchise can be a great shortcut to profitability because of the existing brand recognition and business model.Many well-known brands offer franchise businesses under 10 lakhs in sectors like fast food, education, beauty, and delivery services.Popular Options Include: Food & beverage chains (chai cafés, dessert outlets) Preschool or daycare franchises Courier & logistics franchises Salon & grooming services Benefits: Established training & support Ready customer base Standardised operations Business loan usage: To pay franchise fees and operational setup costs Cloud Kitchen A cloud kitchen operates entirely online, preparing food for delivery without a dine-in facility. It’s a smart way to reduce overheads and reach more customers through food delivery apps.This is among the smartest business ideas under 10 lakhs, especially post-pandemic, when digital food ordering became the norm.Investment Breakdown: Kitchen space rent & setup Cooking equipment Packaging supplies Online branding & marketing Pro Tip: Choose a cuisine with high demand and low food costs, such as biryani, combos, or desserts.Business loan usage: For equipment, working capital and initial marketing Mobile or Laptop Repair Shop With millions of smartphone and laptop users across India, repair services are in high demand. Starting a small tech repair centre can be one of the most practical business ideas for 10 lakh today.Key Expenses Include: Renting a commercial space Buying diagnostic and repair tools Sourcing spare parts Training (if needed) You Can Also Offer: Buyback services Accessory sales Home service for premium clients Business loan usage: To buy tools, hire technicians and stock spare parts Digital Marketing Agency Every small business today wants an online presence. If you have digital marketing skills or can hire a small team, setting up your own agency is one of the smartest business ideas under 10 lakhs.Services You Can Offer: Social media marketing Website development SEO and paid ads Content creation Content/ Creative writing What You Need: Office setup (optional, can be remote) Laptops & software tools Skilled team/freelancers Basic marketing budget Business loan usage: To invest in software licenses, team salaries and marketing Paper Bag or Eco Packaging Unit As sustainability grows in importance, starting an eco-friendly packaging business is both profitable and socially impactful.With ₹10 lakhs, you can start a small paper bag manufacturing unit or create compostable food containers for restaurants and local businesses.Setup Includes: Machinery for cutting, folding & printing Raw material procurement Labour & logistics Local marketing This is an ideal business that requires no investment in retail space, as it can be operated from a small warehouse or rented unit.Business loan usage: For machinery purchase and raw material stocking Fitness Studio or Zumba Classes If you’re into fitness, setting up a boutique studio for group classes like yoga, Zumba, pilates, or even martial arts is a growing trend, especially in urban neighbourhoods.Required Investment Covers: Renting space Equipment (mats, weights, sound system) Instructor certifications Branding & social media marketing Add-On Services: Personal training Fitness merchandise Nutritional counselling Business loan usage: For equipment, interiors and pre-launch promotions Pet Grooming Services Pet care is a booming market in India. Opening a small pet grooming centre or offering mobile grooming services is both rewarding and profitable.You Will Need: Basic grooming equipment Trained staff or certification Portable setup (for mobile services) Insurance & licenses Extra Income Streams: Pet accessories Organic pet food Pet sitting or boarding services Business loan usage: For mobile van setup or renting a grooming space Turn Your Business Idea Into Reality You don’t need massive capital to build a successful venture. These business ideas offer flexibility, growth potential and adaptability for new-age entrepreneurs. Whether you're planning a franchise business under 10 lakhs or exploring a niche market with a business without investment in physical space, the options are diverse and within reach.If you're ready to begin but need help with funding, a business loan can provide the necessary boost to get started without draining your savings. It enables you to manage setup costs, inventory, and early-stage operations more efficiently, allowing you to focus on growth.Starting a business with ₹10 lakhs is not just possible, it can be highly profitable when backed by smart planning and the right financial support.
11-09-2025
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