Rishikesh & Haridwar Excursion

Morning drive to Rishikesh for 06 hours.

Situated 24 km. upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Rivers Chandrabhaga and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre.  It is said that the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance here and as a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh, hence the name. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognised as centres of philosophical studies, yoga and meditation.  An international yoga week is organised here every year between 2^nd and 7^th February.  For the adventurous, there are opportunities for white water rafting on the River Ganga.

Overnight: Hotel

Morning sightseeing of Rishikesh

Visit includes Triveni ghat -bathing ghat where every evening an Aarti to river Ganga is performed. Lakshman jhoola -A suspension bridge across the Ganga along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Temples – include Raghunath Temple, Pushkar Temple, Venkateshwsar Temple, Chandra Mauleshwaran Temple, Shatrughan Temple, Bharat Mandir and Lakshman Temple.

Afternoon visit Haridwar.

Haridwar is situated on the right bank of the holy River Ganga, and is the point where the river spreads over the northern plain. Associated with both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Haridwar is among the seven sacred cities of India.  It is also one of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, held in its magnitude every twelve years.  Essentially a religious centre which holds promise of salvation for devotees, Haridwar is also a centre of herbal medicine, and traditional studies at Gurukul Kangri.  There are many places of scenic beauty on the outskirts of the town.

Sightseeing includes visit to Chandi devi – A panoramic view of Haridwar can be enjoyed from the temple of Chandi Devi located on top of Neel Parvat.  The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandi Ghat.  Legend has it that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi here.  Bharat mata temple –is a  eight storey building in which the images of cities, heroes and great men are installed. Shanti kunj– is the famous ashram of Gayatri.  Followers and pilgrims from far and wide converge here for yoga and natural cures.

Evening visit to  Har-ki-pairi- this  is the most important ghat on the river Ganga, at Haridwar, where a holy dip is a must for every devotee.  The Ganga Aarti performed every evening is a spectacular sight when thousands of lighted lamps are set afloat on the river, after a common evening prayer is said by all the priest from the many thousands of temples .

Overnight: Hotel

Morning free at the hotel for independent activities.

 Afternoon drive to Delhi international airport to connect flight for onward destination.