Take a Spiritual break with Trip to Haridwar & Rishikesh

Haridwar

Propitiously located at the point where the Ganges River emerges from the Himalaya, Haridwar (also called Hardwar) is Uttarakhand’s holiest Hindu city, and pilgrims arrive here in droves to bathe in the fast-flowing Ganges. The sheer number of people gathering around Har-ki-Pairi Ghat give Haridwar a chaotic but reverent feel.  

Within the religious hierarchy of India, Haridwar is much more significant than Rishikesh, an hour further north, and every evening the river comes alive with flickering flames as floating offerings are released on to the Ganges. It's especially busy during the yatra (pilgrimage) season from May to October, in particular during July, when hundreds of thousands of Shiva devotees, known as Kanwarias, descend upon the city.  

Rishikesh

Ever since the Beatles visited the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late '60s, Rishikesh has been a magnet for spiritual seekers. Today it styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, with masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes.     

The action is mostly north of the main town, where the exquisite setting on the fast-flowing Ganges River, surrounded by forested hills, is conducive to meditation and mind expansion. In the evening, an almost supernatural breeze blows down the valley, setting temple bells ringing as sadhus ('holy' men), pilgrims and tourists prepare for the nightly ganga aarti (river worship ceremony).

You can learn to play the sitar or tabla; try Hasya yoga (laughter therapy), practise meditation or take a punt on crystal healing.     

Rishikesh is not all spirituality and contorted limbs, it's also a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hang-out and Himalayan-trekking gateway. 

Dehra Dun is the gateway airport at a distance of about 50 kms.

 

Photos

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival Dehra Dun / Transfer to Haridwar or Rishikesh

  Upon arrival at Dehradun airport, you will be met by our chauffer at the airport�s exit gate with a placard in your name.
  
  You will be escorted to your awaiting vehicle and transferred to Haridwar / Rishikesh for check in at hotel
  
  Haridwar
  
  Propitiously located at the point where the Ganges River emerges from the Himalaya, Haridwar (also called Hardwar) is Uttarakhand�s holiest Hindu city, and pilgrims arrive here in droves to bathe in the fast-flowing Ganges. The sheer number of people gathering around Har-ki-Pairi Ghat give Haridwar a chaotic but reverent feel.
  
  Rishikesh
  
  The action is mostly north of the main town, where the exquisite setting on the fast-flowing Ganges River, surrounded by forested hills, is conducive to meditation and mind expansion. In the evening, an almost supernatural breeze blows down the valley, setting temple bells ringing as sadhus ('holy men), pilgrims and tourists prepare for the nightly ganga aarti (river worship ceremony).
  
  You can learn to play the sitar or tabla; try Hasya yoga (laughter therapy), practise meditation or take a punt on crystal healing.
  
  Rishikesh is not all spirituality and contorted limbs, it's also a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hang-out and Himalayan-trekking gateway.
  
  Day at leisure to visit Ghats & attend the Aarti
  
  Evening Ganga Aarti
  
  Ganga Aarti is a religious prayer that takes place at the bank of the sacred river Ganga at the Har-ki-Pauri ghat in Haridwar. Bringing in tourists and devotees from all over the world, it is a ritual of light and sound where the priests perform prayers with bowls of fire and the ringing of the temple bells. Visitors float "diyas" (small candles) and flowers, surrounded by the chanting of the mantras and the reflection of the lights off the surface of the flowing river, which is said to be blessed by the Goddess Ganga.
  
  Overnight at Haridwar / Rishikesh

• Day 2

  Haridwar / Rishikesh Sightseeing

  After breakfast day at leisure for local sightseeing & spiritual activities
  
  Places of Sightseeing in and around Haridwar
  
  Har Ki Pauri
  
  Regarded as one of the most sacred Ghats in Haridwar and India, Har Ki Pauri is a revered landmark and is visited by devotees and visitors in large number seeking the blessings of Holy Ganga by offering their prayers. Har Ki Pauri which literally translates to 'Steps to Lord Shiva' is situated in the holy city of Haridwar which is considered as one of the seven holiest places in the country. A dip in the river Ganges here is believed to wash away one's sins and according to the Indian mythology, it is one of the four places where the drops of elixir ('Amrit') were accidentally spilled by the celestial bird Garuda. The river is filled in a golden hue of countless diyas offered by devotees floating along the river.
  
  Temples at Haridwar
  
  Visit various temples like Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Shantikunj, Bharat Mata Mandir, Maya Devi Temple etc.
  
  Bada Bazaar
  
  Being primarily a pilgrimage destination, Haridwar has numerous shops along its streets selling all essentials that a pilgrim would need. Bada Bazar in Haridwar is great place to shop for wooden items and handicrafts.
  
  Places of Sightseeing in and around Rishikesh
  
  Ram Jhula
  
  Positioned in Muni Ki Reti, Ram Jhula is one of the most popular attractions of Rishikesh. This bridge was constructed later than the Laxman Jhula, in the year 1980. Both these bridges are quite similar in design and steel construction. Ram Jhula is placed a few miles downstream from Laxman Jhula and links Swarg Ashram on the western bank of River Ganga to the Sivananda Ashram on the eastern one.
  
  Laxman Jhula
  
  Built in 1939, Laxman or Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge in Rishikesh With a length of 450 feet and at a height of around 70 feet from the river. According to Hinduism, this bridge is built in the same place, where Lakshmana once crossed the river Ganges on a jute rope, thus making this another important pilgrim attraction.
  
  Rishi Kund
  
  Rishi Kund is a natural hot spring pond which is considered as a sacred water body in the town. The pond is believed to be filled with water only after a sage was blessed by River Yamuna. Locals also believe that Lord Rama had bathed in the kund during his exile and that the rivers, Ganges and Yamuna meet each other at this point. No matter what the legend is, the pond has a serene vibe that cannot be missed while here.
  
  Tera Manzil Temple
  
  Trimbakeshwar Temple or Tera Manzil Temple is the thirteen storey temple situated on the banks of river Ganges in Rishikesh. Located right opposite the Lakshman Jhula, the temple enshrine several deities under one roof. Popular for its striking architecture, the temple also offers panoramic landscape view from the top of its 13th floor.
  
  Overnight at Haridwar / Rishikesh

• Day 3

  Haridwar / Rishikesh - At leisure for excursion

  Day at leisure for local sightseeing, river rafting or excursion to Dev Prayag [75 kms. one way]
  
  Dev Prayag
  
  Here the Bhagirathi from Gaumukh and the Alaknanda from Alkapuri glaciers north of Sri Badrinath meet and become the sacred Ganga. In the literal sense, Devprayag is the birthplace of the Ganga and is next only to Prayagraj in its importance as a confluence. It is a delightful and fascinating sight to watch the Bhagirathi, and Alaknanda mingling to form the Ganga that flows majestically through sculptured channels carved through the rocks.
  
  Overnight at Haridwar / Rishikesh

• Day 4

  Departure form Haridwar / Rishikesh

  Morning at leisure
  
  Departure from Haridwar / Rishikesh
  
  Drop to Dehra Dun airport for onward flight

Notes

Round the Year Destination ... Extention available to Mussoorie, Kanatal, Varanasi, Khajurahoo, Amritsar

Hotels

Ananda Spa Rishikesh

Rishikesh

The Glasshouse on the Ganges Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Taj Resort & Spa Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Raga on the Ganges Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Haveli Hari Ganga Haridwar

Haridwar

Atali Ganga Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Ganga Kinare - A Riverside Boutique Hotel Rishikesh

Rishikesh

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