Haridwar and Rishikesh tour programme can be used as a standalone package or as an extension of any other itinerary. The tours with which this extension can be clubbed with are North India packages like Golden Triangle, Highlights of Rajasthan etc, or with Himalayan tours. In the Rishikesh Tour, you will be visiting Haridwar Tour, considered the holy city of Hindus, and Rishikesh known for its spiritualism and breath taking natural beauty.
DAY 01
DELHI – HARIDWAR
HARIDWAR - RISHIKESH
BY TRAIN
BY SURFACE
Early in the morning, you will be met by a representative from Labana World Travels who will transfer you to New Delhi railway station to board the train to Haridwar. The train “Dehradun Shatabadi” will depart from New Delhi railway station at 6.50 AM and reach Haridwar at 11.25 AM. Breakfast will be served on board the Shatabadi Express. On arrival at Haridwar you will be transferred to your hotel at Rishikesh by road, which is 25 km from Haridwar, and would take about half an hour.
Rishikesh, the Gateway to the Himalayas, is 1360 feet above mean sea level, and is located in the Tehri-Garhwal region of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It abounds in natural splendor. The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced penance here. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.
In the evening, you will proceed to Triveni Ghat to view the illuminated Ganga Aarti. It is the most important place for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. Barefoot, ranks of devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins to set, plating the river with gold, bells and gongs ring and chants fill the air. Rows of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming ghee, moving them in a circular salutation to the Goddess of the River. This is a sacred bathing spot on the bank of the river Ganga where devotees take holy dips and offer prayers. Triveni Ghat is so called because it is believed to be the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati River. Triveni Ghat is right where the Ganges or Ganga bends 90 degrees and that may be a reason why it is such a power spot.
Overnight – Stay at Hotel
DAY 02
RISHIKESH
SIGHT SEEING
Early in the morning drive or walk to the Yoga Ashram for yoga class
Yoga, the age-old tradition of Indians to remain healthy is celebrated through the International Yoga week at the base of the Himalayas on the bank of the Ganges, in Rishikesh. Yoga, the word derived from the Sanskrit word "Yuj", means to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one's attention on, to use and apply. While practicing Yoga, one exercises yoking of all the powers of body, mind and soul to God. Its amazing power of disciplining of the intellect, the mind, the emotions and the will enables one to look at life in all its aspects evenly. Yoga is now practiced all over the world as a curative means for diseases and to enhance the spiritual control because the Yoga Gurus believe that when the senses are stilled, the mind is at complete rest.
Post yoga session return to your hotel for breakfast
Late in the morning, you will proceed for the sightseeing tour of Rishikesh visiting Lakshman Jhoola, which is a suspension bridge across the Ganga River along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. This rope-bridge, without any pillars or other support is 140 m long and was originally built of jute. The precarious jute ropes were changed to more stable iron chains in 1929. In an episode of the epic Ramayana, it is said that this is where Lord Rama's brother Lakshman crossed the river on a rope and meditated.
On the nearby west bank is the old Lakshman temple dedicated to Rama's brother. Across the river is the 13-storey Kailashanand Mission Ashram, which has good views from the top.
A pleasant 2 km walk along this bank brings one to the Shivanand Jhoola, also known as Ram Jhoola. This is a recently completed suspension bridge, which spans the river.
Swargashram is the area beyond Ram Jhoola, a quite and serene place filled with Ashrams. The small path in Swargashram area runs right next to the river, and is crowded with shops and restaurants on one side, and ashrams on the other. Swargashram is known for its quietness and vibes, and the Ganga flowing right next to it.
Overnight – Stay at Hotel
DAY 03
HARIDWAR
SIGHT SEEING
Early in the morning drive or walk to the Yoga Ashram for yoga class
Post yoga session return to your hotel for breakfast
Post breakfast, you will be taken for an excursion tour of Haridwar city.
Haridwar (Vishnu’s door) at the base of the Shiwalik hills is a town of temples, ghats and ashrams. Its location at the point where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas to begin its journey across the plains makes it a particularly holy place. Every 12 years the Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims who come and bathe in the river. Various episodes from the Hindu epic Mahabharata are set in this ancient town. Har-ki-Pauri, the most popular ghat, has a footprint of Lord Vishnu set in stone.
Proceed for the sightseeing tour visiting 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 MataTemple, an 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.
Maya Devi Temple is the Adhishtkatri Devi of Haridwar. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient shaktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri.
Bhimgoda is another spot to visit at Haridwar. Legend has it that while the Pandavas were here, Bhim with one blow of his horse’s hoof drew water from the rocks at this spot.
Pawan Dham is famous for its Hanuman Mandir decorated with glass pieces.
In the evening, experience the Aarti ceremony at Har-ki-Pauri. 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 priests from the many thousands of temples.
Return to Rishikesh by road.
Overnight – Stay at Hotel
DAY 04
RISHIKESH - HARIDWAR
HARIDWAR – DELHI
BY TRAIN
BY SURFACE
Early in the morning, you will drive to Haridwar (25 Kms) railway station to board the train to Delhi. You will board the “Dehradun New Delhi Jan Shtabadi” train from Haridwar Railway station at 6.22 AM. Breakfast will be served on board the Jan Shtabadi Express. You shall reach New Delhi railway station at 11.15 AM.
On arrival at Delhi railway station, you will be met by a representative from Labana World Travels who will transfer you to your hotel.
On arrival, check in at your hotel (room will be booked for day use only)
Late in the evening, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Delhi International airport to connect your flight for onward destination
region of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It abounds in natural splendor. The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced penance here. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.
