Uttarakhand is a land of ancient history and mythology. An evening visit to the Har Ki Pauri ghat along the Ganges in Haridwar is a soul stirring experience. Rishikesh is also settled along the flowing Ganges River, surrounded by forested hills with temple bells ringing as sadhus, pilgrims and others come together each evening to prepare for the nightly Ganga aarti. Between the ancient temples, ghats, ashrams, yoga and meditation centers, there is a sense of calm and tranquility in both cities that is hard to miss.
HARIDWAR – Uttarakhand’s holiest Hindu city, and pilgrims arrive here in droves to bathe in the fast- flowing Ganges
RISHIKESH – a mix of spirituality, yoga and popular white-water rafting centre the city is also the gateway for Himalayan-trekking
DAY 1- ARRIVE HARIDWAR
You are met on arrival at the train station and assisted with your hotel transfer and check-in.
Haridwar is considered to be the gateway of the Gods and one of the holiest pilgrimage spots in the world for Hindus as the river Ganges descends to the flatlands here. The bathing steps or “ghats” along the river are lined with sadhus, temples and ashrams.
This evening, walk through the bustling bazaars to attend the evening prayer (Aarti) dedicated to the Goddess Ganges at the Har-ki-Pauri Ghat. It is a spectacle of sound and color with the pealing of temple bells and blowing of conch shells. The ritual starts at dusk with the priests lighting lamps and reaches a crescendo lasting nearly half an hour. Hymns and mantras echo across the banks of the Ganges. Devotees chant along with the clash of cymbals and chiming bells. The reflection of golden hues of floating candles “Diya’s”- in the river Ganga is an inspirational sight. This is one of the most magical moments in India, a time when one is in communion with both God and nature.
Return to your hotel after the ceremony.
Overnight at hotel
You take a day trip to Rishikesh today.
Start after breakfast and the drive takes approx. 1 hr.. There is plenty to do in Rishikesh and you start at Lakshman Jhula- the popular hanging bridge across the holy river Ganga. Its 450ft long and is built at a height of 70ft from the river and 3kms away from Rishikesh city. Next, walk over Ram Jhula, another iron suspension bridge on river Ganga. It connects Muni ki Reti with Swargashram.
Later, visit the different Ashrams of Rishikesh like Sivananda Ashram, Parmath Niketan Temple, Gita Bhavan, Swarg Ashram, Ma Anandamayee Ashram, Sapt Rishi Ashram, and of course the recently restored Beatles Ashram.
Time permitting take a stroll through the local markets as well before resuming your drive back to Haridwar, arriving by evening.
Overnight at hotel (B)
The tour comes to an end today. Check out after breakfast for an in-time departure to the railway station for your train journey back.