Overview
Haridwar is the place where people from across the India visit for pilgrimage and to take a holy dip into the holy river Ganges. Haridwar city is an ancient and it is one of the most sacred cities in India. The diverse nature of the Hindu religion has attracted foreign visitors from all around the world. Foreigners always attracted to Haridwar because here they can closely experience India's complex culture, various Hindu rituals and the ancient civilization.
Highlights of Tour :
- Haridwar city positioned in the foothills of the Shivalik, represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains.
- Have a holy dip in Ganges river at Hari-ki-Pauri
- See Mansa Devi Temple by Ropeway
- Visit to Chandi Devi temple
- Visit to Maya Devi temple
- Visit to Daksha Mahadev temple
- Visit to Sapta Rishi temple
Day 1 : Haridwar - Rishikesh - Delhi
After Breakfast Pickup from Hotel and drive to Haridwar , visit Haridar, Hari - ki - Har ki Paori - After Sightseeing Proceed to
Rishikesh (Haridar to Rishikesh 25 Km ) and evening back to Delhi.
Haridwar (also known as Hardwar) is a holy city in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Known as the Gateway to the Gods,
Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, as the devas are said to have left their footprints there.
Here pilgrims float diyas on the Ganges, to commemorate their deceased ancestors. The city also stands as a gateway to three other
important pilgrimage destinations: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. In Haridwar you will see a great statue of Shiva at the fork
of the river. If you are there for a short visit, it is definitely worth to visit the temple on top of the mountain, with a wonderful view.
Har ki Paori (1.5 km)
This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti ceremony . Attending the Ganga Arti which is performed here everyday after sunset is an unforgettable experience as most of the tourists say.
Mansa Devi Temple (3.5 km)
The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat .Here one statue of the Goddess has three mouths and five arms while the other statue has eight arms. The beautiful view of the city can be seen from this place. The temple can be reached by trolley through ropeway or on foot.
Rishikesh
A most tranquil place in northern Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga
Capital of the World'.
Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site where The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
It is an excellent place to meditate and study yoga.
Rishikesh is also a good starting point for treks to Himalayan pilgrimage centres such as Badrinath, Kedarnath , Gangotri, Yamnotri.
It is rightly called the gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Situated 24 km upstream from
Haridwar, at the confluence of the 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 recognized as centers of philosophical studies, yoga and meditation.
An international yoga week is organized here every year by U.P. Tourism between 2nd and 7th of February. For the adventurous, there are
opportunities for white water rafting on the Ganga. The climate here is continental type but its location in the foot hills gives it a
pleasant weather throughout the year. One can visit Rishikesh any time of the year.