Haridwar and Rishikesh: Holy Places of India
Haridwar and Rishikesh: Holy Places of India
India is a secular country and being one, it has religious places for almost every religion. However, the population of the Hindus in the country outnumbers any other, which is why there are a lot of sacred places for Hindus in India. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the two most popular holy places amongst Hindus and they look upon these two cities with utmost reverence. The advantage for the tourists is that these two places are not just pilgrimages but they do have a lot to those who visit here for vacations.
History
The main reason for the popularity of Haridwar is the fact that here flows the Hindus’s most sacred River, the Ganges. It is the entry point for the char dham in Hindu Mythology. This place has a mention in many of the scared books of the Hindus such as Mahabharata and it has been called with various names like Kapilsthan and Gangadwar. It was under the reign of Maurya Empire, Kushan Empire and later the Mughals too. Afterwards, a few others such as Turkish invaded it and lately it has been merged as a part of the Uttar Pradesh state.
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is named after the name of Lord Vishnu. Historically, this place was a part of the Shiva’s abode in Garhwal. According to Hindu legends, Lord Rama did penance in Rishikesh after killing the demon Ravana. Also, there is a famous Lakshman jhula that is supposed to be the bridge through which Lakshman (younger brother of Rama) crossed the Ganges River. Since the mid 1900s, many of the known Hollywood actors have visited this place, which is also famous for “river rafting”.
Places to Explore at Haridwar and Rishikesh
The first thing that comes into notice while being in these two places is a range of beautiful Hindu temples. A few of the temples can be visited alongside the Ganges River. Besides that, there are many others a few kilometers away from the main Ghat. You should visit the Mansa Devi temple for which the transportation is provided. Also, there are Maya Devi, Daksha Mahadev Devi, Bharat Mata Mandir, Pawan Dham and Sureshwari Devi temple. There are other tourist’s places in Haridwar, which include har-ki-Pauri, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, Sati Kund, Bhimgoda Tank, Jairam Ashram, Saptrishi Ashram, and Parad Shivling.
Rishikesh is famously known for its yoga center and Hindus believe that one can attain moksha by meditating in this God’s place. The tourists can enjoy the benefits of these yoga centers. Also, there are some beautiful temples that should be visited such as the Trayambakeshwar Temple. Other places that should be explored at Rishikesh are Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhawan, Swarga Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadeva Mela, Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, Haremba School Of Vedanta. Additionally, you can savor the water river rafting at Rishikesh to add fun to your vacations.
The one thing that needs to be kept in mind is that you will not find any kind of non-veg food in any of these places. However, there is good variety of tradition food that can be relished here. You should also hit the local markets to shop fro cheap clothes, bronze statues of different Lords, and cute little key chains etc. Come to Haridwar and Rishikesh and feel the aura of spirituality of India.
| Tour Days | Tour Program |
| Tour Day 01 | Arrive Delhi On arrival at Delhi airport or railway station, our representative will be waiting for you with a sign board bearing your name and you will be transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi. |
| Tour Day 02 | City Tour of Delhi This morning after breakfast first you will visit old Delhi. The Raj Ghat, Red fort & Jama Masjid are important places to visit, you may also visit Chandni Chowk, spice market etc. Later on proceed to visit the New Delhi. The Qutub Minar, tallest stone tower in India, imposing India Gate and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Lotus Temple and, newly built Akshardham temple are of much significance. By evening return to your hotel for overnight stay. |
| Tour Day 03 | Delhi to Rishikesh This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred by road to Rishikesh, an ancient place which is famous for its Ashrams and for grand viewing of Ganges. Check in at hotel. In the evening visit Triveni Ghat to view the holy Ganges Aarti. Later back to your Hotel for night stay. Overnight at hotel. |
| Tour Day 04 | Rishikesh City Tour & Holy Ganges Aarti Haridwar This morning after breakfast visit Laxman Jhula, Ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centre of Philosophical studies, yoga and meditation. Later drive to Haridwar. After Check in at Hotel visit Daksh Prajapati Temple, Ananand Mai Ashram, Parad (Mercury) Shivling in Kankhal Region, Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi (both by ropeway), Bharat Mata Mandir, etc . By evening visit Har Ki Pauri to view the holy Ganges Aarti. Later back to your Hotel for night stay. Overnight at hotel. |
| Tour Day 05 | Haridwar to Agra This early morning you may visti the Har Ki Pauri to take the Holy Bath in River Gange. Later proceed to Mughal city Agra and check into your hotel. Rest of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel. |
| Tour Day 06 | Visit to Taj Mahal & Drive to Jaipur This morning after breakfast visit the Agra fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar, and the famous Taj Mahal-the symbol of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later on proceed to Jaipur. Enroute you will visit the Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur. |
| Tour Day 07 | Jaipur City Tour This morning after breakfast visit the Amber fort, built in 16th century, enjoy an elephant ride at Amber. Drive past the Hawa Mahal-a Palace of winds. In the afternoon you will visit the city palace and museum, walk to adjacent Jantar Mantar an astronomical observatory. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur. |
| Tour Day 08 | Jaipur to Delhi & Transfer to Airport This morning after breakfast you will be transferred back to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi transfer to International Airport to board your onward flight. |
Your Tour Includes: |
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Your Tour Does Not Includes: |
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Terms & conditions: |
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Hotels to be provided: |
| Valid from 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011, (Except 20th December 2010 to 05th January 2011) |
| City | Number of Nights | Standard Hotels | Deluxe Hotels | Luxury Hotels |
| Delhi | 2 | Hotel Karat 87 | Hotel Florence Inn | Hotel The Park |
| Rishikesh | 1 | Hotel Basera | Hotel Ganga Beach Resort | The Glass House on Ganges |
| Haridwar | 1 | Hotel Le Grand | Hotel Classis Residency | Country Inn Suites by Carlson |
| Agra | 1 | Hotel Royale Residency | Hotel Amar | Hotel Clarks Shiraz |
| Jaipur | 2 | Hotel Glitz | Hotel Mandawa Haveli | Hotel Park Prime |
| Cost for a single Person traveling alone. | US$ 795 | US$ 995 | US$ 1895 | |
| Cost per person on twin sharing basis. | US$ 450 | US$ 595 | US$ 1175 | |
| Group Rates | On request | On request | On request | |
| Valid from 1st April 2021 to 30th September 2021 |
| Cost for a single Person traveling alone. | US$ 715 | US$ 915 | US$ 1735 | |
| Cost per person on twin sharing basis. | US$ 415 | US$ 575 | US$ 975 | |
| Group Rates | On request | On request | On request | |
