You will be picked up from the airport or your hotel in Delhi and driven to Rishikesh, 170 miles from Delhi. The drive to Rishikesh takes around six hours.
On the way stop at Haridwar, an ancient Hindu city and pilgrimage site. Pilgrims flock to the banks of the River Ganges here as it is believed that a dip in the sacred river will cleanse them of their sins. Stand in silent contemplation on the steps of Har-ki-Pauri as you look at the river flowing by. The city is also popular with international visitors who come to India in search of peace and salvation. It is a great place to get initiated into the universal tenets of Hinduism.
After the stop in Haridwar, drive onward towards Rishikesh. Rishikesh is the gateway to the four holy temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. It is believed that by meditation in Rishikesh one can get liberated from the cycle of death and rebirth. Visit Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge that spans the River Ganges. Further downstream is a larger bridge, the Ram Jhula. Enjoy lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant. After lunch walk around the town and visit the many ashrams (Hindu monasteries) and temples.
In the afternoon start your drive back to Delhi, again stopping at Haridwar on the way. In Haridwar, wind your way back to the banks of the River Ganges and wait for the nightly aarti. The whole atmosphere reverberates with the chants and hymns that accompany the daily ritual of lighting lamps and offering prayers to the River Ganges.
After this memorable prayer session, continue your drive to Delhi. On reaching Delhi you will be dropped back at your hotel.
