Spiritual Haridwar And Rishikesh - A 3 Day 2 Night Visit From Delhi By Private Transfers

Your three day tour starts in Delhi from where you will be driven 137 miles to Haridwar, an ancient city in the Uttarakhand state of India. The river Ganges enters the plains of north India here in Haridwar. The city is regarded as one of the seven holiest places for people of the Hindu faith and is visited by Indians and foreigners alike. Here, you will closely experience India's complex culture and various Hindu rituals of this ancient civilization. In the evening, admire the ghats which look beautiful as hundreds of diyas (lamps) and marigold flowers float and light up the river Ganges.

Highlights
• Aarti Ceremony Harki Pauri Ghat 
• Chanda Devi
• Mansa Devi 
• Visit to Rishikesh
• View of Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula

Day 01: Delhi / Haridwar  

You will be picked up from your hotel in New Delhi and driven by private vehicle to Haridwar (about 5 hours).  Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel for two nights.  The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, you will be brought to the Harki Pauri Ghats of Haridwar to witness the spiritual Aarti ceremony. The ceremony takes place near the Ganges River.  While facing the river, the Hindu priests use lamps which are circled around in a clockwise manner, accompanied by chants or songs in praise of Mother Ganga. It is believed that after the ritual is complete, the Goddess showers her blessing onto each individual present there.  As the Aarti comes to an end, the priests offer flowers, milk, and floating lamps to the Ganges. Pilgrims follow and soon the whole of the river is filled with lit lamps and aromatic flowers. The experience wonderfully highlights local culture and religion in an effort by the participants to find peace. At the end of the ceremony, your guide will take you back to your hotel.   

Overnight stay:  Hotel Godwin (Standard)

Day 02 : Haridwar & Rishikesh Day City Tour

After breakfast, you will have a city tour of Haridwar which includes the two temples Chanda Devi and Mansa Devi.  These temples are known as sacred centers of learning where worshipers receive knowledge and spiritual fulfillment. At the Mansa Devi Temple, devotees who want their wishes to be fulfilled by the Goddess Mansa, tie threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple complex. Once their wishes are fulfilled, people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree. The Goddess Mansa is also offered coconuts, fruits, garlands and incense sticks in order to appease her.

Later, you will be driven about 16 miles to the small town of Rishikesh.  Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the mountains, it is known as the Gateway to the Himalayas.  Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now closed), and the town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga.  You will see the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula bridges as well as the many Ashrams in the area. Due to the religious significance of the place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh.  Return back to Haridwar by evening.

Overnight stay: Hotel Godwin (Standard)  (B)

Day 03 : Return from Haridwar to Delhi

After breakfast, check out of your hotel.  You will be driven back to Delhi in a private air conditioned vehicle and returned back to your hotel.  (B).