Spiritual Rishikesh & Ganges River Retreat

Transfer from your Delhi hotel to the airport for your flight to Dehradun (flight not included), located near Rishikesh. Not only known for its religious connection but it is also known for its beautiful landscape. Surrounded by hills (the Lesser Himalayas) on three sides and holy Ganga River flowing through it, Rishikesh is an ethereal experience. Rishikesh is the gateway to famous Chardham which are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. In fact Rishikesh is a favourite of those coming to meditate and seek salvation. It is believed that meditation on the land of this holy place leads to salvation. Every year numerous people visit the ashrams to meditate and gain peace of mind and spiritual enlightenment.

Your exploration of Rishikesh includes Lakshman Jhula, a suspended bridge which was built in 1939 and extends from one bank of Ganga to other is the landmark of the city.

The legend behind it states that Lakshman crossed a bridge made of jute ropes here on river Ganga. The view from the bridge itself is panoramic. The mountains covered in green belt, the waters flowing below, a cool breeze, all these together make Lakshman Jhula a great place to visit. Continue to the Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh's most ancient, sacred and most famous temple situated at the heart of the city. It is believed that city's existence came into being with this temple only. The impressive Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge sways above the swirling Ganges waters. This bridge is a replica of Laxman Jhula and was constructed during the British regime in the year 1939.

Your tour also includes a visit to the Triveni Ghat, the main bathing ghat in Rishikesh where every morning several devotees take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga. 'Tri' means three and 'veni' means confluence. Hence Triveni means the confluence of the three. holiest Hindu rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarswati. This is the place where River Ganga takes a complete right angle turn.

This afternoon you will drive to Haridwar which is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. In Sanskrit, Haridwar stands for Dwara of Hari or Gateway to God, where 'Hari' means God and 'Dwar' means Gate. In ancient times, the city was referred to as Gangadwára, the place where the Ganges descends to the plains. Haridwar is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city as alcohol is banned in Haridwar.

Here you will visit the Chandi Devi Temple, constructed in 1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. The temple is situation atop a hill called the Neel Parvat, on the other side of the river Ganga. The story goes that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the demons Shumbh-Nishumbh were killed by Goddess Chandi hence the name Chandi Devi. Chandi Devi Temple is accessible by a ropeway which is 740 mts and at a height of 208 meters. There is a dense forest on the other side of the hill inhabited by elephants and other wild animals.

You will also visit Har Ki Pauri which is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. Also known as Brahm Kund, this ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari who often meditated on the banks of river Ganga. History records an imprint of Lord Vishnu's foot on one of the stones present on the ghat, which is indicative of the name.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to practice yoga, meditate, attend a Vedanta class; or receive an Ayurvedic wellness treatment at your hotel (additional cost, booked directly).

You will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Delhi (flight not included). Services end at the Delhi airport.