Haridwar (also known as Haridwar) is a holy city in the state of Uttarakhand 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.
Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has privilege of having IIT at Roorkee. The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world. There is another University in the city called Gurukul Kangri Vishva Vidyalaya apart from the head quarter of Uttarakhand State Public Service Commission also being established at Haridwar. Besides this, Kumbh fair is organized at the interval of every 12 years in this city in which about 1 crore pilgrims from all over the world participate
Rishikesh is yet another centre of pilgrimage and tourist attraction for Indians as well as foreigners. Rishikesh is popularly known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Rishikesh is 28 kms from Haridwar on way to Badrinath and is situated at the foothills on either side of holy river Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik ranges from three sides. Rishikesh complex consists of three distinct areas, known as Rishikesh, Muni-ki-Reti and Swargashram. The town is well known for modem and ancient Ashrams. In addition, it has temples and other places which are in one way or other connected with Puranic legends. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did rigorous penances, the God appeared and the place was named ‘Hrishikesh’ and subsequently the place came to be known as Rishikesh. Bharat, brother of Lord Rama, also subjected himself to severe penances here and in his memory Bharat Temple was constructed. Temples are also dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Shatrughan. The other temples are Pushkar temple, Bharat temple, Rishikund and Raghunath temple. There are many spiritual Yoga and meditation centre located here which are regularly visited by large number of tourists from all over the world.
Package Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi – Haridwar (230kms)
Pickup from Delhi Railway Station or Airport, drive to Haridwar. Check in Hotel. In the evening visit Har ki Pauri to view the holy Ganges Aarti. This is the place where the main bathing takes place. The place is called Brahma Kund, the myths says this is the place where the nectar can dissolved in the holy water of river Ganges. If wish, have a dip here later after viewing Aarti visit the market near the place. Later back to your Hotel for night stay.
Day 02 : Haridwar – Rishikesh (27kms)
Morning visit Temples & Sight Seeing – Har ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple & Mansa Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Bilkeshwar Mahadev, Anandmai Ashram, Pawan Dham Temple, Bhooma Niketan, Vaishno Devi Temple, Doodhadhari Temple & Bharat Mata Mandir etc.
Later drive to Rishikesh another ancient place which is famous for its Ashrams and for grand viewing of Ganges. Laxman jhula ,13 story temple ,Ram jhula ,Swarg ashram ,Paramarth ashram etc.
Visit Ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centre of Philosophical studies, yoga and meditation. Check in Hotel. In the evening visit Triveni Ghat to view the holy Ganges Aarti. Later back to your Hotel for night stay.
Day 3 : Rishikesh – Delhi (254kms)
Morning visit Rishikesh Temples & Sight Seeing. Later drive to Delhi. Drop at Airport for your onward destination.