Rishikesh & Haridwar

Rishikesh & Haridwar

Day 1, DELHI TO RISHIKESH

You take the early morning express train from Delhi to Haridwar. A short drive from Haridwar takes you up-river to Rishikesh, an ancient town, known in India for its age-old ashrams, which shot to world fame after the Beatles came to visit.

Just a few kilometers north of Rishikesh is a homely guest house on the banks of the river Ganges. The rooms are simple and rustic, each with its own character and picturesque view of the Ganges and beyond. The restaurant serves simple healthy vegetarian food; like Haridwar, Rishikesh is an alcohol free zone.

Stay at Rainforest House for two nights

Day 2, RISHIKESH

Surrounded by mountains, Rishikesh is a space where people can come to relax, re-juvenate, meditate, paint, read, write, trek around or simply to practise the art of doing nothing.

It is possible to pre-book a morning rafting trip on the Ganges. Travelling in a raft, going over rapids, is an exhilarating experience and you witness some truly spectacular scenery. No previous rafting experience is required. Our rafting crew makes sure you have the right equipment, but make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. After a lunch on the beach you return to your home-stay to relax in the afternoon or to explore Rishikesh town.

Day 3, RISHIKESH TO HARIDWAR

You drive in the morning from Rishikesh to Haridwar where you stay in a lovely hotel situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges.The hotel has a central courtyard and has several terraces from where you can watch the river. The pure vegetarian food served here is one of the best you will taste in India. The hotel can arrange yoga and meditation with prior notice.

Haridwar is situated on the right bank of the river Ganges, the first town once the river reaches the large northern plains. Associated with both lord Shiva and lord Vishnu, Haridwar is among the seven sacred cities of India. It is also one of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, held in its magnitude every twelve years.

Streets full of colourful stalls selling religious paraphernalia, wandering cows, rickshaws and pedestrians, make Haridwar a smaller version of Varanasi. The evening aarti on the ghats is nothing short of magical as a million oil lamps are lit in a ritual and the sound of calls from conch shells transport a visitor to a mystical world.

Stay at Haveli Hari Ganga

Day 4, HARIDWAR TO DELHI

Today, you drive from Haridwar back to Delhi where your tour ends.

Alternatively, you can drive from Haridwar to Corbett National Park.

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