The holy city of Haridwar is located in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal at a distance of 214 km from Delhi and Rishikesh is located in the northern part of Uttaranachal. It is 238 km northeast of Delhi and 24 km north of Haridwar and spreads on the right banks of the Ganges.
At 05:30 hrs:
Our english speaking driver will pick you up and head for Haridwar, which is about a 4 hour (214 kms) drive.
Places to visit in Haridwar:
Har-ki-Pauri: Holy ghats are named after the Charan (Footprints) of Hari (God Vishnu) impressed on a stone, set into the upper wall of the ghats. Constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari, it is thought that Bhartihari eventually came to Haridwar, to meditate by the banks of the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed the Ghat in his name, which later came to be famous as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred swimming ghat, is also famous as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas, in the river Ganga, is the most delightful sight in the twilight, throughout the Ganga Arti Ceremony. It is the most important ghat on the river Ganga, where a holy dip is a must for every devotee.
Mansa Devi Temple: One of the most visited temples in Haridwar, Mansa Devi Mandir occupies a place on top of the Shivalik hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, believed to fulfil the wishes of those who visit here. It is a tradition with the devotees to tie sacred threads around the tree that stands within the premises of the Mansa Devi temple. From the temple, one can have heart stirring views of the Haridwar town.
Daksha Mahadev Temple: As per the ancient hindu mythology, this temple is supposed to have been the site of a yagya (ritual) conducted by Daksha.
Sati Kund: This is the holy place where the wife of Lord Shiva, Mata Sati is believed to have done the ritual of self-immolation.
Places of Attraction in Rishikesh
The Triveni Ghat: It is one of the most prominent swimming ghat in Rishikesh. With its modern images of Hindu deities and white sandy beach, the ghat is ideal for a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga.
Bharat Mandir: The Bharat Mandir near Triveni Ghat is esteemed to be the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The temple's presiding deity is a black stone Vishnu, which is considered to be blessed by Adi Shankaracharya while his visit to Rishikesh in the 9th century.
Lakshman Jhula: Lakshman Jhula is basically a hanging bridge on the Ganges and the most popular spot in Rishikesh.
Swarg Ashram: With its numerous ashrams, food stalls and shops, this ashram is a haunt for those looking for insights into religious themes.
In the evening during sunset, you will visit Ganga Aarti at Haridwar. Thousands of sects visit the ghats of the Ganga at Har ki Pauri at Haridwar to witness the aarti that started several decades ago.
Finally, head back to New Delhi and get dropped at your hotel at around 10pm.