4 days, 3 nights
Duration

Immerse yourself in spiritual pursuits in the sacred towns of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, along the banks of the holy river Ganges, Rishikesh offers you the chance to experience India’s unique blend of spirituality first hand. Combined with the natural beauty of its Himalayan setting you might also enjoy the chance to take part in adventure activities such as white water rafting and a day hike through the nearby villages. You can also unwind with daily yoga, meditation, holistic healing and the evening Aarti ceremony held by the mighty Ganges River.

Our Sacred Rishikesh tour is designed to be used as a short add on to your existing Ekno Travels itinerary or for your own independent travels. As with all Ekno experiences, we select our hotels and locations with an eye on combining luxury and comfort into one fabulous experience.

 

TOUR DATES

Independent travel

TOUR COST

A$2100 per person twin share
A$2750 for Single Pax
* No fixed departure – price for twin share is based on minimum 2 people

DURATION

04 Days, 03 Nights

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore the unique atmosphere in spiritual Rishikesh
  • Take part in the nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges
  • Ashram tour of Rishikesh, including the world-famous Beatles Ashram
  • Temple tour in Haridwar, one of the most sacred cities for Hindus
  • Bespoke extras such as yoga lessons, holistic healing, cooking lessons and white-water rafting

TOUR ROUTE

Delhi – Rishikesh – Haridwar – Delhi, India

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Day 1

Arrive Delhi

Welcome to incredible India and to the start of your holiday! Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking into the hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the local area and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 2

Delhi to Rishikesh

Take a scenic drive to Rishikesh (approximately 6 hours), arriving in the afternoon. Check into your accommodation at Tapovan, right near the Luxman Jhula bridge. After settling in, take a walk to Tapovan market and Laxman Jhula, soaking in the sights and sounds of this very spiritual town. In the evening you can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the River Ganges.

Overnight: Hotel, Rishikesh

Day 3

Rishikesh

Enjoy the morning relaxing. You might enjoy some of our bespoke extras, which include yoga classes, holistic Ayurveda treatments, sound healing and palmistry sessions. After lunch you will have the afternoon to explore some of the many temples and ashrams around Rishikesh, including the ashram where the Beatles stayed. In the evening, sit, enjoy and witness the Ganga Aarti (evening fire prayer), which is performed every night on the banks of the Ganges. The ceremony attracts large numbers of devotees and is accompanied by bhajans (holy songs), drums and bells. You might like to join the worshippers by lighting an oil lamp and setting it afloat on the holy waters of the Ganges.

Overnight: Hotel, Rishikesh

Day 4

Rishikesh to Delhi

  After breakfast check out of your hotel and drive to Haridwar (1 hour). Take a walk to the Haridwar street markets, enjoying the exciting buzz of the Hindu devotees as they head to the Ganges. Visit some of the many significant temples including Pareshwar Mahadev Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. As you head down to the ghats you can visit Har-ki-Pauri (the footsteps of God) – one of the most sacred ghats in India. In the late afternoon you will take a train to Delhi, where your tour concludes.

INCLUDES

Services of a local English-speaking guide for 2 days

3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast

All transfers and sightseeing by private AC vehicle as per the itinerary

Train from Haridwar to Delhi

Entrance fees to all sites and monuments as per the itinerary

EXCLUDES

Airfares to and from India

Indian tourist visa

Travel insurance (compulsory)

Lunch and dinners

Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs

Tipping

Entrance fees to sights and monuments

Camera and video entry charges to local sights and monuments

Giving of Dana (donations) to monks, temples

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Yoga lessons
  • Holistic treatments such as Ayurveda, sound healing or palmistry
  • Adventure activities such as white-water rafting, hiking and bike hire
  • Cooking lesson at the home of a local
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