North of Delhi is the holy city of Haridwar where pilgrims bathe in this especially sacred spot of the Ganga, almost comparable to Varanasi. Just up-river is Rishikesh, a popular place to come and meditate, do yoga, and learn about other aspects of Hinduism.
Day 1 - 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.
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 exhillarating 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 - Haridwar
You drive in the morning from Rishikesh to Haridwar. Situated on the right bank of the river Ganges, Haridwar is the first town that the river Ganges reaches in 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.
Day 4 - Delhi
Today, you drive from Haridwar back to Delhi where your tour ends.
Alternatively, you can drive from Haridwar to Corbett National Park.