Day 1: Arrival in Delhi and Drive to Haridwar

Upon your early morning arrival at Delhi airport or train station, you will be met by our company driver. From there, you will begin your drive to Haridwar, a journey of approximately 215 kilometers that typically takes around 4-5 hours by road, including a brief stop for lunch and a washroom break en route. Upon arrival in Haridwar, you will first check into your hotel to freshen up before commencing your divine journey.

Shantikunj Ashram is the headquarter of the All World Gayatri Pariwar, a renowned spiritual and social organization. It is a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to spiritual enlightenment and the preservation of Indian culture. Visitors can attend morning and evening prayers, meditation sessions, and lectures on ancient scriptures. The ashram's serene environment and disciplined lifestyle offer a profound spiritual experience. Shantikunj Ashram is open daily from 3:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

The evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is a mesmerizing spiritual ceremony that should not be missed. Har Ki Pauri is a sacred ghat where it is believed that a drop of nectar fell during the Samudra Manthan. As dusk falls, thousands of devotees gather on the banks of the Ganges to witness this aarti, where priests perform rituals with large lamps, and the chanting of prayers fills the air. The sight of countless diyas (oil lamps) floating on the river is a truly divine experience. The aarti timings vary with the season, but it generally takes place around sunset, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

After the aarti, you can have dinner at a restaurant or your hotel and stay overnight in Haridwar.

Day 2: Haridwar & Rishikesh Tour

After a morning breakfast, your journey will continue with visits to some of Haridwar's most beautiful and serene spots before a trip to Rishikesh.

You can do the trekking to Chandi Devi Temple or take the ropeway.

Chandi Devi Temple is an ancient temple situated on the Neel Parvat peak, dedicated to Goddess Chandi. The temple is one of the three Siddha Peethas in Haridwar where devotees' wishes are believed to be fulfilled. To reach the temple, you can embark on a trek of approximately 3 kilometers from Chandighat, taking about 45-60 minutes, or opt for the ropeway ride, which offers stunning aerial views. The trek route is well-marked but can be steep. The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar is a historical site where, according to Hindu mythology, seven great sages meditated. The fast-flowing Ganges River split into seven streams at this point to avoid disturbing their meditation, giving rise to the Sapt Sarovar (Seven Streams). The ashram provides a serene and peaceful environment for meditation and spiritual contemplation. Sapt Rishi Ashram is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Pawan Dham Temple is a modern temple known for its intricate glasswork and beautiful idols of deities. The temple is a visual delight, with its walls and ceilings adorned with delicate glass mosaics depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple's unique architecture makes it a popular spot for visitors and devotees alike. It is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Afterward, you will drive to Rishikesh, a journey of approximately 25 kilometers, which takes around 1 hour by road. Upon arrival, your Rishikesh tour will begin with the iconic bridges and ashrams.

Ram Jhula is an iconic suspension bridge that spans the Ganges River in Rishikesh, connecting Shivananda Ashram with Swarg Ashram. The bridge offers breathtaking views of the river, the surrounding hills, and the bustling ashrams on both sides. It is a hub of spiritual and commercial activity, with numerous temples and shops nearby. Ram Jhula is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Sivananda Ashram, established by Swami Sivananda, is a major spiritual center dedicated to the teaching of yoga, Vedanta, and selfless service. The ashram offers a peaceful environment for spiritual seekers, with daily yoga and meditation sessions. It is a place for introspection and learning, attracting visitors from all over the world. The ashram is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Parmarth Niketan is a large and popular ashram that hosts a famous evening Ganga Aarti. The aarti is a grander and more theatrical ceremony than the one in Haridwar, with hundreds of attendees participating in hymns, prayers, and rituals. The aarti is performed by young spiritual students and is a vibrant and uplifting experience. The aarti at Parmarth Niketan generally takes place around sunset, at approximately 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM depending on the season.

After the aarti, you can spend some leisure time exploring the streets of Rishikesh for divine items and souvenirs before returning to Haridwar for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Optional Sightseeing in Haridwar and Departure

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel. As your departure is scheduled for the evening or night, you have the option to visit a few more places.

This itinerary is personally suggested for those who have lesser days to explore more and are comfortable with more walking and trekking. If you have health issues like back or foot problems, it is advisable to add more days to this trip.

Triveni Ghat, located in Rishikesh, is a revered bathing ghat. Visitors often take a holy dip in the Ganges here, believing it cleanses them of their sins. The morning aarti starts around 6:00 AM, and the evening aarti is a spectacle of lamps and chants. The ghat is accessible at all times.

The Three Trees Story at Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh

The name Triveni literally means “meeting point of three”. While it mainly refers to the three sacred rivers, local tradition also speaks of three sacred trees that once stood prominently at this ghat, symbolizing deep spiritual values:

·      Banyan Tree (Vat Vriksha) – Symbol of stability, longevity, and shelter. Saints and sages are believed to have meditated under its shade for ages.

·      Peepal Tree (Ashwattha) – Regarded as eternal and divine, associated with Lord Vishnu and the concept of the cosmic tree in Hindu philosophy.

·      Neem Tree – Symbol of healing and protection, linked with Ayurveda and Goddess Shakti’s nurturing energy.

Why it is Important?

·      Locals believe that bathing at Triveni Ghat, in the presence of these sacred energies, washes away sins and purifies the soul.

·      Many pilgrims still pay respects to the three sacred tree shrines near the ghat, making it more than just a bathing place.

·      The spot is also mentioned in Puranic stories where Lord Krishna is believed to have visited after being wounded by the hunter Jara

·      Today, while the original trees may no longer dominate the landscape, the legend of the three sacred trees lives on and is one of the reasons Triveni Ghat is considered such a spiritually charged place in Rishikesh

Patanjali Yogpeeth is a major yoga and Ayurveda research institute located on the Delhi-Haridwar highway. This massive complex, founded by Baba Ramdev, promotes yoga and herbal medicine. It includes a hospital, research center, and residential facilities. It is a great optional stop on your road journey back to Delhi if you are interested in wellness and alternative medicine. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Mansa Devi Temple, also a Siddha Peeth, is situated on the Bilwa Parvat hill. It is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi and is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. You can reach the temple by a steep trek or by using the convenient ropeway service, which offers excellent views of the city. The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. You can choose to visit this temple to complete the trio of Siddha Peeths.

Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the Delhi train station or airport for your departure.

An optional plan is to take a flight from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, which is closer to Haridwar (approximately 40 kilometers or 1 hour 30 minutes drive), as an alternative to the 4-5 hour road journey back to Delhi.

This marks the end of your spiritual journey.