Rishikesh Yoga Tour

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative at the International Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel for overnight stay at Delhi.
A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. It is a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed. Home to millions of dreams, the city takes on unprecedented responsibilities of realizing dreams bringing people closer and inspiring their thoughts.
Just a century ago, the British moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata to Delhi. And it has been the Capital of India ever since. Now a thriving, cosmopolitan metro, the city has much to celebrate as it has already reached the milestone of completing 100 years as a Capital. With a history that goes back many centuries, Delhi showcases an ancient culture and a rapidly modernising country. Dotted with monuments there is much to discover here. The seat of many powerful empires in the past, its long history can be traced in its many carefully-preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs.

Day 02: DRIVE DELHI TO RISHIKESH

After breakfast at hotel, set on your drive to Rishikesh - one of the most popular center for Hindu pilgrimage and a starting point of the Himalayan Shrines. Rishikesh is a city, of the Indian state,Uttarakhand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and 'Yoga Capital of the World'. It is approximately 25 km north of the city Haridwar and 43 km southeast of the state capital Dehradun. According to Census of India, 2011 Rishikesh had a population of 102,138 making it the 7th most populated city and the largest municipal council in the state of Uttarakhand. It is known as the pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places to Hindus. Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge.
This evening visit Ram Jhoola and Paramarth Niketan Ashram where you will witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony which takes place every evening as the suns last rays reflect off the boundless waters of holy River Ganges. This holy ceremony is filled with devotional chants, prayers, rituals and a profound sense of the divine. Priests worship the river goddess with incense, flowers and earthen lamps. This is one of Rishikesh’s most spiritual experiences, where holy men worship the sacred River Ganges.

Day 03: Rishikesh

Early morning Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date) Later after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour to Rishikesh. Today we will visit Lakshman Jhoola from where we see breathtaking views of Holy River Ganges and ashrams of Rishikesh. Then visit Bharat Mandir dedicated to Lord Vishnu, an ancient temple founded by Adiguru Shankaracharya during the 12th century. Later visit the sacred banks of River Ganges, Triveni Ghat, to see the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset. Evening Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date)

Day 04: Drive Bhavnagar – Sasan Gir – Somnath (280KM)

Early morning Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date) After breakfast visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the outskirts of Rishikesh, (around 12 km away perched on top of a hill, at a height of around 1675 m). According to Hindu mythology, this temple is perched at the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison that rose from the 'Sagar Manthan' (churning of the oceans). On drinking the poison, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue and henceforth, Lord Shiva came to be known as 'Neelkantha' (the one with blue throat). Later enjoy the scenic view of Himalayas and the Holy River Ganges at Phool Chatti Ashram. Set in a beautiful, natural environment of forested foothills, flowing waters and sandy banks, the ashram is located along the banks of sacred Ganga River (Ganges) and offers a relaxed spiritual ambience. Evening Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date)

Day 05: RISHIKESH / HARIDWAR / RISHIKESH

Early morning Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date) After breakfast take a day excursion to Haridwar (30 Kms). Upon arrival in Haridwar, take a short cable car ride to visit Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, believed to fulfill 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. Ride the cable car to also visit Chandi Devi Temple, situated on top of Neel Parvat and dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi. This afternoon visit to Sapt Rishi Ashram, one of the most famous ashrams of Haridwar. Hindu Mythology states that the ashram is located, where the 7 great sages ‘Sapt-Rishis’ – namely Kashyap, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam - used to meditate. This evening, attend the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on Har ki Pauri, seeing earthen lamps ‘diyas’ drifting downstream on the holy River Ganges. This is the most amazing and soul touching experience of Haridwar. A large number of people gather on both the banks of river Ganges to chant holy hymns. Priests worship the river goddess with incense, flowers, earthen lamps and large fire bowls in their hands, whilst holy bells in temples along the ghats start rattling and overpower the arena. People float earthen lamps with burning flickers and flowers into River Ganges, as a sign of respect for the holy river Goddess. Evening Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date)

Day 06: RISHIKESH

Early morning Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date) Day at leisure. Evening Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date) OPTIONAL ACTIVITY - TREKKING (8 KMS): Kunjapuri Devi Temple is located on a hillock around 15 km drive away from Rishikesh + 08 Kms trekking. This temple is dedicated to one of the thirteen most important goddesses of Shivalik range. The temple offers beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over greater Himalayan peaks. It is believed that the upper half of the body of ‘Sati’ fell at this site, when her husband was carrying her body to Mt Kailash.

Day 07: RISHIKESH

Early morning Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date) After breakfast, visit the sacred cave Vashista Goofa. Located an hours drive from Rishikesh, Vasishtha Goofa is where famous saint Vasishtha meditated on the banks of River Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation. Evening Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date)

Day 08: RISHIKESH

Early morning Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date) Day at leisure. OPTIONAL TOUR - RAFTING ON RIVER GANGES: Rishikesh is renowned as the white water rafting capital of India. Rafting along the mighty River Ganges is a unique experience. You will hit exciting rapids on River Ganges like Return to sender, Roller coaster, Golf Course and Club House, Double Trouble, Hilton and Terminator rapids. (at supplement charge of USD 40 per person based on minimum 02 pax) Evening Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date)

Day 09: DRIVE RISHIKESH - DELHI [230 KMS / 07 HOURS]

Early morning Yoga / Meditation Class (exact time to be advised closer to travel date) After breakfast, drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your Delhi hotel.

Day 10: DRIVE DELHI - AGRA - DELHI

After breakfast, embark on your drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel and freshen up. (Alternate option is by Train also.) Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India & is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. Set behind a reflecting pool inside a courtyard defined by 4 minarets, the imposing main building features a massive dome and intricately carved white marble inlaid with precious stones. Due to the presence of the Taj Mahal and other historic monuments, it has a tourism industry as well royal crafts like Pietra Dura, marble inlay and carpets. Today 40% of the population depends largely on agriculture, and others on the leather and footwear business and iron foundries. The carpets, handicrafts, zari and zardozi (embroidery work), marble and stone carving and inlay work. Carpet making was introduced to the city by Moghul Emperor Babur and since then this art has flourished. On arrival, visit Taj Mahal. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later board the bus and drive to Delhi. (Alternate option is by Train also.) On arrival transfer to the hotel or OR international airport to catch your flight for onward destination. KREET India services terminate upon arrival at Delhi.