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“The River Ganga, especially, is the river of India, beloved of her people, round which are intertwined her memories, her hopes and fears, her songs of triumph, her victories and her defeats. She has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization, ever changing, ever flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga. It’s the river around which the great Hindu religion was cultivated over the centuries; astonishingly it’s still playing role in the same fashion”. |
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Day 01 : Delhi - Rishikesh, 232 Kms. (Drive 5 - 6 hrs) |
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Arrive in Delhi and transfer to Rishikesh (one of the two main cities with cultural importance in Uttaranchal) by Road / Train (as per preference). On arrival in Haridwar, we see the Grandest River of India the river "Ganga" for the first time. From there 22km further, we reach Rishikesh , the Mecca for peace seeker through Yoga & meditation in the world. Check-in in Hotel. In afternoon, visit the ashrams & temples of Rishikesh. Evening visit the world famous Paramarth Ashram Aarti on the banks of the river Ganga. |
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Day 02 : Rishikesh – Harsil(Gangotri). 293kms. (Drive 8.5 - 9 hrs.) |
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Depart from Rishikesh early morning and take lunch on the way in Uttarkashi(the Yoga capital of the world) & follow the river to Harsil via Gangnani (Hot water springs). Evening we reach Harsil, 22 kms away from Gangotri , the one of the abodes of the famous four by Hindu religion. It lies at an altitude at 3450 mts, which makes it heavenly place to reach the almighty. We can prefer to stay in courtyard of Apple Orchards. Evening free to take a small visit to Mukba Village (architectural splendour) . Overnight in luxurious tents.
Diner and Overnight at Camp resort or hotel. |
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Day 03 : Harsil – Gangotri – Gaumukh - Harsil.(Drive 22 kms, trek 19 kms
& back) |
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Again after an early breakfast leave for Gangotri (22 kms), visit the temple early morning do the worship at the cold river front, then take a horse ride or trek to Gaumukh (which literally means the mouth of Ganga, which is termed as Bhagirathi here) which is a 22 kms long glacier, one of the biggest in Himalayas. It’s also one of the major place to pursue famous trek routes & mountain peaks. But we will have to be back early in order to reach Harsil. From here we will follow, the great river.
Overnight at camp resort. |
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Day 04 : Harsil - Haridwar (Drive 315 kms 8 - 9 hrs) |
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After a early breakfast drive to Haridwar, one of the two longish drive of the trip. Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas, represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ancient pilgrimage site “'Haridwar'- Gateway to the Lord. One of the holiest Hindu pilgrim sites on the banks of the sacred river Ganga.it’s one of the four sites where the great Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years. Enroute one of the most beautiful valleys in the world and reach the hotel in the evening, where we can visit the famous “Har Ki Pauri” aarti.
On arrival check in for dinner and overnight. |
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Day 05 : Haridwar |
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Delayed breakfast, with a plan to spend a day in Haridwar. Spend a day with visiting temple & ashrams or we can spend the morning for the river rafting from Rishikesh or a session of yoga for a day. Evening again can be a visit to the “Har Ki Pauri”.
Dinner and Overnight at resort or hotel. |
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Day 06 : Haridwar- Lucknow (493 kms, 10 hrs) |
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Early morning departure at 5am without breakfast, which will be enroute, drive through one of the most populated state of India, called Uttar Pradesh. We stop at Garhmukteshwar for refreshment. (Garhmukteshwar is a place of hoary antiquity, which is mentioned in Bhagvat Purana and Mahabharata the oldest Hindu epics . It is said that it was a part of the ancient city of Hastinapur (the capital of the Kauravas)). From there, we leave for the Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh which is 7 hrs drive. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Hotel. |
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Day 07 : Lucknow – Allahabad (238 kms, 5 hrs) |
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After an early breakfast, leave for sightseeing of the fascinating muslims sculptures of Nawab dynasty in India, Imambara & other interesting places. In afternoon, we will leave for Allahabad; (Allahabad is one of the holiest cities of India and a prominent center of culture, administration, and education. The city is described in the sacred scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata, as "Prayag".) Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel. |
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Day 08: Allahabad |
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The city is described in the sacred scripture. In Morning, we take a boat cruise to the "Sangam" which is one of the most sacred places of the Hindus, situated around 7 km from Civil Lines. It is where the confluence of three holy rivers-Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati happens. Pandas (priests) can be seen here perched on small platforms performing puja and assisting the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. The Sangam becomes a hub of activity after every 12 years when it hosts the Kumbh Mela. Have a look at the great fort of Allahabad. In evening, visit the temple of Patalpuri & the famous Akshaya Vat (literally, Immortal Tree), one of the most revered trees of the Hindus, is also located within the temple. Overnight stay will be at Hotel. |
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Day 9: Allahabad – Varanasi (125 kms, 2 hrs) |
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Very early visit to ghats to see the sunrise over Sangam, it's a magnificent sight, before leaving for our last but most important cultural place "Varanasi". (The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred as " "benares" , Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years.) In the evening, we will go to famous Dasasvamedha ghat for its famous aarti on bank of Ganges, later dinner in the hotel. Overnight stay will be at Hotel. |
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Day 10:Varanasi |
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In early morning, leave for holy river to see beautiful sunrise. Later, take a boat ride to view different banks & life on it. Other places of interest in Varanasi are temples which include Bharat Mata Temple, Vishwanath temple, and the world renowned Benares Hindu University, the largest residential university in India. You have the luxury of leisure in the evening, with cultural & musical program in the night.. Overnight stay will be at hotel. |
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Day 11:Varanasi |
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The last day of the trip takes us to the birthplace of Buddha, which is just 10 kms away to “Sarnath”. After lunch leave for the Delhi. |
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TnT
says why |
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This itinerary is especially designed for those, who wants to view spiritualism, aesthetics of rituals & religious faith of India. River Ganga is & has been the most important means of development & evolution of the religion called "HINDUISM", with billions of followers. It has great importance in the world. Hence we follow it from its birth to the most holy & divine places along the river. |
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Other Extensions:
- The Taj Mahal of Agra (2 days)
- With Agra & Jaipur for Royal Splendour (4 days)
- Bundela Heritage or Khajurao & Orrcha (add 4 days)
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This itinerary is especially designed for those, who wants to view India, spiritually, aesthetically & religiously. River Ganga is & has been the most important means of development & evolution of the religion called “HINDUISM”, with billions of followers have its great importance in the world. Hence we follow from its birth to the most historical & important places along the river. |
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