A RIVER'S JOURNEY
The
Ganges, the holiest of the Rivers in India has a special place in the lives
of most Indians - the feeling is difficult to describe - perhaps intrinsic
to the Hindu psyche - the journey of life is not complete without a dip in
its waters. For the believers it has cleansing properties - certainly for
the soul, and not just the body. Gaumukh, the actual source of the river, is
at the base of the towering Bhagirathi peaks - accessible after a hard but
spectacular trek, from the tiny village of Gangotri. As the Ganga flows down
the mountains, significant pilgrimage centres, over time, have established
themselves along its banks - such as Rudraprayag, Deoprayag, Rishikesh and
Haridwar - and are easier to access. As the Ganga meanders through the
plains - Allahabad and Varanasi are the other significant "sacred
cities". On a six yearly and then a twelve yearly cycle Allahabad is
the venue for the Ardh Kumbh and the Maha Kumbh Melas - stupendous mass
gatherings for sacred dips at the propitious time. On a slightly smaller
scale these melas are also held in Haridwar. The sights, sounds, temples,
ashrams, itinerant holy men, truth seekers and philosophers of all stripes,
pilgrims of diverse colour, creed and culture - all combine to offer the
visitor a unique spiritual experience .
Day 1. ARRIVE DELHI
- Arrive at the International Airport in Delhi. Received and transferred to
Hotel
- Stay at Oberoi Maidens Hotel (4*).
Day 2. DELHI
- Day for city tour of New and Old Delhi.
- Stay at Oberoi Maidens Hotel (4*).
Day 3 DELHI-HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH
- Morning transfer to railway station for train to Haridwar (4hr), and
onward drive (24km) to Rishikesh.
- Stay at Ganga Kinare Hotel (3*) at the riverbanks of Rishikesh.
Day 4. RISHIKESH
- Day at Rishikesh to visit the Holy Temples.
- Stay at Ganga Kinare Hotel (3*).
Day 5. RISHIKESH - HARIDWAR – VARANASI
Drive to Haridwar. Visit the ghats and temples of this larger pilgrim
centre. Evening departure by sleeper train.
Day 6 . VARANASI
Afternoon arrival in Varanasi from Haridwar by train. Watch evening arati (
Hindu ritual) at the Ganges Stay at Taj Ganges Hotel (5*), or option to stay
in a riverside guesthouse.
Day 7. VARANASI
Opportunities for a dawn boat ride on the river, to observe the devotions
to Surya, the rising sun. Afternoon visit to nearby Sarnath, where the
Buddha began his teachings 2500 years ago. Overnight stay at hotel Taj
Ganges or Guest House.
Day 8. AT VARANASI.
Morning for sightseeing in Varanasi. Afternoon free for relaxation and boat
ride. Overnight stay at hotel Taj Ganges or Guest House.
Day 9 VARANASI – ALLAHABAD (122 Kms / 3- 4 hours).
Morning drive to Allahabad to see the Sangam (Meeting point )of the three
rivers – Ganga-Yamuna – Saraswati . Here the MahaKumbh Mela is
held every 12 years which is a major Hindu festival. Stay at Hotel Kanha
Shyam or Yatrik
Day 10. ALLAHABAD
Day at Allahabad. Morning enjoy the Holy dip at the Sangam…reach the
point on a boat. Later half day sightseeing Stay at Hotel Kanha Shyam or
Yatrik.
Day 11 ALLAHABAD - DELHI
- Morning free. Later board Prayagraj Express Train back to Delhi. Night on
Train.
Day 12 . DELHI
Arrive Delhi in the morning. Evening departure to the International Airport
for flight to onward destination
END OF TOUR.
