Morning visit Durga temple to witness Navratri puja,

Later tour to Sarnath, 10-Kms away from Varanasi is the fabled place, which bears testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, expounding the principles of Buddhism. The remains date back to as far as the 3rd-Century BC when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar Edicts. Visit the art collection at the Archaeological Museum. The main attraction is the superb Capital from Ashokan Pillar – the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back Lions which has been adopted as the state symbol Independent India. Also visit the Mahabodhi’ Buddha temple and walk around the Deer Park. Later see the Monastery ruins area, Dhameka Stupa.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning boat ride on river Ganges. The western banks of Ganges has a string of Ghats – the chain of stone steps, all built with pavilions, palaces and terraces, most of which are mainly used as Dharamsalas where the pilgrims stay during their visit to the holy city. At dawn, the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. A boat ride along the Ghats gives you vantage views of this activity. The sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Morning at leisure.

Evening tour to downtown area in a rickshaw. Experience Varanasi intimately when you go on a leisurely rickshaw, ride through the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi. In the evening the Ghats and temples are lit with oil-lamp lights or candles. Participate in an Aarti Ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating Diyas (lamps) on the river Ganges.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning in time assisted departure transfer to the airport to connect flight for Delhi to further connect flight for Dehradun. On arrival, assistance at the airport and drive to Rishikesh. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Rishikesh is one of the major centres in India & popular all over the word for yoga, meditation, and spiritual growth. A large number of tourists come to this holy place every year in search of peace and tranquility. They enroll in various Ashrams to learn yoga and spiritualism.

Evening visit the Ghat’s s to encounter evening Ghat life as well as special Aarti “The Prayer dedicated to Goddess Ganges” ” the town of ashrams and temples, Ghats and pilgrims, mountains and the holy Ganges. When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town 4 a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the pilgrims. Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens, spreading a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current, which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes back. After experiencing above we trace ours steps back to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning walking tour of Rishikesh followed by visiting:

Lakshman Jhula
This suspended bridge running from one bank of Ganga to other is a treat to watch. As per the legend Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, crossed a bridge made of jute ropes here on river Ganga. Standing on the bridge with Ganges flowing below and calm environment with mountains all around gives a panoramic view. Ram Jhula, a similar structure to Lakshman Jhula is a more recent addition to the city.

Triveni Ghat
It is the main bathing Ghat in Rishikesh and every morning one can see several devotees bathing in the holy Ganga. It is a firm belief that by taking bath in river Ganges one gets rid of all the sins and gets purified. At this place River Ganga takes a complete right angle turn. Evening Aarti at Triveni Ghat is another unique experience which is spelled bounding. This places is full of devotees to witness the ceremony where in the rituals are performed amidst chanting of Vedic mantras. Scores of lamps are lightened and offered to river Ganges by floating them on the river. The whole environment becomes so spiritual that you are led spell bound.

Bharat Temple
This is the oldest temple in Rishikesh built by Adiguru Shankaracharya in 12th century. Dedicated to Bharat, younger brother of Lord Ram, it is situated in the old town near Triveni Ghat. Details about temple are available in ancient records of Kearkhand. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur during his invasion in 1398. However, many important things are well preserved till date here. In the inner sanctum there is an idol of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single Saligram (the divine stone of Mahavishnu).

Overnight at hotel.

Morning excursion to Vashishtha Gufa, The Vashishtha Gufa (Cave) is situated 22 kms from Rishikesh on the route to Badrinath. This is the cave in which sage Vashistha, guru of Lord Rama, performed austerities (Tapas) for hundreds of years.

Evening is free to visit the city on your own.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning in time drive to Dehradun, on arrival assisted departure transfer to the airport to connect flight for Dehradun. On arrival, assistance at the airport and vehicle at disposal.

Later in time assisted departure transfer to the international airport to connect flight for onwards journey.