Tour with Haridwar & Rishikesh
GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR WITH HARIDWAR AND RISHIKESH
Duration:08Nights/09Days
Destinations: Delhi – Haridwar/Rishikesh – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi
Golden Triangle Tour with Pilgrimage at Haridwar and Rishikesh : The most captivating potpourri of North India, offers the variety & flavor both in terms of time & value. This tour is an introduction to the history, culture and pilgrimage of India. Backed with splendor of culture, décor, pilgrimage & history, it’s also the most popular tourist circuit due to its accessibility.
Delhi Overview:Delhi offers a wealth of sites including its medieval Mughal buildings, labyrinthine bazaars & memorials, now the seat of the government of India.
Agra Overview: The city of Taj Mahal, is on the banks of River Yamuna, where the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument, stands majestically by the banks of the river reciting the Eternal poetry of Love.
Jaipur Overview: Capital of the princely state of Rajasthan, Jaipur, boasts of several enormous Forts & Palaces rich with history, pride, chivalry and bravery.
Rishikesh Overview: Rishikesh is considered the Yoga and Meditation capital of the world, and meditation here brings one closer to attainment of salvation, or moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.
Haridwar Overview: Haridwar means the Gateway to God, with ‘Hari’ meaning god and ‘dwar’ meaning gate. Haridwar is among the seven sacred cities of India, essentially a religious centre which holds promise of salvation for devotees. This pilgrimage town is full of temples, ashrams, spirituality centres, meditation centres and Ghats.
Enjoy a taste of the Golden Triangle with the ancient city of Mathura with more than 3500 years of history.
Tour Highlights
Delhi | Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb & Qutub Minar |
Jaipuri | Elephant ride to Amber Fort Palace, City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) & Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) |
Fatehpur | Akbar’s Residential Complex & Tomb of Salim Chisti |
Agra | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort |
Haridwar | Aarti ceremony at Ganges, Swarg Ashram Area, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by International flight, Meet and arrival assistance at the Airport and traditional ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by our representative. Later our representative willexplain the entire tour & transfer to the hotel for check in.
Delhi, a bustling metropolis, successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern era. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. Today half – day city guided tour of UNESCO world Heritage monuments of Qutab Minar (highest stone tower of India) and Humayun Tomb (red and white sandstone tomb displaying Mughal architecture, the bruiel place of Humayun’s wife) drive past by Rashtrapati bhavan (housing the president of India and is the biggest residence of any president the world over.)
This afternoon pay homage at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi (father of the Nation), a simple black marble platform marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Along the banks of Yamuna is located the place were the leaders and freedom fighters of India are cremated.
This evening visit to the enlighten India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. Overnight Hotel – Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
Today peel away the layers of history on your tour of the Forts and Palaces of Delhi covering Red Fort, (built in the year 1648 by emperor Shah Jehan) & Jama Masjid, (the principal mosque of Old Delhi), shop for the traditional Indian wear at the ancient Kinnari Bazaar and enjoy the delicacy of India at the 100 year old street “Paranthe Wali Gali”
The evening is at leisure to ramble around at the underground market of Cannaught Place. Also visit State Emporia which affords a glimpse of the handicrafts of each state or visit Delhi Hatt for the Artistic work on potteries, wooden toys, kite making and polish crafts are still existent in the city’s art and crafts culture. Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B, D)
Optional – Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Chor Bizarre
Day 03: Delhi – Haridwar (220Kms/05hrs drive)
Transfer to Haridwar, located at the foothills of the lower Himalayan Range of the Shivalik Mountains. on the banks of river Ganga (Ganges), Haridwar lliterally meaning Gateway to God, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Check into your hotel, late afternoon a dip at the sacred waters of the River Ganga (at Har Ki Pauri), closeby visit the Sapt Rishi Ashram. According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.
A Cultural evening at Haridwar : This Evening participate in the Maha Arti, (Aarti is the beautiful ceremony in which deeyas (the oil lamps) are offered to God. The essence of Arti is to pray to Almighty and thank him for all he has given us. The connotation of offering light to the god is we offer the light of our thanks, the light of our love and the light of our devotion, At twilight witness golden hues of floral diyas reflecting in the river Ganga and presents the most enchanting sight. Overnight Hotel – Haridwar. (B, D)
Day 04: Haridwar – Rishikesh- Haridwar (24Kms one/45min drive)
Morning Yoga Session at hotel
Today we drive to Rishikesh, located in the laps of lower Himalayas, & is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. It is claimed as Yoga Capital of the World. It is a common belief over here that a bath at the holy waters of Triveni Ghat (on the confluence of the three legendary rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) will lead a person to salvation.
For more insights into religious themes visit Swarg Ashram Area, which has numerous ashrams, food stalls and shops. Important shrines and ashrams include Kali Kumbliwale founded by Swami Vishudhananda, Parmarth Niketan with large statues of gods and goddesses & Shivananda Ashram also known as the Divine Life Society is one of the oldest and most active ashrams here. It conducts many yoga and meditation courses as well as runs a charitable hospital.
Continue tour with a visit to Laxman Jhula, a suspension Iron Bridge built in 1929. This is where Rama’s brother Lakshman is said to have crossed the river on jute ropes. One can enjoy the spectacular surroundings & the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge. Another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Jhula is the Ram Jhula. This suspended bridge was recently built between Shivanand & Sawarg Ashram and is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. It is also known as Shivanand Jhula. Return to hotel. Overnight Hotel – Haridwar. (B, D) Day 05: Haridwar – Delhi (220Kms/05hrs drive) Morning after breakfast, drive to Delhi, evening at leisure, Overnight Hotel – Delhi. (B, D)
Day 06 : Delhi – Agra (204Kms / 3.5hrs drive)
Today we drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Agra arrival and check-in at hotel. Later on city tour get mesmerized at the world’s best architectural white marble memorial (seventh wonder of the world) “The Taj Mahal” displaying the enchanting love story of emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife, for this architectural wonder in pure white marble took 22 years & 20,000 men laboured over to complete and design it. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations.
Optional : en route to Agra visit Mathura & Vrindavan, places related with the birth & childhood of Lord Krishna and is now important place of pilgrimage, Mathura with its many temples and splendid ghats along the river Yamuna is a Bustling pilgrimage town, visit to Shri Krishna Janmabhumi temple, marks the original birth place of Krishna, Gita Mandir, temple ( located on the Mathura – Vrindavan road), enhousing a fine image of lord Krishna and has Bhagwadgita inscribed on the walls. Overnight Hotel – Agra (B, D)
Day 07: Agra – Jaipur (235 Kms/05hrs drive)
This morning after breakfast, drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colorful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colorful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India enroute visit, Fatehpur Sikri, the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. Here visit Emperor Akbar’s Residential complex & Tomb of Salim Chisti, a Sufi saint after whose blessings the King Akbar had 3 Sons, people visit this place for the same reason.
Continue drive to Jaipur, arrival and check-in at hotel. Later on your city tour visit City Palace a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, (where the royal family still resides), Get mesmerized at the Chandra Palace for the splendid mirror works on walls, flower decorations and paintings. A part of palace has been converted into museum and houses an impressive collection of arts, carpets, enamelware and weapons, A quick photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows). Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B, D)
Day 08: Jaipur Sightseeing
Today Morning, enjoy a royal ascent to the Amber Fort on a Painted Elephant’s, back (which will remind you of the bygone era of Emperors and Queens).
Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date.
This afternoon enjoy shopping at Johari Bazaar for jewellery and stone work, while Bapu Bazaar remains the place for footware (embroidered, sequined or plain flat chappals) and unstitched tie-dye fabrics. Tripolia Bazaar is the place to look for colourful bandhni items, lacquered brass and carved brass items, marble statues, wooden drawer chests, picture and mirror frames
An evening at the Cultural Village of Chokhi Dhani : At evening Immerse yourself in Jaipur’s traditional culture at the ethnic village of Chokhi Dhani village, a blend of rustic environment & splendour of rich Rajasthani culture with all the modern amenities, At dusk, begins village festivities with Kalbeliya Dance (folk dances of the place), Parrot Fortune Teller, Puppet Show, Camel ride etc. followed by typical traditional Rajasthani Dinner, which is served in a traditional way (for which the place is known for). Later drive back to hotel. Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B, D)
Day 09: Jaipur – Delhi
Depart to Delhi Airport for onward flight for memories of India to cherish for the rest of your life.
Please find the hotel’s envisaged as follows:
Hotel’s Envisaged | Deluxe Hotel’s (4*Star) | Luxury Hotel’s (5*Star) |
Delhi | Royal Plaza / Svelte hotel and Personal Suites | Double Tree by Hilton/Hilton Janakpuri) |
Haridwar | Godwin Hotel | Hotel Radisson Blue |
Agra | Mansingh Palace / Howard Park Plaza | Radisson / Wyndham Grand |
Jaipur | Ramada Plaza / Park Prime | Sheraton Rajputhana |
Your Package Includes :
- Welcome Drink on arrival
- Buffet Breakfast and Dinner on all the days
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Services of an Englilsh speaking Driver
- Services of an English speaking guide at Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
- Personal assistance by our representative on arrival and departure
- Transfer’s from/to the Airport and Sightseeing by an AC Innova
- Two bottles of mineral water for each during the tour
- Entry fees at monuments Complimentary entrance and dinner at Ethnic village of Chowki Dhani
- Complimentary Elephant ride at Amber Fort.
- A Rickshaw ride from Chandi Chowk to Red Fort.
- All applicable Taxes and service charges
Your Package does not Includes :
Any Airfare, Insurance
Expenses of Personal Nature like tips to waiters, drivers, Laundry, alcoholic drinks, Telephonic calls etc Camera fees to the monuments
Any losses / expenses incurred by unforeseen circumstances eg flight delays/cancellations, Road Blockage, strikes etc)