Haridwar and Rishikesh

Arrive by International flight. You will get a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) from our representative and they would assist you at the airport & transfer you to the hotel for check-in. You will be surprised to know that Delhi is a bustling metropolis because it combines its antiquity with its modernity. All the successive dynasties choose it for the seat of power because of its strategic location. In fact, many mythological cities like Indraprastha (from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC) are believed to be here. Many numerous monuments were built by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaqs, Humayun & Shahjahan (who built the Walled City Shahjahanabad) in different centuries. After the reign of the rulers, New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens (who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India) in the 20th century. The diversion in walled city & New Delhi also affected the people’s lifestyle too. Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th-century walled city of Shahjahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built-in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best-known mosque in India. It stands as one of the largest & most beautiful mosques in India. Later we walk down through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahjahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort (built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan). Every year, on the 15th of August, the nation,s people watch the Prime Minister hoists the National Flag from here. After visiting the memorial we drove out for the India Gate. India Gate is the memorial that was built in 1931 in memory of soldiers who died in world war 1 & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the walls here. In this duration, we will take a tour of the official residence of the President's house which was built in 1931. Till 1950, it was known as the Viceroy’s house which was the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also take a look at Humayun's Tomb (memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun) built in the year 1562. This place is a World Heritage Site & the first architecture example in India made by Mughals. Qutub Minar built in 1206 AD by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. Qutub Minar (tallest brick, 72cm) is an important example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Today we drive to Rishikesh by visiting Haridwar. This is situated on the banks of the Holy River Ganga (Ganges). Haridwar literally means Gateway to God. This is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rishikesh, which is situated in the laps of the lower Himalayas. This place s surrounded by scenic hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. It is famous as the Yoga Capital of the World. And it serves as a gateway and starting point for important pilgrimages like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri & Yamunotri. During the evening, we will witness the Aarti ceremony at the river Ganges. Overnight Hotel - Rishikesh. (B)

Morning Yoga Session at hotel Later in the day, we will visit the Laxman Jhula (the suspension Iron Bridge) which was built-in 1929. According to the legends, this is the place where Rama's brother Lakshman had crossed the river on jute ropes. While crossing the Ganga through this bridge surely you will enjoy the natural beauty & cool breeze from the River. Ram Jhula (is also known as Shivanand Jhula & is quite similar to the Lakshman Jhula) is another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Jhula that was recently built between Shivanand & Sawarg Ashram. After it, we will visit Geeta Bhawan, which is full of beautiful paintings and statues from Indian Hindu mythology. Overnight Hotel – Risikesh (B)

In the morning and Evening, we will participate in Yoga Sessions. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Hotel – Rishikesh (B)

Today morning, we will drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the International airport to board flight for onward destination. Our tour concludes Mandala thanks you for your patronage and we will look forward serve you again in near future.