HARIDWAR - RISHIKESH

Book  Your Tour to Haridwar - Rishikesh

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Haridwar

Haridwar said to be one of the oldest cities in the world, lies at the base of the Shivaliks hills where the river Ganga passes through its last gorge and begins a 2,000-km journey across the plains. Legend has sanctified it by placing Vishnu’s footprint on the river bank, making Haridwar on the seven holy cities of Hinduism .from sunrise; pilgrims come to bathe at the Ghat to plains e themselves of their sins .You will notice holy men in their huts dispensing wisdom to the willing, and wandering sadhus who have made make – shift shelters under trees .Here too ,you can watch priests performing spectacular Ganga arati at sunset .Despite local opposition, Haridwar was included in the new state of uttaranchal.

Rishikesh

The Ganga ,at the point still an astonishing clear water river ,links all the all holy places of one Hinduism s most sacred regions .Rishikesh stands tight – packed on the banks of the river. As it runs swiftly through the southern most ranges of the shivaliks on its way to the plains .At Rishikesh the river begins to cut thorough foot hills, which were once more densely forested than today. Those forests offered the prospect of quiet retreat, the originals basis of the ashram ideal. Maharishi Mahesh yogi had his ashram here and captured the imagination and attention of the Beatles in 1960 s .Today, however, the town has become heavily commercialized, full of ashrams, sadhus and visitors attending courses in yoga and meditation. Some find it disappointing and lacking in atmosphere, others thoroughly enjoy and stay for weeks. It is surrounded by wonder full bird watch territory.

SIGHTS

Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri

There are six bridges to take you across the river ,where it is quite. A new footbridge leads directly to Har ki Pauri.

Moti (lower) Bazaar

It is interesting colorful, invariably crowded and surprisingly  clean and tidy. Stalls sell colored powder piled high in colorfully made cones ( for Tikas). Others sell saris, jewelry ,brass and aluminum pots ,sweets and snacks.

Kankhal

It is 3 Km from the downstream ,with the temple of dakseswara is where Shiva s wife sati is believed to have burnt herself to death.

Rajaji National park

It is uttaranchal s largest park 820 sq Km. The park vegetation ranges from rich Sal , bhabbar ,tracts, broad - leaf mixed forest chirr pine forests interspersed with area of scrub and pasture which provides a home for a wide variety of wild life included over 23 mammals and 438 species of birds .

 

Rishikesh

Triveni Ghat

It has some striking Statues of Shiva , offering milk and feeding the fish at dawn, and floating lamps after sunset fro eveing arati.

Muni -Ki -Reti

It is the area along the chandrabhaga river which also has some temples .if you walk northeast up the river you will find some secluded beaches.

Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula

These are two suspension bridges over the Ganga between Sivananda ashram and Swarga ashram. Laxman Jhula area is picturesque with the best views though you maybe troubled by rhesus monkeys.

IMPORTANT FACTS

Accessibility                    Local Transport – Taxis, Buses.

By Air                                 Nearest airport the Jolly Grant in Dehradun.

By Rail                               Well connected to Amritsar and Delhi.

By Road                             Well Connected .

STD Code                          Haridwar  0133 Rishikesh  01350

Climate                              Haridwar -   Summer    max. 40^O c min. 30^O c     Winter    max.16^O c and min 6^O c.

                                            Rishikesh - Summer    max. 40^O c min. 35^O c     Winter     max.32^O c and min 15^O c.

Best season                     October to April.