Spiritual Yoga in Rishikesh

Day 1: ARRIVE DELHI

On arrival in Delhi: Aahilya Holidays tour representative will be waiting to greet you with a paging board with your name on.

You are then transferred to your hotel and assisted with check-in.

The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or pursue independent activities.

Stay overnight at your hotel

Day 2: DELHI

Breakfast is at the Hotel.

After breakfast, you will enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting Chandni Chowk, Jama Mosque and visit Red Fort.

Lunch will be at local restaurant at direct payment basis.

Then, visit Raj Ghat, Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi's last rituals were performed on 31st January 1948. You can see the memorial stone of Gandhi ji in square-shaped black stone when you visit this famous Rajghat in Delhi.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax or pursue independent activities.

Stay overnight at your hotel

Day 3: DELHI

Breakfast is at the Hotel.

After breakfast, you will enjoy half day sightseeing tour of New Delhi visit to the Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building & the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax or pursue independent activities.

Stay overnight at your hotel

Day 4: DELHI - HARIDWAR - RISHIKESH

Breakfast is at the Hotel.

After breakfast, at an appropriate time, you will transferred to New Delhi railway station to board train to Haridwar

On arrival meet and greet and continue to drive to Rishikesh [20 Kms: 40 mins approx]

Haridwar literally translated as the Gateway to God is one of the Hindu holy places in India and a center of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries. Located on the banks of the River Ganges (Ganga), at the point where the Ganges descends from the hills to the North Indian plains, Haridwar attracts a large number of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world.

Arrive in Rishikesh and check in at your hotel

Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now closed), and the town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga. Rishikesh is also the Gateway to the Himalayas. The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh

Stay overnight at your hotel

Day 5 - Day 10: RISHIKESH

Breakfast is at the Hotel.

Morning and Evening Yoga sessions. Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy independent activities

What is Yoga: The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj, means to yoke or bind, and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.

The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serve as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our behavior in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi (liberation, enlightenment).

Today, most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.

In other term we can explain YOGA by understanding meaning of each alphabet - Y-O-G-A

“Y” reminds us that the word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yogah,” which means “to yoke or to unite.” Indeed, the goal of yoga is to uncouple oneself from the material world and to unite oneself with the God of Hinduism, commonly understood to be Brahman, the impersonal cosmic consciousness of the universe. Put another way, yoga is the means by which the user’s mind is merged into the universal mind.

“O” represents the Hindu mantra “Om”—a sacred Sanskrit syllable cherished by Hindu yogis as the spoken quintessence of the universe. Repeating such mantras as Om over and over is a principal means by which yoga practitioners work their way into altered states of consciousness. The objective of achieving an altered state of consciousness is always the same: to dull the critical thinking process because the mind is seen to be the obstacle to enlightenment. As noted by the late Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, “the goal is to create a new man, one who is happily mindless.” Shockingly, what was once relegated to the kingdom of the cults is now being replicated in churches. In the ashrams of the cults there is no pretense. Despite such dangers as possession or insanity, Hindu gurus openly encourage trance states through which devotees tap into realms of the demonic and discover their “higher selves.” Whether experiencing involuntary movements or encountering illusory monsters, all is written off as progress on the road to enlightenment.

“G” is reminiscent of the gurus who developed and disseminated yoga for the express purpose of achieving oneness with the impersonal God of Hinduism. Most noteworthy among the Guru’s is Patanjali—the Hindu sage who founded Yoga around the second century B.C. Of particular significance in the West is the aforementioned guru, Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of the self-proclaimed “god-man” Sri Ramakrishna. In 1893 Vivekananda used the Parliament of World Religions to skillfully sow the seeds for a new global spirituality. Second, only to Vivekananda in the Westernization of yoga was Yogananda—proudly hailed as “Father of Yoga in the West.” In 1920 he founded the L.A. based Self-Realization. Finally, of special note is Swami Muktananda, popularizer of kundalini yoga, a method by which divine energy thought to reside as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine is aroused; ascends through six chakras; and aims for union with the Hindu deity Shiva in a seventh center allegedly located in the crown of the head. Such Hindu gurus have been so successful in exporting yoga to the West that today it is common fare in classrooms, corporations, and even churches.

Finally, the “A” in Y-O-G-A will serve to remind you of the Hindu word asana. As repetition of the word “Om” is used to work devotees into altered states of consciousness, so too a regiment of asanas—or body postures—are used to achieve a feeling of oneness with the cosmic energy flow of the universe. Coupled with breathing exercises and meditation practices, asana positions are the pathway to serenity and spirituality. According to Yoga Journal, “asanas are their own type of meditation; to perform difficult postures you have to focus on your body and breath and relax into the pose.” While multitudes are being seduced into believing that asanas are spiritually neutral, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Optional Tous:

1. River Rafting: Rishikesh and river rafting complement each other in such a way that today one word cannot be thought without the other. Your trip is incomplete if you don’t try your hands at river rafting in Rishikesh. It, in fact, is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh.

Best time for river rafting in Rishikesh: Anytime is the best time for river rafting in Rishikesh, except monsoon. October to June is the ideal time to try river rafting in Rishikesh (except Jan).

Grade levels for rafting in Rishikesh: Basic (Grade I & II), Standard (Grade III) and Expert (Grade IV) Rishikesh river rafting stretch: Kaudiyala to Lakshman Jhula (36 km)- with 13 major rapids

River rafting routes:

• Kaudiyala- Marine Drive (10 km with grade III & IV)
• Marine Drive- Shivpuri (11 km with grade II & III)
• Shivpuri-Brahmpuri (11 km with grade I & II)
• Brahmpuri-Lakshman Jhula (9 km with grade I)

Rafting charges in Rishikesh: INR 400-1300 approx

2. Trekking: There’s a whole treasure trove for trekking-enthusiasts in and around Rishikesh. From easy to expert level, trekking in Rishikesh is meant for everyone. One can opt for easy waterfall trek and enjoy around the glistening waterfall. Trekking through the jungles and nature trails of Rishikesh is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, as compared to other places in Northern India.

Best time for trekking in Rishikesh: Anytime is the best time! Try to avoid in monsoon season.

Best trekking route in Rishikesh: Waterfall trek, Kunjapuri Trek and Neelkanth Mahadev Trek

Trekking difficulty level in Rishikesh: Beginner to expert

3. Kayaking: Kayaking is a water activity, much like canoeing, that involves paddling across on water on a kayak. A kayak is a canoe-like boat but unlike a canoe, you sit facing the front. Kayaking is a fun activity especially on the streams of Rishikesh because of the clear waters and the rapids that make for a bumpy and fun activity.

Go kayaking on the Ganges and meander through rough patches along the stream and truly take in the rush and force of the water as it charges downhill. For anyone looking for things to do in Rishikesh, look no further and try kayaking in this beautiful city.

From moderate to challenging the levels of kayaking in Rishikesh is there to suit anyone, everyone! The trainers provide lessons for beginners so that they can try their hands on kayaking safely and explore their skills as they sail. It is one of the most calming and serene activities that teach you about balance and patience, as compared to the adrenaline pumping activities in this holy city.

4. Ganga Aarti: Rishikesh has two sides, one is rip-roaring and the other is tranquil. To get in touch with the other side of this city, attend the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh and witness the vibrant Hindu culture and customs. Let your spirits get acquainted with the calm and peaceful side of this adventure-packed city once the sun goes down and the ghats are lit with thousands of incensed lamps.

Rishikesh Ganga aarti timings: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh venue: Triveni Ghat

5. Ayurvedic Massages and Therapies: Ayurveda was born in India, and Rishikesh is nothing less than a holy grail when it comes to the best Ayurvedic practices. This is where your mind and body find utter serenity. We in our daily lives, go through tremendous pressures, tensions, workload, etc. that we get fatigued out. We start craving for a break, one that will rejuvenate, refresh and heal us. Ayurvedic massage in some of the best massage centres of Rishikesh is just what you need. They will treat you with fragrance-filled, herbal and ayurvedic oils, that will not only free the tension and pressure out of your mind and body; but will also loosen up and relax your tense muscles. Ayurvedic massages in Rishikesh are provided in different budgets.

6. Visit to Beatles Ashram: The Beatles are most renowned for their universal appeal and their flare but they are also popular for their travels to Rishikesh. The Beatles Ashram is a beautiful testament to the grandeur that was John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo and George Harrison’s Beatles and has a lot of memoirs and artefacts that give information about their time in India and their interaction with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It was also the spot where they formulated a lot of their songs and some albums were even created there. For Beatles fans or fan of their genre of music, this is a definite place to add to their list of things to do in Rishikesh.

7. Rajaji National Park: One of the famous national parks of India is Rajaji National Park, located in Uttarakhand. The park has 3 different entry points, one of which is near Rishikesh and is known as Chilla range. One of the best things to do in Rishikesh is to take a safari along with a local guide, across Rajaji National Park. Jeep Safari in Rishikesh is an adventurous thing to do in the city.

The park is known to have the maximum number of elephants across India. It also has a wide variety of wild animals such as Sambar deer, barking deer, Antelopes like Nilgai and Goral, tiger, leopard and monkeys. Adding to this kitty, there is a huge variety of Himalayan birds, numbering up to 400 species. Some of the most sought-after birds by tourists and bird-watchers include Scaly Thrush, Rusty Treecreeper, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Bush Warbler, Leaf Warbler, Black-necked Stork and Blue Magpie.

8. Visit Lakshman Jhula: Another one of the things to do in Rishikesh is taking a walk on LakshmanJhula and enjoying the soft breeze of air that gushes past you, giving you a much refreshing fresh air, which is hard to get these days in cities, due to pollution. Just stand in the middle of the bridge and enjoy the majestic view o the massive river Ganga that flows below.

LakshmanJhula is an iron bridge made on suspension across the Ganges. The bridge is of great importance as it connects ‘Tapovan’ village of Tehri Garhwal on the western side, with ‘Jonk’ village of Pauri Garhwal on the eastern side.

According to the legend of Ramayana, Lakshman crossed the Ganges using a bridge made of the rope during his exile with elder brother Lord Ram and his wife Sita. Later an iron bridge was constructed at the same place from 1927-1929, which today is known as Lakshman Jhula.

9. Visit to Swami Dayanand Ashram: This ashram was established during the 1960s by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, an internationally recognised teacher of Vedanta and scholar of Sanskrit. It's located in picturesque surroundings, around 10 minutes walk from the Ram Jhula area. Regular residential courses are conduced, with focus on Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Vedic chanting is also taught during the courses. In addition, visiting teachers conduct Iyengar and Hatha yoga retreats (suitable for beginners and intermediate students) at the ashram. More than 150 rooms with attached bathrooms are available for students.

10. Har Ki Pauri: One of the most popular places in Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri is a ghat, which was built by King Vikramaditya. It is believed that Vikramaditya ordered for this ghat to be constructed in the memory of his brother Bharthari. The most famed spot here is the Brahmakund, which is thronged by devotees from all over the country. Another major attraction of Har Ki Pauri is the evening Aarti that is organized each evening with great zeal. It is, in fact, one of those events in Haridwar that one should not miss out on. After the Aarti, devotees float Diyas in the River Ganga, which looks stunning in the evening light.

11. Temple Tour: Since Haridwar is a religious site and a heritage city, there are plenty of temples to visit. Chandi Devi temple, Daksheshwara Mahadev temple, Maya Devi temple, Vaishno Devi temple and Mansa Devi temple are some of the most popular ones. Even if your purpose to visit Haridwar is not its temple, you must pay a visit to the most popular ones.

Note: Haridwar is 40 mins drive from Rishikesh

Stay overnight at your hotel

Day 11: RISHIKESH - HARIDWAR - DELHI

Breakfast is at the Hotel.

After breakfast, at an appropriate time, you will transferred to Haridwar railway station to board train to New Delhi

On arrival meet and greet and transfer to your hotel in Delhi

Stay overnight at your hotel

Day 12: DEPART DELHI

Breakfast is at the Hotel.

Today, at an appropriate time, you will be transferred to Delhi airport to connect with your flight back home.