Garhwal Tour of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is known as “Devbhoomi” or “Land of Gods” because of its many holy places & temples. Uttarakhand is also known for its Char Dham Yatra (Four sacred places of Garhwal Himalayas), which includes Badrinath Temple (Dedicated to Lord Bishnu), Kedarnath Temple (Dedicated to Lord Shiva), Gangotri Temple (Dedicated to Holy river Ganga ) and Yamunotri Temple (Dedicated to Holy river Yamuna). Uttarakhand is very sacred for the Hindus as well as the Sikhs. Many Sikhs come here to visit their holy place Hemkund Sahib from all around the world. Uttarakhand is also popular for its beautiful Hill Stations includes Mussoorie, Nainital, Dhanaulti, Kausani, Almora, Mukteshwar, Ranikhet, Lansdowne, Pauri, Khirsu, Binsar etc. The elevation level of Uttarakhand varies from 1500mtr to 5000mtr above sea level and the highest point in Uttarakhand is Nanda Devi peak (7817mtrs).

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by flight in the evening.

Delhi is the capital of India- the largest democratic and 2nd most populous country in the world and the city has seen its rise and fall several times. New Delhi is the 8th city built by British. Delhi is famous for its beautiful monuments built by different emperors, which can be seen during the city tour.

You will be well received on your arrival at the Delhi airport and transfer to hotel. 
After check- in formality, you will check in to the room.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for full day city tour of Old Delhi (in the morning) & New Delhi (in the afternoon).

The city of Delhi can be divided into two parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi.

Old Delhi was earlier ruled by Muslim Sultans for about 700years and later, it became the capital of the Mughal Empire between 17th & 19th centuries. Whereas New Delhi is an imperial and modern city, built by British, when they decided to move their capital from Calcutta in 1911.

The sightseeing of Old Delhi includes a visit to Jama Masjid- India's largest mosque, Red Fort- constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Rajghat- cremation site of father of Nation- Mahatma Gandhi and finally enjoy the rickshaw ride through the old streets of Chandni Chawk, the busiest market of Old Delhi.

Sightseeing of New Delhi includes a visit to India Gate- built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Rashtrapati Bhawan (from outside)- built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy, today the official residence of the President of India. Parliament House- an unique circular building with huge colonnades, which houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Humayun's Tomb- is the first Mughal garden tomb, which looks like the famous Taj Mahal and finally Qutab Minar- one of Delhi’s most striking monuments, which is the world's tallest brick minaret with a height of 72.5 meters.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi/ Mussoorie (280Kms & 7hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Mussoorie.

Mussoorie, Popularly known as the Queen of Hill stations, is 34kms from Dehradun (the capital city of Uttarakhand), which is 250Kms from New Delhi. Mussoorie is situated at an altitude of 2003mts above the sea level in the Garhwal hills, is one the beautiful hill stations in the state of Uttarakhand. It’s perfect location, natural beauty and cool climate attracts tourists from all over the world. In 1820, Captain Young of the British army was very much influenced by the beauty of this place and decided to made his residence here. The name, Mussoorie is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here.

Arrive Mussoorie and check in to your hotel.
In the evening, walk around the Mall Road.
Overnight at hotel in Mussoorie.

Day 04: Mussoorie
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for city tour of Mussoorie, visiting Gun Hill- enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. Municipal Garden- a picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. Childer's Lodge- Highest Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. One can also visit Jharipani Fall, Bhatta Fall, Kempty Fall & Mussoorie Lake etc.
Overnight at hotel in Mussoorie.

Day 05: Mussoorie/ Dhanaulti (25Kms & 1hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Dhanaulti.

Dhanaulti is a a small but a beautiful hill station in the outskirt of Mussoorie, lies at an altitude of 2286mtr above sea level and popular for its serene beauty. Dhanaulti is a secluded hill station as compared to Mussoorie. It is nestled in the midst of deep forests of deodar, oak, conifer and rhododendron.

Arrive Dhanaulti and check in to your hotel.
Later, proceed for tour of Dhanaulti, visiting Eco Park- which was developed recently and Surkhanda Devi Temple- dedicated to Goddess Surkhanda. Also visit Himalayan Weavers, located on Mussoorie-Dhanaulti Road, who produces hand-woven shawls, stoles, scarves and and pashmina.
Overnight at hotel in Dhanaulti.

Day 06: Dhanaulti/ Haridwar (75Kms & 2-3hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Haridwar.

Haridwar is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India, picturesquely located by the bank of holy river Ganga in the holy state of Uttarakhand. River Ganga is also referred as 'Mother Ganga' by the Hindu community. It is an important point and gateway to the famous pilgrimage of the Himalayas call “Chardham Yatra or Chardham Pligrimage”. Char means “four” and Dham means “sacred places”. These four sacred destinations are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. People from across the globe come here to seek spirituality. The name 'Haridwar' means 'Gateway to God'. Haridwar is more popular for 'Kumbh Mela', the largest fair in human history, which is held here at the interval of every 12 years.

Arrive Haridwar and check into your hotel.

In the afternoon, you can visit the famous Har Ki Pauri, this ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. Take a holy dip here, as this ghat is also called as Brahmakund.

Later, you can visit the famous Mansa Devi temple- located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can also take the normal trekking route to the top. From where, you can have an excellent view of Haridwar. Chandi Devi Temple- as per the Hindu mythology, the demon King Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi here after which the place named as Chandi Devi. This temple, situated on top of the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganges and it was constructed in 1929 by Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir. The temple is a 3Kms trek from Chandi Ghat and it is believed that the Adi Shankaracharya established the main statue here in eighth century AD. The Chandi Devi Temple is also accessible by a ropeway, which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple. Vaishno Devi Temple- this temple is a newly constructed and a true replica of the original Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu & Kashmir. Bharat Mata Temple- is one of the important temples of Haridwar, which has eight stories in which the images of cities, heroes and great men are installed. Maya Devi Temple- which is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhishtkatri, known as one of the Siddhapeethas. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri. The Triveni Ghat- which is another interesting place to be at dawn, when people make offerings of milk to the Ganges and feed the fish. After sunset, priests set off floating lamps on the water during the Aarti ceremony. The Sapt Rishi Ashram- which is situated along the Haridwar-Rishikesh road. According to Hindu Mythology, Sapt Rishi Ashram is regarded as the place where the seven great sages, or Sapt-Rishis- Kashyap, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam meditated. It is said that the Ganges split herself into seven streams, here only, so that the sages would not be disturbed by her flow. And therefore, the place is also called as the Sapt Sarovar or Saptrishi Kund. The streams reunite further and flow as a beautiful channel called Neel Dhara while entering into Haridwar.

In the evening, witness the Ganga Arti at Har Ki Pauri. 
Overnight in Haridwar.

Day 07: Haridwar/ Kotdwar (80kms & 2-3hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Kotdwar- which is located at the foothills of Shivalik hills at a distance of 225Kms from Delhi and 80Kms from Haridwar. It is situated at an altitude of 395mtr above the sea level. Kotdwar literally means the gateway to Garhwal, is a nearest railhead of Pauri Garhwal District in the hill state of Uttarakhand and famous for its Siddhbali (Lord Hanuman) temple. 

Arrive Kotdwra and check in to a local house.

You will be welcomed by the ladies in traditional costumes. Have Lunch and rest of the day at leisure.

In the evening, proceed to visit Siddhbali Baba temple (dedicated to Lord Hanuman), which is the biggest temple in the town.
Overnight at local house. 

Day 08: Kotdwar- Excursion to Kalagarh Dam
After breakfast, proceed to visit Kalagarh Dab, which is situated at a distance of 48Kms from Kotdwar is an ideal place for nature lovers. The dam across Ram Ganga River is worth visiting. It is a lovely drive and return to Kotdwar in the afternoon.

Rest of the day, visiting local houses and meet local people and know their daily life etc.
Overnight in local house. 

Day 09: Kotdwar/ Lansdowne (40Kms & 1.5hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive towards Lansdowne- which is a beautiful hill station, named after the viceroy of India Lord Lansdowne from 1888- 1894. Lansdowne was developed as the recruits training centre for Garhwal Rifles under British Indian Army. Today Lansdowne is the head quarter of Garhwal Rifles, a division of Indian Army. This great hill station is completely away from hustle and bustle and hence is distinct from the normal hill stations, which are overcrowded.

Arrive Lansdowne and check in to your hotel.

In the afternoon, proceed to visit the town, visiting The War Memorial of the Garhwal Rifles, Tip-In-Top Point- which is a view point with an amazing sight of Lansdowne. St John's Church- which is the only church of worship in this quite town and St Mary's Church- which has been converted into a museum by Garhwal Rifles Regiment Centre. The buildings and the town carry an atmosphere of the British period before independence.
Overnight at hotel. 

Day 10: Lansdowne- Excursion to Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for an excursion to visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple (38Kms & 1.5hrs drive one way), which is situated on top of a hill at an altitude of 2000mtr, which is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or Siddha Pithas in the Garhwal region. The main deity is Lord Shiva and many devotees visit this ancient temple to offer prayers and it is believed that the offerings here makes the wishes of the devotees be fulfilled. Maha Shivarathri is celebrated annually with great pleasure. The temple place is surrounded by thick blue pine forests, oak trees and dense Deodars. 
Return to Lansdowne in the afternoon. 
In the evening, visit the nearby town call Jayaharikhal, which is popular for one of the best and the oldest Inter College in the area with hostel facility.
Overnight in hotel. 

Day 11: Lansdowne/ Pauri (85Kms & 3-4hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Pauri.

Pauri is a beautiful hill station and headquater of Pauri Garhwal District. The majestic Himalaya and its mountain range can be seen from here. Pauri is situated at an altitude of 1814mtr above the sea-level, offers a panoramic view of the snow covered Himalayan peaks of Nandadevi & Trisul, Gangotri Group, Thalaiya- sagar, Neelkanth, Bandar Poonch, Swarga-Rohini, Kedarnath, Kharcha Kund, Satopanth, Chaukhamba, Ghoriparvat, Hathiparvat and Sumeru etc. 

Arrive Pauri and check in to your hotel.

In the afternoon, proceed for city tour of Pauri, visiting Kandoliya Mahadev Temple, Cricket Stadium- which is the highest in Asia and Chawkhamba view point-  famous for sunset.
Overnight at hotel. 

Day 12: Pauri/ Srinagar (30Kms & 2hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Srinagar- which lies on Haridwar- Badrinath highway. It is the headquarter of Garhwal University called as “Hemwati Nandan Garhwal University”. You can visit the campus and can have a lecture at the department of Tourism and have a interaction with the students.

In the afternoon, visit some famous temples of Srinagar including Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple- dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Overnight at hotel. 

Day 13: Srinagar/ Rishikesh (130Kms & 3-4hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is another important Hindu pilgrimage destination in India, picturesquely located by the bank of holy river Ganga in the holy state of Uttarakhand. It is an important point and gateway to the famous pilgrimage of the Himalayas call “Chardham Pligrimage”. Char means “four” and Dham means “sacred places”. These four sacred destinations are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is famous for its spiritual centers and Yogic ashrams and therefore it is called “Yoga capital” of India. International Yoga festival is celebrated here in November every year, where world’s renowned Yoga teachers participate and give the Yoga teaching.

Arrive Rishikesh and proceed to city tour of Rishikesh, visiting Lakshman Jhula, Bharat Mandir, Triveni Ghat, Rishikund, Geeta Bhawan, Swarg Ashram and Trayambakeshwar Temple etc. 

In the evening, witness the evening arti of holy Ganges at Parmarth Niketan, where the students of Parmarth Niketan perform Pooja with great devotion & enthusiasm.
Overnight in Rishikesh.

Day 14: Rishikesh/ Delhi (250Kms & 6-7hrs drive)/ Fly Back Home
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Delhi.

Arrive Delhi and transfer to Delhi airport to board your flight back home with sweet memories of your Trip with Dependable Travel Solutions (India) !!

***END OF THE TOUR***