Shatabdi Express Departure: at 0650 hrs Arrival: at 1125 hrs

Upon arrival drive to Rishikesh - at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level, is the Gateway to the Himalayas and a major centre of spirituality and pilgrimage. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganges at Rishikesh. Since ages, Yogis & Sadhus lived and practiced religion here. This small hill town got an introduction to the western world in late 60's when Beatles stayed at an Ashram here. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

In the evening visit Laxman Jhula - the iron suspension bridge built in 1939, dedicated to younger brother of lord Rama and Geeta Bhawan - the famous Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharta are described here through beautiful wall paintings. Also visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram where we will witness the prayer of river Ganges, called "Ganga Aarti". The ceremony is performed by ashram resident children who are studying the Vedas there. The ceremony commences with the singing of bhajans (prayers), and a purifying and sacred ritual that takes place around a fire, with the offerings made to the fire god (Agni). The lamps are lit and the aarti takes place as the final part of the ceremony. The children sing along with the spiritual head of the ashram, in sweet, haunting voices. This is a very spiritually engaged ceremony.

Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B)

Today, on site visit to Purukal Youth Development Society, a community organization that strives for excellence in rural children through free holistic education, day long nutrition, and complete health care. It has dual focus - development of individual capacity of the underserved and the consequent building of community capacity. The NGO is not only running a school but also ensuring student's transition into a successful adulthood. In addition to education, the NGO has taken several community development initiatives like - employment to the ladies of rural community, health & sanitation, social causes (such as domestic violence against females, child abuse, dowry, alcoholism, female infanticide and foeticide etc) and natural disaster relief.

(Note: If today is Sunday or Government Holiday in India, this tour will be arranged 01 day prior or later)

Enjoy your lunch with the staff and children here at Purukal.

Evening remains at leisure. Guests can book a Spa Session with the hotel (direct payment basis).

Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B, L)

Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva on the banks of the Ganges, is one of Hinduism's seven holiest cities. With its temples, over a hundred ghats and labyrinth of streets, the city cannot be described, only experienced. To visit the Ganga at Varanasi is to truly touch the soul of India. Also called Benares or Kashi, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India, and one of the world's most ancient, a contemporary of Babylon, Nineveh and Thebes. Hindu devotional movements flourished here, and it is still the chief centre of Sanskrit learning in North India.

Upon arrival in Varanasi transfer to hotel

In the evening, you would be taken to the Ghats to see the Ganga Aarti ceremony - an experience of life. The Ganga Aarti is a spectacular illuminated sight. Hundreds throng to the ghats to participate in this ceremony. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river. Take a boat ride on Ganges.

Overnight in Varanasi (Meal: B)

Later, transfer in time to airport for flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to airport hotel

In the late evening, at 2100 hrs, transfer to airport for flight back to home.(Meal: B)