Rishikesh, Uttarakhanda

Rishikesh Uttarakhand

You will arrive at the city of Rishikesh after a trip on the super fast train "Dehradun Shatabdi" to Haridwar and then transfer to the hotel in Rishikesh, which is 25km (about 30 min).
You will immediately notice the marvelous spectacle of the Ganges river that branches off from the slopes of the Himalayas.
In the city, you will visit the Parmaniketan Ghat shrine to witness the ritual of Ganga Aarti. It is the most important place for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh.
Barefoot, hosts of devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins to fall, dyeing the golden river, bells, gongs, and chants resonate in the air.
Rows of celebrants hold plates in which ghee (Indian clarified butter) burns, making circular movements as a salute to the goddess of the river. It is one of the points for ritual ablutions, where devotees immerse themselves and offer prayers.

You will attend Yoga classes at Sivananda Ashram. The ancient traditional Indian art to keep fit is celebrated with the International Yoga Week, which takes place in Rishikesh, at the foot of the Himalayas and on the banks of the Ganges.
When practicing Yoga, a control is exercised over the forces of the body, mind, and soul. It is a very useful practice for disciplining the intellect, the mind, the emotions, and the will; allows you to have a peaceful approach to life in all its aspects.
Afterward, you will take a tour of Rishikesh with a visit to the Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge that crosses the Ganges. A pleasant 2km walk leads to Sivananda Jhoola, also known as Ram Jhoola. Beyond this bridge is the Swargashram area, a quiet and peaceful place full of Ashram. The small path that runs through the area unravels right next to the river and is full of shops and restaurants on one side and ashrams on the other. Swargashram is known for its tranquility, its atmosphere and its proximity to the Ganges.