Pilgrimage Packages

Kasi

Kasi or Varanasi is the oldest and the most sacred place for the Hindus. Varanasi, also known as the holy city, combines in itself the cultural essence and mysticism of India. Varanasi stands on the banks of river Ganga, considered the holiest of all Indian rivers.

Varanasi or Kashi is both an exalted place of pilgrimage and a microcosmic centre of faith. A large number of pilgrims visit the holy city from all parts of India and the world. Varanasi is a unique city where the past and present, eternity and continuity live side by side.

Legends have it that the holy city of Varanasi was founded centuries before the birth of the Christ.

Varanasi is situated between the two tributaries of River Ganga- Varuna to the north and Asi to the south. Varanasi combines the name of both these rivers. Varanasi is mentioned in Holy Scriptures like Puranas, Buddhist texts and in the Mahabharata. The most fascinating part of the holy city of Varanasi is that almost all the activities seem to revolve around river Ganga and its Ghats. Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn, when thousands of pilgrims come to the river for the holy dip. It is believed that the sacred river will cleanse them of their sufferings and wash their sins away.

With the sun rise the Ghats burst into activity. In the morning, the Ghats present a charged holistic atmosphere. Brahmins recite passages from sacred texts and priests perform various kinds of holy rituals. Perhaps Varanasi is the only place that stirs an individual to reflect about life, to contemplate about creation and the irrelevance of temporal wealth in the face of death. The burning Ghats at the edge of River Ganga keep reminding people that life is mortal. At the same time, the rising sun and the morning and evening rituals at the Ghats bring hope and optimism to thousands of beleaguered people. This is the essence of Varanasi- "the Gateway to Moksha."

Vishwanath Temple:

The Vishwanath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. People from all parts of the world come to visit this temple. After its destruction in the medieval period, the temple was restored by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore in the 18th century.

Bharat Mata Temple:

The Bharat Mata temple is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statute of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a replica of undivided India in three dimensions which depicts the mountains, plains and oceans.

Tulsi Manas Temple:

The Tulsi Manas Mandir (temple) is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is believed to be built at the place where Tulsidas composed the 'Ramacharitramanas', the great epic. It provides us with detailed description of the history and deeds of Lord Rama. The walls of the Tulsi Manas temple are adorned with "Dohas" from Ramcharitramanasa.

Durga Temple:

The 8th century built temple dedicated to Goddess Durga- the female power is one of the most important temple in Varanasi. Built in Nagara Style architecture with an ornamented shikhara, various carved columns and a courtyard. Non Hindus are not allowed to the inner side of the temple.

Nepali Temple:

Built in Nepali style by the King of Nepal on Lalita Ghat, it is also known as the Kathwala temple because of the magnificent woodwork(link - http://www.eroutestravel.com/kasi.html). Tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world, it is said to be incomparable to any other temple in India. It is said that the workers and the wood was imported from Nepal to build this temple and the its specialty is that termites do not eat the wood used to construct it.

Ghats:

There are around 100 ghats along the river Ganges used generally for bathing. Pilgrims also perform various rituals, meditations and yogas on these ghats. There are also some burning ghats where bodies are cremated.

Hrishikes

Rishikesh - a busy little town on the banks of the holy Ganges at the foot of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is the gateway to the Garhwal in the Himalayas. In the district of Dehradun, Rishikesh is situated at an altitude of 1360 ft above sea level. Rishikesh is located precisely on the part in Uttaranchal known as Tehri-Garhwal region.

A tour to Rishikesh is usually undertaken as part of a visit to Hardwar, Mussoorie and Dehradun. Rishikesh is revered as the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. A tour to Rishikesh is therefore as important to the religiously inclined, for its mythological importance; so it is for the nature lovers, who would simply love to be at green, quiet the banks of Ganges flowing by at Rishikesh.

The temple town on the banks of the holy Ganges, Rishikesh is the next stop for pilgrims on the foothills of Garhwal, right after Hardwar. Located in the Dehradun District at an altitude of approximately 1360 ft above sea level, Rishikesh is the gateway to the Garhwal region.

It is located in the Tehri-Garhwal region in the state of Uttaranchal. Rishikesh is as important as interesting to the religiously inclined, as it is to the nature lovers; for the landscape at Rishikesh is simply mind blowing, with the swiftly flowing by Ganges with greenery sprinkled all around.

Laxman Jhula:

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula is a suspended bridge on the Ganges. Legend has it that Laxman had crossed the river Ganges at this spot on a bridge of ropes. Now a suspended iron bridge 450 ft long, built in 1939 exists here. The Laxman Jhula is something you cannot simply miss on a tour to Rishikesh.

Ram Jhula:

Another suspended bridge between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram, Ram Jhula has been named after Laxman’s elder brother Ram.

Bharat Mandir:

Built by Adiguru Shankracharya, the Hindu saint in 12th century, this is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. It is located on the bank of river Ganges in the old town and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whose idol carved out of a single 'Salagram' stands here.

Rishikund:

Legend has it that, the river Goddess Yamuna was so pleased with the saint Kubz that she filled this tank with water.

Nilkanth Mahadeo:

According to Hindu mythology when the ocean was being churned out for “amrit” by the gods and the demons, it was venom that first oozed out. This venom was swallowed by Lord Shiva at this spot and the place got its name from that event.

Badrinath

Badrinath cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan, Badrinath is the holiest of the four main shrines. Badrinath is situated along the right bank of the river Alaknanda.With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and falls in the religious itinerary of every devout Hindu.The present temple at Badrinath dates back to the time of Sri Shankaracharya who also founded a Math here in the 8th century AD. Facing the Badrinath temple is a hot water spring known as 'Tapta Kund'.Other famous thermal springs are the Narad Kund and the Surya Kund. With its great scenic beauty and attractive recreational spots in the vicinity, Badrinath attracts an ever increasing number of secular visitors each year.

The Temple Complex:

There are 15 idols in the temple complex. Finely sculpted in black stone, the Badrinath (Vishnu) image is a metre high. Other images include those of Laxmi (Vishnu's consort), Garurh (Vishnu's mount), Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh etc.

Tapt Kund:

Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund:

A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Brahma Kapal:

A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Sheshnetra:

1.5 km away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary snake, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.

Charanpaduka:

3 km away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Neelkanth:

A pyramidal shaped snowy peak (6,59 7mt) towering above Badrinath, presents a dramatic sight. It is popularly known as the 'Garhwal Queen'.

Haridwar

Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology. Ganga, the holy river of the Hindus enters the plains from here. Haridwar's scenic beauty is a blend of height and plains, the air echoes the sounds of chanting mantras. The city abounds in temples of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Haridwar has a lot of spiritual retreats or Ashrams carrying on the lineage of providing the way to body soul perfection via various yoga and meditative techniques.

A tour to Rishikesh is usually undertaken as part of a visit to Hardwar, Mussoorie and Dehradun. Rishikesh is revered as the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. A tour to Rishikesh is therefore as important to the religiously inclined, for its mythological importance; so it is for the nature lovers, who would simply love to be at green, quiet the banks of Ganges flowing by at Rishikesh.

The temple town on the banks of the holy Ganges, Rishikesh is the next stop for pilgrims on the foothills of Garhwal, right after Hardwar. Located in the Dehradun District at an altitude of approximately 1360 ft above sea level, Rishikesh is the gateway to the Garhwal region.

It is located in the Tehri-Garhwal region in the state of Uttaranchal. Rishikesh is as important as interesting to the religiously inclined, as it is to the nature lovers; for the landscape at Rishikesh is simply mind blowing, with the swiftly flowing by Ganges with greenery sprinkled all around.

Har Ki Pauri:

Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred bathing ghats at Haridwar. The best time to visit this spot is at sunset when you can see the 'Aarti' of Ganga being performed.

Chandi Devi:

Across the main Ganga river, on the other bank is the Neel Parvat. The famous Chandi Devi Temple is situated atop it. One has to trek at least 3 Kms. on the hill to reach it. Other temples in close vicinity on the hill itself are the temples of Gauri Shankar, Neeleshwar Mahadev and Anjani Devi.

Bhimgada Tank:

On the way to Rishikesh, this tank is said to have been made by Bhim with the blow of his knee, when the Pandavas were going to the Himalayas through Haridwar.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar:

Legends abound in India. Here, it is said, Ganga splits herself in seven currents so that the Sapt (seven) Rishis worshipping there would not be disturbed.

Canal Centenary Bridge:

Located near Har-ki-Pauri, this bridge commands a beautiful view of the canal and all the ghats.Other Attractions are - Kavand Mela, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi and Shantikunj Ashram. Dehradun is at a distance of two hour drive. Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath amidst the dramatic mountainscapes of the majestic Kedarnath range, stands one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ of Kedar or Lord Shiva.

Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.Kedarnath is named in honor of King Kedar who ruled in the Satya Yuga. He had a daughter named Vrinda who was a partial incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Chopta:

Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges, surrounding it is the Deoria Tal.

Panch Kedar:

The five most important temples of Lord Shiva in Garhwal Himalayas.

The Kedar Massif:

This is an outstanding massif formed by the three major mountains.

Bharatekuntha:

At 6578 mtrs, Bharatekuntha is connected to Kedarnath to the East, by a long and dangerous avalanche ridden ridge. At 6000 meters it looks stunning and has several glacial flows, one of which is the Mandakini glacier.

Shankracharya Samadhi:

It is believed that after establishing the Chardham Shankracharya went in to samadhi here.

Badrinath is almost 41 km from Kedarnath (direct distance).

Rameswaram

Rameswaram is one of the foremost religious cities in Tamil Nadu. An important pilgrimage center for both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites, it was at Rameswaram where Lord Rama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Indian epic - The Ramayana) performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Shiva after his triumph over the demon king Ravana in the battle at Sri Lanka. Rameswaram is located on eastern side of the island in the Gulf of Mannar.

Rameswaram is known for its theerthas( wells ) in and around the main temple. This place is equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Saivites.

According to Hindu Mithology, if one will visit Rameswaram and pray Lord Shiva means, the whole sins will be relieved from the body.

The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world.

Ramanathaswamy Temple:

Located at the heart of the town, this historic temple is one of the most important temples in South India. This magnificent temple, famous for its 1200 massive granite columns, is a fine instance of late Dravidian architecture.

Agnitheertham:

To absolve himself from the killing of Ravana, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here at Agnitheertham, situated 100 meters away from the Ramanathaswamy Temple. The water at this place is considered scared and tourists throng here for a holy bath.

Ramjharoka Temple:

This temple is perched at the highest point on the island of Rameswaram, Gandamadana Parvatham, at a distance of 5 km from Rameswaram. The shrine preserves the imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a Chakra (wheel).

Dhanushkodi:

Named after Lord Rama's bow ('dhanush"), Dhanushkodi is 8 km away from Rameswaram. All but the Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi were completely destroyed by the terrible cyclones of 1964. This temple houses graceful idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana (brother of Ravana).

Adam's Bridge:

This is a chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. It is believed that this is the series of stepping stones used by Hanuman to follow Ravana, in his attempt to rescue Sita.