Char Dham Yatra Of India (16 Nights / 17 Days)
Destinations: Delhi – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath – Rudraprayag – Haridwar – Delhi – Bhubaneshwar – Jagannath Puri – Bhubaneshwar – Chennai – Rameshwaram – Madurai – Dwarka – Rajkot – Mumbai
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Itinerary
Day 01 : Delhi – Rishikesh
Badrinath TempleDrive to Haridwar which is 224 kms / 6 Hrs drive. Rishikesh represents the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh. It abounds in natural splendour. The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh. Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. Tapovan on the other bank of the Ganges houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana carried out penances here. It is also believed that his brother Bharata meditated here, and there is a temple to Bharata here. Also seen here are the Swargashram and the Geeta Bhavan temples.
The Lakshmana Jhula, a 450 feet long suspension bridge was built in 1939. A newer bridge the Ram Jhula has been added recently.
Day 02 : Rishikesh – Joshimath
Leave Rishikesh early morning for Joshimath / Rudraprayag via Devprayag, Ruderprayag, Karanprayag and Nandprayag (243 kms /9 -10 Hrs drive). See those places famous for confluence of two great river and proceed to Joshimath via Chamoli and Pipalkoti. Arrive at Joshimath late afternoon. Visit Adi Guru Shankaracharya seat Narshimha temple or a visit to Auli (famous winter hill resort for skiing) by lift chair car on extra cost. Night stay at Joshimath / Rudraprayag.
Day 03 : Joshimath – Badrinath
Leave Joshimath / Rudraprayag early in the morning for Badrinath (31 kms). Reach Badrinath at 11 am.
Badrinath – Badrinath is one of the four dhams of the country and situated at an elevation of 3133 mts. above sea level, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as NAR & NARAYAN, with the towering NEEL KANTH PEAK providing a splendid back-drop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries, which gage it the name “Badri (V an)” meaning forest of berries. Facing the temple at the back of Alaknanda river there is a hot water spring known as TAPT KUND.
» Badrinath Temple – Dedicated to lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinathji is 15 mts. in height built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a bull and spire. Legend dates the temple prior to the Vedic age. Extension to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund sahib on DEMAND.
Day 04 : Badrinath – Rudraprayag
Drive to Rudhraprayag (160 kms /6 Hrs drive). Overnight in Hotel.
Day 05 : Rudraprayag – Haridwar
Puri TempleDrive to Haridwar (170 Kms /5 Hrs drive). Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal .It’s also your starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapila’s curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva’s locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.
Places to visit are Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi, Kavand Mela, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Sapt Rishi, Maya Devi etc.
Day 06 : Haridwar – Delhi
Drive to Delhi (222 Kms / 6 Hrs). Afternoon free to relax.
Day 07 : Delhi – Bhubaneshwar – Puri
Fly Delhi to Bhubnaneswar. On arrival leave Bhubaneshwar for Puri which is 56 kms & approx. 1 ½ hrs. drive. Enroute visit Konark Sun Temple. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 08 : Visit Jagannath Puri
Morning visit Jagannath Temple. The renowned Jagannath temple built in the 15th century AD and crowned with Vishnu’s wheel and flag dominate the landscape at Puri. The temple with its elaborate carvings and mouldings are very fine examples of Orissa architecture. Overnight in Puri. Lord Jagannath, the symbol of universal love and is worshiped in the Temple along with Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the bejewelled platform. The Deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan are made of margosa wood.
Day 09 : Puri – Bhubaneshwar – Chennai
Morning Drive back to Bhubaneshwar and connect flight for Chennai. Meet on arrival at Chennai airport and transfer to Hotel.
Day 10 : Chennai – Madurai – Rameshwaram
Transfer to airport to catch flight for Madurai. On arrival drive to Rameshwaram which is 167 kms & approx. 4 hrs. Drive. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 11: Visit Rameshwaram
Full day Sightseeing in Rameshwaram. The island of Rameshwaram spreads out over a 56 km swell with gentle sand dunes, embellished with the delicacy of casuarina trees and stark palms. This is a sacred place for Hindus since according to Ramayana; this is where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana. A dip into the sacred waters of the Agnitheertham which was calmed by Rama is a must for Hindus. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 12 : Rameshwaram – Madurai – Mumbai
RameshwaramDrive back to Madurai and connect flight for Mumbai. Transfer to Hotel.
Day 13 : Mumbai – Rajkot
Fly Mumbai to Rajkot. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 14 : Rajkot – Dwarka
Drive to Dwarka which is 238 kms & approx. 5 hrs. Drive. Afternoon sightseeing in Dwarka. The ancient sacred city, on the edge of the Saurashtra peninsula was once the capital of Lord Krishna’s empire where he had shifted from Mathura thousands of years ago. The main attraction is the Dwarkadhish Temple. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 15 : Dwarka – Rajkot – Mumbai
After breakfast drive back to Rajkot. On arrival at Rajkot airport catch the flight for Mumbai. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 16 : Sightseeing of Mumbai
After breakfast, morning cruise across the harbour (9 kms) to see Elephanta Caves noted for its huge rock cuts. Afternoon tour of Mumbai city. Main attractions are Kamla Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens situated on the slopes of Malabar Hill offering a panoramic view of Marine drive, Chowpatty Beach, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India & drive through the Crawford Market, Marine Drive & Flora Fountain. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 17 : Mumbai Out
Transfer to International airport to connect flight for onward destination (hotel checkout 12:00 Hrs).