Char Dham of India Tour

16 night / 17 days

Delhi - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Joshimath - Badrinath - Rudraprayag - Haridwar - Delhi - Bhubaneshwar - Jagannath Puri - Bhubaneshwar - Chennai - Rameshwaram - Madurai - Dwarka - Rajkot - Mumbai...

Char Dham of India is the ultimate pilgrimage for every Hindu. To be visited once in a lifetime of a Hindu, Char Dham pilgrimage is situated over the corners of the country in the four directions. Located in the different landscapes, these four most religious shrines and Hindu temples have a surreal effect-on-souls that leaves the devotees spell bound. Char Dham of India tour makes the pilgrimage easy by providing the best possible transportation options and connectivity throughout this respected route.

Day 01. Delhi - Rishikesh

Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the car for a drive to Rishikesh (224 km / 6 Hrs). Rishikesh is the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This first stopover in the Char Dham Yatra echoes the spiritual alignment of the soul with the nature. The views of Ganges gushing through the Himalayan foothills are a sight to marvel at. The presence of several temples at the banks of The Ganga River at Rishikesh also makes a visit to Rishikesh a worthwhile attempt. A visit to the Swargashram and the Geeta Bhavan temples are the highlight of the visit to Rishikesh. The two suspended iron bridges, namely Rama Jhula and Lakshman Jhula also add on to the town’s splendid attractions. Overnight in Rishikesh..

Day 02. Rishikesh - Joshimath

Check out Rishikesh via drive in the early morning for Joshimath / Rudraprayag via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag and Nandprayag (243 kms /9 -10 Hrs drive). Visit Karanprayag famous for confluence of two great rivers and proceed to Joshimath via Chamoli and Pipalkoti. Arrive at Joshimath late afternoon. Visit Adi Guru Shankaracharya seat Narsimha temple and a visit to Auli (famous winter hill resort for skiing) by lift chair car on extra cost. Overnight in Joshimath / Rudraprayag.

Day 03. Joshimath - Badrinath

Leave Joshimath / Rudraprayag, early in the morning for Badrinath (31 km). Reach Badrinath at 11 am. Badrinath, located at an altitude of 3,133 meter is the first of the Char Dhams in the country. Guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan and flanked by the mighty Neel Kanth Peak, Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to the mythology, this seat was once carpeted with wild berries, which gave it the name "Badri (Van)" meaning forest of berries. Facing the temple at the back of Alaknanda River there is a hot water spring known as Tapt Kund. Overnight in Badrinath.

Day 04. Badrinath - Rudraprayag

Check out Badrinath and drive to Rudraprayag (160 km /6 Hrs drive). Overnight in Rudraprayag

Day 05. Rudraprayag - Haridwar

Check out Rudraprayag for Haridwar (170 Km /5 Hrs drive). Haridwar is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites. Dedicated to the Ganges River, this place marks the entry of the sacred river on to the plains. According to a legend, Prince Bhagirath performed a penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who got 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. Visit Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi, Daksha Mahadev Temple during a visit to Haridwar tour. Overnight in Haridwar.

Day 06 . Haridwar - Delhi

Check out Haridwar for a drive to Delhi (222 Km / 6 Hr ). Afternoon is free to relax in Delhi.

Day 07. Delhi - Bhubaneshwar - Puri

Check out Delhi for a flight to Bhubnaneswar. On arrival here, leave Bhubaneshwar for Puri (56 km / 1 ½ hrs). Enroute visit the world heritage site of Konark Sun Temple. Overnight in Puri.

Day 08. Visit Jagannath Puri – Second in the series of Char Dhams

Morning visit Jagannath Temple. The renowned Jagannath temple, built in the 15th century AD dominates the city with its spire crowned with Vishnu's wheel and flag. The temple with its elaborate carvings and mouldings represents the finesse of Orissa architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the symbol of universal love along with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan are made of margosa wood. In the evening, take a dip in the spiritual beach of Puri which is considered a holy ritual. Overnight in Puri.

Day 09. Puri - Bhubaneshwar - Chennai

Next morning, drive back to Bhubaneshwar and board the connecting flight for Chennai. Meet incredible India tour representative on arrival at Chennai airport for assisted transfer to hotel.

Day 10. Chennai - Madurai - Rameshwaram

Transfer to airport to catch the flight for Madurai. On arrival, drive to Rameshwaram (167 kms / approx. 4 hrs). This is the third prominent Char Dham. Overnight in Rameshwaram.

Day 11. Visit Rameshwaram

Devote full day towards sightseeing in Rameshwaram. The island of Rameshwaram spreads out over a 56 km swell with gentle sand dunes, embellished with the delicacy of casuarinas 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

Drive back to Madurai and connect flight for Mumbai. Transfer to Hotel.

Day 13. Mumbai - Rajkot

Take a flight from Mumbai to Rajkot. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 14. Rajkot – Dwarka - fourth Char Dham

Drive to Dwarka (238 km /5 hrs. drive). Afternoon begin 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).