Rishikesh Private Spiritual Tour Including Lunch

Rishikesh Private Spiritual Tour Including Lunch

On this 8-hour tour, visit the Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in existence, set in the foothills of the Himalayas. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the nightly ritual of Ganga Aarti. Enjoy a buffet lunch and the convenience of round-trip transfers on this private tour.

Start your day with convenient hotel pickup. Embark on a journey to the Mindrolling Monastery in the foothills of the Himalayas. Visit the temple, gardens and Buddha Stupas of one of India's largest Buddhist centers. Stroll around the peaceful and tranquil grounds. Learn about the history of this Tibetan Buddhist Temple and the people living there.

Drive to Rishikesh to witness the Ganga Aarti ritual. Watch as the devotional flame is lit and sent adrift on the Ganges River, in honor of the Goddess Ganga. Hear the saffron-robed gurus and disciples sing bhajans, devotional songs including the Aarti, which is performed at the conclusion of this ceremony or puja. Smell the fragrance of incense and camphor as it permeates the air. See the flickering lights of the diyas, floating lamps, reflecting on the water. Feel the intensity and sense of community as the people sway in unison along the river's edge. Understand the symbolic connection this nightly ritual has with the elements, such as fire, water, earth and air. Leave with a feeling of having witnessed something very special.

Return to your hotel at the conclusion of this tour.