Day 1 Delhi - Haridwar
Arrive late morning by train from Delhi. Welcome and lunch followed by guided sightseeing around Haridwar. Enjoy the Hotels’ private bathing ghats on the Ganges and indulge the senses in the ayurvedic spa. Evening Arti at Har-Ki-Pauri on the banks of the revered sacred River Ganges. Musical bhajans with dinner and overnight at Heritage Hotel. (L,D)
 Day 2 Haridwar - Rishikesh
Yoga and meditation class offered early morning. After Breakfast, drive via Rishikesh up to Narendranagar (41km) for morning trek (1hr) to hilltop temple ‘Kunjapuri’ (1665m) dedicated to Goddess Durga. Enjoy first views of the legendary Himalayan peaks of Banderpoonch, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trisul. Return to Rishikesh for lunch and stroll along the Ganges exploring temples galore from hanging bridges of Laxmanjhula to Ramjhula, Swarg Ashram. Evening Ganga aarti at ‘Parmarth Niketan’ with Swami Chitanand Saraswatiji. Overnight at boutique hotel upon the Ganges set in mango and lychee orchards near Rishikesh. (B,D)
Day 3 Rishikesh - Devaprayag - Kirtinagar
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Devaprayag (2hr) at the confluence of the Alakananda and Bhagiranthi rivers that become the mighty Ganges. Take a holy dip and drive on up to Jamnikhal (32km) for short trek (3km) up to hilltop temple Chandrabadani (2756m) and enjoy fine views of Sirknada, Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks. Picnic Lunch and then trek back 3km or alternatively trek down the other side to Kandikhal (8km) Short drive to Kirtinagar near Srinagar for overnight at a riverside resort. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Kirtinagar - Rudraprayag - Guptkashi
Drive to Rudraprayag (35km), take another holy dip as you like and journey on up to Guptkashi (45km) and visit the pilgrims temples and further north the revered Kailmath Temple and be transported by the high himalayas. Overnight at luxury mountain eco-camp. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Guptkashi - Chopta
Drive to Chopta (35km) for morning steep trek (5km) to Tungnath (3680m), the highest Lord Shiva temple and meet the local sadhu. Picnic Lunch. If you feel inclined, take a further 2-3 km very steep trek for an amazing view of the Himalayan range at approximately 13,500 feet. Return trek and overnight at local Hotel In Chopta.(B,L,D)
Day 6 Chopta - Mandal - Karanprayag 
Drive to Mandal (40km) for morning trek (5km) to Anusuya Devi (2000m) revered as a Goddess who blesses her devotees with Children. Admire the goddess of peaks Nanda Devi amidst the range. Picnic lunch. Return trek and drive to Gopeshwar, Chamoli and onto Karnaprayag for overnight at local Hotel overlooking the powerful convergence of the Mandakini and Alakanada Rivers that form the Ganges.(B,L,D)
Day 7 Karanprayag - Baijnath - Kausani Today take a long journey to kausani (5hr) for longer range panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, notably Nanda Devi (7816m) and Trisul (7120m). En route, 19km north of kausani, visit Baijnath temple, famous for its 12th century sikhara-style Shiva temple set in a lovely location along the Gomti River. Early evening join the puja/prayers at the Anasakti Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi wrote his introduction to ‘Anasakti Yoga’ in 1929. Overnight stay at an elegant hotel perched on a hilltop for stunning sunrise and sunsets. (B,D)
Day 8 Kausani - Almora - Binsar Sanctuary
Rise with the sun and see the light reflection on the peaks creating hues of rose pink and gold and have a leisurely breakfast on the rooftop terrace. Morning optional walk down hill through tea plantations and visit the Uttaranchal tea factory followed by lunch at the hotel. Afternoon drive down to Almora (2hr) and relax at a heritage British Indian estate surrounded by cedars and crisp mountain air redolent with the scent of conifers and birdsong. Glaze onto Nanda Devi and Trisul once more, contemplate in the lovely gardens or be guided on a forest walk. Visit to Kasar Devi Temple and cave where Swami Vivekananda once meditated. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Binsar Sanctuary - Almora - Nainital
Morning drive up to top of Binsar Sanctuary to pristine forests largely uninhabited and unspoilt and from here hike about Binsar or hike 17km over to Jageshwar (5hr) a large temple complex of 124 temples dating back to the 7th century, set amidst a forest of deodars. Alternatively you can be driven from Binsar to Jageshwar (2.5hr) and have picinic lunch. Visit the bazaars of Almora and Nanda Devi Temple. Late afternoon drive to Nainital (2hr) for a relaxing stay at a heritage hotel once home to the former Maharaja of Pilibhit exuding an ‘old world charm’. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Nainital
Rest and relaxation day overlooking the beautiful green Naini Lake said to be one of the emerald eyes of Shiva’s wife ‘Parvati’, ride the Gondola for a last panoramic view of distant Himalayan peaks, be graciously rowed across the lake and visit the quaint Church of Saint Francis and be sure to indulge the senses in the ayurvedic spa. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Corbett National Park (Day1)
Morning drive down to the lush jungle plains to Jim Corbett National park near Ramnagar for your wildlife adventure. Lunch at a Corbett hotel followed by transfer in 4WD jeep (90mins) into the deep jungle to a luxury jungle lodge’. Briefing by naturalist and evening walk to nearby Kumaoni village followed by bonfire and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Corbett National park (Day2)
Early morning wake up for elephant safari. Back to Lodge for breakfast and after depart for full day Jeep safari. Evening barbeque and bonfire socialising with naturalist. Listen to the calls of the wild when the game is on after dark, when the tigers&leopards hunt. Overnight luxury camping. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Corbett National Park (Day3)
Early morning wake up call for walk along the river and bird-watching. After breakfast, choose either angling or another elephant/ jeep safari in another area. Evening barbeque & bonfire. Overnight luxury camping. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Cobertt National Park (Day4)
After breakfast, transfer in jeep (90mins) out of National Park. Lunch at a Corbett hotel and afternoon free to relax by the Kosi river and enjoy the poolside or spa. Evening wildlife documentary film or slideshow before dinner. Overnight at a luxury hotel bside the River Kosi. (B,L,D) *Jungle lodge in Corbett National Park opens from mid-October, Alternative jungle safari and lodgings will be offered for tours September to Mid-October.
Day 15 Corbett NP - Unchagaon
Early morning visit to Garjia Devi Temple. After breakfast, a long drive (210km/5hr) to the enchanting ‘Fort Unchagaon’ On arrival take a village walk or horse ride along the Ganges River nearby. Dinner and evening folk song. Overnight in the elegant fort heritage hotel, a distillery of history. (B,D)
Day 16 Unchagaon - Agra
Early morning tea along the Ganges. After breakfast, river trip to see the rare Gangetic dolphins if one is so lucky! Lunch and a long drive to Agra (180km/ 5hr) Overnight in a luxury hotel in Agra. (B,L,D)
Day 17 Agra - Dehli
After an early breakfast, sight-seeing of the majestic Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Sikananda. Samadhi Farewell Lunch at the hotel. Early evening drive to Delhi (5hr) and overnight at your Delhi Hotel. (B,L) End of your Samadhi journey around the Himalayan Garhwals & Kumaon mountains and safari in the Indian jungle. |
