14 Nights / 15 Days
Package Price :₹0.00/-Per Person
Booking Price :₹ 0.00/- Per Person
Coverage Area : Bhubaneswar - Mumbai - Jamnagar - Dwarika - Somnath- Madurai - Rameshwaram - Haridwar - Guptkashi - Badrinath- Srinagar - Shivpuri - Rishikesh - Delhi
The four Dhams are, Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram. It is believed that every Hindu should visit the Char Dhams during one’s lifetime. The Char Dham as defined by Adi Shankaracharya consists of four Hindu pilgrimage sites.
These main 'dhamas' are the shrines of Vishnu and Rameshwaram is a shrine of Shiva. All the 'dhamas' are related to four epochs,(1) Dham of Satyuga - Badrinath, Uttarakhand (2) Dham of Tretayuga - Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu (3) Dham of Dwapara Yuga - Dwaraka, Gujarat (4) Dham of Kaliyuga - Jagannatha Puri, Odisha.
NTP comes up with well-crafted Chardham India Tour Package designed specifically by keeping pilgrims’ interest & comfort in mind. Visit to real Chardham places is utmost revered by Hinduism followers to attain Moksha. It is a delightful sacred tour for person in search of spiritual connection. For a complete Chardham Tour, it takes 14 to 15 days depending upon mode of transportation and travel consequences. We are starting the package from Delhi that will take approx. 15 days to travel all the four destinations situated in four corners of map of India. Let’s start with 15 days tour itinerary of Bada Char Dham yatra India from Delhi with minute details of timing, places of attractions and travel route.
Trip Highlights
- Welcome to the gateway of Chardham Haridwar and enjoy the evening Aarti of river Ganga, at Har Ki Pauri
- Visit to the Jagannath temple Puri the second Dham
- Visit the enroute the Konark (home to the famous Sun temple), Lingaraj temple and Mukteshwar temple
- Visit the Rameshwaram temple
- Then move on to visit the Dwarkadhish temple in Dwarka and enroute see other temples too
- Also visit the Somnath temple
Package Include
- Arrival and Departure Transfers by Private car’
- Domestic Train ticket
- Accommodation with breakfast and dinner
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- All hotel tax
Package Exclude
- Guide, extra meals, laundry, telephone, portage, tips, GST Applicable, entry tickets and extras not mentioned as inclusions
Day 01: Delhi - Rishikesh
Upon Arrival at Delhi Airport / Railway, Meet NTP Representative Driver & then proceed to Rishikesh. Upon Arrival at Rishikesh check in at Hotel & Relax for some time. Rishikesh is also known as the starting point of Complete Bade Char Dham Tour. Evening Take a Short City Tour Visiting Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Evening Ganga aarti etc. Dinner & Overnight Stay at Hotel.
Day 02: Rishikesh - Joshimath
After Breakfast in the morning, leave for Joshimath / Rudraprayag through Devprayag, Ruderprayag, Karanprayag and Nandprayag (243 kms). The next destination is about a 10 hours drive from Rishikesh. The intersection of the two famous rivers is a must visit tourist spot. The next destination is Joshimath through Chamoli and Pipalkoti. Once arrived at Joshimath in the late afternoon, pay a visit to Adi Guru Shankaracharya seat and the Narshimha temple. With an add on of a day at an additional cost, you can visit Auli (famous winter hill resort for skiing) by the cable car. Night stay at Joshimath or Rudraprayag.
Day 03: Joshimath - Badrinath
After Breakfast, proceed to Badrinath (31 kms) from Joshimath / Rudraprayag. You will reach Badrinath (by approximately 11 am). It is a major pilgrimage site in any religious India tour in the north. Representing one of the four dhams in India, Badrinath is located at an altitude of 3133 mts. above sea level. On two sides of Badrinath are the two mountain ranges of Nar & Narayan with the tall NeelKanth Peak in the background. The name "Badri (Van)” means a forest of berries as Badrinath was once upon a time covered with wild berries. Alakananda river can be seen flowing beside the temple. A hot water spring named Tapt Kund lies facing the temple. Dedicated to lord Vishnu, the 15 mts high Badrinath temple is in the shape of a cone with a small cupola of a bull and spire. Its existence is recorded much before the Vedic age. The tours can be extended to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund sahib on request.
Day 04: Badrinath - Rudraprayag
From Badrinath, check out and proceed for a 6 hrs drive to Rudhraprayag (160 kms away). Night Halt in Rudraprayag
Day 05: Rudraprayag - Haridwar
Breakfast checkout and onward to Haridwar (170 Kms) that is a 5 Hrs drive from Rudraprayag. Haridwar is the starting point of the pilgrimage tour to the four holy sites of Uttaranchal. The tour will take you to the sources of the holy rivers, Ganga and Yamuna. Legend says Prince Bhagirath meditated here, to rest the soul of his ancestors, who perished after the curse of Sage Kapila. The meditation paid off and the river Ganga thus began to flow from Lord Shiva's locks of hair. The abundant water of the Ganga revived the sons of King Sagara. Hindus are ardent devotees of the sacred water of the Ganga, praying for the salvation of their ancestors. May Foreign tourists visit this pilgrimage India tour. The important 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
Breakfast check out & proceed for Delhi (222 Kms) that is a six hours drive from Haridwar. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to leisure around.
Day 07: Delhi - Bhubaneshwar - Puri
Breakfast check out and drop at the airport to connect the flight from Delhi to Bhubaneswar. Once arrived, head to Puri from there. Being 56 kms it is approximately 1 ½ hrs. drive. On the way visit the famous Sun Temple at Konark. Overnight stay in Puri.
Day 08: Visit to Jagannath Puri
In the morning visit to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Built in the 15th century AD, the Puri Jagannath Temple is famous. Crowned with Vishnu's wheel and flag, it is an important landmark in the town of Puri. The temple has intricate carvings of Oriyan style architecture. Night stay in Puri. Lord Jagannath is the prominent deity in this temple along with Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the bejewelled platform. The Deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan are of margosa wood.
Day 09: Puri - Bhubaneshwar - Chennai
Breakfast check out and drive back to Bhubaneswar to connect to the flight to Chennai. Meet the driver at the airport who will guide you to the hotel.
Day 10: Chennai - Madurai - Rameshwaram
Breakfast check out and drop at the Chennai airport to catch the flight to Madurai. Once arrived, take a drive to Rameshwaram that is 167 kms and a 4 hrs drive. Night stay in Rameswaram.
Day 11: Around Rameshwaram
Breakfast and full day sightseeing Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram is an island cut off from mainland India. It spreads over 60 km and is full of casuarina trees and stark palms. Rameshwaram is the most sought after place for Hindus. At this place Lord Rama cleansed himself by worshipping Lord Shiva after committing the sin of killing the demon Ravana. Hindus who take a dip into it consider the water of the Agnitheertham i.e., Holy water to cleanse all the sins .
Day 12: Rameshwaram - Madurai - Mumbai
Back to Madurai to connect the flight to Mumbai. Arrival Pick up and will be staying at night in the hotel.
Day 13: Mumbai - Rajkot
From Mumbai, fly to Rajkot to spend the night there.
Day 14: Rajkot - Dwarka
Onward to Dwarka (238 kms away) that is approximately a 5 hrs drive from Rajkot. Go around the city for sightseeing in the afternoon. Lying on the corner of the peninsula of Saurashtra, Dwarka is a holy historical city. Thousands of years ago Lord Krishna left Mathura, his birthplace after having found Dwarka. It served as the capital of his empire. The Dwarkadhish Temple is the main tourist hotspot here. You will spend the night out there.
** You have option to extend the tour by a day and visit Somnath temple as well in vicinity
Day 15: Dwarka - Rajkot - Delhi
Drive back to Rajkot after breakfast, to connect flights from Rajkot airport to Delhi Airport.
1. What is the significance of the Bada Char Dham Yatra?
The Bada Char Dham Yatra includes four of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, representing the four corners of India:
Badrinath (North) – A shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Uttarakhand.
Dwarka (West) – A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in Gujarat.
Puri (East) – The famous Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Vishnu), located in Odisha.
Rameswaram (South) – A sacred site for Lord Shiva worship, located in Tamil Nadu.
These four sites are believed to grant spiritual liberation or moksha to devotees who visit them.
2. What is the best time to visit the Bada Char Dham sites?
Badrinath: The best time is from May to October. It remains closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
Dwarka: The best time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant.
Puri: The best time is between October and March, though the famous Rath Yatra festival in June/July is also a popular time for pilgrims.
Rameswaram: The weather is pleasant from October to April, though it can be visited throughout the year.
3. How can I reach the Char Dham sites?
Badrinath:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 310 km from Badrinath.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, around 295 km away.
By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh and Dehradun.
Dwarka:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport, 137 km from Dwarka.
By Train: Dwarka has its own railway station, well-connected to major cities.
By Road: Buses and taxis are available from major cities in Gujarat.
Puri:
By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away.
By Train: Puri Railway Station is well connected to major Indian cities.
By Road: Regular bus services are available from Bhubaneswar and other nearby towns.
Rameswaram:
By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, about 170 km away.
By Train: Rameswaram Railway Station is connected to major cities in South India.
By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Madurai, Chennai, and other cities.
4. How many days are required for the Bada Char Dham Yatra?
The time required to visit all four Char Dham sites can vary depending on your travel itinerary:
If traveling by air, the Yatra can be completed in 10-15 days.
For a more relaxed schedule and using road or rail transport, it can take around 15-20 days to visit all four sites.
5. What are the accommodation options at the Bada Char Dham sites?
Badrinath: Various hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) are available. However, facilities may be basic at higher altitudes.
Dwarka: Dwarka offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury hotels and dharamshalas.
Puri: Numerous hotels, lodges, and guesthouses are available, ranging from budget to luxury, many with views of the beach or Jagannath Temple.
Rameswaram: A variety of accommodations are available, including hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas.
6. What are the temple opening hours at each Char Dham site?
Badrinath Temple: Generally open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM during the pilgrimage season (May to October). It remains closed in winter.
Dwarkadhish Temple: Open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Jagannath Temple, Puri: Open from 5:00 AM to midnight. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, but they can view the temple from outside.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram: Open from 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
7. Are there any special festivals celebrated at these Char Dham sites?
Badrinath: The Mata Murti Ka Mela (celebrating the descent of the Alaknanda River) and Badri-Kedar Utsav are celebrated with devotion.
Dwarka: Janmashtami (the birth of Lord Krishna) is the biggest festival celebrated here with great pomp and splendor.
Puri: The Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) of Lord Jagannath is the most famous festival, celebrated annually in June/July, attracting millions of pilgrims.
Rameswaram: Maha Shivaratri and Adi Thirukalyanam are major festivals celebrated at the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
8. What should I pack for the Bada Char Dham Yatra?
Warm clothing is essential for Badrinath as it is located at a high altitude.
Comfortable footwear for walking and visiting temples.
Rain gear or an umbrella, especially for Badrinath and Dwarka, as weather can be unpredictable.
Personal medications, as some places are remote with limited medical facilities.
ID proofs and necessary Yatra registration papers.
Water bottles and snacks for the journey, especially for Badrinath, where the journey can be long.
9. Is the Bada Char Dham Yatra difficult to complete?
The Bada Char Dham Yatra can be physically demanding, especially Badrinath due to its high altitude (over 10,000 feet). Pilgrims should be in good health, especially for the Badrinath portion. Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram are more easily accessible by road and do not require trekking.
10. What is the dress code for visiting the Char Dham temples?
Devotees are expected to dress modestly when visiting the temples. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts. Traditional Indian attire like sarees, salwar kameez, or long pants with modest tops is recommended. Some temples, like Rameswaram, require men to enter the temple bare-chested.
11. Are there any restrictions for non-Hindus?
Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram: Non-Hindus are allowed to visit these temples.
Jagannath Temple in Puri: Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises. They can view the temple from the outside, particularly from the Raghunandan Library, which offers a good view of the temple.
12. What are the important rituals at each of the Char Dham sites?
Badrinath: Offering prayers and taking a dip in the Tapt Kund (hot springs) before entering the temple is a common ritual.
Dwarka: Pilgrims often take a holy dip in the Gomti River before visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple.
Puri: Participating in the Mahaprasad (holy offering) at the Jagannath Temple is an important ritual. Devotees also take a dip in the Golden Beach.
Rameswaram: Pilgrims take a dip in the Agnitheertham (sea) and then bathe in the 22 holy wells within the temple premises, known as Tirthas.
13. What are the health and safety considerations for the Char Dham Yatra?
Altitude sickness can be a concern for Badrinath due to its elevation. Take time to acclimatize and consult a doctor if necessary.
Drink only bottled or purified water and avoid consuming street food to prevent health issues.
Wear comfortable shoes as visiting these temples often involves a lot of walking or standing.
14. Are guides available at these temples?
Yes, local guides are available at most of these sites to help explain the history, significance, and rituals associated with each temple. Hiring authorized guides can enhance the pilgrimage experience.