Sightseeing is for ordinary tourists, while Insightseeing is for the true pilgrim. The appeal of a particular location or site lies, not in scenic beauty or in historical links, but in the truly enriching experience it offers a seeker, a pilgrim.

SRSG Insighttours arranges visits to a wide array of specially selected places, scattered all across this land of saints and seekers from early times.

Groups of ten or more adults are an ideal size for any particular trip, which may last from a day to a fortnight. Because of the physical exertion sometimes involved, children, the aged, and the ill are reluctantly excluded from participation.

For details of programmes already developed, or under planning, please visit this website from time to time.

Gangotri
In late September, a group of hearty Yoga students, together with guides, cooks, and porters, went on a pilgrimage/trek to the source of the holy river Ganges, at Gomukh, mouth of the Gangotri Glacier.

Nine women and eight men of varying ages and backgrounds made up the group of enthusiastic travellers. The largest contingent (of ten) came from Singapore, from where Yoong Wang Khiang, a devoted student of Swami Veda and meditation teacher, had organized the trip.

The chief guide, Satish Khanduri, who has been directing tours for over 20 years, not only shared his knowledge of the Himalayas, but also entertained and amazed the group with stories of trips he had done with and for Swami Rama in years past. The first leg of the tour was a 152-kilometer (95-mile) ride to Uttarkashi, home to some fascinating temples, and a place from where the Bhagirathi River, one of the main feed rivers to the great Ganges, can be observed and enjoyed. There, a night over at a very comfortable guesthouse enabled the travellers to rest before continuing on to Gangotri, at a height of 3,140 meters (almost 10,000 feet).

Another winding and panoramic ride of 100 kilometres took the group to the site of the famous Gangotri temple, dedicated to the river goddess, Ganga. The Gangotri temple is considered one of the 'must do' pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus. There the group enjoyed the evening worship of the river, done nightly at the temple. Another night's rest enabled the trekker-pilgrims to prepare for the next day's journey, a 14-kilometer hike to Bhojwasa, at an altitude of 3,792 meters (over 12,000 feet). The following day, they covered the final leg to Gomukh.

Although the hike was arduous at times, covering a distance of 19 kilometres (over 15 miles), over two days, by foot or mule, from Gangotri to Gomukh, and reaching altitudes of 13,000 feet, the group came away refreshed, renewed, invigorated, and inspired by the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas.

LOCAL EXCURSIONS
(Visits to local sites can be combined in a number of ways to suit your needs and/or the needs and interests of your group. The following is a sample of visits that can be arranged. For details of visits to more distant sites, requiring an overnight stop, please check with the ashram.)

IN THE RISHIKESH AREA
Parmarth Niketan Swargashram Aarti A colourful devotional ceremony of worship of the river Ganges is held nightly at this popular ashram. It might be advisable to make a time allowance for shopping at the well-known Swargashram bazaar.

Neelkanth
This Shiva temple, a favourite of the local people, is situated in the vicinity of the famous suspension bridges of Rishikesh, Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. Phool Chatti Ashram

This beautifully situated ashram, higher up the valley from Swami Rama's Ashram, is located right next to the Ganges. Groups are welcome to meditate here.

Chilla National Park
Close to Sadhana Mandir and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama is this lush national park. Exciting jungle safaris by jeep or on the back of an elephant can be arranged.

White-water Rafting
Go with the flow of the Ganges. A fun ride on the sacred river.

INTO THE MOUNTAINS FROM RISHIKESH (one- to three-hour rides)
Vashishta Gufa
This well-known cave, in a lovely spot on the bank of the Ganges, is said to be where the great sage Vashishta, teacher of Lord Rama, meditated. A visit provides an opportunity to experience meditation in a yogi's cave.

Kunjapuri Shakti Temple
Perched atop a peak overlooking Rishikesh and the surrounding area, sits Kunjapuri temple. This goddess's temple keeps watch over (and is visible from) all three Swami Rama Centres: Sadhana Mandir Ashram, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, and The Himalayan Institute Hospital. A view of the snow-peaked range can be seen on a clear morning from this spot.

Surkanda Shakti Temple
Located further northeast from Rishikesh is this vibrant Shakti temple. A steep but relatively short climb finishes the pilgrimage to this sacred spot, making the experience all the more meaningful.

Mussoorie
This beautifully located mountain city is where many Indians go to escape the summer heat. There are a number of picnic spots nearby. The word 'Mussoorie' means 'Queen of the Mountain'.

DEHRADUN AREA
Himalayan Institute Hospital
On the road from Rishikesh to Dehradun lies the Himalayan Institute Hospital from where one can visit a number of places of interest. The Swami Rama Centre houses a photo gallery of Swami Rama's life and the room in which Swami Rama left his body. This is an ideal place in which to spend some time in meditation. Health treatments are available and can be arranged through the Combined Therapy Centre.

Tibetan Buddhist Temples, Stupa, and Library
Visits can be arranged to the Tibetan Buddhist temples in Dehradun, the Stupa, recently consecrated by the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist manuscript library, and the Tibetan settlement where traditional goods, such as carpets and bags are made. Items can be purchased from the gift shop.

Temples of Dehradun
There are numerous temples in Dehradun, each with its own particular vibrations.

You may consult your guide as to the ones that may best suit you and your group.

HARIDWAR
Temples and Evening Aarti
Haridwar is considered one of the holiest cities in India, and is one of the sites for the famous Kumbh Mela spiritual gatherings. Its many temples and shrines and its nightly Aarti beside the Ganges (a devotional ceremony in honour of the river) never fail to fill the visitor's heart with devotion.

KALSI
Ashoka's Rock Edict
Ashoka, a Mauryan emperor who ruled during the reign of the Magadha dynasty, experienced great remorse after his war with the Kalingas, during which he witnessed large-scale killing. A short time later, he embraced Buddhism, and to perpetuate his new beliefs for posterity had them carved on rocks and pillars. These edicts are scattered over the territory that used to be his extensive empire. The huge rock at Kalsi depicts all fourteen edicts of Ashoka, believed to have been written in 290 B.C.

PAONTA SAHIB
Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib
The city of Paonta Sahib is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Himachal Pradesh. It is the home of the famous Sikh temple and holy site, Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib. This magnificent structure is associated with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru in the Sikh order. It was at this site that he performed many of his spiritual practices. Swami Rama, in his translation of Guru Gobind's work, Celestial Song/Gobind Geet, describes Guru Gobind Singh as an avatar.

Trips of varying levels of difficulty to temples and shrines in the Himalayas can be arranged through the Ashram. The best time for trekking in the mountains is from August to October. You may email your enquiry to SRSG Insight tours at SRSG@sancharnet.in