Visit Haridwar, India

A fascinating and somewhat off-the-beaten-track town on the Ganges, Haridwar is easily accessible by rail from Delhi and, like Rishikesh, is one of India's seven Hindu holy cities.

Legend has it that it was sanctified by Vishnu's footprint on the riverbank, where the captivating evening aarti ceremony takes place at dusk. Priests seem to appear at every window and doorway along the ghat to sing, chant and swing fire as worshipers float lights down the river.