Haridwar
Haridwar, the religious centre located in Uttarakhand gained the title of 'Gateway of Gods' and is one of the four sacred cities that host the world-famous festival, Kumbh Mela. Haridwar is situated on the banks of River Ganga surrounded by Shivalik ranges which were previously known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadhar and many other names. Doing justice to its title, the city is indeed the gateway to gods as pilgrims and commoners visit to immerse the ashes of their deceased family members in the River Ganga. The sacred city is also the base point for Hindus' most important Char Dham Yatra in the Himalayas.
Haridwar is one of the oldest living cities of Indian civilization because the city is a perfect blend of ancient mythological stories, sacred temples and holy rivers. According to legend, the city is among the four places where the drops of Amrit fell during the Samudra Manthan, a great episode of Vishnu Purana. These four places are Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain where Kumbh Mela is celebrated. Pilgrims visit these places to get rid of their sins and attain salvation by taking a dip in the holy river. It is also said that King Bhagirath brought the River Ganga from heaven to Earth in order to provide salvation to its ancestors.
According to Hindu traditions, the Panch Tirth locations which include Har-ki-Pauri, Kushwart Ghat, Kankhal, Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple are must visit places in Haridwar and are visited by thousands of devotees every year. Locals believe that Lord Vishnu stepped here on a stone which is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Ganga river touches day and night. Travellers visit Har-ki-Pauri to witness the Ganga aartis and float diyas.
Haridwar is filled with numerous temples, ghats, ashrams and yoga centres and is considered one of the holiest places in India for the Hindu Pilgrimage. Haridwar Tourism flourished when tourists from foreign countries came to visit the popular tourist attractions as well as seek solace in Haridwar. The religious destination is globally known for Ayurveda, meditation and yoga although some of the best visiting places in Haridwar apart from temples, ghats and ashrams include national parks such as Rajaji National Park and Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar.
Haridwar is the land of gods where tourists and pilgrims travel from all over the world to find peace and enjoy morning and evening aartis while taking a breathtaking view of the city. Being a prime location for Kumbh Mela which is celebrated by Hindus every 12 years, pilgrims travel from far off places to take a dip in holy, hence glorifying tourism in Haridwar. Also, another famous celebration, Kanwar Mela is organised here every year during Sawan (monsoon). The cuisine of the region is highly focused on North Indian delicacies. The staple food of the city is 'Thali' and while on the streets, tourists can enjoy mouthwatering snacks such as Kachoris, Chole Bhature, Lassi, Paranthe and many sweet dishes
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
Haridwar Sightseeing tour can be experienced throughout the year as the region is an enthralling spot. Numerous festivals, yoga and meditation centres, the peaceful environment of the mountains, colourful markets, magnificent ghats and religious temples make this destination a perfect spot to embrace and explore. Considering that Haridwar is in Uttarakhand, the city has generally nice weather for sightseeing.
How to Reach Haridwar?
Visitors can reach Haridwar from the nearest domestic airport, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun or by Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Haridwar Railway Station in the city is also connected to major cities of the country. State transport and private buses also run through the holy city along with cabs, taxis, rickshaws and other transport services
The popular points of tourist interests in Haridwar are Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Rajaji National Park, Sureshwari Devi Temple, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Sapt Rishi Ashram, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, Ganga Arti, Yoga & Ayurveda Retreats and many more.
