Haridwar

State :

Uttarakhand

Climate :

Though Haridwar is down in the plains, it is cooled by the Ganga and the snow peaks of the Himalayas. Summers can get hot though, with temperatures going up to 42° C. Winter nights are chilly, but in the daytime, a bright sun makes the weather very pleasant.

Significance :

Hindu Pilgrimage Centre

Haridwar - The Gateway to the Gods :

The holy city of Haridwar is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, an ancient pilgrimage destination, also the originating point of the river Ganga. Haridwar takes you to the mystical world of spirituality with its uncountable temples and ashrams that are an inseparable part of Haridwar.

History :

Haridwar also known as 'the Gateway to the Gods', is the center for Hindu religion. It is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology and it is believed that the Gods have left their footprints in Haridwar. Other pilgrimage destinations in Uttrakhand are namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath also referred as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar according to the ancient scriptures and epics, but Haridwar remains the the most vital and sacred city for the Hindus. Many foreign scholars like the Hyuen Tsang praised it and also called it the Mayura on the eastern banks of the Ganges.

Famous For - Being the Venue of Kumbha Mela and the Origin of the Ganges :

Haridwar is also one of the four sites where the grand Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years. During this great religious fair, nearly ten million devotees gather at Haridwar to bathe in the holy Ganga.

Connectivity :

• By Air - The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun/45 Kms away.
• By Rail - Haridwar is well connected to Delhi by superfast Shatabdi express trains. There is also an overnight service from Delhi.
• By Road - Haridwar is well connected to Delhi (225 kms), Dehradun (30 kms), Rishikesh (25 kms). Haridwar also serves as a base town for pilgrimages to Badrinath, Kedarnath etc

Highlights of the city :

Haridwar is known for holy bathing, it has five important bathing spots, Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha and Kusavarta. Hari-ki-Pauri is the main ghat at Haridwar known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall. The Gangadwara temple, is nearby and the most important of the several temples in this pious town. The Ganga Aarti is like daily chore at Haridwar, celebrated at 7 pm each night followed by offering of lamps and flowers to the river. This Aarti is perfomed at all the temples in Haridwar, providing an eye pleasing sight. Innumerable people gather at ghats like Hari-ki-Pairi to participate in this daily festival. It is an spell bounding sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river.

• Har Ki Pauri - Hari-ki-Pauri ghat also known as the Brahmakund, is considered as one of the most sacred ghats in India. It is said that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Every evening, on this ghat a Maha Aarti is performed, which makes it a must watch place.
• Mansa Devi - Located on hilltop called the Bilwa Parvat, this temple can be reached by the rope way or by the normal trekking route to the top. The hilltop provides an excellent view of Haridwar.
• Kavand Mela - Held ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months of Shravan & Phalgun,this is a must visit fair.
• Chandi Devi - Situated on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga. The temple was built by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Trek three kms from the Chandi Ghat and you reach Chandi Devi.