Legends abound this ancient city--it is where the elixir of immortality, Amrit, fell; it is where a dip in the sacred Ganges during the famous Kumbh festival frees you from the cycle of reincarnation; it is where devout Hindus believe their ancestors attain salvation.
The name Haridwar, or Gateway to God, not only reflects a deep belief in such legends, but geographically, too, this city serves as a gateway for Hindu pilgrimages to the four holy sites of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
Traveling through Haridwar can seem like entering a mythical time and space. Modernity is left far behind when you the Naga Babas come into view—the most devout of ascetic saints who have given up all the worldly leisure, including their clothes. These strict worshippers of Lord Shiva instead have their bodies dusted with a sacramental powder or funeral ash. Overcome by faith, logic is the next to disappear as, during the world famous Kumbh festival, wave after wave of humanity enters the River Ganges to take a dip. The Ghat of Har-Ki-Pauri is engulfed every evening with people chanting prayers, offering the majestic ritual of the aarti all along the Ghat, before floating the flickering flames onto the fast-flowing Ganges. Haridwar is one of those places that gives India its spiritual soul.
In the foothills of the Himalayas, Haridwar is part of Uttarakhand. As the river Ganges descends from the Himalayas, Haridwar is the first point where this holy river enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India, thus lending another name to this city, Gangadwára (Gateway of Ganges).
The offering of the Ganga Aarti every night turns all the Ghats into spectacle sight to behold. The glow of artificial lights lends a spiritual aura to the temples in the backdrop, and adds to the majestic flow of Ganges as it reflects off its surface.
This is the city of temples, ancient and new, with many of them narrating old mythological tales through their architecture, sculptures and idols of deities.
A center for yoga, many of its serene and quiet Ashrams offer lodging and yoga courses.
During the Magh festival, Haridwar is at its vibrant and chaotic peak. The Ghats and the river become the site of the annual religious fair, along with the Ardh Kumbh Mela (held every six years) and the Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years).
Haridwar and its Himalayan backdrop will keep shutterbugs busy.
Haridwar is a small city with a network of alleyways and chaotic streets. Uttarakhand Roadways Buses connect the city to the rest of the country. ’Vikrams’ in Haridwar are tempos that ply to nearby Rishikesh. Some hilly sites can be accessed through cable cars. Private taxis are also available.
On a daily basis there are approximately 16 flights that operate at Dehradun Airport.SpiceJet and Air India are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Haridwar through train.Motichuris one of the most popular train stations in Haridwar.
By road Haridwar is surrounded by Dehradun, Saharanpur, Nagina which are 27.76 km, 34.79 km, 38.77 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Haridwar has a total of 109 hotels.There are 109 hotels in Haridwar with the popular ones being Hotel Paradise Haridwar, The Haveli Hari Ganga, Hotel La Casa, Hotel The Urmi, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Haridwar, Hotel Ganga Lahari etc.
'Dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi, the Mansa Devi Temple is situated on top of the Bilwa Parvat of the Sivalik Hills. For this reason, the temple is also termed as Bilwa Tirth. The goddess Mansa her...
Know More →