[ Edit ] Overview

The Ganges’ descent into the plains from the Himalayas begins in Haridwar (also spelled Hardwar). The name means ‘Dwar of Hari’ or ‘Gateway to God’. As such, Haridwar has a unique status as one of the seven holiest places to visit for devout Hindu making a pilgrimage. Considered one of the major Shaktipeeths, Haridwar is believed to be sanctified by the trio of Hindu Myhology- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. It is the gateway for people making the Char Dham pilgrimage (i.e. the Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri). Haridwar is also one of the centres of the famous Kumbh Mela that takes place every 12 years and Ardha Kumbh Mela which takes place every 6 years. The other centres of Kumbh Mela are Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain and the mela is held at each place by rotation.

Located between the Shivalik hills in the north and River Ganges in the south, most of the temples, monuments and sacred places around Haridwar are linked to the legends of Gods and Goddesses. Some of the famous temples and places to visit here are Chanda Devi temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Daksheshwara Mahadev Temple, Bhimgoda Tank, Sati Kund etc. Har Ki Puri is a sacred ghat built by King Vikranaditya. Here aarti are held in the evenings, a spectacle to watch, as devotees gather in large numbers and leave floating diyas which twinkle against the rippling sheet of  darkening waters.

Rajaji National Park which consist of Chila Wildlife Sanctuary and famous for the wild species and jungle safaris is close to Haridwar. Just 30 kms from Haridwar is the beautiful  sprwaling campus and institute, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkie, one of India's world class institutions.

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[ Edit ] History

According to Hindu mythology drops of Amrit (nectar of life) churned out of the sea by the gods was collected into an urn.  While being transported, some of it’s content were spilt in four cities - Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik & Ujjain.  This mythology is the reason many Indians visit Haridwar.

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Uttarakhand

[ Edit ] Location

Haridwar is located 200 km from Delhi at an altitude of 815 feet.

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

Given it’s religious importance, Haridwar is a year round destination.  However, summers will be hot and are best avoided.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

Tourist Bureau, Laltarao Bridge, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, Tel: 0133-4224240

[ Edit ] STD Code

0133

Sightseeing

Bharat Mata Mandir

Bhimgoda Tank

Chandi Devi Temple

Daksh Mahadev Temple

Har-Ki-Pauri

Mansa Devi Mandir

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar

Piran Kaliyar

Rajaji National Park

Sapt Rishi Ashram & Sapt Sarovar

Sati Kund

Weather

DAY: Fri	LOW: 26	HIGH: 31
DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

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