Haridwar – Gateway to God

Location: State of Uttaranchal.
Famous for: Hindu Pilgrimage center.
Other Attractions: Temples and Kumbh Mela (held after 12 years).

About Haridwar

Lies in the state of Uttaranchal in the northern part of India. The city retrieved between the Gangetic Plain and the Himalayan Mountains is the seven holy cities of Hindus. The restive spirit perceived the much-needed relief at Haridwar, a place that has been occupied in esteem by the Hindus for centuries.

Haridwar in its verbatim sense means “Gateway to God”, and it is from here that the pilgrimage to two famous temples, Kedarnath (Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu) starts. It is situated at the foothills of the Shivalik Mountains on the banks of the river Ganga.

Haridwar is one of the four holiest places where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. The town is adorned with temples and ashrams creating an ambiance of a different universe. After sunset, every evening aarti of the river Ganga is performed at Har-ki-Pauri. It is believed that the Ghat has the footprint of Lord Vishnu, engraved on a stone.

Main Attraction

Haridwar is famous for its temples, ghats, ashram, yoga, and meditations. Some of the worth visiting sports are: Har-ki-Pauri, Ram Krishna Mission Seva Ashram, Gurukul Kangri University, Sapta Rishi Ashram, Bharat Heavy Electricals Factory, Mansa Devi Temple.

The shrine of Maya Devi lies to the east of Har-ki-Pauri one of the 52 shaktipeethas, highly valued by Hindus as the sites where the body parts of Sati fell.

Across the Ganga River stands the Chandi Devi temple built in 1929 by the Maharaja of Kashmir.

Manasa Devi perching on Bilwa Parvat is the holiest shrine dedicated to goddess Durga with three-head and five arms while another idol has eight arms.

Bharat Mata Temple dedicated to Goddess ‘Mother India’ is an eight-storied architectural monument. The temple also consists of images of important historical figures and Hindu deities.

Shanti Kunj is an ashram specializing in yoga lessons and natural cures.

Pawan Dham has a temple dedicated to god Hanuman. The temple is famous for its lavishly decorated glass interiors.

Famous Ghats

Its devotees believe that taking a holy dip in the Ganges at the sacred bathing spots in Haridwar will definitely take away their sins. The famous ghats of Haridwar are Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha, Gangadwara, Kusavarta, and Hari-ki-Pairi. After sunset, every evening aarti of the river Ganga is performed at Har-ki-Pauri. The aarti ritual is performed simultaneously in all temples and the devotees offer flowers and lighted earthen lamps to the holy river making it a fabulous sight.

Main Excursions

Dehra Dun

It is an entryway for all the trekkers and mountaineers on their journey into the Garhwal Himalayas.

Nestled in the Garhwal Hills

Mussoorie is a picturesque hill station with exhilarating views of the valleys below, snow-capped mountains.

Rishikesh

24km from Haridwar is a doorway to the Majestic Himalayas of Garhwal which grasp tremendous notability in the religious lives of scriptural followers.

Nanital

Is Lake Town, located in the hilly region of Kumaon, built around the lake Naini.

Tehri

Situated at a height of 770 meters, at the nexus of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers, is located in a wide-open valley is a worthy spot for an excursion.

Mode of Transportation

Haridwar is the holiest city and the pilgrimage center of India is well connected by means of Air, Rail, and Road Transport throughout the country.