About
Haridwar
The holy city of Haridwar is situated on the right side of the bank of the
holy Ganga. It is this point where the river spreads over the northern
plains. According to Hindu mythology Haridwar is among the seven sacred
cities of India . Haridwar is also one of the four venues for the Kumbh
Mela, held in its magnitude every twelve years. Haridwar as the name
suggests, also known as 'Hari Ka Dwar' or 'The Gateway to Gods' stands as
the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttrakhand - Rishikesh, Badrinath and
Kedarnath. Apart from this, Haridwar is also a centre of herbal medicine and
traditional studies at Gurukul Kangri University. One can find many places
of picturesque beauty on the outskirts of the town.
When to Travel
Through out the Year.
How to Reach There
To reach Haridwar, the nearest airport is Dehradun. A Vayudoot service
operates from Delhi to Dehradun. Haridwar is well connected by railways to
almost all the major cities in India. The National Highway No.45 crosses the
city, so it is connected to other cities of the state as well as other parts
of India. There are regular buses available from Delhi to Haridwar.
Where to Stay
Haridwar has a wide range of hotels starting from heritage, luxurious to
deluxe and budget, to suit every visitor. Restaurants providing a variety of
Indian cuisine are available in & around Haridwar. Non-vegetarian food
and alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Haridwar.
Some of the hotels are :
Sagar Ganga Resort Haridwar, The Hari Ganga Haveli and many more, Hotel
Himgiri International, Hotel Aarti, Hotel Aditya Deluxe, Hotel Holy-Day-Inn
and lots more.
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, Belwala.
Modern Reception Center, Railway Road.
Tourist Attractions
Haridwar is a not-to-be-missed travel destination. It is very difficult to
select from the wide array of tourist attractions, situated in and around
Haridwar. It has many ancient temples with many mythological significance.
Haridwar is one of the major Shaktipeethas.
Some
of the tourist attractions are :
Maya Devi Temple :
An ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhishtkatri deity of Haridwar is as
one of the Shaktipeethas. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess
Sati had fallen at this ancient Shaktipeeth, located to the east of
Har-ki-Pauri.
Har-Ki-Pauri :
This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his
brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartihari came to Haridwar to
meditate by the banks of the holy river Ganga. When he died, his brother,
King Vikramaditya constructed the Ghat in his name, now known as
Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The
reflection of golden hues of floral diyas floating in the river Ganga is the
most spectacular sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti Ceremony.
Har-Ki-Pauri is the most important ghat on the river Ganga, where a holy dip
is a must for every devotee.
Chandi Devi :
The temple of Chandi Devi at the top of the Neel Parvat on the other bank
of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir –
Suchat Singh. It is said that Goddess Chandi killed Chanda-Munda, the army
chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha here, after which the place
got the name Chandi Devi.
Some other Tourist Attractions are :
Bharat Mata Temple, Shanti Kunj, Bhimgoda, Mansa Devi Temple, Pawan Dham,
Vaishno Devi Temple to list a few.
Excursion :
Daksh Mahadev Temple, Sapt Rishi Ashram, Kanva Rishi Ashram, Chila Wildlife
Sanctuary, Piran Kaliyar, Rishikesh, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev and
lots more.
Fairs & Festivals
Though all the Hindu festivals are celebrated here with great pomp and
show, but it is the Maha Kumbh & Ardha Kumbha, which attracts millions
of tourists from all over the world. The Ardha Kumbha is held once in every
6 years and the Maha Kumbh takes place once in 12 years. Millions of people
gather from all squares of life in Kumbha Mela in huge number to take the
holy dip during these holy days. It is said that a holy dip in the river
Ganges during the Kumbh gives you Moksha or Nirvana.
Shopping Delights
Haridwar is basically a pilgrimage center and visitors come here to visit
the temples specifically there is no particular item which can be suggested
to be bought here. But some of the popular purchase items are Rudrakash,
Gangajali (Vessels containing Ganga water), pickles, kumkum (vermillion),
Ayurvedic medicine and precious stones.
Main shopping centres are: Moti Bazar, Upper Road, Jwalapur, U.P.
Handloom Emporium, Near Bharat Mata Temple, Haridwar.
