Location : State of
Uttaranchal .
Famous for : Hindu Pilgrimage center.
Other Attractions: Temples and Kumbh Mela (held after 12
years).
About Haridwar
The pilgrimage town of 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 among 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 Shivalik Mountains
on the banks of river Ganga. Haridwar is one of the four holiest places
where the Kumbh mela is held after every 12 years. The town is adorned with
temples and ashram creating an ambience 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 footprint of Lord Vishnu, engraved on a
stone.
Major Tourist Attractions in Haridwar
Haridwar is famous for its temples, ghats, ashram, yoga and meditations.
Some of the worth visiting tourist sports are Har-ki-Pauri , Ram Krishna
Mission Seva Ashram , Gurukul Kangri University, Sapta Rishi Ashram, Bharat
Heavy Electricals Factory, Mansa Devi Temple etc.
Maya Devi Shrine
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 body parts of Sati
fell.
Chandi Devi Temple
Across the Ganga River stands the Chandi Devi temple built in 1929 by the
Maharaja of Kashmire. Manasa Devi perching on Bilwa Parvat is a most holy
shrine dedicated to goddess Durga with three-head and five arms while
another idol has eight arms.
Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple dedicated to Godess '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.
Famous Ghats
Its devotee's belief that by 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-Pauri . 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.
Popular Excursions from Haridwar
A number of excursions from Haridwar are available for travellers. There
are many wonderful north Indian hill stations that lie close to and
surrounding the pilgrimage town of Haridwar. You can choose your getaways
from Haridwar from the list given below.
Dehra Dun
The hill town of is an entryway for all the trekkers and mountaineers onto
their journey into the Garhwal Himalayas. The secluded hill station of
Dehradun is located just at a distance of 52 km from the town of Haridwar.
Mussoorie
Nestled in the Garhwal Hills, Mussoorie is a picturesque hillstation with
exhilarating views of the valleys below, snow-capped mountains. The hill
station of Mussoorie is located at a distance of 90 km from the pilgrimage
centre of Haridwar.
Rishikesh 
Located at 24km from Haridwar, the holy town of Rishikesh is the doorway to
the Majestic Himalayas of Garhwal which grasp tremendous notability in the
religious lives of scriptural followers.
Nanital
If you are visiting northern India, you must be knowing that Nainital is
one of the most popular hill stations here. Built around the picturesque
Naini Lake, Nainital, apart from scenic delights, also offers a few
adventure activities to indulge in.
Tehri
Situated at a hight of 770 metres, at the nexus of the Bhagirathi and
Bhilangana rivers, is located in a wide open valley is a worth spot for
excursion.
Popular Shopping Centres in Haridwar
Travellers must know that Haridwar in the state of Uttaranchal is one of
the holiest towns in the country. The pilgrimage centre of Haridwar offers
travellers some interesting items to buy during their pilgrimage trip.
Imitation jewellery, decorative handicraft items and stone carvings are some
popular shopping items in Haridwar. Popular shopping centres in the
pilgrimage town include Moti Bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur and Kankhal.
Haridwar Travel (Airport/Railway/Road) Information
By Air : The airport that lies closest to Haridwar is the
Jolly Grant in Dehradun, 52 km away. Though, it would be very convenient to
first reach Delhi by rail or road and then catch a flight from Delhi to
Haridwar.
By Rail : Travellers can reach Haridwar by rail from
different parts of the country. Haridwar remains connected to all the major
cities of India by railways.
By Road : You can also travel to Haridwar by road.
National Highway 45 passes through the town and connects it with Delhi. From
Delhi, you can easily get to Haridwar in Uttaranchal.
Distances from Haridwar to Major Cities
- Delhi - 214 km
- Rishikesh - 24 km
- Dehradun - 52 km
- Mussoorie - 90 km
- Yamunotri - 240 km
- Kedarnath - 250 km
- Badrinath - 290 km
