Haridwar

Key Points
  • Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
  • Best Time: Throughout the year
  • Nearest Airport: Dehradun

Haridwar is a city situated in the state of Uttarakhand and it is one of the holiest cities in the Hindu religion. It is an important center of pilgrimage in India. Haridwar is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga and it has a massive historical significance to its name. According to Hindu Mythology, it was here that the river flowed when Lord Shiva released the locks of his hair.
The river, after flowing for two hundred kilometers from its source entered the Gangetic Plain for the first time at Haridwar which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwara. The name Haridwar splits into two words, Hari meaning Lord Vishnu and dwar which means gateway. Combining them Haridwar stands for “The Gateway to Lord Vishnu”. Haridwar is also known as the home of Sati Devi and the palace of her father Daksha. In ancient times, the town was also known as Gangadwara where the Ganges or Ganga descended to the plains. Haridwar also marks the Kumbha Mela which is celebrated every 12 years and witnesses millions of pilgrims and tourists during that time.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Haridwar has a plethora of places to look at. Being a pilgrimage center, it has many temples around the city. Some of the places that are worth a visit are-

Har ki Pauri: This is the most sacred ghats in Haridwar and is visited by devotees in a large number during the Kumbha and the number is slightly less round the year.

Ganga Aarti: This is a prayer performed at the Har ki Pauri Ghat. It is basically a ritual of light and sound where the priests perform prayers with bowls of fire and the ringing of the temple bells.
Chandi Devi Temple

 

SOME SUGGESTIONS

Haridwar itself is an incredible city to witness India’s affection towards pilgrimage and is a must visit for people believing in spirituality and the almighty God. If you’re planning to visit here for a weekend getaway or if you’re less on days then here is a list of those things that you should not miss if you want to make the most out of your trip.

  • Rajaji National Park in Haridwar is the first thing you should visit. Lying in the Shivalik mountain ranges, this national park is abundantly rich in flora and fauna and proves a great holiday destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is also enriched with fossils dating back millions of years ago and is also tagged as a Tiger Reserve by the Government of Uttarakhand.
  • Shanti Kunj is the next thing you must visit as this place is famous for its sociality and spirituality. The massive ashrams here bring thousands of pilgrims seeking spirituality and encourages them for meditation and world peace.
  • Then there are temples all around the city where you can visit. These include Daksha Mahadev Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir and many more of them. Also, Har ki Pauri and the aarti must not be missed.

Places in Haridwar

View all places to visit in Haridwar