Haridwar

Quick Facts
Location : Uttarakhand Region (UP)
Area : 12.3 square kms.
Language : Hindi, English
Best Season : September - June

Introduction
Haridwar is a doorway to the four pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. With Ganga river setting towards the plains and the sacred trinity of Hindu mythology, a visit to this place can be like entering into a different world altogether. It is your beginning on the journey to the holy sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. Though the Ganges has not lost its waterways completely nonetheless it has a very calm atmosphere. The water is clean and people choose taking bath on the various ghats built on the river shores. It is believed that taking bath here sublimates the soul and opens the way for the quality freedom, Nirvana.

Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the triad of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths. It is among the seven sacred cities of India and one of the four locales for the Kumbh Mela, held with great intensity and mass after every twelve years. Essentially a religious centre which holds promise of salvation for devotees. Haridwar is also a centre of herbal medicine and traditional studies at Gurukul Kangri.

Places of Attraction
Chandi Devi
This temple is atop a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga. The temple was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat. This hill is dedicated to Goddess Chandi which signifies power.

Har Ki Pauri
This ghat is one of the most hallowed ghats in India. It is said that the ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund and it is believed that all the sins get washed by bathing at this river bank. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat.

Mansa Devi
This temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple can be reached in a very exciting and adventurous rope way rope or you can prefer normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you a fantastic view of Haridwar.

Sapt Rishi
At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very delighting sight.

Accommodation
The Hotels of Haridwar extend the journey back into the mind and soul to discover the lost spirit on the pious land of Haridwar. So, book the hotels of Haridwar for a comfortable stay.

» The Haveli Hari Ganga
» Sagar Ganga Resorts

How to Reach
By Road : It is on national highway no 45 and is well-connected to all major cities of India.

By Train : It is connected with all important cities of India viz Bombay, Delhi, Agra, Howrah, Varanasi etc.

By Air : The Jolly Grand Airport is around 35 km from Haridwar.