Explore Haridwar

Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar.

Due to its geographical location too, Haridwar stands as the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of Uttarakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar

The list of attractions in Haridwar is endless. Har-Ki-Pauri, the sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat.

Several festivals are celebrated in Haridwar. Haridwar, one of the oldest and holiest pilgrim centers of India, is also the place that plays host to around eight to ten million devotees during the Kumbh melas.

The history of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe and as a show of their faith, Hindus from all over the country assemble to take a holy dip in the Ganges.

PLACES TO VISIT IN HARIDWAR

Har ki Pauri
King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri ( The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar
According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Mansa Devi Temple
This ancient temple dedicated to Mansa Devi is of great importance to the followers of Hinduism. It is situated on the top of Bilwa Parbat and can be reached by foot or by a trolley through the ropeway. Mansa Devi is said to have emerged from the mind of Saint Kashyap and is regarded as the wife of Nag King Vasuki. The Holy Idol of the goddess has three mouths and five arms while the other statue has eight arms. As one of the famous Siddha Peetha temples, Mansa Devi is supposed to grant all the wishes of a sincere devotee. (In fact, Mansa is derived from the word 'Mansha' which means 'wish'. There is a holy tree in the vicinity of the temple. Devotees who want their wishes to be fulfilled by the Goddess tie threads to the branches of this tree. Once their wishes are fulfilled people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree. This is one of the most popular and most visited temples of Haridwar.

Chandi Devi Temple
Haridwar Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Gang's banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. A three kilometers trek from Chandighat, it is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. It is at a distance of six kilometers on Neel Parvat on the other bank of River Ganga.

Bharat Mata Temple
Haridwar Bharat Mata Temple Sited in Sapt Sarovar near ashram at Haridwar, Bharat Mata Temple is a holy place of its own kind. Bharat Mata Mandir was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. On 15th May 1983, the temple was instated by Late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi. The temple is also unique in the sense that it is built in 8 stories, each of which represents a specific theme and is devoted to various legends and deities of India. The eight-storey temple rises up to a height of 180 ft.

Bhimgoda Kund
Haridwar Bhimgoda Kund enlightens the travelers on the rich religious heritage and mythological legacy of the bygone best time. Legend has it that while the Pandavas were here, Bhim with one blow of his horse's hoof drew water from the rocks at this spot.

Bara Bazaar
Haridwar Bara Bazaar on the north-side of the canal, between Har Ki Pauri and the Upper Road, is multi-colored Bara Bazaar. Along with the spiritual paraphernalia or prasaad (foodstuff offered to the gods, photos of the deities, religious pamphlets etc) are scores of tiny stalls crammed along both sides of bazaar selling an variety of goods including brassware, shawls, wooden whistles, glass bangles, bamboo canes and can baskets.

Chila Wildlife Sanctuary
Haridwar Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, part of Rajaji National Park, covers an area of approximately 240 sq. km. which attracts wildlife lovers with its perfect scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. It has 23 species of mammals and 315 fauna species.

One may watch a herd of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle or may find oneself excited by a wildlife of many kinds including tigers, wild boar, ghural, langur, sloth bear, leopard, jungle cat, samber, cobra, Himalayan yellow throated marten, barking dear, cheetal, king woodpecker, etc.

Daksha Mahadev Temple
Haridwar Daksh Mahadev temple is situated at a distance of 6 km from Haridwar. The very old temple of Daksh Mahadev is positioned in the south of Kankhal town. This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 AD. Kankhal has several temples and ashrams. Most important temple of Haridwar.

Shantikunj
Haridwar Shantikunj is the headquarters of the spiritual and social organization All World Gayatri Pariwar. Recognized in 1971 at Haridwar, it has emerged over the years as a center of the global movement of Yug Nirman Yojana for moral-spiritual regeneration in the light of hoary Indian heritage.

Sited at the bank of holy Ganges and between the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas, it's also a place of attraction for tourists and seekers of spiritual guidance.