Haridwar Tourism

Introduction

Haridwar is among India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations in the country. This holy city in Uttarakhand is regarded as one of the seven holiest places for the Hindu community. Haridwar is where the river Ganges enters the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India and this is how the city concludes its past name Gangadwára. Gangadwára is the place, where the river Ganga descends to the plains.

As per Hindu mythology, Haridwar is among the four sites, where the drops of the elixir of immortality fell from the pitcher carried by the Vishnu’s celestial bird Garuda, after the Samudra Manthan. These four sites in Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik and Allahabad are where the Kumbha Mela is celebrated once every 3 years in one of the four sites and once in every twelve years, the historical Maha Kumbha Mela at Prayag takes place in Allahabad.

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Millions of pilgrims gather here for this event. Haridwar is not just a pilgrim destination but also is an industrial city. Nowadays, this is developing beyond its spirituals importance, as a major industrial district. Haridwar is a place of rich heritage, both religious and cultural. Haridwar is home to numerous mansions bearing beautiful murals and intricate stonework.

The 'Bhimgoda Dam' is situated here as well. Haridwar has also serves as a centre for different arts, science and culture. The city is truly illustrious for its valuable contributions in Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies. Haridwar is home to the unequalled Gurukul method of traditional education.

Also the Hindus traditions have deputed the five holy spots in Haridwar, namely the Har-ki-pauri, Kushwart Ghat, Kankhal, Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temple. So go on a religious journey to join in the religous bliss.

Chandi Devi

The temple is set on the Neel Parvat, on the Eastern banks of the river Ganga. This is devoted to the Goddess Chandi. As per legend, Chanda-Munda, the army chiefs of the local demon king were killed by the Goddess Chandi here. After whom the place was named Chandi Devi Temple. The main statue was erected by Adi Shankara in the 8th century. The Chandi Devi temple was built in 1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh.

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Bharat Mata Temple

This is a multi-storey temple based on the history of Mother India. Each floor represents a well-defined era in Indian history, right from the Ramayana to post-freedom themes. Bharat Mata Temple is a kind of reverence to all those, who played a vital role in the formation of the country. A glorious statue of Bharat Mata in all her splendour such as pictures of Indira Gandhi dedicates especially to the achievements of women in India.

'Sant Mandir' is the fourth floor, featuring great saints from various religions of India. The walls on the fifth floor symbolises the spiritual diversity in India. The sixth floor has Goddess Shakti in her myriad forms like Kali, and Saraswati. Another is for Vishnu, the last floor has all the natural beauty that culminates to provide an exciting view of the Himalayan ranges.

Shanti Kunj

Shanti Kunj is a spiritual haven and is among the best de-stressing points in India. This combines ancient techniques of yoga, to present its special version of traditional exercises. Shanti Kunj also practices Ayurveda as an ancient medical science, dating back to over 76 countries abroad. This is a perfect research centre for herbal medicines with several doctors and scientists doing research in the area. This also offers homoeopathic treatment free of cost. So visit Shanti Kunj to relax and de-stress on your trip to Haridwar.

Har-ki-Pauri

Har-ki-Pauri is a sacred ghat, constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari who came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of the river Ganga. Following the death of Brithari, King Vikramaditya constructed a Ghat in his name, which later was known as Hari-Ki-Pauri. The Ghat had Vishnu’s footprint.

Thus this place has attained the status of a sacred spot. This is also known as Brahmakund. In the evening on these ghats the devotees can experience the ceremony of Aarti of Godess Ganga. The sound and lights show follows, with pilgrims floating diyas and incense sticks on the river which creates an impressive display of illumination. A bath at Har-ki-Pauri is meant auspicious, particularly during the Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh Mela. 

Bhimgoda

Bhimgoda, at the distance of 1 km from the Hari-ki-Pauri is known as a tank, where Bhima of epic- Mahabharata drew water by his knee to the ground.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi temple is devoted to the Goddess Mansa (Manifestation of Goddess Shakti). On top of the Bilwa Parvat, the temple enshrines two idols of the Goddess in her multi-armed forms. Truly a trip to the Mansa Devi Temple is specially significant, fulfilling all the wishes of a sincere devotee. The shrine is among the most prominent temples of North India. This temple sands as one of the most prominent Siddh Peethas.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi Temple at Haridwar renders as a copy of the Maa Vashno Devi temple, situated in Jammu. The temple in Haridwar is a unequalled mixture of natural phenomenon and art.

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Gurukul Kangri University

Haridwar is home to one of the oldest universities in India, the Gurukul Kangri university, located on the banks of the river Ganga. The university was founded in 1902 by Swami Shraddhananda, with the basic philosophies of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj. Vedic scriptures and Sanskrit literature in Gurukul Kangri University are all part of the curriculum, besides science and journalism. Its museum section exhibits some statues, coins, paintings, manuscripts and artefacts, right from Harappan times.

Daksh Mahadev Temple

Daksh Mahadev is an old temple set in the south of Kankhal town. The temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 AD. Kankhal is home to the various temples and ashrams. Daksh Mahadev Temple here is as a prime tourist attraction. 

Famous Ashrams of Haridwar

Haridwar is the ideal place for a religious retreat and is home to different ashrams. The Jairam ashram has a white statue representing the samudra manthan to obtain nectar. Another well-known Ashram, the Sapta rishi ashram is a picturesque place near Haridwar, where seven great sages, namely Kashyapa, Vashishtha, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam, are considered to have meditated. As per legend, the river Ganga split herself into seven currents at this point so that the sages would meditate undisturbed. 

Evening Aarti at Ganges

Bhajans prevail the much-awaited evening Aarti at the Ganges in Haridwar. So come to see the sunset and the ritual unfolds, with lamps of different sizes being lit as a ceremonial tribute to the Goddess Ganga.  The Aarti is performed simultaneously in all temples of Haridwar. Flowers and candles floating on the river , accomplish the ceremonial activity for the day. 

Festivals

Haridwar is among the most spectacular religious destinations of India. Thus it plays host to landmark festivals such as the kumbh and the Ardh kumbh mela. Other events that are worth mentioning are the Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela, Gughal Mela that invite lakhs of devotees here.

How to Get There

Haridwar is linked well by road to Delhi. Nearest railway station is at Haridwar, with direct links to all major cities of India. The nearest Airport to reach Haridwar is the Jolly Grant at Dehradun.

Shopping

Ganga provides the tourists a variety of stones, which make good souvenirs from the holy town. They come in impressive variety of shapes and sizes. These stones are used to make miniature images of the Hindu gods. The main shopping centres in Haridwar are Moti Bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur and Kankhal.

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Accommodation

Haridwar has various budget hotels and luxury hotels that measure up to an international standard, meeting the requirements of the tourists. The Ginger Hotel and the Hotel Classic Residency are the best bet if the budget is not tight. While the Alexandra Hotel and Hotel Midtown are among the economy class hotels.

Haridwar is a direct access to get closer to Lord Shiva.