Location:
UttaranchalDistance: Approximately 215 km from Delhi
Altitude: Around 300 m
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Main Attractions: Har ki Paudi, Temples, Gurukul Kangri University
One of the few places in India that seem to be infused with the holy spirit, Haridwar lies at the foot of the Himalayas. It stands sprawled over the west bank of Ganges, in which one dip is said to wash away all the sins of a person. Since it is from here that the holy Ganges enters the plains, the city is also known by the name of 'Ganga-Dwara' (Gateway of Ganga). The etymology of Haridwar, with Hari meaning Lord Vishnu and Dwar meaning gateway, suggests the holy place to provide an access to the Lord.
Counted amongst the seven holy cities of India, Haridwar has been found to be date back to the time of the Puranas (in which it is called Mayapuri Kshetra). The city that reminds one of spiritualism, asceticism, purity, Ganges and Mythology also serves as host to one of the biggest fairs of India - the Kumbh Mela. Situated in the state of Uttaranchal, it boasts of more than 300 temples and is visited by large number of Indian and foreign tourists. For those who want to explore Hinduism, Haridwar is the best bet. All this contributed to travel & tourism in the city.
Haridwar Tourist Attractions
Gurukul Kangri University
Gurukul Kangri University of Haridwar is an age old centre of learning, which is known for imparting education in the traditional manner. Apart from the teaching style, the Archaeological Museum & Ved Mandir of the university are a big hit.
Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to Mansa Devi - an incarnation of Goddess Durga, is situated on the top of the Bilwa hill. For reaching the temple, you have either trek the distance or take the ropeway cable car.
Pawan Dham Temple
Pawan Dham Temple is around 2 km away from the city center. The temple dates back to the ancient times and stands adorned with exquisite glasswork on its walls and extensively ornamented idols.
Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess, as an incarnation of Power or Shakti. Counted amongst the Shaktipeeths of India, the temple is believed to be the place where the heart and navel of Sati (wife of Lord Shiva) fell.
Vaishno Devi Temple
Vaishno Devi is one of the recently built temples in Haridwar. The major attraction of the temple arises from the fact that it has been built in exactly the same manner as the Vaishno Devi Temple of Jammu.
Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple is unlike the typical temples of Hindus. An eight-storied structure, it has each story dedicated to a particular group of people who have influenced the country in some way. For example, one floor is dedicated to spiritual leaders, another to freedom fighters, and so on.
Har ki Paudi
Har ki Paudi is the most scared place in the whole of Haridwar. It is a bathing ghat, considered to be equivalent in reverence to the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Har ki Paudi, meaning Steps (Paudi) of Vishnu (Har), is said to be visited by Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in the epic era. It is also said that Lord Brahma performed a yagna here.
Accommodation
Seeing the huge influx of tourists and pilgrims that visit Haridwar every year, a large number of hotels have opened up in the city. Right from luxury hotels to budget hotels, the city has something to suit every need and budget. Apart from that, there are also heritage hotels in the city. For those who want to experience the austere life of Haridwar, ashrams are not far away.
Hotels in Haridwar: Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Haveli Hari Ganga, 3 Star Hotels in Haridwar