About Haridwar

Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has privilege of having IIT at Roorkee, formerly known as University of Roorkee, founded in 1847 as a first technical institute of India.

On the foot of Himalayas, on the west bank of Ganges is situated the gateway to Lord Vishnu, i.e., Haridwar. It is also called Ganga-Dwara, because the holy Ganges enters the plains here. This is one of the seven holy cities in India. It is called Mayapuri Kshetra in the Puranas. Haridwar is about 225 kilometers northeast of Delhi. Haridwar is famous for its temples, bathing ghats and tanks. The Ganges, considered as the holiest river in India, is the star attraction of Haridwar. Pilgrims carry back the water from the Ganges, which they believe will remain fresh forever.

Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.

Best Season

During the summers the temperature usually hangs around 40 degrees but winters sees the mercury dipping as low as six degrees. One Should never expect any sort of pleasant high altitude climate here. The best seasons to visit Haridwar is some where between September and June.

Climate

Haridwar is situated at a height of almost 300 meters above sea level and the temperature usually hovers around 40°C during summers. Winters see the mercury dipping to as low as 6°C. Summer - Max: 40.9 degree C Min: 15.6 degree C; Winter - Max: 16.6 degree C Min: 6.00 degree C

Transportation

• Air: In case you are speculating as to how to reach Haridwar by air, you can avail of the Jolly Grand Airport, which is around 35 km from Haridwar. Although there are not many airlines that ply between New Delhi and Dehradun, you can easily avail of a Simplifly Deccan flight, which plies on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. However, it is advisable to access Haridwar by train or by road.
• Rail: Haridwar is connected with all the major cities via train. Haridwar railway station is halt of some major trains coming from Ujjain, Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Calcutta, Allahabad, Gorakhpur and Sri Ganganagar. The trains from and to all these cities are till Dehradun and halt at Haridwar.
• Road: Haridwar is amongst the most easily accessible cities. It is located on National highway number 45. There are state run buses from some major cities, or one can also arrange his own conveyance. Distance from some major cities is Delhi - 214, Agra - 386, Ambala - 168, Badrinath - 325, Dehradun - 52, Kedarnath - 250, Saharanpur - 81 and Nainital - 386.

Attractions in Haridwar

The gateway of Gods, Haridwar is undoubtedly a kaleidoscope of Indian civilization and culture. Being blessed by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh Haridwar holds immense significance for a devout Hindu. The numerous temples dedicated to a host of Hindu gods and goddess is a major puller for the pilgrims. Haridwar also happens to be an ancient shakteepeeth thus again attracting lot of ardent devotees. As it is in Haridwar that the holy Ganges descends in the planes, a large number of Hindus come here to take a holy dip. Read on to know more about the places to visit when in Haridwar.

Hari Ki Pauri

Hari ki pauri ghat was built by King Vikramaditya to commemorate the descending of Ganga after years of difficult prayers and fasting done by his ancestor Bhagirathi. Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his foot prints on a rock at this ghat. Everyday at twilight the Har ki pauri ghat comes to life with singing prayers and lit up lamps along the Ganges where people in hundreds and thousands view this mesmerizing and cleansing ritual. It is believed that the one who bathes at Har ki pauri gets rid of all sins and completely cleanses their soul. Floral tributes and lit up diyas floating on the Ganges is the most enchanting sight one gets at this ghat.

Chandi Devi

Standing atop the Neel Parvat, the Chandi Devi temple was built in 1929 AD by the king of Kashmir Suchat Singh. It is believed that the main statue of goddess Chandi devi, who killed the demon brothers Shumbh-Nishumbh, was laid here in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankracharya. The Chandi Devi temple can now be reached by a ropeway as well.

Mansa Devi

Situated on the southernmost hill of the Shivalik ranges is the Durga temple called Mansa Devi. One can reach this temple either on foot or by a cable car. Perched on Bilwa Parvat, the temple provides a panoramic view of the Haridwar city with the Ganges flowing in its middle.

Sapt Rishi Ashram & Sapt Sarovar

It is at this place that Ganges is believed to have divided itself into seven small streams to not to disturb the Sapt (seven) Rishis meditating and worshipping here.

Bharat Mata Mandir

It is one of its kind temples in Haridwar and is dedicated to Mother India, tracing its history from the times of Ramayana to present day. This eight storied temple houses the pictures and idols of some of the great Indian men from ancient to present times and pictures of the cities of the country. A must visit to get a sneak preview in to the history and culture of India.

Sati Kund

This is the holy place where the wife of Lord Shiva, Mata Sati is believed to have done the ritual of self-immolation. The ghat here is thus famous today as Sati Kund.

Rajaji National Park / Chila Wildlife Sanctuary

The Rajaji National Park, spread over an area of 240 sq km, houses the Chila wildlife Sanctuary and is situated at a distance of 10 km from Haridwar. Situated on the banks of River Ganges, the sanctuary is a haven for a large number of animals. This biodiversity park boasts of nearly 23 mammals and about 315 fauna species. The river in the park houses large number of fishes and fauna in the water. At Chila you can have the pleasure of spotting leopard, tigers, jungle cat, herd of elephants, wild boar, stags, spotted deer, sloth bear, langur, monkeys, woodpecker, king cobra etc. During the monsoons the park remains closed and otherwise it is open after sunrise and closed after dusk.

The Ganga Aarti

This is the most amazing spectacle on can see on his tour to Uttaranchal. As the evening turns into night, thousands gather on both the banks of the holiest of all rivers, river Ganga to sing its praises. The priest hold large fire bowls in their hands, the gongs in the temples at the Ghat start ringing and the chants flowing out of lips fill the air. What follows is even more soul touching. People float earthen diyas, with burning flickers and flowers in them as a symbol of hope and wishes in then warer and the water instantly shines golden within the flames.

Gurukul Kangri University

This university is known for its unique system of education. it is located on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. This old institution follows the ancient tradition of Guru-Sishya pattern of education. The institution also has the Ved Mandir Museum which is has a very good collection of archaeological exhibits and displays artifacts which are of historical value.