Haridwar

How to Reach

Located at the foot of Himalayan Shivalik ranges, Haridwar is situated in the state of Uttarakhand. 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 Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics, Haridwar has always remained a major pilgrimage for the Hindus.



By Air
Haridwar does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport to Haridwar is located in Dehradun called the Jolly Grant airport* which is about 35 km away from the city. From Dehradun you can either board a train or hit the road to reach Haridwar. Also one can take a flight to the International Airport at Delhi and from here one can take a train or road journey to the holy city. Jolly Grant airport is presently undergoing renovation and therefore closed for flights

By Rail
The Indian Railways has a railway station at Haridwar which is connected by trains from major cities of India. Reaching Haridwar by train is one of the most convenient and economical means. Trains from Ujjain, Delhi, Varanasi, Bombay, Allahabad, Amritsar, Lucknow and Dehradun all ply regularly to Haridwar. Some of the important trains running to Haridwar are Bombay-Dehradun, Doon Express, Gorakhpur - Dehradun Express, Ujjaini Express, Varanasi-Dehradun Express, Dehradun-Allahabad Link Express, Mussoorie Express (Delhi-Dehradun), Shatabdi Express (Delhi- Dehradun).

By Road
Many inter-state deluxe, semi-deluxe and ordinary buses ply to Haridwar everyday. If you wish to come in a large group you can even book a private bus for coming to Haridwar. For a smaller group private cabs or even your own vehicle can be used to reach Haridwar. In the course of the journey you will find several restaurants, hotels, motels and even garages for servicing of the vehicle.





Best Time To Visit

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. The best season to visit Haridwar is between October and March during winter.


Other popular temples, religious value places & adventurous places:

Har-ki-pauri

Har-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.

Rishikesh

Another religious value place very near to this place about 24 kms. Famous for various ghats on Ganga, Temples, Shri Ram Jhula, Shri Laxman Jhula.

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.

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