Haridwar
is the most religious spiritual center in India a gateway to the pilgrimages
of Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The city is located in the foothills
of Himalayas in Uttaranchal, a state in northern India. Perched on the banks
of the sacred river Ganga, Hardiwar is a buzzing city with numerous temples,
ashrams and ghats, abounding with devotees covetous of attaining salvation.
Most of Haridwar's visitors are sadhus who stop here to take a holy dip in
the river Ganga before excusing to greater heights of Himalayan pilgrimages.
Great number of foreigners take the tour of Haridwar in search of spiritual
victuals.
Main Attractions in Haridwar Tour
Har-Ki-Pauri
The main temptations of the city are the activity along the river Ganga and
on the bathing ghats. Har-ki-Pauri is the main ghat also known as
Brahmakund, popular legend has it that Lord Vishnu left his footprint at
Har-ki-Pauri. Besides bathing one can also have an amazing view of the Ganga
Aarti in the evenings. The whole environs echoes with the sounds of conch
shells and bells and priests perform ritual worship of the river with huge
multi-layered lamps. Thousands of earthen lamps are floated in the water,
which twinkle like gold in the darkness makes it an enthralling sight.
Bharat Mata Temple
About 4 kms from Haridwar is Bharat Mata Temple in the north direction of
Haridwar. The Temple is a multistory six-floor structure .The ground floor
has the exquisite sculpture of Bharat Mata. The temple also contains
sculptures of Buddha, Mahavir, Guru Nanak, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Meera, and
Natraj. This is a real beautiful temple to see.
Chandi Devi
The temple of Chandi Devi crowned on the Neel Parvat was constructed in
1929 AD by the King of Kashmir - Suchat Singh.The temple is a 3 km trek from
Chandi Ghat. Chandi Devi Temple is now accessible by a rope way that starts
near Gauri Shanker Temple.
Bhimgoda Tank
Legend has it that the sacred tank, which is situated at a distance of 1 km
from Har-Ki-Pauri, is dug out by Bhim the 2nd of the Pandava brothers, by
giving heavy blows with his right knee to the ground. The Ganges waters
flows into this tank.
Mansa Devi Temple
The temple on the top of Siwalik Hills is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa
Devi, who was the daughter of Lord Shiva. One can enjoy the splendid view of
the city from such a great height. The ropeway carriage operates between
Upper Road, near the station and Mansa Devi Temple. It is believed that
whoever worships Goddess Mansa Devi, their wishes get fulfilled.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
It is an enchanting bird watching spot particularly during the winters.
Around Laljiwala on the banks of river Ganges you can have the worth visions
of Siberian Cranes.
Excursions
Rishikesh
Rishikesh
famous for its Yoga and Meditation has a number of ashrams, few of which are
internationally recognized centers of yoga and philosophical studies.
International Yoga Week held every year in February on the banks of the
Ganga enjoys world recognition. Rishikesh has a number of attractions for
the tourists. Some famous temples are Bharat Temple, Rishi Kund and
Raghunath Temple. The Laxman Jhoola, Ram Jhoola and Triveni Ghat feature
among the most delightful sights in Rishikesh.
Gurukul Kangri University
The University is situated at a distance of 5 kms from Haridwar. It is a
center of learning where education is divulged in the traditional Indian
way. Within the precincts of the University is the Ved Mandir, which houses
many archaeological exhibits.
Sapt Rishi Ashram
Sapt Rishi Ashram is 5km from Haridwar far in the jungles of Sapt Sarover
in the north direction on the banks of the Ganges River. The Ganga flows in
seven streams in front of this Ashram, hence this place is also called Sapt
Sarovar.
Some of the other important excursions are Dehra Dun, Mussoorie, Nanital
and Tehri.
Festivity in Haridwar
Kumbh Mela
Haridwar is famous not only as a place of pilgrimage but it also purifies
our mind, body and soul. Haridwar is one of the four holy cities where the
great Kumbh Mela takes place once every 12 years and Ardh Kumbh Mela, which
comes once every 6 years. This event has achieved enormous prevalence among
the spirituals throughout the world.
Haridwar along with Allahabad, Ujjain and Nasik was one of the spots where
the divine nectar of life churned out of the sea by the Gods was spilled
down and spread its divine contents. Blessed by the belief that taking a dip
in river Ganga in Haridwar during this period brings more bliss to the
restless souls than many years of repentance and prayers do, thousands of
pilgrims throng the town to worship and do prayers in the temples.
Accessibility
Air : There is no direct air connection to Haridwar. The nearest
airport is Jollygrant airport in Dehradun 35kms from Haridwar.
Rail : Haridwar is well connected by railways. Important trains are
Bombay-Dehradun, Doon Express and Mussoorie Express (Delhi-Dehradun),
Shatabdi Express (Delhi- Dehradun
Road : Haridwar is easily accessible by bus from Delhi. It is 6
hours (250 kms) journey from Delhi, Haridwar is 386 kms from Agra, Badrinath
(320 km),Dehradun (52 km)
