Haridwar--
gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is
located on the foot hills of Shivaliks. It is on the banks of
River Ganga. The Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains
with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains.
Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed
by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also
one of the major Shaktipeeths.
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.
General Info
Population: About three and half lakh People
reside in this city.
Main Languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali and
English.
Climate: Haridwar is located at a height of
almost 300 meters . One Should never expect any sort of pleasant
high altitude climate here. During the summers the temperature
usually hangs around 40 degrees but winters sees the mercury
dipping as low as six degrees. So neither of the seasons are
suitable or ideal for tourists to venture in Haridwar. The monsoons
further add to the miseries of the visitors. The best seasons
to visit Haridwar is some where between September and June.
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Har Ki Pauri
This ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People
say that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his
brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In
the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat. It is an event
which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.
Mansa Devi
This temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat.
The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can take the
normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you
an excellent view of Haridwar.
Kavand Mela
The fair is held ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months
of Shravan & Phalgun.
Chandi Devi
This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which
is on the other side of the river Ganga. The temple was constructed
by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi
is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat.
Maya Devi
It is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This ancient temple of
Maya Devi is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is said
that when Lord Shiva was carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt
her self to keep the honour of her husband, then the heart and
navel of Sati had fallen at this place.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Four kms from Haridwar is a town called Kankhal. Mythology says
that the king of this place King Daksha Prajapati performed a
yagya. His daughter, Sati was married to Lord Shiva. But Daksha
was not happy with this marriage and did not invite Shiva-Sati
in the Yagya. But Sati came and was insulted by her father.
She could not take the insult and burnt herself in the yagya kund.
On hearing this the followers of Shiva killed Daksha. But later
Mahadeo (Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The Daksha temple is an
attribute to this legend. This place is one of the five sacred
places in Haridwar.
Beauty Point
On the Mansa Devi temple road, about two kilometer from Haridwar
is a point which provides an excellent view of Haridwar and
the near by greenery. This place is called the beauty point
as the sight from here of the surrounding is very exciting and
enthralling.
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Rishikesh
24 kms from Haridwar is Rishikesh. This place is known as the
Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Rishikesh
is one of the popular pilgrimage for the Hindus. At this place
the Ganges leaves the mountains and prepares herself to begin
a long journey through the plains.
Mussoorie
The queen of hill stations is just 89 kms from Haridwar. The
salubrious climate and deep woods makes it an ideal hill station.
Dehradun
This hill station is located in the Shivalik hills. Just 54
kms from Haridwar. The thick woods and scenic beauty of the
place is enough to capture the imagination of any tourist.
Deoprayag
This is again one of the sacred places for the Hindus. At this
place the aggressive Alaknanda merges with the gentle flowing
Bhagirathi. The place is 95 kms from Haridwar.
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Ardh
Kumbh
Though all the Hindu festivals are celebrated here with pomp
and gaiety, it is the Ardh Kumbh which attracts the mind of
any tourist to this place. The Ardh Kumbh is held every six
years and the last Ardh Kumbha of this century ended this year.
It is said that a holy dip in the river Ganges during the Kumbh
gives you Moksha or Nirvana.
People gather in huge number to take the holy dip during
these holy days. There are Saints, Naga Sadhus, Politicians
almost every one is here. The city is overflowing with people.
If going to Haridwar during the Ardh Kumbh then avoid the
over crowded ghats. Every there are reports of stampedes and
the various factions or Akharas of Sadhus clash with each
other. Ensure your accommodation well in advance if going
during the Kumbh.
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By Road
: Well connected by road to Delhi, 220 kms.
By Air : Nearest Airport is Delhi, 220 kms away.
By Rail : Haridwar is connected to Delhi by a daily super
fast train. Also, connected to other important Cities of India
viz, Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Howrah (Kolkata), Varanasi, Allahabad,
Ujjain, Amritsar, Dehradun, Lucknow, etc. |
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