Best & Famous Places to Visit in Haridwar

Haridwar

Haridwar: Haridwar at a glance

Situated on the Ganga’s right bank, Haridwar marks the point where the river empties into the northern plain. It is said that when the gods left their footprints on the land of Haridwar metamorphically they also left an indelible mark in the spiritual ethos of every Hindu – more so the devout, who would later follow their holy paths all across this blessed land associated with both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Haridwar is among the seven sacred cities of India. It is also one of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela held that holds promise of salvation for devotees, Haridwar is also a centre of herbal medicine and traditional studies at Gurukul Kangri. There are many places of scenic beauty on the outskirts of the town.

 

How to reach there

Air: Nearest airport Dheradun : 35 kms.

Rail: Convenient rail connections to all major cities.

Road: Haridwar on highway no. 45 is connected to all major centres on the region.

Places of Interest

Temples: Chandi Devi, Bharat Mata, Mansa Devi, Maya Devi , Vaishnodevi and Vilveshwar Mahadev.

Ashrams: Shanti Kunj, Parmarth Niketan, Prem Nagar Ashram, Akhandparam Dham, Maa Anand Mai Ashram.

Yoga Centres: Yogadham, Arya Nagar, Ram Mulakh Durbar, Kankhal; Maha Prabhu Yoga and Natural Medical Centre; Yoga Study Centre.

Devotional Diversions: Haridwar

 

Har-ki-Pairi:

 

 

The town on the west bank of the river centres on this place where Vishnu is believed to have left his footprint. At this part of the Ganga has been diverted.

Manav Kalayan Ashram:

 

 

This Ashram has all the twenty-four avatars of God with the images of Lord Shiva and Lord Lrishna depicted as Ardhnarishwar.

Mansa Devi Temple:

 

It is accessible by vehicle, foot, or ropeway and is located on the Vilwa Parvati. Located atop a hill above the city, this temple honors Shiva’s spouse in her Shakti Devi form, aptly named “The Inaccessible.” There are vendors lining the walkway leading up to the chairlift, offering brightly packed prasad for worshiping the goddess.

Chandi Devi:

 

Across the main Ganga river on the other bank is the Neel Parvati. Neel Hill erected The famous Chandi Devi Temple. 4 kms southeast of Haridwar by Raja Suchet Sing of Kashmir in 1929. One has to trek at least three kms. on the hill to reach it. Other temples in close vicinity on the hill itself are the temples of Gauri Shankar.

Bharat Mata Mandir:

 

Mother India temple is also know as Bharat Mata Mandir. It features a huge map of undivided India carved in marble, symbolizing national unity and cultural diversity.

Patanjali Yogpeeth:

Founded by Swami Ramdev, this institution promotes yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional Indian medicines. It offers yoga classes, wellness programs, and houses a research institute focused on ancient Indian sciences.

Best 10 Hotels in Haridwar:

1. Aalia Resort
2. Radisson Blu Hotel Haridwar
3. Ganga Lahari by Leisure Hotels
4. Haveli Hari Ganga by Leisure Hotels
5. The Haveli Hari Ganga
6. The Amaris Hotel
7. Regenta Orko’s Haridwar by Royal Orchid Hotels
8. Ganga Kinare – A Riverside Boutique Hotel
9. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Haridwar
10. Hotel Ganga Sadan

 

Natural Wonders and Serenity: Haridwar

 

Rajaji National Park:

For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Rajaji National Park is a must. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. Jeep safaris and nature walks allow visitors to explore its wilderness.

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar:

This bird sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers, especially during the winter months when migratory birds flock here. Located near Bhimgoda Barrage, it offers serene views of the Ganges and an opportunity to witness diverse avian species.

Delving into Local Culture

 

Local Bazaars:

 

Haridwar’s bustling markets offer a variety of local handicrafts, religious artifacts, and traditional attire. The Moti Bazaar and Bara Bazaar are popular spots where visitors can shop for souvenirs and taste local street food like aloo puri and jalebi.

Kumbh Mela:

 

 

Haridwar is one of the four locations where the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, takes place. Held every twelve years, with the Ardh Kumbh Mela every six years, it attracts millions of pilgrims who come to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges to cleanse themselves of sins and attain spiritual liberation.

Kawad Yatra:

 

Every year, during the Hindu month of Shravan (July–August), devotees of Lord Shiva embark on the Kawad Yatra, an annual pilgrimage across India. Pilgrims, known as Kawadiyas, travel on foot to collect holy water from the Ganges River at Haridwar or Gaumukh in the Himalayas. They carry the water in pots suspended from a bamboo pole, often adorned with decorative ornaments. The yatra is a demonstration of devotion and penance, with participants enduring hardships along the journey.

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