Haridwar “locally known as Hardwar” serves as Gateway to God, is one of the Holiest Hindu cities of India and Uttarakhand. It is located on the banks of River Ganges (Ganga), at the point where the Ganges enters the Indo-Gangetic North Indian plains for the first time. It is known as Gangadwara in the ancient period because of the ‘Panch Tirth’ or the five pilgrimages located within the verge of Haridwar and they are Har Ki Pauri, Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi).

 

Haridwar serves a gateway to God “Chardham of Uttarakhand Dev Bhoomi “Chota Char Dham, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath”. It is one of the four places where Kumbh Mela is held in rotation after every twelve years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. The last Purna Kumbh Mela held in Haridwar was in 2010. Ardh Kumbh occurred in 2016 and the next Puna Kumbh will be in 2022. 

 

Haridwar is not the only abode of god and spirituality but also serves for learning science and art, culture, Ayurvedic medicines, herbal remedies and Yoga, very old and first IIT. Popular Rajaji National Park is just 10 KM far from the main city which is a perfect location for wildlife adventure lovers.

 

How to Visit Haridwar

Haridwar is around 200 km far from Delhi, the capital of India and is very well connected by a motorable road “National Highway” and rail network from all parts of India. 

One should avoid traveling to Haridwar during the Hindu month of Sawan (around July) since there is a heavy crowd and all-important roads are blocked and most of the hotels/busses/trains are crowded. 

To visit from Delhi to Haridwar you can rent a cab/car, or you can visit by plane or train.

 

By Plain:

Nearest Airport in Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport which is around 35 -38 KM away from Haridwar.

By Train:

Haridwar Junction is well connected with all the major and frequent Train from Delhi and all over the country.

 

Places to Visit In Haridwar

1. Har-ki-Pauri: Har ki Pauri is a Haridwar focal point located in the north of the center, where all the devotees gather to bathe and worship on the Ganges. According to legend, this is where a drop of nectar fell from the churning of the oceans when the world was created, and a stone wall has Vishnu’s footprint.

 

1. Maya Devi Mandir: It is seated on the upper road. Because of this temple, Haridwar derives its other name Mayapur.

 

1. Mansa Devi Mandir: It is sited at atop a hill near the center of town. One can reach here by cable car/Ropeway or by a road that gently winds uphill (about 2 km). It is one of the Panch Tirth of Haridwar.

 

1. Bharat Mata Mandir: It is just 5 km north of the center of the city.

 

1. Chandi Devi Mandir: It is around 8-9 KM far from Haridwar railway station, You can visit this temple by ropeway or by rode using a personal car or taxi service. It is one of the five Panch Tirth.

 

1. Daksh Mandir: It is situated 7-8 km from Haridwar railway station, You can hire a rickshaw or an auto to reach this temple.

 

1. Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir: is also one of the five panch birth is a Shiva temple located on a hill.