Haridwar is titled as the gateway to God, come amongst the holy pilgrimage destinations of India. It is the place where the holy Ganga River arrives the plain from the Himalayan region. Due to blessings and holy pilgrimage and the center of Hindu religion, millions of people visits this place every year, who believe dipping in the holy river Ganga as one of the main duties of a Hindu.
Haridwar also called as Mayanagri, as it has been stated in the scriptures has been a center for the Hindu religion and theology for years. It is also the site where many of the significant Hindu festivals take place including the Magnificent Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, fascinating millions of people from each and every parts not of India only but the whole world.
Holy district Haridwar is located at Uttarakhand state in India. Holi River Ganga flows throughout 250 kms from its origin Gaumukh (Gangotri Glacier) to reach Haridwar which is the entrance of North India Plain region.
Being ancient and one of the most sacred city, Haridwar has great fame and name in India and the world as well. The miscellaneous nature of the Hindu religion attracts foreign travelers from all around the world. Foreigners always get fascinated to Haridwar because here they can thoroughly get familiar to India's composite culture, various Hindu rites and the ancient civilization. Distance from Haridwar to Rishikesh is 30 kms, 90 kms to Mussoorie and 220 kms to Delhi.
Haridwar is the main Hindu pilgrimage area where river Ganges arises from the mountains and arrives to the plain areas. Natural green forests, pure water of Holy Ganges River and foot of mountains form the appealing attractiveness of this divine city. As thousands of diyas (fire lamps) and marigold flowers float and light up the river Ganges makes the river ghats as beautiful as you imagine in your dreams. Not only divine environment you can also add some thrills in your Haridwar trip if you want as The Rajaji National Park is 10 kms far from Haridwar. It's an ultimate destination for fond of wild life and adventure. It is believed that all your sins will get diminished and you will be purified by taking dip in Holy water of Ganga River. This is the most famous and usual phrase which you can hear about Haridwar in all over India.
Chardham of Uttarakhand consist four temples Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath reside between the mountains. Haridwar is gateway to these chardham Temples. Due to some ancient believes people must visit Haridwar to take dip in Ganga River for purification before visiting these temples hence the town named as Haridwar. It is also believed that Haridwar has the blessings and presence of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, all three main Gods of hindu Religion. Thus, with all these mythological relations devoted to its name, Haridwar is over and over again referred to as 'gateway to god'.
Tourist Places in Haridwar - Attractions and Sightseeing at Haridwar
Har ki Pauri: The important site of Haridwar to visit is Har ki Pauri which is located on the banks of the holy Ganga River. This place is visited by millions of people who visit this place to take a dip in the holy river which believe to purify the soul. It is believed that this is the place where the drop of nectar fell when the ocean was whipped by gods and demons. The name Har ki Pairi or Pauri came due to the footprint of Hari that is lord Vishnu. There is a stone present which is reflected to have the foot imprint of lord Vishnu.
Mansa Devi Temple: Well known and famed temple in Haridwar, the Mansa Devi Temple is devoted to goddess Mansa Devi. The temple is positioned on top a hill and can be reached either by a cable car or by trekking. The views from the temple of the surrounding places are majestic.
Bharat Mata Mandir: Devoted to the Mother India or Bharat Mata, this is a multi-storied building with seven floors, frame statues of divinities, saints and secular heroes of all beliefs. This is a religious worship place with National Worship as well.
Daksha Mahadev Temple: The Daksha Mahadev temple is devoted to lord Shiva and King Daksha, the father of Sati. The prominent story goes that the king once organize a yagya in which he called his daughter but not her husband as he didn't like Shiva. Daksha offended Shiva and due to this Sati jumped in the holy fire of the yagya and gave up her life. The temple is the place where this incident occurred.
Rajaji National Park: To adore the wild life and natural environment in its unspoiled form, the jungle safari in Rajaji National park is an ideal adventurous activity. The fun and enjoyment of nature walks, Jungle safari by walk or by jeep at Rajaji National Park is actually overwhelming.
Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir: Bilkeshwar Mahadev is a famous temple devoted to lord Shiva and is positioned atop a hill.