Haridwar

As you step into the city of Haridwar you’ll be welcomed with the chimes of the temple bells and the religious chanting of the priests. The city has a religious significance as the holy river Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time in Haridwar. Thereby making its former name ‘Gangadwara‘ perfect in every sense.

Revered as one among the seven holiest places of India, Haridwar that literally suggests the ‘Gateway to Lord Vishnu’ is cradled on the banks of river Ganga. Haridwar is also spelled as Hardwar or Hari-Dwar.

Haridwar Pilgrimage Importance

Haridwar is often mentioned in ancient scriptures and even referred during the British times. With Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad, Haridwar forms the four important pilgrimage centres of India where Kumbh Mela is celebrated here after every 3 years rotated over these 4 destinations. Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in Haridwar in 2022. Haridwar is referred as the Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokhsadwar in ancient writings.

Enrapture in the peace and tranquillity of Haridwar- The Gateway to Gods

Haridwar serves as the Gateway to the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. The ‘Panch Tirth’ or the five pilgrimages located within the periphery of Haridwar are Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi).

Other famous attractions include the Chandi Devi temple, Maya Devi temple, Piran Kaliyar, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, Bhimgoda Tank, Bharat Mata Mandir etc. Haridwar is one of the best places to head to if you are in a quest for peace and spirituality. One can do temple hopping, stroll along the river banks, have a holy dip in the Ganges or enjoy the serene atmosphere of the heavenly place.

You can visit some of the sacred Hindu temples and ashrams or rejuvenate your senses at the Ayurveda and Yoga centres. The auspicious Ganga Arti held at Har ki Pauri is a sight to behold, as the city is drenched in the divine aura of the glittering diyas and the ambiance is accentuated by the chanting of the mantras to appease the gods.

The tiny diyas bedecked by flowers appear as if thousands of lamps are set to float in the river. Haridwar also has a lot in store for the adventure enthusiasts as Rajaji National Park and Rishikesh are located on the outskirts of Haridwar.