Haridwar also called the gateway to the Gods, is situated on the right bank of the holy Ganga and is an ancient and important instagram Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand state, India Haridwar’s roots are steeped deep in culture and traditions of the ancient Vedic times. Haridwar is also, the gateway to the four major pilgrimages- the Char Dham namely Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. It is the place where the river Ganga exits the foothills of Himalaya and comes down into the plains.
The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), HarKiPauri hosts the famous Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) every evening at 7 pm, in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. The city has been under Maurya Empire and later Kushan Empire and held great importance. During the Mughal period, there was mint for Akbar’s copper coinage at Haridwar. It is said that Raja Man Singh of Amber, laid the foundation of the present-day city of Haridwar and also renovated the ghats at Har Ki Pauri. As one of the oldest living cities, according to Hindu texts, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Dakshayani (Sati), Lord Shiva’s first wife, was a ruler here.
Haridwar is famed for hosting important religious events and serving as a gateway to several prominent places of worship. Brahma Kund, the spot where the drop of Amrit (nectar) fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, “footsteps of the Lord”) and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. The city is one of the 4 locations of Kumbh Mela along with Nashik, Allahabad, and Ujjain, the largest congregation of humanity anywhere in the world ‘ is held once every 12 years, and Ardh Kumbh is held every 6 years. Tourism in Haridwar is centered around temples, the city is home to a number of temples and ashrams.
The ashrams are known as centers for teaching meditation and yoga. The ashrams are also centers for Ayurveda. This is one of the main reasons for tourist seeking spiritual enlightenment and healthy living flock to these ashrams, especially foreigners. Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, and one of the prime holy places to visit in Haridwar, alongside Chandi Devi temple. Other places worth visiting are Neel Dham, Pakshi Vihar, Bhimgoda tank, and Bharat Mata mandir. It also hosts the Kanwar Mela every year during the rainy season.
Swati Amavasya and Kartik Purnima are other major festivals. The ‘Panch Tirtha or the five pilgrimages that attract maximum pilgrims throughout the year in Haridwar, are Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple), and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi). Haridwar is home to a renowned 13th-century dargah called Piran Kaliyar. While the town experiences a moderate climate all through the year, the best time to visit Haridwar is between November and March as the weather is cool and pleasant when you can easily go out exploring places.
Haridwar, offers a range of adventurous activities too, such as trekking, rock climbing, and watersports. Tourists’ can also go on a temple hopping, go on a stroll on the sandy river banks or simply enjoy the natural environment. Those interested in shopping can buy items from shops that sell holy stones, rudraksha, books, and idols. Apart from that one can also buy beautiful Kurtas and Jhumkas from the local market. Well connected by rail, road with other major cities with air link provided by Dehradun, the city has numerous hotels, lodges, guesthouses, ashrams that provide luxuriously, mid-range, and budget accommodation.
Restaurants sell a variety of vegetarian dishes at reasonable prices. Streetfood scene here is also god with street stalls selling a variety of snacks and sweets. Haridwar being a religious city, alcoholl is banned. Haridwar has several well-known religious and general educational institutes. Haridwar is also home to a major industrial unit of BHEL with its own township.
The city is the gateway to the Chilla wildlife Sanctuary and Rajaji National Park, famed for being a natural habitat for a variety of wild animals like leopards, tigers, elephants, and other animals. It is considered a birdwatcher’s paradise and is a stopover point for migratory birds. Agriculture is the main economic activity besides tourism. The city is well suited for weekend visits for tourists whereas those seeking spiritual awakening and rejuvenation of body and soul can stay for weeks and months.
