The Places to Visit in Haridwar

Popularly known as 'the Gateway to the Gods', Haridwar is situated at the base of the Shivalik hills, where the mighty Ganga, flows down from the lap of great Himalayas. As per the Hindu mythology, Haridwar is fortuned with the footprints of the angelic Gods, thereby representing the land as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar. This prominent Hindu pilgrimage destination is the gateway to other three prominent holy chardham destinations of Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The godly land scintillates during the famous Kumbh mela, organized by devotees after every 12 years and also with the similar Ardha Kumbha Mela is held after every six years. Pilgrims welcome the daily dusk with an eventing aarti on the bank of the pious river Ganga, which is believed to carry the stone cuts marked with the footprints of Lord Vishnu. This beautiful has been grabbing million people since the period of Lord Buddha and till today, the place holds all its religious and cultural aspects in a unique style

Maya Devi Shrine
Dedicated to the Goddess Maya Devi, this temple is the third ancient temple of Haridwar. It lies in the vertex of the Siddhapeeth triangle and the divine premises of the temple is believed to have been blessed with the heart and navel of Goddess Sati.

Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi templeis located upon the Neel Parvat Hardwar and was set up in 1929 by the Maharaja of Kashmire. This ancient Hindu Shrine stands across the holy Ganga and is devoted to goddess Durga. The temple is believed to be a divine place where the aspirations of devotees are gratified by Goddess Chandi. Visitors can enjoy a 45 minute climbing to reach the holy steps.

Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple was built in the late 1983, as a tribute to 'Mother India'. Measuring 180 ft. in height this eight-storied religious shrine was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri . The temple treasures the heroic images of important historical figures and Hindu deities. Shanti Kunj ashram, within the temple premise acts as a spa with yoga classes and natural treatments.

Famous Ghats
Haridwar is marked with some famous Ghats which have been drowned with the sacred belief of the devotees. One among the many is the Gau Ghat and a shower here is believed to washes away all the sins of slaughtering cows. Other religious Ghats are Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha, Gangadwara, Kusavarta and Hari-ki-Pauri. Every year lakhs of pilgrims visit the banks, splurge themselves into the holy water and receive a feeling of contentment and achievement.

Stay at Haridwar
The Hindu Pilgrimage centre, Haridwar is dotted with a number of hotels. Almost all the place of stay are located nearby the railway station, airport and bus stand. Visitors can book rooms in the Government approved hotel like the Sagar Ganga Hotel or can pay for a comfortable stay in Classic hotel situated at the Jwalapur Road, Hotel Kailash at the Railway Road or at Hotel Aditya Deluxe at Vishnu Ghat.

Popular Excursions from Haridwar
Dehra Dun
The capital town of the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The place is sprawled at the high hills of the Garhwal and is just 52 km away from Haridwar. The place hihly visited by the trekkers and mountaineers coming from all corners of the globe.

Mussoorie
A soothing hill station Mussoorie is positioned in the Garhwal Hills in Uttaranchal. It is located 90 km from the pilgrimage centre of Haridwar. The picture perfect hillstation is blessed with the exquisite beauty of Shiwalik hills and Doon valley, which receives the quiet shower of snow and captivates the tourist mind since ages.

Rishikesh

During your pilgrimage travel in Haridwar, you can also visit the holy town of Rishikesh. The sacred town of Rishikesh is located just 24km away from Haridwar. Residing in the circuit of Lower Himalayas, the scenic beauty in and around the Rishikesh is greatly enhanced with the flow of river Ganga. This land of peace is notable for a number of Hindu Ashrams and Yoga institutes. Rating as the most sought after site for spiritual followers, tthis place is also looked at by adventure sport lovers.

Nanital
Your visit in the state of Uttarakhand gets worthwhile with a trip in Nainital. The place pearsched at an altitude of 1938m is one of the picturesque land embellished with lofty mountains and lusy greenery. A delightful attention comes with a step towards Naini Lake, Nainidevi temple and the outstanding snow point, which offers a few adventure sport to the sightseers.

Piran Kalier
Located 23 Kms to the South of the pilgrimage town of Haridwar, is the Piran Kalier. The place is popular for the Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahmed 'Sabir'. This must visit place is famed for power of God and both the devotees of Hindu-Muslim community visit the place with great religious thoughts. The aura gets jazzed with celebrating Urs dated in the Rabeeull month of Islamic calender.

Popular Shopping Centres in Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the holiest pilgrimage towns in India. The pilgrimage center in and around the town offers a number of shops availed with interesting items of religious interest. Other items like the Imitation jewellery, decorative handicraft items and stone carvings are some must-buy things. The Popular shopping centre in Haridwar include Moti Bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur and Kankhal. One can also visit the Government Handloom, Handicrafts Emporiums and the Gandhi Ashram to grab the best items.

Haridwar Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air :The nearest Airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun and is 52 km away from the town.. Visitors can opt to reach Delhi by rail or road and then catch a flight from Delhi to Haridwar.

By Rail :Rail is the most convenient path to reach Haridwar. A number of railway junction connects the town with different parts of the country. Some of them are the Ujjaini Express, Uttaranchal Express, Haridwar Allahabad Express and many more.

By Road : You can also travel to Haridwar by road. National Highway 45 passes through the Haridwar town and connects Delhi. Also a number of State transport buses, delux buses and private taxis are available for a long distance travel from Delhi to the destination.

Haridwar from Major Cities

• Delhi - 214 km
  
• Rishikesh - 24 km
  
• Dehradun - 52 km
  
• Mussoorie - 90 km
  
• Yamunotri - 240 km
  
• Kedarnath - 250 km
  
• Badrinath - 290 km