To infuse your travel with spirituality, there is no other destination than Haridwar, a gateway to god. The experience evokes a sense of peace, a feeling of awe and you will literally feel that you have landed in the land of gods.
Located at a height of 249.7 meters above sea level and spread across an area of 2360 sq km, Haridwar is a hub of temples. It is also renowned world over for the famous Kumbh Mela that takes place once in twelve years.
Besides, Haridwar opens the doors to Char Dham - the four religious centres Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The River Ganges enters North India for the first time in Haridwar before moving downwards and that's how the name Gangadwara came into existence.
As far as connectivity to this place is concerned, there is nothing to worry; buses and trains are available 24/7 to the capital and other parts of country. Unlike popular belief, Haridwar today is not just visited by aged pilgrims.
Many youngsters visit Haridwar for religious reasons and move on to follow their adventurous pursuits too.
Must visit: Mansadevi Temple is quite popular here and is on a hill top. There is a rope way through the beautiful flower garden to go to the hill top which also gives a panoramic view of Haridwar, the Ganges, and the countryside.
Chandi Devi temple: Built in 1929 by Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir, Chandi Devi Temple is situated on the top of Neel Parvat. The temple is also known as Neel Parvat Teerth which is one of the Panch Tirth within Haridwar.
Har ki Pauri: One of the most popular ghats in Haridwar is Har ki Pauri. Constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari, it is a calm and serene place. This can also be called as the 'bathing ghat' as every day hundreds of people take a dip in the water of the Ganges. It is believed that if one takes a bath in the river Ganga with family and friends all your sins will be washed away.
The Aarti: The aarti near the river Ganges leaves an imprint that is difficult to forget. The euphoria during the aarti is amazing as a large number of people gather on both the banks of river Ganges to offer prayer.
Vaishno Devi temple: Vaishno Devi Temple is another place one should opt for as it resembles the original Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir.
Maya Devi temple: Maya Devi Temple is another well known temple as it is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri.
Rishikesh:Rishikesh is just 28 km from Haridwar.
Local Travel: If you want to travel within the temple city, go for the tongawallas. It will give you a feel of the olden era.