HARIDWAR TOURISM Location : 41 Kms from Dehradun District : Haridwar District Known As : Gateway to the Gods Attractions : Temples, Ghats, Rituals

The Most Important Activity in Haridwar - Maha Aarti

Dehradun Rishikesh Badrinath

Mussoorie Kedarnath Almora

Nainital Ranikhet Mukteshwar

Haridwar - The Gateway to the Gods

Get uplifted in the spiritual ambiance by choosing Haridwar tourism for your holiday in Uttaranchal, the divine path to the homes of God. Travel to Haridwar the most popular destination in North India and make a pilgrimage tour to famous Chardham, Yamunotri, Gangatori, Badrinath, Kedarnath. Haridwar tourism holds the attractions of various temples arrayed on Ganga ghats,  Khumbh Mela and and ashrams replete with their yoga and meditation sessions. This temple town has developed as an important centre of religion and you cannot miss seeing the Gurukul traditions of teaching, that are still practiced in the various ashrams across the city. Haridwar is also a gateway to many famous hill-stations of India, take an excursion tour from Haridwar and visit the other famous places in Uttaranchal – Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Haridwar is an important town of Uttaranchal, not only in terms of sanctity but historical mythologies as well. A trip to Haridwar will give you a chance to get bowled over by the divine atmosphere at the Ganga Ghats when whole environment is baptized into the magical flames of evening aarti (a holy flame) that holds perfect harmony of peace and spirituality with the cosmos, a sight not to be missed. It is this historic time of the evening when the blue of the Ganges are filled with the golden of the prayer diyas making them appear like channel of stars floating in the dark.

Major Haridwar Attractions

Famous Ganga Ghat During Kumbh Mela

Pilgrim Destinations

Kumbh Mela

Gangotri Yamunotri

Ganga Ghats - The Golden Beauty

Visit the most popular ghats on the banks of river Ganges, the main attractions of Haridwar tourism. The city is blessed by the presence of pious river Ganga which has the credence of having power to purify souls. As per the Hindu mythology, one should take a dip in its holy waters, to curb the body of all sins. Visit these Ganga ghats during the morning when the mist gives way to the rising sun. There are many magical moments in store for the visitors, do not be surprised with a sight of a  priest standing in Ganga worshiping the Sun God, his daily chore. People engaged in taking bath or performing rituals. Haridwar is all about spirituality and holiness so it becomes inevitable that every corner of this pilgrimage town is drenched in holiness. All the shopaholics should not fret, as just close to the Ganga ghats, there is a bustling bazaar showcasing all that enchants its visitor. From here, one can shop for various handicrafts, holy books, metal-wear and other souvenirs. The best time to visit these ghats is during the evenings when the 'Aarti' takes place in various temples perched on the doorsteps of Ganga. The major attraction of this 'Maha Aarti' performed on the Hari ki Pauri ghat lies in the sight of thousands of earthen pots lighted together that floats on the river and the shimmering Ganges with its personified reflection enlightens the dark cloak of night. A sight that will leave you spellbound. Boatmen carrying flowers, people lighting lamps and making wishes, is a common sight. You too should light a diya and make a wish. They do come true!!!

After all the rituals and rites have been performed, all the hullabaloo has died down, a strange solace descends upon Haridwar. Soon the sunlight hands over the reign to the night. Darkness engulfs the town only to brim to life again the next morning. The pilgrimage destination of Haridwar is a must visit for all the people who are planning to visit India.

Haridwar During the Kumbh Mela is More Than Pilgrimage

The temple city of Haridwar has been the reason for people of all faiths to kowtow since ages. Travel to Haridwar, one of the most important pilgrim destinations in India. Undertake Haridwar tourism during the famous festival of Kumbh Mela, when a unique sense of religiosity plunges the whole town. Held once in twelve years, the town is throng with thousand of devotees coming from all over the world to participate in this mega event. During Maha Kumbh Mela special facilities are provided by the Uttaranchal Tourism, watch the crowd who gather during this time to sanctify themselves by taking holy dips in the Ganges. This is one of the largest congregations of mankind in the world. Take up pilgrimage tours of Haridwar to enjoy your festive holidays in this holy town of Uttaranchal.

The Spiritual Representation of Haridwar - Naga Sadhus

Other Travel Attractions of Haridwar

The most famous attractions of Haridwar are the hundred of temples dotted in the town, every ninth of town is spotted with a temple holding its own sanctity. Visit the most famous Gorakhnath Temple, Parmeshwar Mahadev Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Pawan Dham temple and Kanhal Temple rich in their architecture splendor. One of the prime attractions of Haridwar tourism is the Mansa Devi ropeway. Don’t miss the chance to reach the unattainable heights. Famous Mansa Devi temple can be reached through this rope way, it is an exciting tour of half an hour, about 540 mts long and 178 mts high. The view of Haridwar from this rope way is just panoramic, the glistering Ganges, the green mountain ranges at the backdrop and of course the view of Mansa Devi.

While on Haridwar tourism, the best thing you can savor is herbal treatment and various Ayurvedic regimes that are sure to revive your body and senses. There are many ashrams that conduct these classes and are an attraction in themselves. Gurukul Kangri Ashram is the place in Haridwar where Ayurvedic treatments are done. The Uttaranchal Tourism board makes special arrangements for Ayurveda classes, but one needs to book in advance.

Among the major attractions of Ashrams, Haridwar has Jairam Ashram and Kanva Rishio Ashram, which have magnificent heritage of Hindu mythology. For all those who want to enjoy some wildlife safari, can go to Rajaji Park, which is just at a stone's throw away.

Getting There : Reaching the Land of Divinity

Haridwar which means 'Gateway to God', is truly one. There are multitudinous excursions that begin from Haridwar for Rishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath. Various other important destinations are also in close vicinity to Haridwar. Travel to the famous pilgrim destination of Haridwar which can be reached from all the parts of the country. Haridwar is well connected via airways. The Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is at a convenient distance from Haridwar. Regular flights are available from Delhi and other important cities of India.
You can also pick the option of railways that connect Haridwar to almost all the parts of the country. As it is an important pilgrimage centre in India, there are numerous trains available for reaching Haridwar from New Delhi. Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi are also connected by regular trains. As far as road ways are concerned, NH 54 links up Haridwar to Delhi. Other network of roads also connect Haridwar to different parts of the state as well as country.