Haridwar
Haridwar Tourism
If you are planning a spiritual escapade tour, visit Haridwar, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, and fondly known as the “Gateway to God”. This is where the sacred River Ganges emerges from the Himalayas, and at the famous bathing ghat called Har-ki-Pauri, devotees assemble in large numbers to take a dip and cleanse themselves of all sins. Visit it in the evening though when the aarti is held, and you are treated to a visual spectacle. Haridwar also finds a mention in Garuda Purana (a Hindu religious text) as one of the seven holiest cities in India.
You find yourself crossing narrow lanes which look like they have remained unchanged for thousands of years. Among the top tourist attractions in Haridwar are ashrams and temples, with some of them as ancient as the city itself. Some of the popular tourist attractions that you can visit with Haridwar tour packages are Bharat Mata Mandir, Sapta Rishi Ashram, Maya Devi Temple and Bhimgoda Tank. Once every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela is held, and it is a time when the city teems with millions.
How to Reach Haridwar?
Haridwar is one of the travel destinations in Uttarakhand which is easily accessible by different modes of transport.
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is located almost 43 kilometers from Haridwar. It takes around one to one and a half hours to reach Haridwar from the airport. Taxis are readily available outside the airport.
The pilgrimage town of Haridwar is well connected to several cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Patna and Ahmedabad via train. Hence, travelling to Haridwar via train is both feasible as well as comfortable.
Private buses and taxis ply from nearby states like New Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to Haridwar. One can also take an overnight road trip to reach Haridwar from these states.
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
Haridwar is a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand that welcomes you wholeheartedly throughout the year. While the winters (October-February) are cold, summers (March-June) are moderately warm. While monsoons (July-September) are marked by heavy rainfall, several religious events like Kanwar Mela are organized during this time.
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Summer
Summers begin in March in Haridwar, and last until June. Temperatures can reach as high as 40 degrees during the summers during the day, but the evenings and nights are cooler. May and June are considered the hottest months. People planning a tour to Hardiwar during these months can be a part of Ram Navami celebrations and Saavan festival. If you plan to visit Haridwar during the summers, you should carry sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and clothes that cover most parts of your body.
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Monsoon
Monsoons arrive in Haridwar in July. Despite some inconveniences such as roadblocks, you can visit Haridwar during monsoons. This is also the time when Haridwar celebrates Kanwar Mela.
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Winter
There is a nip in the air by late October in Himachal Pradesh. December and January are the coldest months in Haridwar, and are ideal for enjoying boat rides and sightseeing. The temperature can plummet to 8 degrees during this time. The days are comfortably warm while the nights are cool and breezy. Do not forget to pack woollens if you plan to visit it during winters.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Haridwar
Haridwar is an extremely famous pilgrimage destination and offers plenty of interesting places for its visitors. From bathing ghats to century-old temples and beautiful viewpoints, Hardiwar has a wide variety of experiences in store for visitors.
Har Ki Pauri
There is something in the chaos at Har-ki-Pauri that pulls you towards it. Located on the banks of River Ganges, tourists take a holy dip here, believing it to cleanse them of all sins. As the evening progresses, the ringing of bells and chanting of mantras reverberate in the air.
Mansa Devi Temple
Dedicated to one of the strongest forms of Shakti, Mansa Devi occupies a special place in the hearts of devotees. Every year, thousands of people pay a visit to Mansa Devi temple which is also one among the five pilgrimages or ‘Panch Tirth’ in Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple
Perched on the Shivalik Hills’ Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi is a Siddha Peeth in Haridwar where devotees offer their prayers to Goddess Chanda Devi. The zenith of Chandi Devi temple could be also reached via ropeway ride. The ride is filled with adventure and offers enchanting views of the mountains.
Patanjali Yogpeeth
Established by Baba Ramdev in the year 2006, the Patanjali Yogpeeth is a research and medical institute in yoga and Ayurveda. It is one of the finest places for people who are keen to know more about Ayurveda and yoga. People visit Yogpeeth for medications and treatments.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Daksha Mahadev Mandir is one of the oldest pilgrimage destinations for Shaivites. Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva are the chief deities of the temple. It is named after the father of Goddess Sati, King Daksha Prajapati. An interesting thing about the Daksha Mahadev Temple is that its walls depict different episodes of King Daksha’s yajna story.
Sapt Rishi Ashram
Sapt Rishi Ashram was established in 1943 by Goswami Guru Dutt. The ashram has well conserved spaces where the seven sages, namely Gautam, Bhardwaj, Jamadagni, Vishwamitra, Atri, Vashishta, and Kashyapa.
Maya Devi
Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Maya, the temple is one of the three Shakti Peethas, and is believed to be the site where the navel and heart of Goddess Sati had fallen. The temple houses Goddess Maya along with two other deities, namely, Kamakhya and Kali.
Bhimgoda Tank
Named after Bheem, one of the 5 Pandava brothers, the tank is located near Birla Ghat in Haridwar. It is decorated with lush green gardens, flower beds and water fountains that surround the tank. Bhimgoda tank is filled with the blessed waters of the Ganges, and is a popular tourist spot.
Where to Stay in Haridwar?
Haridwar, the city of Ganges, welcomes every visitor with open arms. From Ashrams, low and mid-budget hotels to luxury hotels, you will find different types of accommodations. People usually prefer staying at ashrams so as to enjoy the simplicity of the place. There are ample accommodation options in Haridwar. You can select your place of stay depending on how long you wish to stay, budget, and of course your preference, you can select your place of stay.
Travel Tips: Top 5 Things to Know Before Visiting Haridwar
- You should wear appropriate clothing. Women could wear ethnic clothes or simple jeans-top whereas men could wear kurta-pyjama or trousers with shirt, etc.
- While taking a dip in the River Ganges at Har-Ki-Pauri, make sure you’ve secured your belongings beforehand. You will always find a sizable crowd on any given day, and it is better to look after your belongings carefully.
- Auto rickshaws are one of the best ways of moving around the city. You will find plenty of them, they are fast, efficient and convenient.
- The speed of the flow of water might change anytime. Therefore, hold the chains that are provided at the ghat to be doubly safe. Do not let your children go alone for a dip. Hold their hands and always be careful.
- Chotiwala restaurant is one of the famous eateries in Haridwar’s market near Har Ki Pauri. Do not forget to grab a bite over here.
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