Haridwar, the sacred city lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. One of the most popular destinations of spiritual tourism, Haridwar is the gateway to the other Himalayan pilgrimage shrines -Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath.Haridwar is famous for the Kumbha Mela, which happens once in twelve years.

History of Haridwar

The holy city of Haridwar is exalted in the ancient scriptures and epics as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokshadwar and so on. Haridwar has always occupied a paramount place in the thought of India's traditional Hindus that it has earned it the honor, `the gateway to the Gods'. Legend has it that the holy Ganga, the holiest of all rivers,
which flows through this sacred city has actually been sanctified by the powerful Trinity of Hindu mythology and the center of the pantheon - Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.Haridwa r has always retained its spiritual status and has also evolved as a center of learning especially fostering the Gurukul tradition and as a great source for Ayurvedic medicine and herbal remedies.

Attractions of Haridwar

The tourist attractions in Haridwar are the temples and the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims come to attend the Kumbh Mela, which happens once in every twelve years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which falls every six months. The city of Haridwar gets a magical aura in the evenings when the ghats are filled with the offerings of flowers and diyas (lighted lamps) floating on the waters of the Ganga.
The attractions in Haridwar are the Hari-ki-Pairi, the most popular bathing ghat in Haridwar. The Maha Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years and an estimated 45 million people converge to bathe here in the sacred waters of the Ganges as part of a purification ritual. Haridwar has a number of temples like the Gorakhnath temple with an imposing edifice dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath.The Kankhal temples include the Birbhadreshwar Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple and Sati Kund. Legend has it, that Daksh Prajapati, Sati's father, performed a yagna at this place to which he did not invite Lord Shiva. Sati, feeling insulted, consequently, burnt herself in the Yagna Kund, here. Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa Devi who is believed to grant the wishes of her devotees. A ropeway connects this temple to the main town. Bhimganag tank is believed to have been made by Bhim with a jab of his knee, when the Pandavas were going to the Himalayas through Haridwar.It is a delight to view the canal and the ghats of Haridwar from the canal Centenary Bridge. The Parmarth Ashram has a beautiful image of Goddess Durga and the Pawan Dham ashram is famous for its Hanuman Temple built with pieces of glass.

Other attractions in Haridwar are The Gurukul Kripa University known for its ancient the ancient tradition of Guru-Sishya pattern of education. The institution also has the Ved Mandir Museum which is has a very good collection of artifacts and archaeological exhibits. For birdwatchers, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar if the place for you. If you are lucky you will chance upon a Siberian Crane, one of the rare visitors to this place during the migratory season. For a breathtaking view of Haridwar you should go to Beauty Point.

Excursions from Haridwar

Excursions can be made from Haridwar to Rishikesh, 24 kms from Haridwar, one of the popular pilgrimage centers of the hindus. Mussorie about 89 kms from Haridwar is a beautiful hill station known for its salubrious climate. Just 54 kms from Haridwar is Dehradun, another hill station with mesmerizing beauty.

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