If you are looking for a spiritual upliftment or just some peace and insight into yourself then you should travel to Haridwar. This sacred city lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. 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.

Haridwar has a rich past from the aeons. Haridwar is exalted in the ancient scriptures and epics as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokshadwar and so on. 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.

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. Haridwar has a number of temples like the Gorakhnath temple, the Kankhal temples and the Mansa Devi Temple. Then there is the 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 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 can be made 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.

Being a destination for pilgrimage tourism, shopping in Haridwar is not on the itinerary of the tourist. However shops in Haridwar have some interesting things to offer to the tourist. In Haridwar, you will find neatly and intricately carved stone idols, which make unique souvenirs. It is fascinating that these stones have traversed with Ganga all along and they are eventually deposited in Rishikesh as the river enters the plains. This gives the stones amazing shapes and a natural polish. Besides idols, there are kitchen set toys made from stone, which are interesting buys.

If you are looking forward to a peaceful stay with only the resounding prayers and chants breaking this calmness, then the hotels in Haridwar provide the right ambience for you. Hotels in Haridwar are equipped to accommodate the flocks of pilgrims who come to this sacred city, known for its spiritual tourism.

For more information or to book a tour, please fill up the form below.
TRAVEL TO HARIDWAR  |  HOW TO REACH HARIDWAR  |  TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN HARIDWAR  |  HOTELS IN HARIDWAR  |  SHOPPING IN HARIDWAR