Haridwar

Haridwar in Uttar Pradesh is the heart to the piligrimage centers of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand Haridwar has been a holy place of pilgrimage from time immemorial. Haridwar is also known as Gangadwar and Tapovan Haridwar is situated on the right bank of the river Ganga at the base of the Shivalik Mountains. In the ancient days it was known as Mayapuri. On every twelth year when Kumbh is held in Haridwar thousands of pilgrims throng to Haridwar. Pilgrims come here in search of salvation from wordly sins.

Haridwar is also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held once in every 12 and 6 years respectively. Millions of devotees assemble here during this auspicious occasion and take a dip in the holiest river of India. It is said that drops of amrit (nectar) obtained after the 'Sagar Manthan' fell at four places Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik and the Kumbh fair is held at these four sacred sites.

Haridwar Stats

District Headquarters: Haridwar
Area: 2360 sq km
Total Population: 14,47,187
Literacy: 64.60%

Places to Visit in Haridwar

Har ki Pauri: This most sacred Ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhatrihari, who is said to have meditated on the banks of Ganga in Haridwar. It is also known as Brahamakund and is the site for the famous Kumbh Mela. Large number of devotees take a holy dip in Ganga over here.
The evening Ganga Aarti provides a truly enchanting experience as large lumber of ornate oil lamps (diyas) with dozens of flames burning in pure ghee are offered to Mother Ganga accompanied with devotional songs and prayers. A temple on the river bank here is said to have an imprint of Lord Hari's footprint.

Maya Devi Temple: The ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is regarded as one of the Siddhapeethas and according to mythology the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen over here.

Mansa Devi Temple: It is perched atop the Bilwa Parwat and can be reached by a rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars or on foot. A statue of the Goddess here has three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. The temple commands a fine view of Haridwar.

Gurukul Kangri University: This old centre of herbal medicine and traditional studies is located on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. The Ved Mandir Museum here exhibits archaeological exhibits.

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest airport for Haridwar is Jolly Grant (41 kms)

By Rail: Connected with major cities of India- Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Agra, Varanasi, Allahabad, Ujjain, Amritser, Dehradun, Lucknow, etc.

By Road: Hardwar lies on N. H. 45 and is connected to all major cities. Delhi (214 kms), Agra (386 kms) Ambala (168 kms), Badrinath (325 kms), Dehradun (52 kms), Kedarnath (250 kms), Saharanpur (81 kms), Nainital (286 kms)