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Haridwar

General Information
District: Haridwar, State: Uttarakhand, India
Area: 12 Sq. Km.
Languages Spoken: Hindi, English, and Garwali.
Long Distance Code: +91-1334
Importance: An important Hindu pilgrimage site

Description
Haridwar is at the point where the river spreads over the northern plain. It lies at the base of the Shivalik Hills where the Ganga passes through its last gorge and begins a 2000 km journey across the plains. One of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, held once in twelve years, it is among the seven sacred cities of India. Legend: A footprint, claimed to be Vishnu's, exists on the bank of the holy river giving Haridwar (Vishnu's gate) its sanctity. Therefore the holy dip at Har-Ki-Pairi is a must for every devotee. Situated at the confluence of the rivers, Chandrabhaga and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre.
Location
The holy city of Haridwar is located in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal at a distance of 214 km from Delhi. Haridwar extends from latitude 29° 58' in the north to longitude 78°13' in the east. The place is well connected to other cities of north India by road and train.

Mansa Devi Temple

Atop a hill, namely Mansa Pahar overlooking Haridwar, this temple is dedicated to the goddess who makes wishes true. A ropeway to the heart of town connects it. A view from the cable car is breath taking and the up and down journey is well worth even if you are not a devotee. It is a 5-minute journey each way and the return trip costs Rs. 20. The temple is open from 8 am to noon and again from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Gorakhnath Temple

This is an imposing edifice dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath on the main road leading to Har-ki-Pauri. As might be expected in such an ancient pilgrim centre, Haridwar has temples for all devotees, all shades of religious persuasions under that great umbrella of faith called Hinduism.

Kankhal Temples

Kankhal Temples are 3 km from Haridwar; Kankhal is now a part of the city. There are a number of famous temples here including The Deksheshwar Temple and the Birbhadreshwar Temple.

Chandi Devi Temple

This temple is 6 km. from Haridwar on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat, on the other side of the river Ganga. The story goes that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the demons Shumbh-Nishumbh were killed by Goddess Chandi hence the name Chandi Devi. It also said that Adi Shankaracharya established the original statute of Chandi in 8th century AD. The King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, constructed the temple in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat. Chandi Devi Temple is now accessible by a ropeway also, by the name of Chandi Devi Udankhatola, which starts near Gauri Shankar Temple. The length of Ropeway is 740 m and height 208 m. There is a dense forest on the other side of the hill inhabited by elephants and other wild animals.

Ardh Kumbh

Though all the Hindu festivals are celebrated here with pomp and gaiety, it is the Ardh Kumbh, which attracts the mind of any tourist to this place. The Ardh Kumbh is held every six years and the last Ardh Kumbha of this century ended this year. It is said that a holy dip in the river Ganges during the Kumbh gives you Mocha or Nirvana. People gather in huge number to take the holy dip during these holy days. There are Saints, Naga Sadhus, Politicians almost every one is here. The city is overflowing with people. If going to Haridwar during the Ardh Kumbh then avoid the over crowded ghats. Every there are reports of stampedes and the various factions or Akharas of Sadhus clash with each other. Ensure your accommodation well in advance if going during the Kumbh.

Har ki Pauri

This is the heart of Haridwar. It has got its name Har ki Pauri as the Hindu God Hari descended to this place. The glimpses of Ma Ganga have unique significance here. The Hindus regard this Ghat as the most sacred Ghat. It is also famous as Brahmkund. As the name signifies, it is believed that the Hindu God Brahma descended on this place and from that time this place is known as Brahmkund. It is this Brahmkund where every Hindu wishes to take a dip at least once in lifetime to reserve a place in heaven. Har-ki-Pauri is also the scene of a memorable ritual every evening. After sunset, before disciplined ranks of devotees, Aarti is celebrated.

The Ghats

Virtually all devotees who visit Haridwar have a sacramental bath in the river Ganga. Though Har-ki-Pauri is the most popular one, yet there are other bathing ghats too. Bathing ghats, or steps, have been built leading down to the specially diverted waters of the river so that devotees can bathe in safety. Dedicated bathers then immerse themselves off the natural banks of the swift flowing, and often very chill, Ganga.

Maya Devi Temple

The present temple was built in 1943, but the original temple, reputedly, dates back to the 11th century.

Spiritual City Tour with Heritage & Culture
(14 Days / 13 Nights)

On Request

Details

Spiritual City Tour with Heritage & Culture / PI-0346 (14 Days / 13 Nights)
Delhi-Jaipur-Agra-Jhansi-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Haridwar-Delhi

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Jaipur
Day 4 : Jaipur
Day 5 : Jaipur - Agra
Day 6 : Agra
Day 7 : Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
Day 8 : Khajuraho - Varanasi
Day 9 : Varanasi
Day 10 : Varanasi - Haridwar
Day 11 : Haridwar
Day 12 : Haridwar - Rishikesh
Day 13 : Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi
Day 14 : Delhi

Pilgrim Tour North India & Orissa
(17 Days / 16 Nights)

On Request

Details

Pilgrim Tour North India & Orissa / PI-0373 (17 Days / 16 Nights)
Delhi-Bhubaneshwar-Puri-Bhubaneshwar-Kolkata-Patna-Delhi-Mathura-Delhi-Rishikesh-Haridwar-Delhi

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Bhubaneshwar
Day 3 : Bhubaneshwar - Puri
Day 4 : Puri - Bhubaneshwar
Day 5 : Bhubaneshwar - Kolkata
Day 6 : Kolkata
Day 7 : Kolkata
Day 8 : Kolkata - Patna
Day 9 : Patna
Day 10 : Patna
Day 11 : Patna - Delhi
Day 12 : Delhi - Mathura
Day 13 : Mathura - Delhi
Day 14 : Delhi-Rishikesh
Day 15 : Rishikesh - Haridwar
Day 16 : Haridwar - Delhi
Day 17 : Delhi

Yoga and Spiritual India
(10 Days / 9 Nights)

On Request

Details

Yoga and Spiritual India / PI-0177 (10 Days / 9 Nights)
Delhi-Agra-Delhi-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Delhi-Varanasi-Delhi

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi-Agra-Delhi
Day 4 : Delhi - Haridwar
Day 5 : Haridwar-Rishikesh
Day 6 : Rishikesh
Day 7 : Rishikesh-Delhi
Day 8 : Delhi-Varanasi
Day 9 : Varanasi
Day 10 : Varanasi - Delhi

Chardham Yatra
(13 Days / 12 Nights)

On Request

Details

Chardham Yatra / PI-0319 (13 Days / 12 Nights)
Haridwar-Rishikesh-Barkot-Yamnotri-Barkot-Harsil-Gangotri-Harsil-Guptakashi-Kedarnath-Guptakashi-Badrinath-Srinagar-Rishikesh-Delhi

Considered to be the most renowned and spiritual expedition, the chardhan yatra includes visits to the four main Hindu shrines of India that include Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and finally, the Badrinath shrine. On the way, experience the astonishing views of Himalayan peaks that proudly reflect the legends and history beholding these sacred shrines.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Haridwar - Rishikesh
Day 2 : Rishikesh - Barkot
Day 3 : Barkot - Yamnotri - Barkot
Day 4 : Barkot - Harsil
Day 5 : Harsil - Gangotri - Harsil
Day 6 : Harsil - Guptakashi
Day 7 : Guptakashi - Kedarnath
Day 8 : Kedarnath - Guptakashi
Day 9 : Guptakashi-Badrinath
Day 10 : Badrinath
Day 11 : Badrinath - Srinagar
Day 12 : Srinagar - Rishikesh
Day 13 : Rishikesh - Delhi

Haridwar, India Tours