A pure wave of religion and spiritual essence, Haridwar is the epicentre of Indian Pilgrim Tourism. Haridwar, an ancient temple town, holds a significant place in Hinduism, being one of India’s eight holy religious sites. Additionally, It marks the origin of the sacred river Ganga, making it a pivotal location in the Himalayan foothills. Haridwar is often referred to as the ‘gateway to the gods’ and serves as the starting point for the renowned Char Dham pilgrimage route in Uttarakhand. Moreover, it is a place where the journey to Moksha and spiritual tranquility commences.
The Char Dham Yatra is a renowned pilgrimage for Hindu devotees. Choosing to visit Haridwar is an excellent decision, as the entire city exudes a sense of divine presence. Ancient temples, ashrams, and serene ghats permeate the atmosphere with spirituality and tranquility.
Haridwar has a high universal value for both Indians and tourists. It is steeped in the culture and customs of ancient Vedic periods. Every morning and evening, you will experience a holy and joyful atmosphere as you see the Ganga Aarti of Ganga Ghat, and the temple bells and chanting of priests will calm your spirit.
How To Get To Haridwar?
The nearest international airport city, New Delhi, is around five hours away from Haridwar. For your excursion, regular buses, railroads, and rental cars are available. You may alternatively fly to Dehradun and then drive for approximately an hour and a half to Haridwar. Regular trains go from Dehradun as well.
Because of the pandemic and for safety concerns, certain trains may not run on this route. While these cities are congested all year, renting a car and travelling in smaller groups is recommended. You may also hire self-drive autos to go about the city.
Discover Popular Places In Haridwar
1. Har Ki Pauri
Breathtaking beauty of Har ki Pauri would be seen on the banks of the Ganga. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions. That is where the holy river Ganga emerges from the Himalayas. It is also believed that the nectar of the gods (Amrit) descended on earth in the brahmakund region of Har ki Pauri. Har Ki Pauri’s main attraction is Ganga Aarti.
2. Daksha Mahadev Temple
Daksha Mahadev Temple is another name for Daksheshwar Temple. It’s a must-see religious tourism destination. Lord Shiva is honoured at this temple. Devotees come from all over the world to seek heavenly serenity at Daksha Mahadev Temple. The temple is named after Daksha Prajapati, Goddess Sati’s father.
3. Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple, situated near Haridwar on Bilwa Parvat, is a prominent pilgrimage destination. Dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, an incarnation of Shakti, this temple holds a special place among devotees. It is renowned as one of the most prominent Sidhpeeths.
4. Chandi Devi Temple
The temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Chandi Devi, is a spectacular treat for both nature lovers and religious followers looking for the best places to visit. The Chandi Devi temple, positioned on a hilltop, offers a panoramic view of Haridwar from the temple complex. Because the temple is easily accessible from both the government bus stop and the railway station, it is one of the best things to do in Haridwar.
5. Vishnu Ghat
Named for the great Hindu Deity Lord Vishnu, is a short walk from the bypass road and the Haridwar Train Station. Vishnu Ghat is one of the most tranquil and peaceful spots to visit. Vishnu Ghat is well-known for its cleanliness and is less busy than the other ghats in Haridwar. With so many places to stay and dine nearby, arranging a trip shouldn’t be too difficult.
6. Anandamayi Ashram
The ashram, which is dedicated to Ma Anandamayi, a prominent spiritual figure, is one of the greatest sites to visit. Spiritual journey is a short walk from the Ghats and is also conveniently accessible from the railway station. There are several structures in the ashram complex. Gayatri Yajnashala, Ati Rudra Yajnashala, Rudraksha Tree, and Sankaracharya Hall are some of the famous buildings.
7. Bharat Mata Mandir
It is Haridwar’s most popular tourist destination. The Bharat Mata Temple was created to honour the freedom warriors and patriots who battled for India’s independence. It was opened in 1983 by our late Prime Minister, Smt Indira Gandhi. Swami Satyamitra and Giri started it. It is an eight-story temple honouring numerous deities and tales.
8. Patanjali Yogpeeth
A well-known medical research facility in Ayurveda and Yoga that attracts a large number of tourists. This location, which opened in 2006, is not just one of the largest yoga institutes in India, but also in the globe. Rishi Patanjali, the creator of yoga, inspired the institute’s name. This institute manufactures a variety of Ayurveda drugs and therapies. Because of the rising interest in yoga, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations.
9. Parad Shivling
To receive heavenly blessing from Lord Shiva, one must visit Parad Shivling. Mercury is represented by Parad, while Lord Shiva is represented by Shivling. Harihar Ashram Complex houses Parad Shivling. It also has the Maha Mrityunjaya Temple and the age-old Rudraksha Tree, which has therapeutic properties.
10. Sati Kund
It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions. Sati Kund is mentioned in the Great Indian Epic Mahabharata. Goddess Sati is reported to have immolated herself in a fire Kund because her father Daksha Prajapati refused to recognise her spouse Lord Shiva. It still stands proudly, reflecting the age-old narrative of the deities.
Things To Do In Haridwar
1. Ganga Aarti
Take a holy bath in Ganga’s sacred ghat and participate in the almighty Ganga Aarti in the evening. The priests will be carrying a giant fire bowl in their hands, and the temple bells and chanting will bring you to a realm of spiritual pleasure.
2. Ashrams
Haridwar is an excellent place to unwind your body. There are various spiritual retreats and Ashrams where you may practise yoga, meditation, Ayurveda treatment, and massage. To fine-tune your spirit, you must visit the Ashrams.
3. Shopping
Haridwar is also a shopping destination. To fulfil your shopping soul, visit the marketplaces of Bara Bazar, Moti Bazar, and Jwalapur. One of the finest things to do in Haridwar is go shopping.
4. Dining
In addition to being a cultural destination, Haridwar is also a foodie’s delight. From chatpati papri chaat to spicy chhole bhature, Haridwar’s street cuisine provides something for everyone’s taste buds. Not only are the alleys of Har Ki Pauri dotted with booths and restaurants selling these famed toothsome North Indian delights, but so are the lanes of Devpura and Ranipur More. Yet, because the city is generally congested with tourists, it is essential to know what you must try and where you must go on your next vacation.These place has it everything, from kachoris to samosas to tantalising jalebis! Discover how to effectively cure your stomach in this charming tiny town. Have you started drooling yet?
5. Temple Visits
The temples of Haridwar are at the centre of the city’s tourism. It is one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations. Some of the most important temples to visit in Haridwar include Maya Devi Temple, Chandi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, and Bharat Mata Temple.
6. Ghats
Ghats are also a good place to visit in Haridwar because they are an important element of this sacred city. At Haridwar, the Ghats are designed in such a way that people may bathe in the River. Every year, about half a million people visit Haridwar and take sacred dips there. Har Ki Pauri, Subhash Ghat, Brahmakund, Mahilaghat Kushwah Ghat, and VIP Ghat are some of the notable Ghats in Haridwar.
Interesting Facts About Haridwar
Haridwar is one of Hinduism’s seven holiest pilgrimage tourism destinations. The first stop on the Ganga’s trip from the Himalayas is Haridwar.
Apart from Allahabad, Ujjain, and Nashik, Haridwar is one of the most renowned holy destinations to host the Kumbh Mela Festival.
Har Ki Pauri is extremely religious and spiritually significant. It is a reference to Lord Shiva’s pathways. It marks the beginning of the sacred river Ganga.
Haridwar is home to some of the world’s top yoga ashrams. Visitors from all over the world come to Haridwar to recharge their batteries. At Haridwar, you’ll find the world-famous Patanjali Yogpeeth.
You must visit Chanda Devi temple if you have any wishes or desires. The temple of Chanda Devi is reputed to be a wish-fulfilling shrine.
In the 13th century, Emperor Ibrahim Lodi built a Dargah called Piran Kaliyar, and it is stated that the magical powers of the Dargah will grant all your wishes and aspirations.
The Shivling of Pardeshwar Mahadev is the rarest Shivling in Haridwar. The shivling is constructed of rare mercury.
Haridwar’s Shanti Kunj is the origin of herbal and Ayurveda sources.
There are several temples in Haridwar, but the Panch Tirthas (Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri, and Shri Chintamani Parswanath Jain Temple) should not be missed. Your trip to Haridwar is not complete unless you see these temples.
Best Time To Visit Haridwar
Summer Season
Summer begins in March and ends in June. The temperature fluctuates from 18°C to 40°C. The weather is warm during the day and chilly at night. It is the perfect season to celebrate important festivals such as Ram Navami, Magh Mela, and Budh Poornima.
Monsoon Season
Monsoon season in Haridwar lasts from July to September. Around this period, expect severe rain. Several tourist attractions may be forced to close owing to excessive rains. It is not the best time to visit Haridwar. But, if you want to visit Haridwar during the Monsoon, please check the weather prediction.
Winter Season
Winter in Haridwar lasts from October to February. The weather is cool and lovely for exploring Haridwar’s tourism sites. The temperature fluctuates from 6°C to 20°C. It is the ideal season to visit Haridwar. During this period, celebrate Diwali and Kartik Poornima.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is Haridwar such a popular tourist destination?
Haridwar is well-known for its religious pilgrimage. The city is adorned with ancient temples, holy Ghats, and Ashrams. Because of a saint who previously resided here, Haridwar was formerly known as Kapila. Vishnu is the meaning of Hari, while Dwar is the meaning of Door. Haridwar is a divine doorway. It serves as the starting point for your Char Dham Yatra. The path to Moksha and heavenly serenity is incomplete without a stop at Haridwar. It is a must-see pilgrimage site in India.
Q. How are the dining and accomodation options in Haridwar?
Haridwar accommodates all types of tourists. Whether you’re a solitary traveller, a backpacker, a family, or a couple. There are several lodging options in Haridwar, ranging from five-star luxury to budget and homestays. You will be able to get a nice accommodation at a reasonable price. There are several restaurants where you may taste delectable cuisines.
Q. What would you do on a day trip to Haridwar?
- Visit Har ki Pauri
- Chandi devi Temple
- Patanjali yogpeeth
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Ganga Aarti
- Bara Bazar
- Moti Bazar
Q. What is the significance of Haridwar?
Haridwar is well-known for its beautiful mountains, rivers, and temples. This city is well recognised for its Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Q. What is famous for shopping in Haridwar?
At Haridwar, you may buy a variety of items such as diyas, bangles, sandalwood paste, vermilion saris, idols, lamps, and handicrafts.
Also Read: Varanasi: City Of Gods
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