Haridwar

Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has privilege of having IIT at Roorkee, formerly known as University of Roorkee, founded in 1847 as a first technical institute of India.

The city has one of the "navratna PSUs of India" i.e BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals India Ltd.). The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world. There is another University in the city called Gurukul Kangri Vishva Vidyalaya apart from the head quarter of Uttaranchal State Public Service Commission also being established at Haridwar. Besides this, Kumbh fair is organized at the interval of every 12 years in this city in which about 1 crore pilgrims from all over the world participate.

"Among the many pilgrimages that dot the length of the Ganga, Haridwar ranks among the most holy in the land " Accroding to Hindu mythology Haridwar was known as Kapilsthan.

Lagend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bhagirath, were consumed by fire at this spot following a cused of rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhhagirath requested the ganga to descend on Earth.

Haridwar is also famous by the names of gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. It is at Haridwar that the Ganga finaly energes into the northern plains.

The Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh melas also take place here every 12 th & 6th year.
 

Places of Interest in Haridwar

Har ki Pauri

King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari’s footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar

According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Mansa Devi Temple

The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.

Neelkanth Mahadev

According to mythological accounts, during Sagar Manthan, Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom here, which turned his throat blue. Hence, Shiva also became famous as Neelkanth. A four hour walk from Lakshman Jhoola, this temple is situated at a height of 1700 meters. Quite truly, a not-to-be-missed travel destination away from the madding crowd.

Triveni Ghat

It is an interesting placed to be at dawn, when people make offerings of milk to the river and feed fishes. After sunset, priests set floating lamps on the water during the Aarti Ceremony. Nearby is the Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple.

How to reach Haridwar

By Air:The Jolly Grand Airport is around 35 km from Haridwar. For details, see the relevant section under Dehradun.

By Rail:Haridwar is well connected with all the important centres in India, either directly or via Delhi. For details see the section under Dehradun. Computerized reservation facility is also available at Haridwar (Railway Enquiry : 131) Approximate fares (AC Chair car) in direct trains connecting Haridwar as follows:
Centre Approx Distances Travel Time
Calcutta 1475 km 35 hrs
Mumbai 1650 km 40 hrs
Varanasi 900 km 20 hrs
Lucknow 500 km 11 hrs

By Road:Haridwar is connected with other towns/cities in north India by buses run by the UP Roadways and transport corporation of other states. Private bus operators are also there. Taxi service is also available .

Haridwar is on highway No 45, is connected to all major centers in the region and other parts of the country by well-maintained roads. Distances to some important cities are:

Agra (386 km),Ambala (168 km) ,Badrinath (320 km) ,Dehradun (52 km) ,Delhi (214 km) ,Gangotri (282 km) ,Kedarnath (250 km) ,Meerut (141 km) ,Mussoorie (90 km) ,Nainital (386 km) ,Saharanpur (81 km) ,Yamnotri 255 km)

Bus:Approximate travel time for some important destinations are as :
Rishikesh : 1/2 hr, Dehradun : 2 hrs, Delhi : 8 hrs, Shimla : 14 hrs, Nainital : 7 hrs, Almora : 10 hrs, Ranikhet : 9 hrs, Tehri : 5 hrs, Uttarkashi : 10 hrs.

It is preferable to stay overnight at Rishikesh for the Char Dham Yatra - Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Yamunotri.

Wildlife lovers, wishing to visit Rajaji National Park at Chilla, should catch a Kandi-bound bus from Garhwal Motor Owner's Union (GMOU)

Roadways Bus Stand, opp. Railway Station.
Yatra Bus Stand, Rishikesh.
GMVN Limited, Haridwar, near Rahi Motel.