Haridwar or Hardwar is one of the ancient and holy cities of India, which is revered by Hindu pilgrims. This religious city is located on the banks of the majestic river Ganga. Close to the Himalayan range, Haridwar is surrounded by the scenic beauty of hills from the three sides. Haridwar is the gateway to the pilgrimage centers (Char Dham) of the Himalayas, namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
There are many temples and ashrams located along the lines of the Ganges river in Haridwar. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy river Ganga, will cleanse all the sins and facilitates Moksha (liberation). Also, Haridwar offers some adventurous experiences like trekking, rafting, jungle safari, bird watching, etc. Haridwar is also famous for the Kumbh Mela celebration, which happens once in twelve years.
Different Names
Interestingly, this holy city can be called in two names; Haridwar or Hardwar. Hari means ‘Lord Vishnu’ and Hara means ‘Lord Shiva’ and ‘dwar’ means door or gateway. The two Himalayan pilgrimage centers, Badrinath and Kedarnath, are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively and Haridwar acts as the doorway to both these places. Vaishnavites (devotees of Vishnu) call it as Haridwar, as they believe it is the gateway to Lord Vishnu in Badrinath, and Shaivites (devotees of Shiva) call it as Hardwar, as they believe it is the gateway to Lord Shiva in Kedarnath.
In ancient times, this holy city is called ‘Gangadwara’ because the river Ganga after flowing through Himalayan mountains, enters Gangetic plains for the first time in Haridwar. Other names mentioned in the scriptures are Kapilasthan (as sage Kapila used to live here in his ashram) and Mayapuri (from the Goddess Mayadevi).
Main attractions in Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the most revered pilgrimage centers, where all types and ages of people can visit and enjoy the stay. This heritage city is a popular travel destination, which caters to people with diverse tastes. The main attractions in Haridwar are:
- 1. River Ganga - The first thing every pilgrim who visits Haridwar, would like to take a dip in the sacred river, Ganga. Hindus personify Ganga as a goddess and consider it very sacred. On the ghats of Har ki Pauri, Vishnu ghat, and many other ghats, people take baths. One should not miss taking part in Ganga Aarti while visiting Haridwar. The spectacle of Ganga Aarti is the visual treat for every pilgrim. Ganga aarti is the way of showing gratitude to the goddess Ganga, through lighting lamps or diyas, chanting mantras, and singing in praises. A large number of people gather on the banks of Ganga to witness this spectacle.
- 2. Temples - There are many ancient and modern temples located in Haridwar. These temples are dedicated to many Gods and Goddesses, like Mansa Devi temple, Chandi Devi temple. Maya Devi temple, Daksh Mahadev temple, Vaishno Devi temple etc.
- 3. Ashrams - Apart from pilgrimage sites, Haridwar also promotes spirituality and yoga activities. If one is interested in meditation and spiritual practices, they can head to any of the ashrams. Apart from spiritual discourses, ashrams also offer lodging facilities and other activities.
- 4. Adventure Trail - Although there are less adventurous spots in the main Haridwar city, there are numerous options in the surrounding areas. Trekking, rafting, rock climbing, jungle safari, and many other activities offer an adventurous experience to young legs and enthusiasts. However in Haridwar, one can visit Rajaji national park, Chilla dam, and Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar (bird watching).
- 5. Food and Shopping - Street food in Haridwar is well known. Haridwar trip would be incomplete without trying famous aloo puri, kachoris, parathas, lassi, and sweets. The lanes are filled with food joints, which offer a variety of delicious food, serving customers for a very long time. Some of the famous food joints are Mohanji Puriwale, which serves aloo puri, Kashyap kachori bhandar for kachoris, Bhagawati chole bhandar, Mathura Walo ki prachin dukaan (sweets), Sevaram sharma doodhwale (milk cake). Haridwar serves only vegetarian food. Meat and alcohol are not allowed, because of its holy nature.
Also, Haridwar is very famous for shopping with the traveling community. All the shopping streets are always filled with customers. People usually shop for religious/spiritual items, ayurvedic products, apparel, or any other traditional items. The famous shopping streets are Moti bazaar, Bara bazar, Jwalapur market. Also, there are shopping malls for shopping enthusiasts.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Top 20 places to visit in Haridwar
Some of the places one must visit during their Haridwar trip are given below. The pecking order of the places selected here is based on their geographical location so that it will be easy to plan the itinerary.
Around Har Ki Pauri:
1. Har Ki Pauri (Footprints of Lord Shiva)
Har Ki Pauri is one of the sacred ghats in Haridwar on the banks of river Ganga. The most sacred ghat within Har ki Pauri is the Brahmakund, where it is believed that the drop of Amrit (nectar) fell while being carried by Garuda, the celestial bird, after Samudra Manthan. Therefore, people from all corners of the country come here to take bath and feel blessed. Read More
2. Ganga Aarti
Ganga Aarti is one of a kind experience and should never be missed. The spectacle of Ganga Aarti during sunset is the visual treat for everyone. Ganga aarti is the way of showing gratitude to the goddess Ganga, through lighting lamps or diyas, chanting mantras, and singing in praises. Thousands of devotees assemble every day on the Har ki Pauri ghat to witness this spectacle. Lamps or diyas along with flowers are offered here.
3. Mansa Devi Temple
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi (a form of Shakti), who fulfills desires. The temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat, of the southernmost mountain of the Himalayas. Mansa Devi temple is one of the Siddha peethas of Haridwar, where desires get fulfilled. The river Ganga and Haridwar city look awesome from the temple.Read More
4. Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi (a ferocious form of Adi Parashakti). The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat hill, of the southernmost mountain of the Himalayas. Chandi Devi temple is one of the Siddha peethas of Haridwar, where desires get fulfilled. It is believed that Goddess Chandika had rested in this place after killing the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. The main idol of Chandi Devi is said to have been installed by Shankaracharya and the temple has been built by Kashmiri king Suchat Singh.Read More
5. Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya (a form of Shakti). Maya Devi temple is one of the Siddha peethas of Haridwar, where desires get fulfilled. Maya literally means illusion. Goddess Maya helps to break the chain of illusion.
Read More
Towards Rishikesh Road:
6. Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj is a famous spiritual organization in Haridwar and it is the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP). The organization offers spiritual and moral training to devotees and followers. Every day about 1000 people take part in the Gayatri yagna and 24 lakh Gayatri mantra are chanted by spiritual seekers. Also, all the sacramental rites are performed here. Food and accommodation are free of cost.Read More
7. Vaishno Devi Temple
This temple is made as a replica of the original Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu & Kashmir, which is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a form of Goddess Lakshmi. The man-made tunnel or caves will lead to the idol of Goddess Vaishno Devi. Temple also has the idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali. There are also replicas of twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva here.Read More
8. Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Mandir is an eight-floor temple dedicated to Mother India (Bharat Mata). It is a place to express gratitude to all the patriots, freedom fighters along with Gods and Goddesses. Each floor is dedicated to a different theme and portrays different categories of importance.
Read More9. Sapta Rishi Ashram
This ashram is named after sapta rishis or seven sages, namely Kashyapa, Vashishta, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, and Goutama. They are said to have meditated in this place. The river Ganga is believed to be divided into seven streams so that the sages would not be disturbed. The seven streams are also called Sapta Sarovar. There are small shrines dedicated to seven sages and also to Ganesha, Durga, Saraswati, Shiva, and Hanuman.Read More
10. Geeta Kutir Tapovan
Geeta kutir in Haridwar was established in 1973 by Swami Geetananda Maharaj working on social and religious reforms in the country. The premises contain an ashram, temple, goshala, sanskrit pathshala, and old age home. There are about a thousand students studying in their school. They provide dining to about 600 saints every evening. Read More
11. Vyas Ashram
Vyas Ashram has a temple dedicated to Vyasa Maharshi and founded by Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji. It is located close to the river Ganga and surrounded by a serene environment. The temple also comprises the NavaGraha shrine. Another attraction of the ashram is the old Rudraksha tree.
Read More12. Doodhadhari Barfani Temple
This temple is located inside Doodhadhari Barfani ashram, furnished with white marble, dedicated to Rama, Sita, and Hanuman. The temple showcases beautiful architecture and attracts devotees from different parts of the country.
13. Pawan Dham
Pawan Dham is a temple, which displays all the idols and surroundings beautifully carved with glasswork. It is an amazing display of artwork and colors. The temple was built by Swami Vedantananda Maharaj.
14. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is situated on Shivalik ranges along the foothills of the Himalayas. The park is spread across three sanctuaries, namely Chilla, Motichur, and Rajaji over three districts of Uttarakhand state. Rajai park is home for over 400 species of birds, both resident and migrating birds. It is one of the large tiger reserves in India and also most renowned for its elephants. There is a temple inside Rajaji Park called Sureshwari Devi temple, which can be visited as well.
Kankhal Area:
15. Daksha Mahadev Temple
It is also called as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar city. This is the place where Sati, wife of Lord Shiva burnt herself in the yajna kunda, after being insulted by her father Daksha Prajapati. The temple is named after Daksha Prajapati, who happens to be one of the twenty-one Prajapatis, who is the protector deity of the creatures. There is a huge statue of Lord Shiva, which is very appealing and mesmerizing. Read More
16. Maa Anandamayee Ashram
Located in Kankhal area, Maa Anandamayee ashram is a spiritual place, dedicated to saint Maa Anandamayee, whose remains are kept in a samadhi. The ashram comprises a museum, Shankaracharya hall, Vidyapeeth, Gayatri yagna shala, rudraksha tree.
17. Parad Shivling
Parad Shivaling or Mercury Shivling is situated inside Harihar ashram in the Kankhal area. The weight of the shivling is about 150 kg and made completely in mercury. The other attraction of this temple is the three-faced Rudraksha tree.
Motichur Road:
18. Bhimgoda Tank
Bhimgoda tank is situated near Har ki Pauri ghat, which is named after Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. According to the epic Mahabharata, it is believed that Bhima, while going to the Himalayas through Haridwar along with brothers, drew water by knocking the rocks with his knees (goda). Hence the name Bhimgoda tank.
19. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a bird sanctuary, a must-visit place for bird watchers and trekkers. There is a rush of migratory birds in winters and definitely a treat to watch. It is located near Bhimgoda barrage, near Har ki Pauri.
Roorkee Road
20. Patanjali Yogpeeth
Patanjali Yogpeeth is a Yoga and Ayurvedic research institute, named after sage Patanjali and founded by Baba Ramdev. It is a famous destination for visitors for yoga, ayurvedic treatment, and medication. This ashram comprises a research institute, ayurveda college, yoga bhavan, panchakarma center, etc.Read More