Haridwar India Travel Guide

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Haridwar History

In the ancient scriptures Haridwar was known as Mayapur. This was the place where it is said that the immortal nectar fell when it was being carried in a Kumba, or pot, by the Gods. The place where it fell is now known as the Brahma Kund. This place attracts a lot of devotees who believe that taking a holy dip in the river helps in attaining salvation. The other very famous feature of Haridwar is the dusk aarti performed on the banks of river Ganga. The place where it is performed is called har-ki-pauri and it is a must visit for anybody visiting Haridwar. The whole act of aarti and puja is very divine and definitely gives you a sense of peace and satisfaction.

The atmosphere becomes very colorful and spectacular during the puja, or ritual. Here pilgrims also float diyas, which are small earthen lamps, and marigold in water . These floating diyas and marigold present a breathtaking view because of their color and light.

Haridwar is one of the first few  towns where the Ganga River emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. Due to this, the water is mostly clear and cool, except in the rainy season during which a lot of soil from the upper regions flows down into it. Legend says that King Bhagirath brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth  at Haridwar in order to  purify his ancestors. This place is also said to be  sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahama, Vishnu and Mahesh.

Haridwar Things to Do and Attractions

Haridwar is also the door to the three other very important piligrimage centres for Hindus:  Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The other places of interests are  Ma Chandi devi temple, Mansa devi temple and the clock tower. Kumbh Mela is also a major attraction of Haridwar. It occurs by rotation after every twelve years. Other than Haridwar there are only three other places where Kumbh mela is hosted which are  Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain.

Haridwar is also well known for  many other things such as its IIT popularly known as IIT Roorkee, which is the first technical institiue of India. It is also host to one of the biggest companies in India, Bharat Heavy Chemicals Ltd.

As per Archeological findings it has also  been proved that the Terracotta culture existed in this region between 1700 BC and 1200 BC. Haridwar is also a center of  learning various art forms. The city is a pioneer in the field of  ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and is also the center to the Gurukul school of traditional education.

A large part of the Haridwar is forested. Rajaji National Park wild sanctuary situated within the bounds of the district is therefore another attraction and an ideal destination for wild life and adventure lovers.

The other places of tourist interests are Sapt rishi , Dakhsha Mahadev Temple, Kavand mela and Maya devi.

The best season to visit Haridwar is between June to September. Haridwar is well  connected by rail to Howrah, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow and Agra. Haridwar is about 25 kilometers from Rishikesh by road. There are many choices in terms of road transport, which includes bus, tonga, taxis and autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

The nearest airport from haridwar is Jolly Grant Field which is about 35 kilometres from the city.

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