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Haridwar Travel Guide
Haridwar Travel Guide
Area : 12 sq. km.
Altitude : 2927 mts.
Temperature
Summer : Max 35.6ºC, Min 16.9ºC.
Winter : Max 28.3ºC, Min 10.6ºC.
Rainfall : 162 cm.
Languages : Hindi, English and Garwali.
Haridwar stands as the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. Geographically and geological, Haridwar, lying at the feet of Shiva's hills, i.e., Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttaranchal Pradesh, is a doorway.
The city abounds in temples of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Haridwar has a lot of spiritual retreats or Ashrams carrying on the lineage of providing the way to body soul perfection via various yoga and meditative techniques.
Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of sage Kapila. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth form Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sixty thousand sons of king Sagara. In the traditional of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their departed elder. It is doorway to the sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna, 3000 to 4500 meters up into the snowy ranges of the central Himalayas. The 'Aarti' worship of the Ganga after sunset and the floating 'dia' (lamp) is a moving ritual.
The five sacred bathing spots in Haridwar are Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha and Kusavarta. The main ghat at Haridwar is known as Hari-ki-Pairi. Nearby is the Gangadwara temple, the most important of the several temples that dot this town. The Ganga Aarti which is celebrated at 7 pm each night, is a spectacular sight, when the aarti ceremony is performed at all temples in Haridwar at the same instant. Hundreds throng to the ghats at Hari-ki-Pairi to participate in this festival. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river.
Haridwar History
Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.
Haridwar Fair & Festivals
The festivals which are celebrated in Haridwar are :-
Kumbh Mela : India has been attracting the whole world with her rich cultural heritages and spirituality. The renowned Kumbh Mela is a unique blend of all these. Haridwar Kumbh has its importance as the last Kumbh of this century. The Kumbh mela is held in every 12 years to commorate this spritual day . Millions of men, women, children, sagas, Rishi, Munies, baba's and tourists gather here to take a dip in the holy water of holy rivers.
Ardh Kumbh : The Ardh Kumbh mela (fair) is held in every 6 years which is followed by the Kumbh Mela after 6 years.
It is believed that a dip in the holy river Ganga during the Ardh Kumbh gives one Moksha or Nirvana. Ardha Kumbh also attracts a large number of people to take the holy dip during these holy days.
Haridwar Best Season
During the summers the temperature usually hangs around 40 degrees but winters sees the mercury dipping as low as six degrees. One Should never expect any sort of pleasant high altitude climate here. The best seasons to visit Haridwar is some where between September and June
Attraction in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri :
Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred ghats in India. It is said that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Also known as Brahmakund, the Ghat is magnificently illuminated in the evening during a Maha Aarti performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.
Bhimgada Tank :
On the way to Rishikesh, this tank is said to have been made by Bhim with the blow of his knee, when the Pandavas were going to the Himalayas through Haridwar.
Mansa Devi :
Located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat, the Manas Devi Temple is worth visiting. The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of Haridwar.
Chandi Devi :
On the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga, the Chandi Devi temple was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a 3 km trek from the Chandi Ghat.
Other Attractions
Kavand Mela, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi and Shantikunj Ashram. Dehradun is at a distance of two hour drive. Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar.
Best Season To Visit : Temperature usually hovers around 40°C during summers. Winters see the mercury dipping to as low as 6°C. October to March is very pleasant season for the tourists.
How to reach
Air :
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun, but it is preferable to take a flight to Delhi and then take a bus or train route to Haridwar.
Rail :
The major pilgrimage center of Haridwar is well connected by trains to almost all the major cities in India. In fact, trains are the major source of the tourist inflow to Haridwar.
Road :
The National Highway no. 45 crosses the city of Haridwar, so it is connected to other cities of the state as well as those in the other states too. The excellent road network links Haridwar with Delhi for a smooth and comfortable travel journey.
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