Haridwar is an ancient city of Uttarakhand, India, regarded as one of the seven holiest places to the Hindus.
The entire place is filled with a natural calmness, peace, and quiet while the sound of the river Ganges and the chants of the sadhus immerse you in a mystic allure. Haridwar isn’t only about just pilgrimage, as there’s a lot more to discover. It’s the place where you can just sit by the banks of Ganges for hours, listening to the music of the gushing water, losing yourself to the divine nature. You can take a dip in the extremely cold Ganges which will refresh you, apart from washing away your sins.
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A small urban city located at the foothills of the Himalayas, with the holy Ganges running through it, Rishikesh and Haridwar are neighbors recognised around the world for many reasons, the biggest one being its spirituality. A popular yoga and meditation hub, especially with international travelers, it is also a hub for adventure sports in North India.
The evening aarti at Har-ki-Pauri is something not to be missed. The traditional way of worship with the holy fire will definitely cast a spell on you amidst the thousands of visitors humming along during the aarti.
The best way to reach Haridwar from Delhi is by Bus/Volvo which will take 6-7 hours to reach. For accommodation, there are ample hotels near the bus stand, but there are even hotels with river view and of various ranges to suit your pocket.
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Food Specialities/ Things to eat in Haridwar:
Chole bhature, kheer, Puri-halwa, Gulab Jamun, ras malai is to be tried. There are small stalls and huts run by the locals and sadhus, where you may buy flowers, prasadam, candles, incese sticks to offer prayer or even buy mementos to take back home. There is also a ropeway near to Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi Mandir where you may travel to get a fantastic ariel view of the place.
Overall spending a few days in Haridwar will help you rejuvenate naturally and should be in to do list if you are visiting Delhi or North India.
Rishikesh is also one of the nearby places and about 20 km from Haridwar. So if you are at Haridwar, do not miss out.
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Here’s what you need to do when you’re visiting Haridwar
PATANJALI YOGPEETH
Located in Haridwar, this is the centre for Yoga and Ayurveda activities in India. Named after Maharishi Patanjali who invented Yoga 5000 years ago, the ashram is run under the guidance of Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj who has revived Yoga and helped in spreading it across the world. Patanjali Yog Peeth provides visitors with several facilities including Yoga classes where you’re taught ancient techniques like Tattva Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Ashtana Yoga. Visitors can stay at the on-site accommodation and avail of the natural health therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, a canteen, an OPD centre and therapy offered to patients with long term diseases. Set amidst well maintained and hygienic environs, this is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in learning yoga or immersing yourself in meditation.
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HAR KI PAURI
This is one of the main attractions for those traveling to Haridwar and Rishikesh for religious purposes. This is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. The ghat is also known as Brahma Kund and was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari who often meditated on the banks of river Ganga. History records an imprint of Lord Vishnu’s foot on one of the stones present on the ghat, which is where this religious site takes its name from. This is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the Kumbh which is held every 12 years, and taking a dip is a sacred practice believed to rid those who do of their worldly sins.
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CHANDI DEVI TEMPLE
Built by King Suchat Singh, Chandi Devu Temple is perched on Neel Parvat. To reach the temple one has to trek 3kms from Chandighat or have to take the cable car. According to legends, it is the same place where Goddess Chandi killed Chanda-Munda, an army chief of the Demon Kings Sumbha and Nishumba. It is also believed that the main deity in the temple was established by the great saint Adi Shankarcharaya in the 8th century.
BARA BAZAAR
Situated on the Railway Road, Bara Bazar is a popular shopping place in Haridwar. Since Haridwar is a religious town, all you can expect here are the items that are required in a Pooja (Worship). However, at Bara Bazar you are likely to find handicraft articles as well; these, in fact, can very well be taken back home as souvenirs. Rudraksha seeds, churan (digestive powders) and a variety of sweets made from milk can also be bought from the shops in Bara Bazar. Ayurvedic medicines are also quite a popular buy in the market.
BHIMGODA KUND/TANK
Having historical importance, the Bhimgoda Kund/Tank is situated about 1km from Har ki Pauri. Legend has it that while proceeding to the Himalaya, the Pandavas stopped by to drink the water here in Haridwar, and Bhimgoda is the place where Bhima drew water from the rocks by thrusting his knee (Goda). It is a major attraction in Haridwar and is visited by many people all through the year.
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DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE
This temple is a tribute to a Hindu mythological legend. According to the legend, King Daksha Prajapati, who was the father of Dakshayani (Lord Shiva’s first wife), organized a yagña, in which is he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. However, Lord Shiva arrived at the yagna and on doing so he was insulted by the king. When Dakshayani saw this, she felt infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund. Later King Daksha was killed by a demon called Virabhadra, which was born out of Shiva’s anger. However, after some time the king was brought to life and was given a goat’s head by Shiva.
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MANSA DEVI TEMPLE
Presiding over the Bilwa Parvat is the temple of Mansa Devi. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Haridwar and can be reached by a cable car. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa (the goddess who fulfills wishes) and has two prime idols of the Goddess in the main temple; one with three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. Another reason for the temple being famous is the spectacular view from the cable car.
CHILLA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Presiding over the Bilwa Parvat is the temple of Mansa Devi. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Haridwar and can be reached by a cable car. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa (the goddess who fulfills wishes) and has two prime idols of the Goddess in the main temple; one with three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. Another reason for the temple being famous is the spectacular view from the cable car.
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What are you waiting for come visit Haridwar to with your family and friends.