Haridwar
Haridwar stands as the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttranchal. Geographically and geological, Haridwar, lying at the feet of Shiva's hills, i.e., Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttranchal Pradesh, is a doorway. " According to Hindu mythology Haridwar was known as Kapilsthan. Legend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bhagirath, were consumed by fire at this spot following a curse of Rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhagirath 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 finally emerges into the northern plains.
Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths. People prefer taking bath on the numerous ghats built on the river shores. It is said that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate freedom, Nirvana. 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.
Orientation Haridwar
The railway station and UP Roadways bus stand are across from each other on the main road of town, Railway Rd, in the southwest part of town. Railway Rd (also known as Upper Rd) runs parallel with the Ganges Canal for about 2½ km where it comes to Hari-ki-Pairi, the main ghat in town. There are several budget and middle class hotels near the railway station. Railway Rd is a very busy street with shops, restaurants and hotels along it. South of Hari-ki-Pairi, running just parallel to the Ganges is the busy Bara Bazaar.
Information
Regional Tourist Office, Haridwar, Uttaranchal Pardesh, India.
Tel.:+(91)-133-4227370.
Tourist Bureau, Laltarao Bridge, Haridwar, Uttaranchal Pradesh, India.
Tel.:+(91)-133-4224240.
Tourist Information Centre,
Railway Station, Haridwar, Uttaranchal Pradesh, India.
Tel.:+(91)-133-4227817.
Places To See
1. Hari Ki Pairi
This is the main Ghat and is the precise spot from where Ganges leaves the mountains to enter the plains. People have a dip here, as it is believed to wash away sins.The Ghat also has a foot print, which is supposed to be that of Lord Vishnu. Each evening, there is Ganga aarti / river worship performed, when small lamps are left to drift along the river.
2. Mansa Devi Temple
This temple is on a hill next to the town. If you have energy then you can walk the approximate 1.5 km distance and it guarantees a good view. There are vendors selling, puja samagri (things) needed to perform worship ceremony. It includes coconuts, marigolds and incense sticks.
3. Bara Bazaar
This is a colourful market in the town. There are small vendors who sell lunchtime snacks, ayurvedic medicines, brassware, glass bangles, shawls, various things made of wood and cane baskets.
4. Parmeshwar Mahadev Temple
This temple is around 4 km from Haridwar and houses a sacred lingam, which is made of mercury.
5. Pawan Dham Temple
Almost 2 km from the town is the Pawan Dham temple. It is famed for the excellent mirror and glasswork it has and also for its elaborately decorated idols.
6. Lal Mata Temple
This temple is a replica of the Vaishno Devi Temple in Kashmir. There is an artificial hill and there is a frozen lingam, a replica of the lingam in Amarnath. There are many temples that are worth a visit, like the Daksha Mahadev temple, Bharat Mata temple and Chanda Devi. There are other places of interest like Jai Ram Ashram, Anandamayee Ma Ashram, Sapt Rishi Ashram and Parmath Ashram.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Bhaniawala, Dehradun, 41 km. Deccan Airlines services from Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (220 km)
By Train
Connected with all important cities of India viz., Bombay, Delhi, Agra, Howrah, Varanasi, Allahabad, Ujjain, Amritsar, Dehradun, Lucknow, etc..
Major trains are:
4309 / 4310 Ujjain-Haridwar-Dehradun.
2019 / 2020 Bombay-Haridwar-Dehradun.
4041 / 4042 Delhi-Haridwar-Dehradun.
4265 / 4266 Varanasi-Haridwar-Dehradun.
3009 / 3010 Howrah-Haridwar-Dehradun.
2017 / 2018 Delhi-Haridwar-Dehradun.
By Road
Haridwar on National Highway no. 45 is well connected to all major cities and other parts of the state viz. Delhi (214 km), Agra (386 km), Ambala (168 km), Badrinath (325 km), Dehradun (52 km), Kedarnath (250 km), Saharanpur (81 km), Nainital (286 km).
Local transport services
Private bus services, tempos (vikrams), auto rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws and taxis.
