At the point where the sacred river Ganga reaches the plains, lies Haridwar, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Haridwar was once known as Gangadwar. Haridwar is literally the Gateway to the Lord (Hari-Dwar), as the point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) it acquires its name Haridwar.

According to Indian mythology, it is one of the four places where drops of elixir “AMRIT” accidentally spilled over from the pitcher “KUMBH”, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The spot where the “AMRIT” fell is today considered to be the Bhrama Kund at Har-ki-pauri (footstep of the lord). These four spots have today become places where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years in succession.

The Ganga Aarti which is performed in the evening is a spectacular sight to witness. A spectacle of sound and colour, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas, flowers and incense in the river commemorating their deceased ancestors. It is highly moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps floated on the river.

• HAR KI PAURI
• MANSA DEVI TEMPLE
• CHANDI DEVI TEMPLE
• PAVAN DHAM
• BHARAT MATA TEMPLE
• LAKSHMI – NARAYAN TEMPLE
• SAPT RISHI ASHRAM
• BHIMGODA TANK
• DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE
• SATI KUND
• PARAD SHIVLING

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Throughout the Year
CLOTHING: Cotton in summer & woolens in winter
LANGUAGES: Hindi, Garhwali and English

HOW TO REACH: Haridwar is well connected to the major parts of the country- by road, by train, flights.