HARIDWAR

HARIDWAR - UTTARAKHAND TRAVEL

INTRODUCTION

Haridwar popularly called “Gateway to God” is breathtaking city and is dotted with a large number of temples. The city aura of intense spirituality acts as a magnet for religious pilgrims from all around the world. It is one of the seven holiest cities of the country. The place is considered as the point of entry to Char Dham and Dev Bhoomi. The river Gang after flowing 253 kms from Gaumukh enters the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India for the first time at Haridwar, which gave it the name Gangadwara. With respect to legend it is the place where drops ‘Amrit’ accidentally spilled from the pitcher and while it was being carried by the Garuda bird.

Location

The holy city of Haridwar is situated at a distance of 214 Km from Delhi and lies in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of India’s most eminent pilgrimage sites and is spread over an area of 2360sq. Km. It is known as the “Gateway to the Gods’ and is situated on the banks of the holy Ganges. Set at an altitude of 790m above the sea level the city is boarded by Bijnor and Muzzaffar Nagar district in the south, the Dehradun district in the north, Saharanpur district in the west and Dehradun district in the east. Haridwar is well connected to all the major cities of India by an excellent rail and road network.

History

If the archaeological excavations and findings are to be believed, Haridwar has been existing since 1700 B.C or 1200 B.C., pending for conformation. It is regarded as one of the seven holiest places of Hindu. Another popular tale related to its existence is that the city came to existence by the benediction of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. According to legends the erstwhile emperor Bhagirath brought the holy water of Ganga in order to bear the penance on behalf of his ancestors and wash their sins. So the history of Haridwar has many legends associated with it.

How to Reach :

1.By Road :

Haridwar is well connected to all the major cities of India by an excellent road route. The NH.45 connects this holy city to Delhi and various other cities of the state. Frequent bus services are available from Delhi all throughout the day.

2.By Train :

Haridwar railway station is prime railhead that connects it’s to all the major cities of the country. Frequent trains area available from cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. In fact rail route is the most sought route to reach Haridwar.

3.By Air :

Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest domestic airport and is just 20 km away from the city. On disembarking at the airport one may hire a taxi to reach the Haridwar. The nearest International airport is situated in Delhi which is well connected to most of the domestic and international airports.

Best Time to Visit :

The best time to visit this holy city is during winters, more specifically during the month from October to March. The months from October to March are also favorable for tourism from the festival point of view. Since festival like Diwali and Kanwar Mela are celebrated in the city with much festivity. During summer temperature range between 18 °C to 40 °C while in winter temperature shows a fall and can reach as low as 6°C. In the monsoon season the city receives moderate rainfall which leads to increase in humidity and make the day activities a challenge.

Places to Visit :

Haridwar the city famed as the “Gateway of God” is dotted with a large number of religious attractions which make it very popular amongst the Hindu followers. The major religious attractions to visit while being in this holy city are:

Hari-Ki-Pauri

Har-Ki – Pauri, the most sacred ghat was commissioned by Emperor Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The visit this pious ghat in the evening hours to attend the delightful art and observe an enchanting sight with the golden reflection of floating diyas in the mighty Ganges is mesmerizing.

Chandi Devi Temple

The famous temple of Chandi Devi is situated atop the Neel Parvat was commissioned by Suchat Singh in 1929 A.D. Previously the devotees need to take a 3km trek starting from the Chandi Ghat to reach the temple. But now the temple can only be reached by a ropeway which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple. According to legends the main statue in the temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century A.D.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi temple is built on the top of Bilwa Parvat and is devoted to divinity Mansa Devi. Standing at this height on can also enjoy the aerial view of the holy Ganges, Haridwar and the countryside from this point.

Vaishno Devi Temple

The newly constructed Vaishno Devi temple is a true replica of the original Vaishno Devi temple present in Jammu and Kashmir.

Gurukul Kangadi University

Pay a visit to the Gurukul Kangadi University to see how the education was imparted in the traditional Indian way. Within the premises of this center of the learning Veda Mandir is present which houses many archaeological exhibits.

The other prime attractions to visit during your presence in Haridwar are Maya Devi Temple, Shanti Kunj and Bharat Mata Temple.