Haridwar
Haridwar, India well-known as the Gateway to the Gods is homebased in the foothills of the Shivaliks sideways the banks of the River Ganga. Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in all of India according to Hindu mythology. Hindu mythology states that the Gods left their footsteps in this city. Not only is Haridwar recognized for its mythology roots but also as a entrance to the three pilgrimages, home in the Uttarakhand area which are Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. These pilgrimages mentioned in scriptures as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar are still today a foremost pilgrimage for Hindus.
The holy land of Haridwar is one of the prominent Shaktipeeths and is among the seven holiest cities of India which is situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganga. This place is located in the Uttrakahand state meaning Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God, which is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu.
The water found in Haridwar is clean and clear with herbal remedies, as numerous believe. All along the shore of the river, you will find Ghats where numerous takes baths utilizing the healing powers believed to be in the River that is believed to cleanse the soul and open the way to Nirvana, the ultimate freedom. Haridwar is known for providing the source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies along with holding striking scenery and lush greenery. Many love to bask in the loveliness as well as enjoy nature in the Rajaji Park. Tourists that love wildlife and nature really enjoy a Haridwar holiday.
The main draw of Haridwar is that it is one of the most main pilgrimage midpoints in all of India. If you plan to visit during one of the various festivals, you will see people from all over the world as well as various walks of life including devotees, sadhus, and holy men. While visiting this pilgrimage you will need to visit the Har-Ki-Pauri, which is the sacred Ghat built by King Vikramaditya in the loving memory of his Bhartrihari. The temple of the Chandi Devi is located a top the Neel Parvat along the bank of the river Ganges built in 1929AD by Suchat Singh. In order to visit the Temple of Chandi Devi you will need to follow a ropeway that begins at the Gauri Shankar Temple. The Vaishno Devi Temple is a recently built temple that is a replica of the original temple home in Jammu and Kashmir.
Just outside of Haridwar, you will find the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary. This amazing sanctuary covers about 240 square Km. Twenty-three different species call the sanctuary home as well as 315 plant species. Some of the animals you may get the chance to see including chitals, jungle cats, elephants, leopards, tigers, Himalayan yellow throated martens, barking dear, sambers, langurs, wild boars, sloth bears, ghurals, woodpeckers, and king cobras to name a few. You can even try your hand at fishing in the river as long as you have a permit.
Place to Visit in Haridwar
Besides this, Haridwar has a number of tourist attractions also. Most of these attractions are temples and other religious places where the tourists come to seek the blessings and pray for healthy and hearty life.
Maya Devi Temple : This temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi. The temple lies in the vertex of Siddhapeeth Temple. The divine premises of the temple are believed to have blessed with the blessings of Goddess Sati.
Chandi Devi Temple : This temple was built in 1929 by the Maharaja of Kashmir. An ancient shrine that resembles Goddess Kali has been instilled in the premises of the temple. The visitors have to climb a large number of steps to reach this temple.
Bharat Mata Temple : This temple was built as a tribute to the country. The temple has an eight storey and has other figures of Hindu gods and deities. There is a spa and yoga center in the temple premises also.
Mansa Devi Temple : This temple is located atop Bilwa Parbat. The temple can be reached only by cable cars or by foot. The temple has a statue of a goddess that possesses three faces and five arms. The temple also provides you exotic views of Haridwar.
Daksha Mahadev Temple : This is an ancient temple that is dedicated to lord Shiva. The legend has it that Lord Daksha who was the father of Goddess Sati performed a yagya here so as to please Lord Shiva.
Har ki Pauri : This is one of the most sacred Ghats of Haridwar. This Ghat was built by Vikramaditya in the 10th century in the memory of his brother who is said to have meditated on the banks of River Ganga.
How to reach Haridwar
Air : Haridwar is easily accessible and is connected well with the rest of the country. The nearest airport from Haridwar is at Jolly Grant at a distance of about 25 kilometres.
Rail : The Haridwar Railway station is well connected with all the major cities of the country.
Road : National Highway 58 and National Highway 74 both connect Haridwar with the rest of the country and make Haridwar quite easy to reach by road. The distance of Haridwar from the national capital Delhi is about 200 kilometres.