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Haridwar Tourism

Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on
the foot hills of Shivaliks. It is on the banks of River Ganga. The Ganga
leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first
major town on the plains.
Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely nevertheless it becomes
very quite and calm here. The water is clean and 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. 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.
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. This place has maintained the Gurukul
tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained
its fervour in Haridwar.
Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been
providing herbal remedies. Haridwar one of the first towns to be developed
on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park
in the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination for the wildlife
and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when
the ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold
floating in the waters of Ganges.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS- Religious Places
Har Ki Pauri 
This ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that this
ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This
ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed
on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.
Chandi Devi
This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the
other side of the river Ganga. The temple was constructed by the King of
Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the
Chandi Ghat.
Mansa Devi
This temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple
can be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route
to the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of Haridwar.
Kavand Mela
The fair is held ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months of Shravan
& Phalgun.
Daksha Mahadev Temple 
Four kms from Haridwar is a town called Kankhal. Mythology says that the
king of this place King Daksha Prajapati performed a yagya. His daughter,
Sati was married to Lord Shiva. But Daksha was not happy with this marriage
and did not invite Shiva-Sati in the Yagya.
But Sati came and was insulted by her father. She could not take the insult
and burnt herself in the yagya kund. On hearing this the followers of Shiva
killed Daksha. But later Mahadeo (Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The Daksha
temple is an attribute to this legend. This place is one of the five sacred
places in Haridwar.
Sapt Rishi
At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place
is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing sight.
Maya Devi
It is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This ancient temple of Maya Devi
is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is said that when Lord Shiva
was carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the honour of
her husband, then the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this place.
Others-
Gurukul Kangri University 
This university is known for its unique system of education. it is located
on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. This old institution follows the ancient
tradition of Guru-Sishya pattern of education. The institution also has
the Ved Mandir Museum which is has a very good collection of archaeological
exhibits and displays artifacts which are of historical value.
Beauty Point
On the Mansa Devi temple road, about two kilometer from Haridwar is a
point which provides an excellent view of Haridwar and the near by greenery.
This place is called the beauty point as the sight from here of the surrounding
is very exciting and enthralling.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
This place is an enchanting bird watching point particularly during the
winters. There are various species of birds which can be spotted here. Around
Laljiwala on the banks of river Ganges one can expect the Siberian Cranes,
which are one of the prized visitor to this Pakshi Vihar.
Excursions
Rishikesh
24 kms from Haridwar is Rishikesh. This place is known as the Tapo Bhumi
or the place for meditation of the Gods. Rishikesh is one of the popular
pilgrimage for the Hindus. At this place the Ganges leaves the mountains
and prepares herself to begin a long journey through the plains.
Dehradun
This hill station is located in the Shivalik hills. Just 54 kms from Haridwar.
The thick woods and scenic beauty of the place is enough to capture the
imagination of any tourist.
Mussoorie
The queen of hill stations is just 89 kms from Haridwar. The salubrious
climate and deep woods makes it an ideal hill station.
Piran Kalier 
On the outskirts of Roorkee is the Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali
Ahmed 'Sabir'. It is a must for any visitor to visit this place. The place
is known as Piran Kalier and is located 23 kms South of Haridwar. This Dargah
is famed for its mystical powers and is visited in large numbers both by
Hindus and Muslims. In fact this place is an living example of Hindu-Muslim
unity. During the Rabeeull month of Islamic calender, an Urs is celebrated
from the first day of sighting the moon to the sixteenth day.
Chila
At Chila is located the Rajaji National Park a popular destination for nature
and adventure lovers. The pristine scenic beauty and rich biodiversity of
the park has been attracting wildlife lovers from India and abroad The park
has 23 species of mammals and about 315 avifauna species.
Deoprayag
This is again one of the sacred places for the Hindus. At this place the
aggressive Alaknanda merges with the gentle flowing Bhagirathi. The place
is 95 kms from Haridwar.
How to get there
In the region Air Services are available only upto Jollygrant airport
in Dehradun, but the Railways have a station at Haridwar. This major pilgrimage
center has been well connected by trains to all the major towns of India.
In fact trains bring the major load of pilgrims and tourist inflow to
Haridwar. The national high way no.45 crosses through the city so it is
connected to other cities of the State as well as other towns in India
in an efficient manner.
There are buses available from Delhi to this place. The state transport
has ordinary as well as deluxe and semi-deluxe buses on this route for
long distance travel.
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