Haridwar India

Haridwar is the top most spiritual place in India. It is believed that when the Gods left their footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically they also left an indelible mark on the spiritual etho- of every Hindu- more so, the devout, who ( would later follow their holy paths all across this blessed land. It has earned it's sobriquet of honor as 'The Gateway to The Gods'.

Haridwar is not only famous as holy place but also for it's ever-refreshing mystic venue which purifies our mind, body and soul in real manner. Main events which have gained real popularity here are memorable Kumbh Mela which happens once every 12 years and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which comes once every 6 years.

Haridwar as being one of the oldest living cities of India, finds it's mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures such a "Holy Veda's". Haridwar has not only remained the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit but also served as a center of attraction for many peoples for learning the art, science and culture.

Location
The holy city of Haridwar is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh at a distance of 214 km from Delhi. Haridwar extends from latitude 29° 58' in the north to longitude 78°13' in the east. The place is well connected to other cities of north India by road and train.

History
Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar. Due to its geographical location too, Haridwar stands as the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics, Haridwar has always remained a major pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Attractions of Haridwar
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.

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.

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.

Mussoorie
The queen of hill stations is just 89 kms from Haridwar. The salubrious climate and deep woods makes it an ideal hill station.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Major Shaktipeeth
Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord 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's longstanding position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the scenic beauty and lush greenery…all give the city a unique flavour and charm; a must among the sojourn centres in a discoverer's itinerary of Western U.P. - A destination of all seasons.

Ashrams
Saptrishi Ashram
It has mythological orgin and it is said that Saptrishis (Seven sages) Who had trapped thew Ganga agreed to release the River on king Bhagirath's request, provided it split into seven streams. The Ashram six km from haridwar.

Hariharanand Ashram
Founded by late Swami Hariharanand, it has several branchesin the country.

Pawan Dham
It is 5km from the city, it s famous for its Hanuman Temple with inset glass pieces.

Shopping in Haridwar
Haridwar is a pilgrimage center and visitors come here to visit the temples so as such there is no particular item which can be recommended to be bought here. But Haridwar offers you some good handicraft items which can be kept as decorative pieces or can be used as gift items. In the markets surrounding the temples, one can find jewellery imitations which are very popular among the devotees. The bangles, chains, ear and nose rings are some items which can be bough there.

Then the shops also have items made of stone. From Rishikesh, Ganga enters the plains and in all this area it sheds its load of stones which are not only polished naturally but come out in amazing shapes and sizes. These stone are used to make small idols which are very neatly, delicately and intricately carved.

Look out for Kitchen set toys made from stone. You can also get some items of talk stone. The main shopping centers are Moti Bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur, Kankhal. The UP handloom Emporium is near the Bharat Mata temple and the government Emporium, Gandhi Ashram is near the Haridwar post office.

Ghats
Virtually all devotees who visit Haridwar have a sacramental bath in the river Ganga. Though Har-ki-Pauri is the most popular place for taking a dip, there are other bathing ghats too. Steps have been built leading down to the specially-diverted waters of the river so that devotees can bathe in safety. Dedicated bathers then immerse themselves off the natural banks of the swift-flowing, and often very chilly, Ganga.

Fairs & Festivals
Haridwar, one of the oldest and holiest pilgrim centers of India, is also the place that plays host to around eight to ten million devotees during the Kumbh melas. The history of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe and as a show of their faith, Hindus from all over the country assemble to take a holy dip in the Ganges.