About the City

Haridwar has been a centre of religious and historic importance from the early ages. It is the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal.. A religious city that has been remembered by different names in our scriptures and ancient historic epics. Some times it was Mayapuri and at other times, Gangadwar. A paradise for nature-lovers,  Haridwar presents kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization.

Situated in the foothills of Himalaya , on the right bank of the Ganga , this city is a beautiful place for the tourists and pilgrims. According to legendary the forefathers of king Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Lord Vishnu is said to have his foot print on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it all the times . Devout believers feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar.

Haridwar is one of those four chief religious places where the festival of Kumbh takes place in every twelve years. It is believed that if one takes bath in its sacred water, he/she is relived of all sins and achieves supreme salvation. Haridwar is considered to be one among the seven salvation-giving Puris.

Haridwar district, covering an area of about 2360 sq.km. is in the western  part of Uttaranchal state of India .

Accessibility

• By Air
  The nearest airport is Jollygrant (35 kms). Taxis are available by Airport .
• By Rail
  It is well connected to all parts of the country.
• By Road
  Haridwar is well connected to all parts of the country.

Places of Interest

• Har ki Pauri
  This place is also known as Brahmakund. The King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga . This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari's footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.
  

• Bhimgoda
  This Place is situated on the Haridwar-Rishikesh road, about 2.5 kbm.away from Haridwar bus stand. It is popular for its belief that the most powerful Bhim constructed tank with the force of his knee at this place.
  

• Bhoomaniketan
  Bhoomaniketan is a popular tourist place for a fantastic view of natural caves.This hermitage represents a wonderful communication of art and religion.
  
  
• Vaishnodevi
  vaishnodevi temple is immitation of Ma Vashnodevi main temple situated in Jammu. Vaishnodevi temple of Hardwar is a unique mixture of natural phenomenon and art.
  
  
• Mansa Devi Temple
  The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. It is a very famous temple. It can be reachable by on foot or by the rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.
  
  
• Chandi Devi Temple
  The Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Ganga 's banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. It is situated on NH to Najibabad, it is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. It is at a distance of six kilometers on Neel Parvat on the other bank of River Ganga.
  
  
• Maya Devi Temple
  This is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapethas. Said to be the places where the hearts and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.
  
  
• Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidhyalya
  It is the one of the main educational centre of India, established by Swami Shradhanand. Its archaeological Museam, Ved Mandir and Pharmacy is the main attraction point for tourists.