Haridwar – Uttarakhand

posted by kunal

Sep 9, 2017 1349 0 0

Haridwar is considered to be among the seven holiest places of worship according to the Hindu religion. It is located in the state of Uttarakhand on the banks of the sacred river Ganga. Haridwar is popular for a mela( a Hindu festival) called the Kumbh Mela which is celebrated with great style every three years. This holy site is also a gateway to four other religious centers that include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. It is also considered as one of the best pilgrimage sites in India and, is revered all around the country. So if you are deeply spiritual and your intention is to understand Hinduism then Haridwar is the place you need to visit.

How to reach Haridwar ?

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Haridwar Map

By train:

Haridwar has its own railway station which is well connected to all major cities in the country like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai etc.

By road:

There are a number of public and private bus services available to Hardiwar from neighbouring cities. Additionally, there are a number of bus services from cities like Delhi, Shimla, Jodhpuretc that travel to Haridwar. New Delhi and Dehradun are starting points located at close proximity of Hardiwar.

a. How to reach Hardiwar from New Delhi : The shortest route to reach Hardiwar from New Delhi is via NH334 and Upper Ganga Canal Rd as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

b. How to reach Hardiwar from Dehradun : There fastest route from Dehradun to Hardiwar is via Ambala-Dehradun-Haridwar Rd/Ambala – Poanta Sahib – Herbertpur – Dehradun – Rishikesh National Hwy/Haridwar Rd and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

By flight:

The closest domestic airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. While the nearest international airport is the New Delhi Airport.

Climate and best time to visit Haridwar

The climate in Haridwar is moderate throughout the year. During summers the temperature ranges from 18 degrees to 40 degrees. Winters, on the other hand, are quite cold with temperature ranging from a low of 6 degrees to a high of less than 30 degrees. The rainfall received during monsoons is “moderate”. The ideal time to visit Haridwar is in between October to April.

Places To Visit Around Haridwar

Har-ki-Pauri: The Har-ki-PauriGhat is a very sacred place in Haridwar where thousands of devotees take dip in the holy water of the Ganges. According to the Hindus, salvation of the ancestors can be achieved if one stands on the water at this Ghat. The place looks ravishing during evening when a large number of lamps are lit up and allowed to float in the water at the time of a ritual performed by the priests.

Chandi Devi Temple: This temple was constructed by Suchat Singh and is situated atop the Neel Parvat. It is believed that the wishes of the devotees are granted by Chandi Devi, the reigning deity of the temple. One can reach the temple by taking a 45 minutes walk up hill or can ride on a ropeway known as UdanKhatola.

Mansa Devi Temple: There is a tree in the temple premises where devotees tie sacred threads with expectations that their wishes will be fulfilled by Goddess Mansa Devi. It is located on the top of Shivalik Hills. The temple offers a spectacular view of Haridwar.

Maya Devi Temple: It is considered to be the site where the navel and the heart of Goddess Sati fell. The temple belongs to the eleventh century. It is a must-visit site in Haridwar. Maya Devi temple is among the three ancient temples of Haridwar, the others being Bhairav temple and NarayaniShila temple.

Neel Dhara Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary provides shelter to a variety of migratory birds and is an ideal place for bird watchers.

Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary: Located on the eastern bank of river Ganges, the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect location for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It shelters a variety of animals like tigers, elephants, bears, and small cats.

Other places of tourist interest in and around Haridwar include Rishikesh, Rajaji National Park, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Chamba, and Nainital.