Literally meaning Hari Ka Dwar (Gateway to God), Haridwar is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus and India. Located on the right bank of river Ganga Haridwar is the holy town form where the holy river Ganga leaves hills of Shivalik ranges and spreads over the plains of northern India. Haridwar is the base camp and the entry point to the annual holy Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri). Haridwar is also one of the four venues for the famous Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela that are held once in every 12 years and 6 years respectively. Millions of devotees assemble here during this auspicious occasion and take a dip in the holy Ganga ji to wash away their sins. The major religious and tourist attraction of Haridwar are – Har ki Pauri, Daksha Mahadev Temple , Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple. Rishikesh, another holy town near Haridwar is also the major attraction for devotees and tourist.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Haridwar is the full year destination. However due to Moderate warm and cool Temperature (September to October) and (March to April) are the best months for visiting Haridwar.
SUMMER: March to May (18°C to 40°C)
WINTER: October to February (6°C to 16º C)
HARIDWAR ATTRACTION
1. HAR KI PAURI
Har ki Pauri is the most sacred Ghat and ICON of Haridwar. Brahamakund, the main bathing area is the spot where the drops of Amrit fell after the Samudra Manthan is also part of Har ki Pauri. Har ki Pauri is also site for the famous Kumbh Mela, ardha kumbh mela and Punjabi festival Vaisakhi (13th April). A large number of devotees visit Har ki Pauri to take a holy dip in Brahamakund everyday here. The daily evening Ganga Aarti here is one of the major attractions for the devotees. The Aarti provides a truly enchanting experience as a large number of ornate lamps, with dozens of glames burning in pure ghee accompanied with devotional songs and prayers are offered to Mother Ganga.
2. CHANDI DEVI TEMPLE
Situated atop the Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi temple is one of the three Shakti Peeths located in Haridwar. The famous temple is dedicated to goddess Chandi or Chandika (Parvati). Thousands of devotees visit this famous temple for the fulfillment of their wishes. The temple is connected to the Haridwar city by ropeway (Udaan Khatola). The temple provides a Panoramic view of Haridwar town, Har ki Pauri and Shivalik ranges. This temple is a must visit site for the devotees coming to Haridwar.
3. MANSA DEVI TEMPLE
Situated atop the Neel Parvat, Mansa Devi temple is one of the three Shakti Peeths located in Haridwar. This famous temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi has too deities, one with eight arms and other one three headed with five arms. Thousands of devotees visit this famous temple for the fulfillment of their wishes. The temple is connected to the Haridwar city by ropeway (Mansa Devi Udaan Khatola). The temple provides a Panoramic view of Haridwar town, Har ki Pauri and Shivalik ranges. This temple is a must visit site for the devotees coming to Haridwar.
4. MAYA DEVI TEMPLE
Located in Haridwar Maya Devi Temple is one of the three Shakti Peeths. Dedicated to goddess Maya Devi this shrine is the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. As per legend it is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell at the very place where the temple stands today. The deity in the shrine is a three headed and four armed who is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. Thousands of devotees visit this 11 th century temple to offer prayers to Goddess Maya Devi for the fulfillment of their wishes.
5. DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE
Situated in Kankhal (Haridwar), Daksha Mahadev temple is one of the most ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per legend King Daksha Prajapati the father of Sati (Parvati) performed Yagana at the exact spot where the temple stand today. When her father ignored her husband Lord Shiva, Sati felt insulted and burned herself in Yagna Kund. Thousands of devotees visit this temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.