Haridwar

Why visit Attractions What to do Weather How to reach Where to stay

Ancient temple city on the banks of River Ganga
One of the most important Hindu pilgrimages
Site for Kumbh Mela
Gateway to the holy Char Dham circuit of Uttarakhand

What to know

One of the holiest pilgrimages in India, Haridwar, or the ‘gateway to gods’, is located where Ganga, the sacredest of all Indian rivers, enters the Indo-Gangetic plains. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Haridwar is a city of temples and ashrams and its pious ambience envelops everyone. Haridwar is one of the four holy Indian cities that host the Kumbh Mela, a pious gathering of millions of Hindu devotees every 12 years. The Ardh Kumbh is organised here every six years. It also hosts the Kanwar mela every year during the rainy season. The ‘Panch Tirth’ or the five pilgrimages located within the periphery of Haridwar, are Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi). Haridwar serves as the gateway to the Char Dham of Uttarakhand as well.

An ancient city, Haridwar's roots are steeped deep in culture and traditions of the ancient Vedic times, and there are several institutions here imparting traditional knowledge of wellness. If you want to know more and experience the ancient methods of healing, there are many certified Ayurvedic clinics in Haridwar that you can visit. Ashrams also offer sessions in Ayurveda, meditation and yoga. Every morning and evening, the ghats (stepped banks of a river) of River Ganga witnesses the blissful Ganga aarti, which attracts devotees and tourists. The evening ritual being more popular, it makes for a mesmeric sight to see the river being venerated with loud and rhythmic chants and tall lamps, their lights lightening up the darkening waters. It is a spectacular sight as thousands of small diyas (earthen lamps) are set afloat on the river.

While you are in Haridwar, do visit one of the newly renovated ghats, Chandighat.

Attractions

What To Do

Ganga aarti

Aarti, or a holy ritual conducted with lamps, is a regular practice in Hinduism. At Har ki Pauri ghat, the sacred river Ganga is venerated every day with this ritual. The evening ritual is very popular among tourists as the flickering lamps reflected in the river's waters make for a mesmeric sight. The ringing of bells, blowing of conches and recitation of hymns, add to the sacred atmosphere.

Ayurvedic treatment

Being an ancient city with its roots steeped in culture and traditions of the Vedic times, Haridwar is popular for Ayurvedic practitioners and institutions. Visit a certified Ayurvedic clinic or enjoy a traditional massage at one the nearby spas.

Ganga Ghats

Haridwar has several ghats (stepped banks of a river) where pilgrims and tourists gather to take a dip in River Ganga. It is believed that the Ganga can absolve us of our sins. Some of the popular ghats here are Har ki Pauri, Vishnu Ghat, Ganesh Ghat, Birla Ghat and Gau Ghat.

Ashram tour

Haridwar has several ashrams that offer a lifestyle that can heal the soul and body. You can visit or stay at these ashrams and enjoy a simple life, learn yoga and meditation, or receive Ayurvedic treatments in traditional ways. Some of the ashrams are Shantikunj, Ma Anandamayi Ashram, Sapt Rishi Ashram, Harihar Ashram, Bharat Sevashram Sangh and Vyas Ashram.