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About Haridwar

Haridwar or hardwar in Uttarakhand is well known as a holy place for Hindus, a center of Hindu religion. It is located on the banks of sacred River Ganga, where the Ganges descends from the hills to the North Indian plains. Haridwar attracts a large number of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world. Alcohol is strictly banned in Haridwar. The world’s largest mela known as Kumbh Mela is also held in Haridwar ones in twelve years. In hindi, Haridwar means Dwar (gateway) of Hari (god). It is one of the seven holiest places to hindus. It was earlier famous by the name Gangadwara as this is the place where ganga descends to plains. Festivals are celebrated with full enthusiasm. Visitors specially visit this place during festive season, rooms and tickets are booked in advance. Roads are jam packed during festivals. It is one of the four places where nectar of immortality felt, the spot where nectar fell in haridwar is considered to be the Brahma Kund at Har ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat of the city, thousand of devotees come here and take holy sanan (bath) in it to wash their sins to attain Moksha (as believed). Every evening around 7 PM, thousands of devotees gather at this place and worship the river ganga by putting diyas, floating lamps in it. The view looks beautiful and fascinating. Other yearly festivals include Baisakhi in April and Kanwar Mela in July which draws up to 3, 00, 000 visitors to the sacred place. Somwati Amavasya which takes place in July is almost as large as the Kanwar Mela. Also, Kartik Purnima, which happens 15 days after Diwali on the first night of the full moon in November, Maya Devi Mandir, and located on upper road, is also an awesome sacred event. This temple is one of the 51 "Shakti Peeths" and it’s the presiding deity of Haridwar. It is from this temple Haridwar derives its other name Mayapur. Mansa Devi Mandir, atop a hill near the center of town can be reached by cable car or by a road that gently winds uphill about 2 km, starting from railway road.

The temple is aesthetically not particularly very different, but the views are quite grand and exquisite. The temple on the whole provides the intense experience.   Bharat Mata Mandir, 5 km north of the center is dedicated to Mother India, this is half temple, half nation building exercise, with seven floors stacked with deities, saints, and secular heroes of all Indian faiths. Chandidevi Mandir is located 8 to 9 kilometers away from railway station is also a place to visit. Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir is a Shiva temple located on a hill provides an elegant view. Haridwar offers several shopping centers for those who are interested in shopping at economical prices. The main shopping centers are Moti bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur and Kankhal, the Government Handloom and Handicrafts Emporiums and the Gandhi Ashram. Various handicraft materials can be found here including decorative pieces, idols of god, rings, and bangles. A jewellery lover can choose from variety of imitation ones. In Haridwar, you will find neatly carved stone idols, which could be unique souvenirs. These stones have traversed with Ganga all along and eventually deposited in Rishikesh as the river enters the plains. This gives the stones amazing shapes and a natural polish. Besides idols, there are kitchen set toys made from stone, which are interesting buys. Other famous places near Haridwar are Rishikesh and Rajaji National Park.  Rajaji National Park lies between Haridwar and Rishikesh and is worth visiting on your way to Rishikesh, whereas Rishikesh is known as a holy city for Hindus and a famous centre of pilgrimage. It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located around 25 kilometres away from Haridwar.