Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal . It’s also your starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapila’s curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors. Geographically and geologically, Haridwar, lying at the feet of Shiva’s hills, i.e., Shivaliks, in Uttaranchal .It is believed drops of the nectar churned out from the world-ocean fell at four places – Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Ujjain and Nashik. Haridwar is situated on the right side of the bank of the holy Ganga, and is the point where the river spreads over the northern plains. Associated with both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Haridwar is among the seven sacred cities of India. It is also one of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, held in its magnitude every twelve years. Essentially a religious centre which holds promise of salvation for devotees, Haridwar is also a centre of herbal medicine, and traditional studies at GurukulKangri. There are many places of scenic beauty on the outskirts of the town.

Places Of Tourist Interest

Har ki Pauri
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.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar
According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Mansa Devi Temple
The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. 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. A three kilometers trek from Chandighat, 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 Hardwar, known as one of the Siddhapethas. Said to be the places where the hearts and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.

Daksha Mahadev Temple
The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev stands in the south Kankhal town. Mythology has it that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife) performed yagya at this place, but didn’t invite Lord Shiva (Mahadev). Feeling insulted, Sati burnt herself in the yagya kund. Provoked by this, the ganas (followers) of Lord Shiva killed King Daksha. Later, Lord Shiva brought him back to life.

How To Reach

By Air
The nearest Airport is Jollygrant, BhaniaWala, Dehradun (41kms). Vayudoot services from Delhi.
Indira Gandhi International Airport,Delhi (220kms)

By Rail
Connected with all important Cities of India viz., Bombay, Delhi, Agra, Howrah, Varanasi, Allahabad, Ujjain, Amritser, Dehradun, Lucknow, etc.

By Road
Hardwar on National Highway no.45 is will connected to all major cities and other parts of the state viz.Delhi (214 kms.),Agra (386 kms.),Ambala (168 kms.),Badrinath (325 kms.),Dehradun (52 kms.),Kedarnath (250 kms.),Saharanpur (81 kms.),Nainital (286 kms.)