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Haridwar Tourism

About Haridwar Tourism

Also known as the ‘gateway to the Gods’, the widely revered city of Haridwar is located where Ganga, the most sacred Indian river, enters the Indo-Gangetic plains. Tourism in Haridwar is extremely popular because of the numerous temples and ashrams present across the city. It is among the four holy Indian cities that host the Kumbh Mela, which is a Hindu mass pilgrimage event and religious festival. This mela attracts pilgrims from across India and beyond.

As you enter Haridwar, you will be greeted with the melodious religious chanting of the priests and chimes of the temple bells. Haridwar tourism packages allow travellers and pilgrims to visit the diverse auspicious sites present in the city. The roots of this city are steeped deep in culture and traditions. Diverse festivals, like Kartik Poornima, Dusshera and Holi, light up the temples and ghats at Haridwar throughout the year. You can also browse the vibrant bazaars of Haridwar to buy handicrafts, religious paraphernalia and Ayurveda medicines. This city is globally renowned for Ayurveda, meditation and yoga.

One of the key highlights of Haridwar tourism in Uttarakhand is the famous Ganga Aarti held at the Har ki Pauri Ghat every evening. Several hundreds of devotees attend this aarti, pray to the river Ganga and float diyas.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Haridwar experiences a moderate climate almost throughout the year. The peak season for Haridwar tourism, however, is between November and March. The temperature here is fairly pleasant and cool during this time, making it ideal for sightseeing. The winter season in Haridwar typically sets in by the beginning of November. The average temperature in the winter months here range from 17°C to 6°C, making it comfortable enough for hopping from one temple to the other and taking part in different ceremonies and rituals.

If you want to plan a Haridwar trip to experience the many festivals celebrated here, then summer would be a better time to visit. Ramanavami, Kanwar Mela and the Kumbh Mela are all celebrated in summer. While the summer afternoons can be a bit too hot and humid, the evenings are generally cool.

Experience The Best Of Haridwar

If you are planning to go on a Haridwar tour, your itinerary must include the following: -

Mansa Devi Temple:

Perched atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, this famous temple is an important part of Haridwar India tourism. It is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, who is considered to be a form of Shakti. The term Mansa means wish. Many devotees visiting the temple believe that the goddess Mansa fulfils wishes. Hence, the temple is also regarded as a 'Siddh Peetha'. This phrase is used for places where desires and wishes get fulfilled. Ropeway service is available to take you up to the Mansa Devi Temple.

Chandi Devi Temple:

An important part of Haridwar tourism packages, this temple is nestled on the Shivalik Hills’ Neel Parvat. The temple is devoted to the Goddess Chanda Devi and is also referred to as Neel Parvat Teerth. It is one of Haridwar’s five pilgrimages. Chandi Devi Temple can also be reached via a ropeway, and provide you with quite a thrilling experience. It would also allow you to enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire city of Haridwar. As the ropeway makes its ascent towards the temple, you get the chance to soak in a stunning view of the valley below. There are many vendors around the temple selling incense sticks, diya, prasad and more, for those who want to offer puja.

Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri literally translates to 'Steps to Lord Shiva'. When talking about Haridwar tourism, Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri often tops the list. Ganga Aarti is a religious light and sound ceremony, where you get to witness Hindu priests performing prayers with bowls of fire while reciting mantras. The ceremony starts with the chanting of a Sanskrit poem, 'Ganga Lahari', followed by the grand Aarti. Devotees float diyas and flowers in the water, which is considered to be blessed by the Goddess Ganga. Lights of the diyas reflecting off the rushing river are a brilliant spectacle to witness.

How To Reach Haridwar

Being a well-connected city, tourism in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is quite popular.

Air: Haridwar does not have an airport of its own. You have to take a flight to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, and then reach by taxi to Haridwar. The distance between Haridwar and Dehradun is 52 km, and shall take you less than two hours to reach your destination.

Rail: Haridwar has its own railway station. Frequent trains to Delhi, Dehradun and Rishikesh stop at the Haridwar Junction Railway Station.

Road: There are several private and state transport buses that connect Haridwar with Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Haryana and other parts of Uttarakhand. With the popularity of UP and Haridwar tourism, many buses and cab companies also provide services from UP to Haridwar.