| Main Languages |
Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali and English |
| Population |
About 2 Lakhs |
| Area |
12.302 sq.kms |
About Haridwar
Haridwar, "Gateway to the abode of gods" blessed by the holy
trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva nestles on the banks of River
Ganga. Renowned for the "Maha Kumbh Mela" appearing every 12
years and the Ardh (half) Kumbh performed every six years fortunately
beautifies India drawing a number of pilgrims and devotees to
commemorate this divine event. Haridwar also provides plenty to learn.
Attractions In & Around
Beauty PointOn the Mansa Devi temple road, about two kms. from
Haridwar is a vantage point with wonderful views of Haridwar and its
forested surroundings. This place is called the beauty point, as the
sight of the surrounding is very exciting and enthralling.
Bhimgoda Kund
Legend has it that while the Pandavas were
here, Bhim with one blow of his horse’s hoof drew water from the
rocks at this spot. It is about half a km upstream from Hari-ki-Pairi
Ghat.
Chandi Devi (6 km. from
Haridwar) This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel
Parvat, on the other side of the river Ganga. The story goes that
Chanda-Munda the army chief of the demons Shumbh-Nishumbh were killed
by Goddess Chandi hence the name Chandi Devi. It also said that Adi
Shankaracharya established the original statute of Chandi in 8th
century AD. 0
Chilla Park The
Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Rajaji National Park is a
popular destination for nature and adventure lovers. The pristine
scenic beauty and rich biodiversity attracts wildlife lovers from
India and abroad and has 23 species of mammals and about 315 avifauna
species. Fishing in the river there is allowed with permits only.
Daksha Mahadev Temple This
temple is an ancient shrine located at Kankhal, and is one of the five
sacred places around Haridwar. It is associated with Sati, the spouse
of Lord Shiva who immolated herself to preserve his honour on being
insulted by her father, King Daksha Prajapati. This incident provoked
the disciples of Mahadev and killed King Daksha. But later Lord
Mahadev brought him back to life. The temple is an attribute to this
legend.
Deoprayag Deoprayag is
95 kms from Haridwar and is the most sacred Confluence of Alaknanda
and Bhagirathi rivers in the vast network of tributaries that form the
Ganges. It is from Deoprayag that the river starts taking the name
Ganga.
Gurukul Kangri University
Situated on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road this is a center
of learning where education is imparted in the traditional Indian way.
Swami Shardha Nandji Maharaj, founder of Arya Samaj movement in India,
founded this and within the precincts of the University is the Veda
Mandir, housing many archaeological exhibits.
Har Ki Pauri Ghat Also known as Brahmakund,
this ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that
Vikramaditya built this ghat in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. In
the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat and the floral
diyas that float on the ghat in the twilight creates an impression of
stars being brought in the river water.
Manasa
Devi Situated on the Vilwa Parvat, this temple can be reached
on foot, by road, or through the ropeway. The top of the hill gives an
excellent view of Haridwar. It is a Shrine dedicated to Mansa Devi,
wife of the Nag King Vasuki.
Maya
Devi This ancient temple of Maya Devi is also the Adhisthatri
deity of Haridwar and is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. It is said
that the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this place, when Lord
Shiva was carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the
honour of her husband.
Mussoorie The queen
of hill stations is about 89 kms from Haridwar and the salubrious
climate and deep woods make it an ideal hill station. The name,
Mussoorie, derives its name from plants of ‘Mussoorie’,
found in abundance here. After its discovery, this place gradually
developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
This is an excellent point to watch for migratory
birds and during the winter season, fascinating birds, especially the
Siberian Crane can be seen around Laljiwala on the banks of the river
Ganga.
Piran Kalier
On the outskirts of Roorkee is the Dargah of Hazrat
Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahmed "Sabir’, located 23 kms South of
Haridwar. This Dargah is famed for its mystical powers and is visited
in large numbers both by Hindus and Muslims and in fact this place is
a living example of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Sapta Rishi Ashram The
Ganges flows in seven streams in front of this Ashram, hence this
place is also called Sapt Sarovar. It is said that Saptrishis (Seven
sages) trapped the Ganga and agreed to release the River on King
Bhagirathps request. The Ashram commemorates the event.
CLIMATE
Haridwar is situated at a height of almost 300 meters above sea level
and the temperature usually hovers around 40°C during summers.
Winters see the mercury dipping to as low as 6°C.
Getting in, Around & Away
AIR : The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in
Dehradun, but it is preferable to use the roads or rail to Delhi and
then take flights to the destination of ones choice.
RAIL : This major pilgrimage center is
well connected by trains to almost all the major cities in India.
When to Visit
BEST
TIME TO VISIT
Round the year
TEMPERATURE
Summer
- Max: 40.9oC Min: 15.6oC
Winter - Max:
16.6 oC Min: 6.00oC
