Haridwar – Complete Travel Guide Haridwar Tour

Haridwar is ‘Hari ka Dwar’ that implies the Gateway to God. It is one of the seventh holy places that hold utmost importance for Hindus. Devotees feel the holy dip in the river Ganga purifies the human soul and body. This holy Place experiences the movement of a large number of tourists every year. And its increasing year by year.

Hardiwar city is an ancient city with the great significance in the Hindu culture. It is in the Uttarakhand state of India. The city provides exposure to Indian culture mix with the rituals and ancient philosophical approach of the Hindu culture.

Haridwar carries the prime location from where the River Ganges emerged from the mountains and take entry into the plain areas. The ghats in Haridwar are just breathtaking. Hundreds of diyas and marigold flowers light up the river Ganga. It’s a common belief, all their sins will be washed after taking the holy dip in the river Ganga.

Legendary history of Haridwar

The great history of Hardiwar starts with the story of King Bhagiratha (great-grandson of King Sagar). King Bhagiratha prayed for several years to Lord Shiva for the salvation of the souls. His ancestors are facing a curse for the past many years of the sage Kapila. Lord Shiva accepted his prayer and River Ganga landed on earth seeking salvation to the ancestors. Since then, people in the Hindu religion pour the ashes of their departed loved ones in the River Ganga. In order to bring salvation to their souls.

Another historical event that made Haridwar the holiest place is the spilling of Amrit. Accidentally happened when the celestial bird Garuda is carrying it to heaven. Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat, that receives the Amrit sprinkled. Due to that,Kumbha Mela is organized every 12 years in the city that draws a large number of pilgrims to seek the blessings of God. Also, the city experience Ardha Kumbha Mela every six years.

A large collection of festivals are celebrated in Haridwar. Among which some are quite famous such as Baisakhi in April. Kanwar Mela in July and Kartik Purnima and Somwati Amawasya.

Chardham Yatra and Haridwar- A Strong Bonding

Haridwar is just like the entry step to the Chardham Yatra. Pilgrims visit Haridwar before making the visit to the four holy temples of Chardham. Commonly famous as Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is believed that Haridwar is blessed with the three Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh presence. And hence it is referred to as ‘Hari ka Dwar’ to all the temples located in the place.

Attractions of Haridwar:

Mansa Devi Temple: This temple is located on the top of Bilwa Parvat that is situated on Shivalik Hills. People devote homage to the Goddess Mansa Devi considering her the symbol of power. It is believed that if pilgrims show devotion to God from the purest heart, all their wishes will be granted by the goddess Mansa Devi.

Hari-ki-pauri: It is the auspicious Ghat on the shore of River Ganga that is renowned with the name Brahma Kund. People believed that by taking a dip in the holy water of the Ghat will wipe off all the sins committed so far.

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: A beautiful bird sanctuary located at the Bhimgoda Barrage on the river Ganga. Those who love to watch a variety of birds will find heaven here. One can find a wide coverage of birds that migrate to the place during the winter season.

Doodhadari Barfani Temple: one of the famous temples located in the Doodhadari Barfani Baba ashram in Haridwar that is famous for the beautiful and mesmerized temples of Ram-Sita and Hanuman.


Chandi Devi Temple: Another beautiful attraction of Haridwar that attracts thousands of devotees every year. It is located on the Neel Parvat on Shivalik Hills.

Things to Do in Haridwar:

Ganga Aarti: Ganges ceremony (Ganga Aarti) is quite famous in Haridwar. If you had visited the place, you must take part in the aarti as it will fill your senses with the beautiful music and charm of the chants. You will surely love to view the beautiful view of the lighten diyas on the floral bowls that flows in the river Ganga.

Yoga and meditation: Hardiwar being the place of serenity offers you a calm and pure place to practice yoga and meditation. Here you will find a great deal of ashrams that will let you attain perfect synchronization of mind, health, and body.

Holy dip in Ganga: During Haridwar visit, the holy dip in the river Ganga at har ki Pauri is a must. Also, Devotees come from long ways for a holy dip in the river Ganga.

Haridwar walk: Haridwar walk lets you explore the great accommodation of Indian culture dipped in the holiness of the place. You can experience the towns and lifestyle of the people living in the city along with going through the depth of the calmness of the place.

Weather in Haridwar:

The Haridwar city experiences great weather. The summers in the city fall between April Mid July. Summer is generally hot in Haridwar. That why dip in the river Ganga is very refreshing. Winter starts from October to January and it is chilly cold during the time but does offer a serene beauty of the place.

How to Reach Haridwar?

By Air: You can reach Haridwar by using a flight system that lands you at the Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun that is located at a distance of 45km from Haridwar. The Jolly Grant Airport is also well-connected with Delhi by regular flights.

By Train: Haridwar Railway Station is well connected by train system from Delhi and other cities. Trains run on a daily basis to and from the city.

By Bus: Haridwar bus station is the nearest to get connectivity with the city and with the rail network as well. Here buses and taxis are easily available.