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City Information
The holy town of Haridwar is at the foothills of the Shivalik range where the Ganges passes through its last gorge and begins a 2,000-km journey across the Indo-Gangetic plains. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Tapovan, and Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics, Haridwar has always remained a major pilgrimage for the Hindus. Haridwar is a part of the traditional yatra and adventure sports circuit. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the Har-Ki-Pauri at Haridwar to participate in the spectacular Ganga aarti ceremony. During the aarti, flowers of all kinds-yellow and scarlet lilies, roses, jasmine, and hibiscus-floating down the river, present a visual delight. They are placed in boats made of broad leaves, then consigned to the waters with a prayer. The aarti ceremony is certainly worth witnessing.
Apart from the Har-Ki-Pauri, Haridwar is also famous for the temples of Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi, Anjani Devi, Gauri Shankar, and Neeleshwar Mahadev. Haridwar is the gateway to the pilgrim centres of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri in Uttrakhand. It is one of the four pilgrim centres where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. Millions of devout Hindus come here to take a dip in the holy Ganges seeking emancipation from worldly sins.
One of the first towns to be developed on the banks of the Ganges, Haridwar still retains the rich verdure of forests and trees. With the Rajaji National Park in the vicinity, Haridwar is also a major destination for wildlife and nature lovers.
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