Haridwar

For centuries, Haridwar is a place that preserves the Hindu religion and mysticism. Haridwar literally means "Gateway of God", located on the banks of the Ganges River, this small town is undoubtedly one of the holiest Hindu places in the world. This discreet city, chaotic and unforgiving, witnesses millions of pilgrims every year. The place is also a gateway to Char Dham or four religious centers: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, which promise sacred, adventure and cultural experiences for travelers.

Pic Courtesy by: www.cleartrip.com

Religiously, Haridwar is more important than the Rishikesh neighborhood, with a clamorous crowd in Har-ki-Pauri at night time, aarti, impressive temples, ashrams and in general an aura of religious fervor, making it a religious potpourri. It goes without saying that, being a religious city, it hosts several religious festivals throughout the year. Some of the renowned festivals are Kumbh Mela, Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela and Ganga Dussehra.

Sights & Activities:

Har-ki-Pauri – This is the signature attraction of Haridwar, which literally means the ‘Footsteps of God’. According to legend, Lord Vishnu dropped some heavenly nectar and left behind his footsteps here. Despite of fast current of Ganges, pilgrims take a dip holding chains fixed with the bar of ghats and donate money to the priests and shrines. Every evening an illustrious Ganga aarti (river worship ceremony) is staged here. This is best thing one can watch in Haridwar. The best times to visit the place are early in the morning and just before nightfall.

Mansa Devi & Chandi Devi Temples – Mansa Devi temple is situated on the hilltop and can be reached through a cable car. The path is lined with stalls selling Prasad (food offering in religious ceremonies). Travelers can also walk down 1.5 km path, but monkeys are atrocious here. Another temple Chandi Devi temple is located on Neel Hills, 4 km southeast of Haridwar. Many pilgrims combine these two temples in a same cable car, or one can walk through 4 km and reach there.

Haridwar Ashram Stay – Many travellers, especially foreigners make a beeline for Rishikesh to learn yoga and Hindu spiritual practice. However, no one can deny a few but serious ashrams in Haridwar run by learned masters and less commercial pursuit. Two most notable ashrams are: Sri Prem Nagar Ashram and Mohyal Ashram

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Rajaji National Park - This unspoilt park is located almost 13 km from Haridwar, covering 820 sq.km in the forested foothills a home to number of elephants, a few tigers, deers, leopards, a handful of sloth beers and some 300 species of birds.  Unlike other national parks where elephant safari is predominant, this national park offers only jeep safari, accommodating a maximum of 8 people. If anyone wants to stay overnight in the forest, there are three historic but rudimentary rest houses in the park. Staying in one of the rest houses will make the entry fee valid for three days. There is no food available in the rest houses, so one need to arrange food from Chilla. The comfortable stay is in Chilla GMVN rest house outside the park.

Pic Courtesy by: rajajinationalpark.co.in

Bara Bazar - Located on the railroad road, Bara Bazar is a popular shopping place in Haridwar. As Haridwar is a religious city, all you can expect here are the elements that are required in a Pooja (Adoration). However, in Bara Bazar you are also likely to find  handicraft items. Rudraksha seeds, Churan (digestive powders) and a variety of Methai (Sweets) made with mawa & milk can also be brought from Bara Bazar. Ayurvedic medicines are also a fairly popular purchase in the market.

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ShantiKunj - It is the headquarters of one of the most famous spiritual and social organizations, the All World Gayatri Parivar in India. Located on the banks of the Ganges River and at a distance of about 5 km from the Haridwar train station, a large number of people approach Shantikunj in search of spiritual guidance, as it adds to your spiritual journey in the city. Shantikunj key features are social reforms, psychosocial engineering, self-sufficient development of rural India, comprehensive training programs, resurgence of Vedic culture, reinvestigation of Vedic literature and methods of Sadhana, sixteen sanskar (sacramental rites), Worshiping the deity of human life through the triple path of Upasana, Sadhana and Aradhana, and Ascent and Empowerment of Women and Transformation of Youth: Shiksha and Vidya (Education, knowledge and just intellect).

Pic Courtesy by: hindi.awgp.org