Situated in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal at a distance of 214 km from Delhi, the city of Haridwar in North Karnataka holds tremendous religious and historical significance. Research about Haridwar says that the erstwhile major trading center bears historical legacy in forms of giant temples, palaces, market streets, and forts and several other ancient monuments. The history about Haridwar will tell you that it attaches deep seated importance to the mythological and spiritual background of India. Legend says that in the Vanaparva section of the Mahabharata, sage Dhaumya cites Haridwar and Kankhal in his discussion with Yudhisthira about the various tirthas of India, Gangadwar. One of the Char Dhams (the four prime centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand namely, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, the city of Haridwar came under the control of the Maurya Empire between 322 and 185 BC, and later under the Kushan Empire during the 1st–3rd centuries.
Air : In case you are speculating as to how to reach Haridwar by air, you can avail of the Jolly Grand Airport, which is around 35 km from Haridwar. Although there are not many airlines that ply between New Delhi and Dehradun, you can easily avail of a Simplifly Deccan flight, which plies on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. However, it is advisable to access Haridwar by train or by road.
Rail : If you are in a dilemma about how to reach Haridwar by rail, you have plenty of good options. Haridwar has a railhead of its own, linked with all the important cities of India. Several trains plying from Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, and Kolkata halt in this station. There are numerous trains available for reaching Haridwar from New Delhi, with the ones to Dehradun also making a halt here.
Bus : An excellent roadway and road transport network connect Haridwar to and from all major cities and towns of Uttaranchal and north India by bus services offered by the UP Roadways and transport corporations of other states. Private bus operators and taxis are also available. The National Highway no.45 stretches across the city of Haridwar, so as to connect different cities of the state and other states too.
Har Ki Pauri : Har Ki Pauri or Brahm Kund is the main ghat of Haridwar. It is believed that it represents the point where River Ganges takes leave of the mountains and makes it way to the plains. It is so named, as it is believed that it is Lord Vishnu's footprint that is imprinted on one of the stones here and is thus visited regularly by a number of devotees, who come here to pay their homage to this footprint of God and take a dip in the sacred waters of Ganga. Ganga aarti held here every evening is famous because it quite a spectacle to see hundreds of tiny diyas and marigolds floating down the river as priests recite 'Om' on the Ghat steps.
Mansa Devi Temple : A cable-car ride to the Mansa Devi Temple, which is situated on a hill above the city can be very thrilling. Another option is to climb up the 1.5 km stretch, to the temple of Goddess Mansa, one of the varied forms of Goddess Durga said to have power to grant your wishes.
Chandi Devi Temple : The temple of Chandi Devi a top the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganges was constructed in AD 1929 by Suchat Singh, the then King of Kashmir. The temple is a 3-km trek from Chandi Ghat and it is believed that the Adi Shankaracharya established the main statue in eighth century AD. The Chandi Devi Temple is now also accessible by a ropeway, which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple.
Sapt Rishi Ashram : Sapt Rishi Ashram is the point where River Ganges flows in seven little streams. It is believed that seven greatest saints or holy sages prayed here for the good of humanity. These saints are the only seven saints that have reached that level amongst the innumerable others who tried to attain it across number of aeons since the world was made. It is believed that a constellation of seven stars is actually the saints who took this form after leaving their mortal bodies for the heavenly abode.
Bharat Mata Temple : It is a rare multi-storeyed building and each of the floors in the building has been dedicated to different gods. Here the motherland India is given a form of a deity with the tri-colored national flag in her hand a tri-colored sari adorning her idol. It represents the 'Unity In Diversity' in India and the oneness of all Indians.
Haridwar, the holy city is one of the most renowned pilgrimage centers in India. Pilgrims form all over the world flock to this sacred city to take a dip in the holy waters of River Ganga.Being a destination for pilgrimage tourism, shopping in Haridwar is not on the itinerary of the tourist. However shops in Haridwar have some interesting things to offer to the tourist. The main shopping centers are Moti bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur and Kankhal. You can also check out the Government Handloom and Handicrafts Emporiums and the Gandhi Ashram. Here you will find a range of handicraft decorative pieces. If you are interested in jewellery, then you can choose from a variety of imitation ones which make good fashion accessory. In Haridwar, you will find neatly and intricately carved stone idols, which make unique souvenirs. It is fascinating that these stones have traversed with Ganga all along and they are eventually deposited in Rishikesh as the river enters the plains. This gives the stones amazing shapes and a natural polish. Besides idols, there are kitchen set toys made from stone, which are interesting buys.
To cater to appetites of tourists coming here in hordes, Haridwar has a number of restaurants and eating out places. There is a delectable variety of food available at the restaurants here. But this is to be noted that all non-vegetarian food including alcoholic drinks are strictly forbidden here. It is mandatory for all to abide by the rules and have only vegetarian food till they leave Haridwar. No wonder, even these vegetarian foods offer you such delicious varieties that it will tickle your taste buds for sure. Right from North Indian and Garhwali cuisines to Bengali and South Indian dishes, you will find a good range to whet your appetite.