Haridwar, also known as Gateway to God is also one of the popular Hindu Pilgrim cities in Uttrakhand is situated on the banks of Holy River Ganga. One of the seven holiest places to Hindus, Haridwar, is located in the foothills of Shivalik Hills. This pious city has beautiful temples, Ayurvedic potions and a slice of Himalayan wildlife along with some adventure water sports. During Kumbha Mela in every 12 years, millions of pilgrims and tourists gather in Haridwar to take a dip on the river Ganges to wash away their sins. Har ki Pauri which means footsteps of the Lord is regarded as the most sacred Ghat in Haridwar. Haridwar has temples devoted to many gods and goddesses and is the starting point to “Char Dham yatra” namely, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Every evening people gather to witness the “Maha Aarti” by the priests of main temple in Haridwar on the banks of River Ganga. With the priests enchanting the mantras and pilgrims floating the diyas in Holy River, the view is breathtaking and divine.
Location: Located on the banks of River Ganges (Ganga) in Uttrakhand
How to Reach:
By Air: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is 20 km from Haridwar. Taxies from airport are available at an approximate price of Rs.400 to reach Haridwar
By Rail: Haridwar Junction Railway Station is the closest Railway Station to Haridwar. It is well connected to the other the other cities and has regular and special trains plying on this route.
By Road: There are lot of buses plying from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Delhi and Haryana to reach Haridwar. Haridwar Bus Stand is just opposite to Haridwar Junction Railway.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Junction Railway Station
By Road: Haridwar Bus Stand, opposite to Haridwar Junction Railway Station
Famous Places to visit: Some important temples to visit in Hardwar are, Maya Devi Mandir located on upper end; Mansa Devi Mandir, situated on atop of a hill near the center town.; Bharat Mata Mandir; Chandi Devi Mandir, Daksh Mandir, Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir and Ma Anandmayee Ashram. Visit nearby Kankhal, Piran Kaliyar, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, Sapt Rishi Ashram & Sapt Sarovar and famous Patanjali Yogpeeth.
For wildlife lovers a visit to Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary situated on the east bank of the Ganga River is must.
Climate: Summer 20 to 40°C, winter 2 to 30°C
Population: 1,927,029 (Census 2011)
Local Food:
Being a religious city food is purely vegetarian and alcohol is strictly banned. Haridwar offers variety of food like south Indian, Punjabi, chole bhature and thalis.
Local Restaurants:
Some popular Local restaurants are: Shivalik Restaurant, Hoshiyar Puri, Bestee Restaurant, Puri Houses, Mohan Fast Food and Hotel Ginger.
ATM location:
Axis Bank Bahdrabad – Shri Shankaracharya Satsang Bhavan Har-ki-pauri
ICICI Bank Shivalik Nagar ATM- ICICI Bank Ltd., 7 c, Awas Vikas, Gr. Floor
Emergency numbers: Police Station: 1334 – 248600, 9411111958
Nearest Hospitals
Dist. Hospital
Haridwar
01334-228083
City Hospital
Super Complex, Ranipur
Haridwar,
01334-220180
Budget Hotels
Hotel Aarti
Near Market, Near Railway Station and Bus Stand
Ph: 01334-226365, 09719002645
Tariff: Rs 1050 onwards
Hotel Basera Haridwar
Near Market, Near Railway Station and Bus Stand
Phone: 09897458280/01334-228182
Tariff: Rs 950 onwards
Hotel Chitra Heritage Haridwar
Near Market, Near Railway Station and Bus Stand
Phone: 09997787788,08954776655
Tariff: Rs 750 onwards
Hotel Gyan Ganga Heritage Haridwar
Doodadhari Chowk, NH-58, Near Shanti Kunj
Ph: 01334-218310/09997384184
Tariff: 1200 onwards
Hotel Har Ki Pauri Haridwar
Near Haridwar Market, Near Harkipauri
Phone: 09690300999, 09837854220
Tariff: 950 onwards
Tags: Haridwar
