Haridwar

Less than an hour’s drive (25 kms) from Rishikesh, Haridwar is one of the holiest places in the Hindu culture. There are several temples and ashrams located in and around the city. The sacred Ghat, Har Ki Pauri, plays host to an ‘evening Aarti’ every day, which is a spectacle to behold. Haridwar is also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held once in every 12 and 6 years, respectively. Millions of devotees assemble here during this auspicious occasion and take a dip in the holiest river of India.
Places to Visit:

Har ki Pauri:
Also known as Brahamakund, this Ghat is the most visited one in Haridwar. It is also the site for the Kumbh Mela. A massive number of devotees flock to this Ghat to take a holy dip in the Ganges. The evening Ganga Aarti is a truly enchanting experience as innumerable ornate oil lamps are offered to the river, and the black waters under the night sky are consumed with flickering flames. The entire Ghat reverberates with devotional songs and prayers.

Canal Centenary Bridge:
Located near Har ki Pauri, this bridge offers a bird’s eye view of the Ganga canal and all the ghats.

Maya Devi Temple:
The ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is regarded as one of the Siddhapeethas and according to mythology the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen over here.

Mansa Devi Temple:
This temple is perched atop the Bilwa Parwat and can be reached by a rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars or on foot. The temple commands a fine view of Haridwar.

Daksha Mahadev Temple:
This ancient Shiva temple is located in the south Kankhal town.

Chandi Devi Temple:
It is set atop Neel Parvat on the banks of the Ganges. The shrine was built by Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir in 1929, but the main statue is said to be established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century. The temple is a 3 kilometre trek from Chandighat.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar:
According to legend, this site is said to be the place where the Saptarshis (seven sages) meditated and the Goddess river Ganga, not wanting to disturb them, split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Gurukul Kangri University:
This old centre of herbal medicine and traditional studies is located on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. The Ved Mandir Museum here showcases archaeological exhibits.