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If you cannot reach the stairway to heaven, don’t worry, you can take the gateway to the Gods in Haridwar. With pandits chanting holy words and priests holding large fire bowls in their hands, you will be awe struck with the spirituality of this city. It is lit up with hope of thousands of devotees and the sparkle in their eyes as they set their diyas free to drift on the river. All in the hopes of having a conversation with God.
| Haridwar Tourism: A Quick View of the City | |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Official Language | Hindi, English and Urdu |
| Dial Code | 0133 |
| Population | 2.29 lakhs |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | GMT +5:30 (IST) |
| Area | 12.3 square kms |
One dip in the holy Ganges river and you will wash your sins away. However, the only sin that remains in this holy city would be the food that you would indulge in. Apart from being the ideal destination for bhakths, Haridwar is also a foodie’s paradise. The crowded and bustling streets of the city will not let you stop from elbowing your way through the crowd; hypnotised by the overwhelming aroma of the many varieties of food that this city has to offer. Bite into one of the most popular snacks in the country – kachori. Let the rich filling of potatoes or lentils with a dash of tamarind sauce stimulate your taste buds. Who doesn’t like a plate of fluffy bathure with some spicy chhole? Feast on this dish for your breakfast and you will be set for the day! Puru sabzi is another popular breakfast in the city. You should head to Hoshiyar Puri for some lip smacking puri sabzi. Do not miss out on their famous laccha parantha and kheer.
Har ki Paudi is deemed to be the most historically significant temple in the city. This temple is famous for its Ganga aarti, with thousands of devotees attending every day. It is known to be the exact spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the planes. Another temple that is famous is the Daksha Maha Dev Temple; which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is mostly visited in the month of August which is also known as the month of Savan. In case you are looking to get away from the crowd, and simply walk along the banks of the river, go to Vishnu Ghat. You will get a mesmerising view of the Ganges.
If you want to give yourself a break from all the oily food that you have been eating, head to Jwalapur market. There is an abundance of fruits and vegetables and you may also get some souvenirs for your loved ones. If you want to indulge in some finger licking sweets, this is the place to be. In case you are looking for some decorative items for your home, head to the Government Handicrafts shop. With authentic handicraft pieces, this place is maintained and run by the government. March would be the ideal time to shop because of the products in season during this month.
If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet spot in the city, head to Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar. You could simply enjoy the view of the Ganga river from afar if you are alone. Otherwise it could also make for the perfect picnic spot with your family. If you visit during the winter season you could also indulge in some bird- watching. If you are fond of sightseeing, you could go to the Chill range which is ten kilometres away from Haridwar. This place houses wildlife such as elephants, tigers and cats.
Haridwar - the city of holy waters is located at the point where the Ganga river emerges from the Himalayas.
Click here to view Haridwar on Google Map
Haridwar's proximity to the hills makes the climate rather pleasant throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the city would be during the summer season, when the days are hot, and the night brings with it cool breeze and some relief. Temperatures range from 18C to 40C in the summer. Monsoons take over in the months of July to September, however heavy rainfalls could derail you from the tracks of your planned itinerary. The winter season is relatively colder with temperatures ranging from 6C to 20C.
By Road - The National Highway 58 connects Haridwar to the northern areas of the country such as Delhi, Badrinath, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Meerut and Ghaziabad. Both private and state government buses are easily available from and to Haridwar. You have options of both AC and non-AC bus services.
By Rail - Haridwar has a railway station; well connected to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Nainital, Shimla, Mussorie and Ahmedabad.
By Air - The nearest airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. The airport is located one hour and fifteen minutes away from the station.
Haridwar has stood the test against time and is one of the seven holy pilgrimages in the country. This city was witness to Lord Brahma creating the world. The Mauryans reigned over the city from 322 to 185 BC. The city appealed to the curiosity and fascination of eminent personalities such as Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion; who bathed in the Kushwan Ghat before setting out on a pilgrimage. Maharaja Man Singh in Rajasthan took the initiative to renovate the Ghats, namely Har ki Pauri. Inevitably, Haridwar was ruled over by the British and they left their mark by building the Bhimgoda Dam in 1840 AD. Thereafter, the railway line was established - as the first sign of development in the city. After India received Independence, Haridwar gained significance as an entry point to pilgrims.
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