Haridwar - A Route To Heaven

Located on the foothills of Shivaliks, Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages in Uttaranchal region. Haridwar is the place where the Ganga leaves the mountains an enters the plains. The land is said to be blessed by the trinity of Lod Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the Shaktipeeths and is famous by many names like Gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. The place till today maintains the Gurukul tradition of teaching and since ages has been an important source of Ayurvedic medicines.

The City At A Glance
Har Ki Pauri - This is one of the most sacred ghats in India and is said to be built by king Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The ghat is also popular as Brahmakund. The sight of the ghat at the time of the evening Maha Aarti is spectacular and transfers you to an another world.
Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar - According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Mansa Devi Temple - The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is located at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The temple can be reached by the rope-way or one can take the normal trekking route to the top. At most you can also go for the brightly coloured cable cars to climb to the temple.

Chandi Devi Temple - The Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Ganga’s banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat.

Maya Devi Temple - This is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, known as one of the Siddhapethas. Said to be the places where the hearts and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.

Daksha Mahadev Temple - The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev stands in the south Kankhal town. Mythology has it that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife) performed yagya at this place, but didn’t invite Lord Shiva (Mahadev). Feeling insulted, Sati burnt herself in the yagya kund. Provoked by this, the ganas (followers) of Lord Shiva killed King Daksha. Later, Lord Shiva brought him back to life.

Gurukul Kangri University - This university is known for its unique system of education. it is located on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. This old institution follows the ancient tradition of Guru-Sishya pattern of education. The institution also has the Ved Mandir Museum which is has a very good collection of archaeological exhibits and displays artifacts which are of historical value.

Scoop
Place - Uttaranchal
Area - 12, 302 sq. km
Population - 3.5 lacs
Altitude - 294.7 mts.
Best Season To Visit - September to June
Languages Spoken - Hindi, Garhwali , Punjabi and English
Local Transport - Taxis, Tongas, Tempos, Buses, cycle Rickshaws and Auto Richshaws
STD Code - 0133
Climate
Haridwar experiences a moderate climate. One Should never expect any sort of pleasant high altitude climate here. In summers the maximum temperature is 35.6 degree C and the minimum temperature haults at 16.9 degree C. In Winters the maximum temperature is 28.3 degree C and the minimum temperature hangs to 10.6 degree C.

Accommodation Options
There are a number of accommodation facilities in the God's land Haridwar. The hotels range from star to budget, thereby suiting the pockets of every individual. To mention the few are -

• Hotel Haveli Hari Ganga
• Sagar Ganga Resorts
• Hotel Classic Residency
• Hotel Midtown
• Hotel Himgiri International
• Hotel Shiva
• Hotel Mansarover International
• Hotel Aditya Deluxe
• Hotel Holiday Inn

Dining Delight
Haridwar being a pilgrimage spot also owns several restaurant that provide delicious and mouth watering vegetarian dishes to all the tourists who visit the place, giving them absolute delight.

• Motel Rahi's Restaurant
• Bestee Restaurant
• Bridge Mathura Walla
• Aahaar Restaurant
• Chotiwala
• Mohan's Fast Food

Shop Till You Drop
There are certain purchase items in Haridwar like Rudrakash, Gangajali (Vessels containing Ganga water), pickles, kumkum (vermilion), Ayurvedic medicine and precious stones. The place offers you some good handicraft items which can be kept as decorative pieces or can be used to gift someone. In the markets that surrounds the temple one can take back home jewellery imitations, bangles, chains, ear and nose rings. You can also look for kitchen set toys made from stone.
The main shopping centers are Moti Bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur, Kankhal. The UP handloom Emporium is near the Bharat Mata temple and the government Emporium, Gandhi Ashram is near the Haridwar post office.

Major Highlights
Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh Fairs
The Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh fairs are held periodically , every twelfth and sixth year in Haridwar. During these fairs a large number of pilgrims and devotees hit the land. According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. Kumbh fair is a blend of religious and social features and hold great importance for the Hindus. Kumbh Mela is held at Haridwar, Prayag, Nasik and Ujjain in 2010 Maha Kumbh Mela will be held at Haridwar.

Haridwar Map
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/uttaranchal/districts/haridwar.htm
Getting There
Air : Domestic airlines operate flights between Delhi and Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. These flights are available only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Rail : Haridwar is connected to almost all part of Uttaranchal by rail links.
Road : Haridwar is well connected by road. From Delhi you can reach Haridwar by bus, car, or taxi through Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzzaffarnagar. It takes nearly 6 hours by bus or car.