Haridwar is one of India’s oldest cities. Haridwar’s history has no beginning or finish. Haridwar is referred to as the Kapilasthana, Gangadwara, and Mayapuri in ancient scriptures such as the Mahabharata. After years of penance, King Bhagirath is said to have carried the Ganges from the sky to what is now known as Haridwar during the Satya Yuga.
Hindus see Haridwar as one of the seven holy cities. According to mythology, the Har ki Pauri ghat got a drop of the elixir of immortality and has been cherished ever since. Haridwar showcases the richness of Indian culture and progress.
Haridwar City is a well-known destination for hundreds of worshippers, culture enthusiasts, and tourists. Getaways to Haridwar are typically chosen during the weekend when people from nearby cities and other large cities intend to travel there to find peace and quiet. Therefore, these Haridwar tour package are meticulously crafted to incorporate all the significant features of the city.
History of the spiritual city Haridwar
Haridwar, which means “Gateway to Lord Vishnu,” translates as “Hari,” another name for Lord Vishnu. It is true that one must depart from Haridwar in order to travel to Badrinath, a Vishnu shrine.
Haridwar, a medieval city, has survived the forces of several kingdoms while preserving its spiritual significance. This city is mentioned in several old writings and manuscripts that date back before the Buddha. From 1700 BCE to 1300 BCE, Haridwar saw a terra cotta cultural boom, according to local archaeological findings.
Husang Tsang, an ancient Chinese traveler, also made reference to Haridwar in his writings. Thomas Coryat, an English explorer who visited the city during the time of Emperor Jahangir (1596–1627), referred to it as “Haridwar,” the capital of Lord Shiva.
Geography of the spiritual city Haridwar
The Haridwar district is located in the southwestern section of the state of Uttarakhand and covers an area of 2370 km square. The river Ganga passes through Haridwar in a succession of separate, well-wooded channels that are all separated from one another. Seasonal streams with the names Ranipur Rao, Begam Nadi, Pithri Rao, and Harunaii Rao can be found in Haridwar.
Haridwar is located 20 kilometers south of Rishikesh. A wide network of transportation links Haridwar to the rest of the nation, and it is well connected to the national capital Delhi. The distance between Delhi and Haridwar is 210 km, and the journey takes 4 hours.
The climate of the spiritual city of Haridwar
The year-round climate in Haridwar is nice. Due to its position in a steep area, the climate is often cool and doesn’t become particularly hot. As a result, Haridwar can be visited throughout the year. The minimum temperature in Haridwar is 14.6 degrees Celsius, while the highest temperature is 46.9 degrees Celsius. Haridwar experiences summertime temperatures that range from 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. During the winter, temperatures range from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. Haridwar’s weather is frequently unpredictable.
How to reach the Haridwar city
- By Air: Haridwar is situated near Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. There are several flights available from the closest big city, Delhi, to Jolly Grant airport. Flights to Jolly Grant are available from Kolkata, Mumbai, and Trivandrum as well. The easiest method to save money is to purchase your return ticket concurrently. To go to Haridwar, take a taxi from Jolly Grant Airport.
- By Train: The Haridwar junction, which connects it to the rest of the country, is located on a railroad line that is well-maintained. Trains arrive at and depart from the Haridwar junction on a regular basis. Additionally, Haridwar can be reached by train from Rishikesh. Rishikesh Haridwar is a significant Uttarakhand pilgrimage destination.
- By Road: The distance between Haridwar and Delhi, is 225 km. Haridwar is connected to Delhi and other Uttarakhand cities via a large and well-maintained road network. National Highway 334 takes roughly 6 and a half hours to get from Delhi to Haridwar. In the mountainous area of Uttrakhand, the roads are in good condition to allow easy travel.
Best things to do and places to visit on the Haridwar Rishikesh and Mussorie tour
Har Ki Pauri
The sacred ghat of Har Ki Pauri, also known as Lord Shiva’s steps, is situated on the banks of the Ganga River. This location, often referred to as Gangadwar, marks the point at which the Ganga River first emerges from the mountains and reaches the plain. The legendary bird Garuda is said to have spilled Amrit accidentally at Har Ki Pauri, which is regarded as the most sacred ghat in the entire city. It is supposed that taking a bath here will wash away all your sins. Numerous devotees come to the ghat for the Ganga aarti, which is performed there at dawn and sunset.
Mansa Devi Temple
The Mansa Devi Temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat of the Shiwalik Range of the Himalayas and is devoted to the Hindu deity Mansa Devi. The devotees make their wishes by tying a piece of thread to the branches of the tree that is placed in the temple complex and then return to the temple to untie it once their request is accomplished. The Goddess is claimed to grant all wishes.
Chandi Devi Temple
The temple is devoted to Chandi Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu deity Durga. During the Navratra and Kumbha Mela festivals, thousands of people go to the Chandi Devi Temple, one of India’s oldest temples. Adi Shankaracharya, an early Hindu philosopher who flourished between 700 and 820 AD, is credited with founding the temple.
Maya Devi Temple
The temple, which goes back to the 11th century AD, is devoted to Maya Devi, a Shakti manifestation. One of the four old temples that remained standing after Timur Lang, the Central Asian invader, robbed Haridwar, was this one. It is also known as the Shakti Peetha because it is the location where Goddess Sati’s heart and navel landed after she set herself on fire.
Vishnu Ghat
Vishnu Ghat, one of Haridwar’s most holy and popular Ghats, is named for the Hindu god Lord Vishnu. Since Lord Vishnu bathed here and the water is thought to wash away all sins, it is revered as a holy location. Due to its breathtaking mountains, rivers, and historic temples, Haridwar is frequently referred to be the entrance to the Hindu Char Dham pilgrimage destinations. The sites described above are a handful of the most popular spots in Haridwar, and they’ll definitely immerse you in a spiritually therapeutic experience.
Vaishno Devi Temple
The Vaishno Devi Temple is well-known because it is a duplicate of the old temple of the same name that is situated in Jammu and Kashmir, even though it is newer than the other temples in Haridwar. The temple complex is an accurate recreation of the old temple and the tunnels and caves-accessed way the place of devotion.
The Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary
The 249 square km Chilla wildlife reserve is spread out across. It lies 10 km from Haridwar on the eastern side of the Ganga. This wildlife sanctuary has tigers, deer, elephants, peacocks, quails, hawks, and hornbills, among other creatures. A stunning sight of the beautiful Ganges can also be seen here.
Laxman Jhula
Laxman Jhula is a long bridge in Rishikesh that was constructed in 1939. with a length of 450 feet and a distance from the river of around 70 feet. Hinduism claims that this bridge was constructed where Lakshmana previously used a jute rope to cross the Ganges, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is an ashram that is situated in Rishikesh and was established in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanand Ji Maharaj. Parmarth Niketan has more than a thousand rooms and it is known as the biggest ashram in Rishikesh. Parmarth Niketan offers a clean, pure, and spiritual environment as well as an abundance of lovely gardens to its thousands of pilgrims who go from all parts of the globe.
Shivpuri
Shivpuri is 19 kilometers from Rishikesh and located on the banks of the Ganges River, was given its name in honor of a Lord Shiva temple that formerly stood there. This location has gained popularity in recent years for water activities, particularly white water rafting.
Lal Tibba
The highest point in Mussoorie, at an elevation of almost 2,290 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views of the mountains that contain the holy sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath. A Japanese telescope has been placed at the edge of the cliff to provide tourists with a clearer view of the gorgeous surroundings. The area is also carefully safeguarded from most commercial operations.
Gun Hill
The second highest peak in Mussoorie, the site’s name is originated from the incident of firing cannon from this place to announce what time is it to the people during the British colonization thereby giving it the name ‘Gun Hill’. This location is 2,024 meters above sea level and offers some spectacular views of the area.
Jwalaji Temple
The temple is located on Benog Hill, approximately 9 miles west of Mussoorie, at an elevation of 2,240 meters above sea level. The site has a centuries-old statue of the Hindu goddess Goddess Durga, the embodiment of utmost beauty and lethal strength in Hindu mythology.
Haridwar Rishikesh Tour Package
The Haridwar Rishikesh tour package provides both spiritual and adventurous experiences, whether you’re planning a weekend escape with friends or a relaxing family holiday. On a Haridwar Rishikesh vacation package, the main sights to see include hilltop temples, river ghats, nightly aartis, delicious cuisine, and respected ashrams. While Rishikesh is recognized as the Yoga Capital of the World, Haridwar is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. You can discover the finest places on the Haridwar-Rishikesh tour.
Uttarakhand known as “heaven on earth,” is home to a variety of beautiful places, including Haridwar and Rishikesh. The holy Ganges River flows through both of these cities. The amazing riverbank aarti that occurs both in the morning and the evening has something in common with both Haridwar and Rishikesh. These daily aartis are attended by those who travel great distances to be there. Collectively, people chant religious songs while lighting diyas and floating them down the river. It is without a doubt a beautiful sight to see and unquestionably the centerpiece of any Haridwar Rishikesh tour.
Hidden waterfalls in Haridwar and Rishikesh
- Neer Garh Waterfall
- Garud Chatti Waterfalls
- Patna Waterfall
- Phool Chatti Waterfall
- Himshail Waterfall
- Bhatta Falls
- Tiger Falls
- Kempty Falls
- Corbett Falls
- Vasudhara Falls
Famous restaurants and cafes in Haridwar
- ButterFingers Cafe
- Green Leaf Cafe
- Chotiwala Restaurant
- Hotel Raghuwanshi Gujarati Bhojnalay
- Dada Boudir Hotel
- Sardarji Restaurant
- Pandit Ji Poori Wale
- Hoshiyarpuri
- Mohan Ji Poori Wale
- Ganga Lahari Restaurant
- Next 2
- Ksheer Sagar
- Big Ben Restaurant
- Invitation Restaurant
- Captain’s Cavalry Restrobar
- The village restaurant
- Maharaja bakers
- Aura restaurant
Famous shopping places in Haridwar
- Jwalapur Market
- Moti Bazar
- Kankhal Market
- Bara Bazar
- The Government Handicrafts Shop
- Raghunath Mall
- Pentagon Mall
Also Read:
