Travel destination in India, Haridwar

 
 

General Information about HARIDWAR

Haridwar : Valley Of Gods.
Area : 12 sq. km.
Language : Hindi, English , Garwali.
Altitude : 2927 mts.
State : Uttaranchal.
STD Code : 0133

About HARIDWAR

On the foot of Himalayas, on the west bank of Ganges is situated the gateway to Lord Vishnu, i.e., Haridwar. It is also called Ganga-Dwara, because the holy Ganges enters the plains here. This is one of the seven holy cities in India. It is called Mayapuri Kshetra in the Puranas. Haridwar is about 225 kilometers northeast of Delhi. Haridwar is famous for its temples, bathing ghats and tanks. The Ganges, considered as the holiest river in India, is the star attraction of Haridwar. Pilgrims carry back the water from the Ganges, which they believe will remain fresh forever.

Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees.

CLIMATE
Haridwar is situated at a height of almost 300 meters above sea level and the temperature usually hovers around 40°C during summers. Winters see the mercury dipping to as low as 6°C. The best season to visit Haridwar is between October and March during winter. Cottons for the summer months and woolens for winters make ideal clothing in Haridwar.

PLACES OF ATTRACTION IN HARIDWAR

•Chandi Devi - 6 km : The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir- Suchat Singh . It is a 3 km trek from Chandighat . Legend has it that the army chief Chanda-Munda of a local demon King Shumbh- Nishumbha was killed by goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi . It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. One can reach here by Trolley through ropeway or on foot. Ph. no. of 'Udan Khatola' (Ropeway) is 01334-220324, Time-8.30 AM to 6 PM.

• Mansa Devi Temple - 0.5 km : This is an ancient temple of Mansa Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhpeethas. Said to be the place where the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen.

• Har-Ki-Pairi - 1.5 km : This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti ceremony . Attending the Ganga Arti which is performed here everyday after sunset is an unforgettable experience as most of the tourists say.

• Mansa Devi Temple - 3.5 km : The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat .Here one statue of the Goddess has three mouths and five arms while the other statue has eight arms. The beautiful view of the city can be seen from this place. The temple can be reached by trolley through ropeway or on foot.

 
 
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