Haridwar, is popularly known for one of the seven important pilgrim centers for Hindus in India which is visited by millions of tourists every year from different parts of the world. Haridwar, got its name from Lord Vishnu which means “Gateway to Lord Vishnu”. Being situated at the foothills of the great Himalayan mountains, the city has serene beauty as it is surrounded by lush green hills and decorated with holy river Ganges which comes on plain land first here after rushing through the mountains.
Haridwar, is one of the four holy cities that host the world’s largest fair “Kumbh Mela” which is the largest gathering of Hindu devotees who come here to take holy dip in the Ganges. Along with this, Haridwar is the gateway of most important Char Dham Yatra of Hindus and thus known also as “Gateway to Gods”. The complete city is well-beautified with ancient temples, ashrams, yoga centers and narrow alleys which end at the ghats situated near the rushing Ganges. You will fall in love with the sounds coming from temple bells, prayers which are performed in these temples, chants of mantras and slokas which purifies the surroundings and fill the air with peace and spirituality.
Haridwar, is also known for famous Ganges Aarti which is performed every morning and evening by holy priests using big fire bowls and bells. People come here to offer prayers to Holy River Ganges by lighting Diya’s and showering flowers in the river. Haridwar, is the gateway to several hill-stations of this beautiful state of India which offers some of the excellent viewpoints and sightseeing places of India.
Custom Tours India, invites you to Uttarakhand and Haridwar to witness the charm of this fascinating place where you can find your internal peace and go deep in spirituality. Below mentioned places are the top tourist destinations of this holy city.
Har Ki Pauri is the most sacred and holiest ghat in Haridwar where thousands of devotees come to seek blessings from River Ganges and offer prayers with flowers and colorful diya’s. Hai Ki Pauri means “Steps of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva”, devotees come here to take a holy dip in the Ganges to wash away their sins. It is the first place where river Ganges touches the land after descending from the mountains. Here, daily rituals are performed by priests which also includes Ganges Aarti using fire bowls and bells to worship the holy river by chanting various mantras and slokas.
Mansa Devi Temple is one of the important temples in Haridwar which is dedicated to Goddess Durga, incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year as it is believed that Goddess Durga fulfils everyone’s wishes who visit here with pure heart and peace. In order to reach the top, you need to sit in a ropeway which offers a splendid view of the Himalayan peaks, Holy Ganges and Haridwar.
Rajaji National Park is one of the best places to witness the rich flora and fauna of Himalayan ranges. The park is situated at a distance of 26 kms from Haridwar and spread over three districts of Uttarkhand. The most famous animals found here are Royal Bengal Tigers and Elephants along with other species like panther, bear, chital, wild boar, python, monitor lizards and wild cats. This place is paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. You may opt for Jeep or Elephant safari to explore the park.
Vishnu Ghat is the second most important ghat in Haridwar which is close to Har Ki Pauri. This Ghat is mostly visited by Vaishanatives who visit here to take holy dip in the Ganges. Vishnu Ghat is the cleanest ghat in Haridwar which is best for taking a clean dip in the Ganges. Along with this, there are several street hawkers selling some local snacks and products which you may buy using your bargaining techniques.
Sapt Rishi Ashram is the most popular ashram in Haridwar which was established by Guru Goswami in the year 1943. This place is considered to be the best for meditation to reconnect with your soul using mantras and slokas as the place was used by 7 important sages of Hinduism. The sages who worshipped here were Sage Kashyap, Sage Atri, Sage Vaishishta, Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Jamadagi, Sage Bharadwaja and Sage Gautam.