G.B. International ::- Haridwar / Rishikesh
| Uttranchal | Tourist Places | Pilgrimages | Uttranchal Hills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventures | Wildlife | Uttranchal Tour | North Cities |
| Nainital | Corbett | Haridwar | Hill Stations |
| Other States |
Haridwar / Rishikesh
Haridwar, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, represents the point where the Holy Ganges meets the plains. An ancient piligrimage site, Haridwar is held in reverence for centuries.
Legend has it that Bhagiratha, brought the Ganges into the eart, and into this where his ancestors were burnt to ashes by the curse of sage Kapila. Haridwar was once known as Gangadwara-Gateway to Ganges.
The great Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, has many of its episodes set in this river city, which has also been mentioned in the writings of the Chinese Travellers Xuan Zhang (Hieun Tsang). Pilgrim bathing in Ganga Photo Haridwar is also the site of celebration of the Kumbh Mela, once in twelve years, when Jupiter transists to the zodiac sign of Aquarius. According to ancient Mythologies it is regarded that during a scuffle between the devas, the gods and detyas, the demons, amrita, NECTOR, sprinkled at some places in some parts of India. Of these places, which became site for Kumbh Melas, Haridwar endows highest esteem among the Hindus.
The five sacred bathing spots in Haridwar are Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila parvata, Bilwa Tirtha and Kusavarta. The main Ghat at Har ki pauri (Known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone), The "Maha-Arti" (Great Prayer) is offered every evening at Sun Set, is a spectacular sight, when the arti ceremony is performed at all temples in haridwar at the same instant. Hundreds throng to the ghats at Har-Ki-Pauri to participate in this festival. Offering of Divas, (lamps) and flowers are made to the river while priest perform choreographed movements, swinging the torches to the ages-old beat of Gongs and other music amidst uproar of sankhas is how they bid adieu every evening. It is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature Divas, (lamps) float along the river. A bath at Har Ki Paudi is regarded as one of the most sacred baths to the Hindus. It has history attached to Indus Valley Civilization. Various other Ghats, and Ashrams, mansa Devi Temple, Pareshwar Mahadev temple are visited by the piligrim and tourists.
Excursions
Chandi DeviA panoramic view of Haridwar can be enjoyed from the temple of Chandi Devi located on top of Neel Parvat. The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandi Ghat. There is a dense forest on the other side of the hill inhabited by elephan and other wild animals.
Shanti Kunj
It is the famous ashram of Gyatri. Followers and pilgrims from far and wide converge here for and natural cures.
Lakshman Jhoola
A suspension bridge across the Ganga along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Shivanand Jhoola
Also known as Ram Jhoola, this is a recently completed suspension bridge which spans the river near Swarg Ashram.
Har-Ki- Pairi
The most important Ghat on the river Ganga, at Haridwar, where a holy dip is must for every devotee.
Mansa Devi Temple
The temple at the top of Bilwa Parvat is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa Devi.
How to Reach
By AirAirport is 35 km from Dehradun.
By Rail
Convenient railway connections to all major cities.
By Road
Haridwar are: 386 km from Agra, 168 km from Ambala, 320 km from Badrinath, 52 km from Dehradun, 214 km from Delhi, 282 km from Gangotri, 250 km from Kedarnath, 141 km from Meerut, 90 km from Mussoorie, 386 km from Nainital, 81 km from Saharanpur, 255 km from Yamnotri.