About Haridwar
Haridwar — meaning "Gateway to God (Hari)" — is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and the point where the sacred Ganga river descends from the Himalayas to the plains. Located in Uttarakhand at the foot of the Shivalik Hills, it is the starting point for the Char Dham Yatra (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) and one of the seven Sapta Puri cities.
Har Ki Pauri
The most sacred ghat in Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri (Steps of God) is where the Ganga is believed to have flowed directly from Vishnu's footprint. Every evening, the magnificent Ganga Aarti is performed here — a breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of flickering oil lamps floating on the river while priests perform synchronized aarti rituals accompanied by bells, conches, and chants. It is a deeply moving, unforgettable spiritual experience.
Mansa Devi Temple
Perched atop Bilwa Parvat hill, the Mansa Devi Temple is reached by ropeway or a 3-km forest trek. Dedicated to Goddess Mansa (wish-fulfilling goddess), the temple offers panoramic views of Haridwar and the Ganga below. Devotees tie a thread on a tree and return to untie it after their wishes are fulfilled.
Chandi Devi Temple
Located on Neel Parvat hill, the Chandi Devi Temple was built by King Suchat Singh of Kashmir in 1929. Accessible by ropeway, this Siddhpeeth is believed to fulfil the desires of sincere devotees. Together with Mansa Devi, it forms the Panch Tirth pilgrimage circuit of Haridwar.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
In nearby Kankhal, the Daksha Mahadev Temple marks the site where Daksha (father of Sati/Parvati) performed the ill-fated Yajna that led to Sati's self-immolation and Lord Shiva's cosmic grief — the origin story of the Shakti Pithas.
Shantikunj & Gurukul Kangri
Shantikunj, headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar, is a major spiritual and educational centre attracting seekers from around the world. Gurukul Kangri University (est. 1902) is a renowned Vedic learning institution.
Kumbh Mela in Haridwar
Haridwar hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years when Jupiter enters Aquarius and the sun enters Aries — considered the most auspicious alignment for a holy dip. The last Haridwar Kumbh was in 2021 (held during COVID). Ardh Kumbh is held every 6 years.
Best Time to Visit
September to April (avoid peak monsoon July–August). Kanwar Yatra (July/August) sees millions of Shiva devotees. Navratri (April and October) and Baisakhi (April) are major festival times.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), 35 km away. Haridwar Railway Station has excellent connectivity from Delhi (230 km), Lucknow, Agra, and Mumbai. Road access via NH-58 from Delhi is well maintained.
