Haridwar is the second largest city in the state also the largest in the district list. The city is situated at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. Haridwar is regarded as a holy place for Hindus. Most significant of the events is the Kumbh Mela, which is celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. During the Haridwar Kumbh Mela around millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists come in Haridwar for divine bath on the banks of the Ganga to wash away their sins to attain moksha.
According to mythology, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik and Prayagraj are the four sites where drops of amrit (the elixir of immortality) fell accidentally from a kumbha (pitcher or kalash) during the fight in between Indra (King of Heaven ) and Bali (King of Asur). Brahma Kund is the spot where the amrit fell and it is located at Har ki Pauri and also considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. It is also a primary centre of the Kanwar pilgrimage in that area. where thousands of participants gather sacred water from the Ganga and carry it across hundreds of miles just to offer it to Shivlinga of their home or their nearby temple.
After years of difficult prayers and fasting done by his ancestor Bhagirathi. Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his foot prints on a rock at this ghat. Everyday at twilight the Har ki Pauri ghat comes to life with singing prayers and lit up lamps along the Ganges where people in hundreds and thousands view this mesmerizing and cleansing ritual.
It is believed that the one who bathes at Har ki Pauri gets rid of all sins and completely cleanses their soul. Floral tributes and lit up diyas floating on the Ganges is the most enchanting sight one gets at this ghat.
It is believed that the one who bathes at Har ki Pauri gets rid of all sins and completely cleanses their soul. Floral tributes and lit up diyas floating on the Ganges is the most enchanting sight one gets at this ghat.
Standing a top the Neel Parvat Ma Chandi Devi, It is believed that the main statue of goddess Chandi devi, who killed the demon brothers Shumbh-Nishumbh, was laid here in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankracharya. The Chandi Devi temple can now be reached by a ropeway as well.
Chandi Devi Temple, located on the top of Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi Temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Haridwar. It is also major religious site of this town. This is around 3 km from Chandighat. It is one of the Shidhh peeth.
The temple is devoted to Goddess Chandi. The main temple is situated on top of Hill peak. Present structure was constructed by King of Kashmir Suchan Singh. Along with Maya Devi and Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi completes the trio of Siddhpeeth.
It is at this place that Ganges is believed to have divided itself into seven small streams to not to disturb the Sapt (seven) Rishis meditating and worshipping here.
Saptrishi Ashram is an old beautiful ashram located at 5 km from Haridwar on the banks of Ganga (Sapt Sarovar). Established by Goswami Guru Dutt in 1943, Saptrishi Ashram is a well maintained complex with several rooms to stay. A residential hostel and sanskrit school is located within the complex for poor children.
Devotees hold this ashram in high esteem due to its religious significance. If you are interested in yoga and meditation, you can make a visit to this ashram and attend classes offered on a regular basis.
Situated on the southernmost hill of the Shivalik ranges is the Durga temple called Mansa Devi. One can reach this temple either on foot or by a cable car. Perched on Bilwa Parvat, the temple provides a panoramic view of the Haridwar city with the Ganges flowing in its middle.
The temple is known for being the holy abode of Manasa, a form of Shakti and is said to have emerged from the mind of the sage (Rishi) Kashyapa. Mansa is regarded as the sister of the Naga (Viper) Vasuki. The term Mansa means wish and it is believed that the goddess fulfils all the wishes of a sincere devotee.
Devotees who want their wishes to be fulfilled by Mansa tie threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple. Once their wishes are fulfilled, people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree.
The Rajaji National Park, spread over an area of 240 sq km, houses the Chila wildlife Sanctuary and is situated at a distance of 10 km from Haridwar. Situated on the banks of River Ganges, the sanctuary is a haven for a large number of animals. This biodiversity park boasts of nearly 23 mammals and about 315 fauna species. The river in the park houses large number of fishes and fauna in the water.
At Chila you can have the pleasure of spotting leopard, tigers, jungle cat, herd of elephants, wild boar, stags, spotted deer, sloth bear, monkeys, woodpecker, king cobra etc. During the monsoons the park remains closed and otherwise it is open after sunrise and closed after dusk.
Shantikunj is a world-renowned ashram and the headquarter of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) located in Haridwar. An academy for social and spiritual awakening, this pilgrimage centre has shown the right path and given long-lasting happiness to crores of people. An ideal place that imparts training to the masses based on divine spiritual principles, it aims for the revival of Rishi traditions.
The Shantikunj ashram has Yagya shala, Gayatri Mata Temple, Akhand Deep, Devatma Himalaya Temple, temples of ancient Rishis and an Exhibition of Divine Culture
One can rejuvenate in the cool artificial pools and water swings at the Crystal World and enjoy an array of recreational activities such as rain dance, water swings, joyful rides and a kind museums-Interactive Art Museum and India Celebrity Museum where art meets reality.
Multi-cuisine Restaurant is loved by all. Due to the ideal location of the site you will be able to enjoy the landscape and the meadows and lush greenery making it perfect for conferences, camping, school outings, any form of parties, musical evenings.
Crystal World is a place for small and big alike, for adventurous as well as plain simple recreational rides. When you come out to get wet and play, you will find us making your happiest day.
