Haridwar translates as “Gateway to God” and as its name suggests, Hindus view it, as one of the seven holiest sites in India. Haridwar District covers an area of 2,360 square km and lies in the southwestern part of the India’s Uttarakhand State. Situated at a height of 2497m above sea level. It lies between the Shivalik Hills in the north and northeast, and the Ganga (Ganges) River in the south. Summer temperatures range from 15 to 39.8 degrees Celsius, whilst in winter the range is generally from 6 to 16 degrees. Haridwar is one of the first towns where the Ganga (Ganges) river emerges from the Himalayas to flow toward the North Indian plains. At this altitude, the Ganga is mostly clear and cold, except in the rainy season, when soil from the upper regions flushes down. The river flows through forest in a series of channels called ‘Aits’. The famed Rajaji National Park, 10 km from Haridwar, is an exciting destination for wildlife and adventure lovers. The park covers an area of 820 sq. km and is home wild boar, barking deer, tigers, jungle cats, leopards, Himalayan yellow throated martens, elephants, langoor, sloth bears and even king cobras. Within the park you can also visit Sureshwari Devi, a temple devoted to the Goddess Durga. Today Haridwar is a major site for industrial infrastructure and manufacturing, but tourists come to absorb Haridwar’s rich, ancient religious and cultural heritage. Haridwar has long been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies. Mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures and Buddhist texts down the ages it has been variously called Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. It is the entry point for the Char Dham (the four most sacred and revered shrines, which are the main centres of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Haridwar is one of India’s oldest living cities. Archaeological excavations have revealed terracotta dating to between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE. Of interest to the modern traveller is its rich repository of old mansions and havelis, with their intricate stonework and glorious murals. It is also a place of deep religious significance with many sites of significance. 1.5 km from Haridwar lies the sacred bathing Ghat on the banks of the Ganga. The footprint of Lord Vishnu, set in the first century BCE stone wall of Hari-ki-pairi, is famous throughout India as a site of great reverence. Hindu Mythology tells us it is one of only four sites where the celestial bird Garuda accidentally spilt drops of the elixir of immortality, Amrita. These droplets created the Brahma Kund, literally “the footstep of the Lord”. Every three years, this site attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims for the Kumbha Mela. Devotees congregate here to perform ritual bathing on the banks of the Ganga, an act believed to equate to the washing away of sins. Hindus bring the ashes of their departed family members and release them into the Ganga, in hope of salvation. Mansa Devi Temple, a popular destination, is dedicated to Mansa Devi, the goddess who fulfills desires. It is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat and is reached via cable car. The 11th century Maya Devi temple is one of the few ancient temples still standing and the 0.5 km trip to this site is considered a must, as is the white marble Doodhadhari Barfani Temple, said to be one of the most beautiful in the region. GETTING THERE Haridwar is perhaps one of the most easily accessible tourist spots in India. By road, Haridwar is on National Highway no. 45, 214 km from Delhi, 386km from Agra and only 52 km from Dehradun, which is the location of Uttarakhand’s regional airport, Jolly Grant. Haridwar is also connected with all major cities of India with regular train services from Mumbai, Delhi and Varanasi. In the next article, we will journey to Rishikesh, considered the International home of Yoga. For further information, visit http://www.euttaranchal.com/ and http://www.uttaranchaltourism.com/
