Places of interest

In Hindu traditions, the 'Panch Tirth' (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar, are Gangadwara (Har ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat in Kankhal), Bilwa Teerth (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi [41][42] Temple). There are several other temples and ashrams located in and around the city. Also, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not permitted in Haridwar. [edit]Har

ki Pauri

Main article: Har ki Pauri This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya (1st century BC) in memory of his brother Bhrithari. It is believed that Bhrithari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of the holy Ganges. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. The most sacred ghat within Har-ki-Pauri is Brahmakund. The evening prayer(Aarti) at dusk offered to Goddess Ganga at Har-Ki-Pauri (steps of God Hara or Shiva) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all around the world do make a point to attend this prayer on [43] their visit to Haridwar. A majority of present ghats were largely developed in the 1800s. [edit]Chandi

Devi Temple

Main article: Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who sits atop the 'Neel Parvat' on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. It was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. Skanda Purana mentions a legend, in which Chanda-Munda, the Army Chief of a local Demon Kings Shumbh andNishumbha were killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the [44] name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandighat and can also be reached through a ropeway. [edit]Mansa

Devi Temple

Main article: Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who fulfills desires (Mansa), is a popular tourist destination, especially because of the cable cars, which offer a picturesque view of the entire city. The main temple houses two idols of the [45] Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. [edit]Maya

Devi Temple
[46]

Main article: Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, considered one of the Siddhapethas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen. It is one of few ancient temples still standing in Haridwar, along with [47] Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav Temple. [edit]Kankhal Main article: Daksheswara Mahadev Temple The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev also known as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, is situated in the south Kankhal town. According to Hindu texts, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Dakshayani, Lord Shiva's first wife, performed a yagna, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he is

arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing which Sati felt infuriated and selfimmolated herself in the yagna kund. King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend. Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund. [edit]Piran

Kaliyar
[48]

Built by Ibrahim Lodhi, a ruler of Delhi, this 'Dargah' of Hazrat Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari, a 13th century, Sufi Saint of Chishti Order (also known asSarkar Sabir Pak), in Kaliyar village, 7 km. [49][50] from Roorkee, is a living example of religious harmony in India, visited by devotees from all over the world, during the annual 'Urs' festival, which is celebrated from 1 st day of sighting the moon to 16th day of Rabi al-awwal month, in the Islamic calendar. [edit]Neel

Dhara Pakshi Vihar

This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganges river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda Barrage, it [51] is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season. [edit]Bhimgoda

Tank

This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Har ki Pauri. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee (goda), to the very ground. [edit]Doodhadhari

Barfani Temple

Part of the ashram of Doodhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in white marble is one of most beautiful temples in Haridwar, especially the temples ofRama-Sita and Hanuman. [edit]Sureshvari

Devi Temple

Temple of Goddess Sureshwari, situated in midst of beautiful Rajaji National Park. Serene and religious makes this temple abode of worshipers, saints etc. Located at outskirts of Haridwar in Ranipur and permission from forest rangers is necessary. [edit]Pawan

Dham

A modern temple, made entirely of glass pieces, Pawan Dham is now a popular tourist destination. The temple complex was constructed by the effort of Swami Vedantanand Ji Maharaj and the institute located there is growing under the leadership of Swami SahajPrakash Ji Maharaj. People from Moga in Punjab have put considerable efforts and money to erect this place. [edit]Bharat

Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Mandir is a multi-storey temple dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India). Bharat Mata Mandir was inaugurated on 15 May 1983 by Indira Gandhi on the banks of the river Ganges. It is situated adjacent to the Smanvaya Ashram, and stands eight stories tall to a height of 180 feet [dubious discuss] (55 m). Each floor depicts an era in the Indian history, from the days of Ramayan until India's independence. On the first floor is the statue of Bharat Mata. The second floor, Shoor Mandir, is dedicated to the well renowned heroes of India. The third floor Matru Mandir is dedicated to the achievements of Indias revered women, such as Meera Bai, Savitri, Maitri etc. The great saints from various religions, including Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism are featured on the fourth floor Sant Mandir. The assembly hall with walls depicting symbolic coexistence of all religions practiced in India and paintings

portraying history and beauty in various provinces, is situated on the fifth floor. The various forms of the Goddess of Shakti can be seen on the sixth floor, whilst the seventh floor is devoted to all incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The eighth floor holds the shrine of Lord Shiva from which devotees can gain a panoramic view of Himalayas, Haridwar, and the splendour of the entire campus of Sapta Sarovar. The temple was built under the former Shankaracharya Maha-Mandleshwar Swami Satyamitranand Giriji Maharaj. Since the inception of the Swami Satyamitranand foundation in 1998, several other branches have been opened, namely in Renukut, Jabalpur, Jodhpur, Indore, and Ahmedabad. [edit]Jairam

Ashram

Famous for its diorama exhibition, and a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra manthan episode, a must-see for any visitor. [edit]Sapt

Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar

A picturesque place near Haridwar, where seven great sages or Saptarishis, namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam, said to have meditated. The Ganges split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Rishis would not be disturbed by the flow. [edit]Parad

Shivling

Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Parad Shivling (Mercury Shivling) weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here. [edit]Ramanand

Ashram

Situated in shravan nath nagar of the town near railway station, this is the main ashram of Ramanand Sampraday in Haridwar. Mahant Bhagwan Das is the chief of this ashram. [edit]Anandamayi

Maa Ashram

Situated in Kankhal, one of five sub-cities of Haridwar, the ashram houses the samadhi shrine of Sri Anandamoyi Ma (18961982), a noted saint of India. [edit]Shantikunj Shantikunj is the headquarter of famous spiritual and social organisation All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) established by Pt Shriram Sharma Acharya. Its located at a distance of 6 Kilometers from Haridwar railway station towards Rishikesh/Dehradun on NH58. At the bank of the holy Ganges and between the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas, its also a place of attraction for tourists as well as seekers of spiritual guidance.

Extention Tour to Haridwar & Rishikesh

Day 6: Delhi Haridwar Set out on a morning drive to Haridwar in an air-conditioned vehicle, about 205 kilometers from Delhi (approx. 4.5 hours). After arriving in Haridwar, check-in at a pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. In the afternoon visit the various temples of Haridwar. Spend a few hours at Har-ki-Paudi - one of the most sacred ghats in India, and watch the tiny earthen oil lamps drift down the Ganges in a display of myriad flickering lights. This ghat is believed to be built by king Vikramaditya in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari who had come to meditate here on the bank of Ganga. There are many legends associated with this ghat. Later witness aarti (prayer ceremony) that takes place at twilight on the holy river Ganges. Aarti is a beautiful ceremony in which a group of priests hold fire bowls in their hands and offer their homage to the river, Lord

Shiva, the sun and the universe. The ambience of Hari-ki-Paudi brings upon a sense of clam on you. Return to your hotel in Haridwar and spend the night. Day 7: Haridwar - Rishikesh - Delhi After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a lovely mountain drive to Rishikesh - also known as the Place of Sages at the confluence of the rivers Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage, and also a place for people who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. In Rishikesh, visit Laxman Jhula - a hanging bridge on the Ganges an iconic landmark in Rishikesh. According to Indian mythology, Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama of the epic Ramayana crossed the Ganga with the help of a jute rope. Also visit Bharat Mandir - the oldest temple in Rishikesh, near the Triveni Ghat. This temple is dedicated to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Rama. White water rafting is an optional activity if you wish to add a dash of adventure to your religious tour. In the afternoon, drive down to Delhi. On arrival you will be dropped at the international airport or any location convenient to you in Delhi for your onward journey Note: - Standard check-in/check-out times at all hotels will be 12 noon. - The duration and specifications of the package can be modified as per requirement