The holy city of Haridwar, also termed as 'Gateway to Gods' is also known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar etc. Situated about 200 km from capital of India, Delhi it is situated on the banks of sacred river Ganges in the state of Uttaranchal. Legendary king Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Lakhs of Hindu devotees visit Haridwar every year to have a holy dip in the river Ganges.

General Info- Haridwar

Altitude : 240m

Area : 2350 sq km 

Weather : Temp- Winter Max 25deg C.   Min- 4deg C. 

 Summer- Max 40 deg C

Best Time to visit : Haridwar is an all year round destination.

How to reach

 Distance : 210km, 5 hrs

 Road - Take the NH 58 via Ghaziabad, it is a single road almost through out and quiet crowded specially on weekends. TIP Watch out for lot of tractor trolleys/ bullock carts carrying sugarcane to Sugar Mills. Take the Pratapur bypass for Merrut and follow on to Modinagar and Khatauli. Many joints have come up in and around Khatauli including Cheetal Grand and Moolchand Resorts (veg only) where one can break one's journey and have some pet-pooja (hearty meal) too. Khatauli is about midway between Delhi & Haridwar. Take the Muzzafarnagar bypass next to reach Purkazi and Roorkee. From Roorkee you take a right turn to Haridwar or left if you plan to go to Dehradun.

 Train- Direct trains available from Delhi to Haridwar including Shatabadi.

 Tourist Attractions

  Haridwar is best known for it's ghats and various temples dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. The most well known Ghat is 'Har ki Pauri' where thousands take a holy dip in the Ganges and 'Aarti' is performed daily with great fanfare at 7pm. Hundreds of diya float in the river making it a fabulous site worth watching. 

  Some of the well known temples here are Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, Daksha Maharaj, Maya devi etc. Some of the Ashrams in Haridwar too are worth seeing.  The Kumbh and ardh Kumbh Mela at Haridwar attract huge crowds every 12 & 6 years respectively.

Rishikesh, another holy city is just 20 km away. Rishikesh is also known for White water Rafting on the Ganges.

 Chilla Wild Life Sanctuary is just 10 km from Haridwar and one can take a Jungle Safari to Chilla WLS to have a jungle experience and have a look at the wildlife, especially wild elephants. 

 Where to Stay  Haridwar Hotels