Haridwar literally means ‘Gateway to God’ and is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus; tersely capturing its spiritual and pious character. Set elegantly on the banks of the River Ganges, Haridwar is a gateway to four pilgrimage places— Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri, together they are known as ‘Chardham’.
A place cloaked in ancient Hindu mythology, this sacred city also magnetizes millions of pilgrims for its divine Ardh Kumbh Mela and Kumbh Mela. Come here for a pure union with the divine being, or just spend some time at glittering river Ganga and watch your stress glide away with the whooshing water and gentle wind.
Must Witness Spectacles in Haridwar…
Ganga Aarti—the beating Pulse of Haridwar
The holy aarti performed at Har-ki-Pauri is possibly the most eye-catching picture at Haridwar. Wooing people from various parts, the sacred ritual is followed at the banks of Ganga and witnessed by many. When the sun goes down, the Maha Aarti takes place on Ganga ghat.
The gleaming flames of fire, leafed lamps gliding with the flow of water, chanting of holy mantras and fragrance of incense sticks all around creates a magnetizing view. An expedition to Haridwar is incomplete without immersing deeply into this ancient ceremony.
Chardham—A Must-Visit Destination for Devotees
Haridwar is the entryway to four religious sites Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. All these renowned holy destinations are situated in the lap of mighty Himalayas, and this gives travelers a chance to witness the mesmerizing beauty of Himalayas. Just a single visit to Chardham promises a very pious experience for all.
This glorified tour begins from Haridwar, the ideal gateway to God and then can followed by Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and ends at the consecrated Badrinath shrine. Owing to the religious importance of this tour, devotees from various corners of globe, come here to feel the eternal bliss.
Udan Khatola—the Exhilarating Ride Of a Lifetime
Watch the beauty of Mansa Devi and Chanda Devi temples by taking a ropeway experience. Rather than trekking up to the hill, a generous number of people like to take the ropeway as both the shrines are nestled at a good height. When the colored ropeways cars go up and down via cables, it clearly shows a fascinating picture of the bustling city and the sanctified Ganga. With these ropeways, one can reach to both the shrines within 5-10 minutes only. Add Udan Khatola in your trip to Haridwar for a memorable journey!
Piran Kaliyar—a Major Religious Centre For Muslims
Haridwar is an abode to a 13th century dargah, Piran Kaliyar, constructed by Ibrahim Lodhi. The sacred place pulls the followers of Sufism as it is the burial place of great saint Alauddin Ali Ahmad Sabir Kalyari. It is believed that people who make a wish from the bottom of their hearts comes true! Apart from this, the renowned Urs festival, which is held once a year, draws more delegates from Muslim nations and foreigners to the dargah. While in Haridwar, don’t forget to explore Piran Kaliyar too!