HaridwarOne of the seven holiest places forHindus, Haridwar literally means a'gateway to God', succinctlycapturing its pious and spiritualcharacter. Come here for anepiphanic union with the almighty,or just sit by the scintillating riverGanga and watch your stress floataway with the swishing water and acool, balming breeze.

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Famous For : Places To VisitReligiousCity

The holy town of Haridwar marks the arrivalof the River Ganga into the Northern plains,the first time since its origin at Gaumukh,Gangotri. Visitors hail from all across thecountry, and globe, for a dip in the holywaters of the river, which is believed towash away one's sins and help attainsalvation. The Ganges flows in rapids here,and people throng the Har ki Pauri to take aholy dip in the fast flowing waters. Har kiPauri has an interesting legend which saysthat when Garuda, the holy bird, wascarrying the pitcher of Amrita (nectar of theGods), four drops fell, one of which made apool in Haridwar, now known as Hari kiPauri. Don’t go too deep or you run the riskof drowning. Evenings are a magical timehere, when thousands of earthen lamps areimmersed in the river after the aarti. Alongthe banks of the Ganges, the Chandi DeviTemple, built by the King of Kashmir, restsatop the Neel Parvat. Another importanttemple in the vicinity is the Maya Devi

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Temple, where, it is believed that Sati’s heartand navel fell. A cable car ride will take youto the Mansa Devi Temple. The holy town isone of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimagesites in India. The city is also famous for 12-yearly Kumbh Mela, when devotees thronghere in large numbers. For a truly fervent,spiritual experience, attend the magnificentand elaborate evening aarti and prayerofferings at Har ki Pauri. Blessed withnature's bounty, Haridwar is home tobeautiful flora and fauna. Rajaji NationalPark offers organised tours and safaris for acloser look at the wildlife. Padartha Farms,located within the premise of the PatanjaliYogpeeth, is the biggest food park in thecountry. It comes as a respite for citydwellers, with acres of lush farmland andmeditation centres. The charming town hasbeen immortalised in many a fiction tales,especially Ruskin Bond’s most loved stories.Remember Bara Bazaar from A Room OnThe Roof? A popular market, go shopping inthe Bara Bazaar, located on the RailwayRoad. The local delicacies are strictlyvegetarian and drinking is not allowed in thecity.

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-haridwar-lp-1140406

JanCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 16.5°C Min: 8.5°C Rain: 0.0mm

FebCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:15.899999618530273°C

Min:6.800000190734863°C

Rain: 33.0mm

MarCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen,umbrella.Max:15.600000381469727°C

Min:9.199999809265137°C

Rain: 123.0mm

AprCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:23.399999618530273°C

Min:13.100000381469727°C

Rain: 0.0mm

MayCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:22.899999618530273°C

Min:12.199999809265137°C

Rain: 0.0mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:26.899999618530273°C

Min: 19.5°C Rain: 102.0mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.

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Max:24.700000762939453°C

Min:18.399999618530273°C

Rain: 186.0mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:25.600000381469727°C

Min:20.299999237060547°C

Rain: 639.0mm

SepCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen,umbrella.Max:19.200000762939453°C

Min: 16.0°C Rain: 138.0mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:24.399999618530273°C

Min:19.100000381469727°C

Rain: 30.0mm

NovCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:23.299999237060547°C

Min:13.800000190734863°C

Rain: 6.0mm

DecCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:17.899999618530273°C

Min:8.600000381469727°C

Rain: 18.0mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-haridwar-lp-1140406

1 Har ki Pauri

Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401, India

Believed to be one the holiest Ghats in thecountry,Har Ki Pauri is supposedly the first placewhere Ganga touches plains, leaving behindthe pristine ranges of the Himalayas. Theghat is also known as the Brahma Kundwhere you can see the stone which has animprint of Lord Vishnu’s foot, as indicated bythe name. 

The most interesting part of this religiousspot is the evening Aarti which is performedby priests on the banks of river Ganga. Thishighly enchanting experience atHar Ki Pauri is something to look forward toduring a visit to the place for sure. Duringthis time, leafed lamps can be seen floatingon the river, bedecked with flowers andother offerings to the river. These lamps,easily available at different stalls near theghat, create a splendid aura of lights whichis further accentuated with the holy chantsthat fill the entire atmosphere with divinevibes.

2 Mansa Devi Mandir

Railway Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand249403, India

This is perhaps the most famous temple atHaridwar, luring the seekers of divinity fromand beyond. You can either take the trek toit or hop aboard the ropeway that'll haveyou here in less than 10 minutes. Both themodes to reach the place are surrealexperiences.

It's believed that a visit to theMansa Devi Temple fulfils all the wishes ofthe visitors who come to the temple.Devotees can often be seen tying redthreads to the tree within the precincts. Thebelief says that once your wish is fulfilled,you should come back to the temple tountie the thread.

Located atop a peak on the Shivalik Hills,this temple is visited by travellers from allover the country and is one of the mostrevered ones in town. Mansa Devi is takento be one of the vertex of the holy triangleformed between the three temples, ChandiDevi and Maya Devi being the other two.

3 Ganesh Ghat

Ganesh Ghat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand249405, India

Right across the famous Hanuman Templeis another wonder of Haridwar,Ganesh Ghat. This leisurely stretch of thebanks of Ganga is quite famous with theresidents for picnics and morning walks.One major attraction of the ghat is the DamKothi, a government owned villa, that standstowering by the swirling waves. The damthat bars the Ganga was built by the British,decades back, and is a major landmark atHaridwar. You can go to theGanesh Ghat to spend some hours insolitude, away from the din of city life. It'salso a favourite haunt of the lovers ofphotography, for both the hilltop temples ofMansa Devi and Chandi Devi are visible fromhere.

4 Mercury Temple

6 kms from Haridwar, Uttarakhand249410, India

Also known as Paradeshwar MahadevTemple,

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Mercury Temple is astounding both in itsarchitecture as well as religious value.Located at M K Gandhi Road, it nestles ashivalinga that's wholly made out ofmercury! A steady trickle of devotees canalways be seen in the temple precincts thatlook quite alluring in the sandstone colour.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva,Mercury Temple also has the rare rudrakshatrees growing right within its compounds.While you say a prayer or two at the temple,don't forget to buy rudrakshas from insidethe temple, for those are supposed to keepyou safe against any harm.

5 Rajaji National Park

5/1, Ansari Road, Rajaji NationalPark, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249410,India

Created in 1983, Rajai National Park is an amalgamation ofthree sanctuaries - Rajaji sanctuary,

Motichur sanctuary and Chilla sanctuary. Ithas been named after Sri C.Rajgopalachariya - the first and lastGovernor general of India, who was alsopopularly known as Rajaji.  Spreadover an area of 820.42 sq. km., the Park hasbeen covered in three Districts- Haridwar,Dehraduna and Pauri Garhwal ofUttaranchal State, India. 

Representing the Shivalik ecosystem, richin fossils, Rajai National Park is a home to differentspecies of animals including Leopard, Tiger,Sambar deer; antelopes such asthe Jungle Cat, Nilgai,Goral, Hyena, Jackal, LeopardCat, Civets and above all theAsian Elephant. The majestic Ganges flowingthrough the Park, the innumerable brooksand streams, make this place an idealexample of diverse flora and fauna, andamazing ecosystem. 

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-haridwar-lp-1140406

1 Dosa Plaza

Nirmala Sarey, Opposite RailwayStation, Haridwar, Uttarakhand249401, India

+91-22-27830707

If you are an, ardent lover of South Indianfood, and thought that you might not evenhear of an option for the same in a town likeHaridwar, Dosa Plaza is here to surpriseyou. Right opposite to the railway station,Dosa Plaza doles out the crunchiest, tastiestof dosas in the town, along with mini idlisand uttapams as their specialities. Chach,another delicacy, is something that's not tobe missed here. Relatively new in the region,it's carve a niche with the upmarketambiance and efficient service.

2 Big Ben Restaurant

Railway Road, Haridwar Main Road,Devpura, Haridwar, Uttarakhand249401, India

+91-1334-220938

Enjoy the soothing ambience ofBig Ben Restaurant with one of the best vegthalis in town. The music here adds charmto the place which is rare to the religioustown of Haridwar. Located at a walkingdistance from both the railway station andthe bus stand, the restaurant is not onlyconvenient to reach but is also perfect for ameal for the entire family. The service canbe a bit staff here can sometimes make youwork on your vocal chords more than it isrequired but the food makes up for it bigtime. Try the paranthas here along withraitas of different kinds.

3 Invitation

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National Highway 58, Govindpuri,Devpura, Haridwar, Uttarakhand249410, India

+91-1334-223244

Invitation is located right in the heart ofmodern Haridwar, quite close to the MainComplex Area. Needless to say, it's one ofthe best places to dine in at. Harping moreon the multi cuisine food, it's got the best ofall worlds. Perfect for a family dinner, it hasa wide range of snacks, Chinese, Continentaland Indian fare on the menu. You can alsodig into some sumptuous pasta, pizza andmore here.

4 Fun n Food

National Highway 58, Devpura,Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249410, India

+91-98370-32342|+91-88813-88438

Fun n Food is a favourite with residents andtourists alike, being one of the firstrestaurants to have opened up at Haridwar.A multi cuisine posh facility, it boasts of anefficient service and more than average

food. Snacks are the speciality of therestaurant, with spring rolls, sandwiches,pizzas and more as the favourite ones. It'salso a favoured hangout zone for many,usually brimming with young, college crowd.It also boasts of an outdoor partying place,which can be reserved well in advance.

5 Hoshiyar Puri

Upper Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand249401, India

Another good option for exploring whatNorth-Indian cuisine is made of is atHoshiyar Puri. It's one of the mostrenowned and oldest food joints atHaridwar, having a fan following of itsown.  Boasting of an amazingcollection of dishes on the menu, therestaurant is known for its lachha paranthaand frozen rice pudding (kheer). Moreover,one should not miss aloo gobhi ki sabzi anddal fry here. The prices are affordable, theambience is nice and the staff is courteouswhich make the overall experience of havingfood here one of the best in town.

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Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-haridwar-lp-1140406

SeeA: Har ki PauriB: Mansa Devi MandirC: Ganesh GhatD: Mercury TempleE: Rajaji National Park

AccommodationF: B&b HaridwarG: Hotel Park ViewH: Hotel Chitra HeritageI: B&b HaridwarJ: Hotel Park ViewK: Hotel Chitra HeritageL: B&b HaridwarM: Hotel Park ViewN: Hotel Chitra Heritage

FoodO: Dosa PlazaP: Big Ben RestaurantQ: InvitationR: Fun n FoodS: Hoshiyar Puri