Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology. Ganga, the holy river of the Hindus enters the plains from here. Haridwar's scenic beauty is a blend of height and plains, the air echoes the sounds of chanting mantras. The city abounds in temples of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Haridwar has a lot of spiritual retreats or Ashrams carrying on the lineage of providing the way to body soul perfection via various yoga and meditative techniques.

Haridwar is a holy city in the Haridwar District in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Literally meaning Gateway to God, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, as the devas are said to have left their footprints there.

The spot where the immortal nectar fell when it was carried in a Kumba after the famed churning of the oceans at the time of creation of the universe is known as Brahma Kund. Hindus all over the world flock to this place to have a holy dip to attain salvation from their sins of birth. The dusk arathi performed at Hari- Ki- Pairi (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall) is a spectacular sight full of emotions of sound and colour never to be missed by any visitors. This is the second most holiest pilgrimage site after Varanasi for Hindus all over the globe. Here pilgrims float diyas on the Ganges, to commemorate their deceased ancestors. The city also stands as a gateway to three other important pilgrimage destinations: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. In Haridwar there is a big statue of Shiva at the fork of the river.

Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges.

A paradise for nature-lovers, Haridwar presents kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilisation. Haridwar also termed as 'Gateway to Gods' is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar as well. The follower of Lord Shiva (Har) and follower of Lord Vishnu (Hari) pronounce this place Hardwar and Haridwar respectively as told by some. It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttaranchal) Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Archaeological finding have proved that terracotta culture dating between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE existed in this region.

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. Lord Vishnu is said to have his foot print on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it all the times. Devout believers feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar.

Haridwar is also one of the four places where the Kumbh Mela occurs after a rotation of every twelve Years and the Ardh Kumbh after every six years. The other places are Allahabad (also known as Prayag), Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbh, 1998 was the last Maha Kumbh of this century. Yet beyond the mystic aura and mythology, Haridwar casts another magic spell on the visitor. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it waves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buddha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has not only remained the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit, but also served as centre of attraction for many, for learning the arts science and culture. Haridwar's long standing position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the scenic beauty and lush greenery...all give the city unique flavours and charm; a must among the sojourn centres in a discoverer's itinerary of Uttaranchal-A destination for all seasons.

Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred bathing ghats at Haridwar. The best time to visit this spot is at sunset when you can see the 'Aarti' of Ganga being performed.

Chandi Devi

Across the main Ganga river, on the other bank is the Neel Parvat. The famous Chandi Devi Temple is situated atop it. One has to trek at least 3 Kms. on the hill to reach it. Other temples in close vicinity on the hill itself are the temples of Gauri Shankar, Neeleshwar Mahadev and Anjani Devi.

Bhimgada Tank

On the way to Rishikesh, this tank is said to have been made by Bhim with the blow of his knee, when the Pandavas were going to the Himalayas through Haridwar.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar

Legends abound in India. Here, it is said, Ganga splits herself in seven currents so that the Sapt (seven) Rishis worshipping there would not be disturbed.

Canal Centenary Bridge

Located near Har-ki-Pauri, this bridge commands a beautiful view of the canal and all the ghats.

Other Attractions are

Kavand Mela, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi and Shantikunj Ashram. Dehradun is at a distance of two hour drive. Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar.

Haridwar is located in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal at a distance of 214 kms from Delhi.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun, but it is preferable to take a flight to Delhi and then take a bus or train route to Haridwar.

By Rail

The major pilgrimage center of Haridwar is well connected by trains to almost all the major cities in India. In fact, trains are the major source of the tourist inflow to Haridwar.

By Road

The National Highway no. 45 crosses the city of Haridwar, so it is connected to other cities of the state as well as those in the other states too. The excellent road network links Haridwar with Delhi for a smooth and comfortable travel journey.

Haridwar is one of the four sites where the great Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic treatments and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar offers you some good handicraft items which can be kept as decorative pieces or can be used as gift items. Markets surround the temples and the Ghats.