Haridwar Travel Guide: Temples, Ganga Aarti & Places to Visit
Overview of Haridwar
Haridwar is a very old city in India. It is in the state of Uttarakhand. The holy River Ganges flows through it. Many people come here for a sacred pilgrimage. They come to wash away their sins. The city has a very calm feel. It is known as the Gateway to the Gods. This guide will help you explore the city. You will learn about its famous spots. It is a great place for a divine trip. The air feels pure and full of prayer.
Entry Details and Timing for Haridwar
Most shops in Haridwar open around 9 AM. They stay open until late at night. The markets are always busy with people. The temples have their own special timings. Some open very early in the morning. Others close in the afternoon for a break. It is good to check the times before you go. This will help you plan your day well.
To see the city well, you need time. A full visit usually takes two to three days. This gives you enough time to see the main spots. You can see the ghats and temples. You can also relax by the river. You will not feel rushed with two or three days. It is a good amount of time to feel the spirit of the city.
What To Expect at Haridwar
When you visit Haridwar, you will see many new things. The streets are narrow and full of life. You will hear the sound of temple bells. You can also hear people chanting prayers. The air smells of incense and flowers. Many small shops sell holy items. You can buy beads, statues, and books. The city is full of color and sound.
There are many fun things to do here. You can try the tasty local food. The sweets and snacks are very popular. The people of the city are very friendly. They are happy to help you. You can sit by the river and watch the water flow. It is a good way to relax your mind. The whole city has a peaceful and happy vibe.
History of Haridwar
The history of Haridwar is very long and rich. It is one of the oldest living cities. Its name is found in ancient holy books. For many centuries, it has been a holy place. Kings and common people have visited here. They all came for blessings and peace. The city has seen many ages pass by.
It is special because it is one of the seven holy cities in India. A key event is the Kumbh Mela. This big festival is held here every twelve years. Millions of people come from all over the world for it. This long history makes the city very important. It is a place full of old stories and faith.
Why Haridwar is Known For
-
Haridwar is famous for its deep spiritual meaning. It is a gateway to other holy places in the mountains. People start their holy journeys from here. The city is a center of faith and devotion.
-
The beautiful evening prayer is a main draw. This ceremony is called the Ganga Aarti Haridwar. It happens every single day at sunset. Priests hold large lamps with fire. The sight is truly amazing to see.
-
People love to visit the main riverbank. This famous spot is called Har Ki Pauri. It means the footsteps of God. It is believed that Lord Vishnu visited this spot. Taking a dip in the water here is considered very holy.
-
The city is also known for its many ashrams. These are places for yoga and meditation. People come to learn and find inner peace. The ashrams offer a quiet escape from busy life.
More About Haridwar Scenery
The scenery of Haridwar is very beautiful. The great Ganges river is the heart of the city. The water flows fast and looks very clean. In the distance, you can see the green Shivalik hills. The hills make a lovely backdrop for the city. The mix of the river, hills, and temples is very special. It is a joy to see this natural beauty. The riverbanks are lined with stone steps called ghats.
The sun makes the city look even more pretty. The sunrise over the Ganges is a calm sight. It fills the sky with soft colors. At night, the scenery changes. People float small lamps on the river. These lamps are called diyas. They twinkle on the dark water like stars. It is a very peaceful and touching view. The city lights also reflect on the river.
Architecture and Style of Haridwar
The architecture in Haridwar shows its long history. Many old buildings have a traditional Indian style. You will see old havelis, which are large houses. They have detailed carvings on their doors and windows. The streets are often narrow and winding. They lead to open squares and river ghats. The city's layout is made for walking.
The style of the temples in Haridwar is very distinct. They often have tall, pointed towers called shikharas. These towers reach towards the sky. The temples are painted in bright colors like red and orange. They are decorated with statues of gods and goddesses. The ghats are also a key part of the architecture. They are long sets of stone steps leading to the river.
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
The best time to visit Haridwar is from October to February. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant. The sun is gentle, making it easy to walk around. This is a great time to explore the temples and ghats. The clear skies also offer good views of the nearby hills. This period is the peak season for Haridwar tourism.
You can also visit during the summer months from March to June. But it can get very hot during the day. The monsoon season is from July to September. The city gets a lot of rain. It is best to avoid the monsoon if you can. To avoid large crowds, try to visit on weekdays. Festival times are very busy but full of energy.
How to Reach Haridwar
You can reach Haridwar in a few ways. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is about 37 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi. The taxi ride takes about one hour to reach the city. The airport connects to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
The city has its own major railway station. The Haridwar Railway Station connects to all parts of India. Many trains stop here every day. This is a very easy way to travel to the city. You can also come by road. Buses run from Delhi, Dehradun, and other nearby cities. The roads are good, so driving is also a nice option. You can drive from the nearby holy town of Rishikesh as well.
Travel Tips for Visiting Haridwar
-
Wear comfortable shoes. You will need to do a lot of walking. The streets can be uneven. Good shoes will keep your feet from getting tired.
-
Carry water bottles. It is important to stay hydrated. You can buy water there. Or you can carry your own bottle and refill it.
-
Follow the local rules. This is a holy city. It is good to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees, especially in temples.
-
Stay safe at the spot. Be careful with your belongings in crowded places. Keep your wallet and phone in a safe spot.
-
Respect the Haridwar. Be mindful of the local customs and traditions. Do not take photos where it is not allowed. Keep the river and streets clean.
-
Bring good clothes. Pack light cotton clothes for summer. Bring warm clothes for the winter months. A light jacket is a good idea for cool evenings.
-
Do not bring banned items. Items like alcohol and non-vegetarian food are not allowed in the holy areas. It is best to respect these rules during your visit.
Top Attractions In or Near Haridwar
Here are some great spots to see in Haridwar.
-
Mansa Devi Temple: This spot is on a hill in Haridwar. It offers a great view of the whole city. You can reach the temple by a fun cable car ride.
-
Chandi Devi Temple: This temple is also on a hilltop. It is a very important place of worship. The trek to the temple is beautiful. A cable car is also available here.
-
Shanti Kunj: This is a world-renowned spiritual center in Haridwar. People come here for spiritual training and learning. The campus is huge and very peaceful.
-
Bharat Mata Mandir: This is a very unique temple. It is dedicated to Mother India. The temple has eight floors, each showing an era of Indian history.
-
Maya Devi Temple: This is an ancient temple in the city. It is one of the three Shakti Peeths in Haridwar. It holds great importance for devotees.
These are the top places to visit in Haridwar. Each spot offers a unique and special experience for visitors.
