History of Haridwar
The gateway of Gods, Haridwar is undoubtedly a kaleidoscope of Indian civilization and culture. Being blessed by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh Haridwar holds immense significance for a devout Hindu. The numerous temples dedicated to a host of Hindu gods and goddess is a major puller for the pilgrims. Haridwar also happens to be an ancient shaktee peeth thus again attracting lot of ardent devotees. As it is in Haridwar that the holy Ganges descends in the planes, a large number of Hindus come here to take a holy dip. Read on to know more about the places to visit when in Haridwar.
Basically a pilgrimage center of the Hindus, Haridwar is the city of innumerable temples and sacred ghats along the Ganges.
About the places to visit in Haridwar Yatra Packages:-
Hari Ki Pauri
Hari ki pauri ghat was built by King Vikramaditya to commemorate the descending of Ganga after years of difficult prayers and fasting done by his ancestor Bhagirathi. Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his footprints on a rock at this ghat. Everyday at twilight the Har ki paurighat comes to life with singing prayers and lit up lamps along the Ganges where people in hundreds and thousands view this mesmerizing and cleansing ritual. It is believed that the one who bathes at Har ki pauri gets rid of all sins and completely cleanses their soul. Floral tributes and lit up diyas floating on the Ganges is the most enchanting sight one gets at this ghat.
Chandi Devi
Standing atop the Neel Parvat, the Chandi Devi temple was built in 1929AD by the king of Kashmir Suchat Singh. It is believed that the main statue of goddess Chandi devi, who killed the demon brothers Shumbh-Nishumbh, was laid here in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankracharya. The Chandi Devi temple can now be reached by a ropeway as well.
Mansa Devi
Situated on the southernmost hill of the Shivalik ranges is the Durga temple called Mansa Devi. One can reach this temple either on foot or by a cable car. Perched on Bilwa Parvat, the temple provides a panoramic view of the Haridwar city with the Ganges flowing in its middle.
Sapt Rishi Ashram & Sapt Sarovar
It is at this place that Ganges is believed to have divided itself into seven small streams to not to disturb the Sapt (seven) Rishis meditating and worshipping here.
Bharat Mata Mandir
It is one of its kind temples in Haridwar and is dedicated to Mother India, tracing its history from the times of Ramayana to present day. This eight storied temple houses the pictures and idols of some of the great Indian men from ancient to present times and pictures of the cities of the country. A must visit to get a sneak preview in to the history and culture of India.
Sati Kund
This is the holy place where the wife of Lord Shiva, Mata Sati is believed to have done the ritual of self-immolation. The ghat here is thus famous today as Sati Kund.
Rajaji National Park / Chila Wildlife Sanctuary
The Rajaji National Park, spread over an area of 240 sq km, houses the Chila wildlife Sanctuary and is situated at a distance of 10 km from Haridwar. Situated on the banks of River Ganges, the sanctuary is a haven for a large number of animals. This biodiversity park boasts of nearly 23 mammals and about 315 fauna species. The river in the park houses large number of fishes and fauna in the water. At Chila you can have the pleasure of spotting leopard, tigers, jungle cat, herd of elephants, wild boar, stags, spotted deer, sloth bear, langur, monkeys,woodpecker, king cobra etc. During the monsoons the park remains closed and otherwise it is open after sunrise and closed after dusk.
Travel Information :
By Air :
Haridwar does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport to Haridwar is located in Dehradun called the Jolly Grant airport* which is about 35 km away from the city. From Dehradun you can either board a train or hit the road to reach Haridwar. Also one can take a flight tothe International Airport at Delhi and from here one can take a train orroad journey to the holy city. There are Daily Flights from Delhi to Jolly Grant airport and jolly grand airport to Delhi.
By Rail :
The Indian Railways has a railway station at Haridwar which is connected by trains from major cities of India. Reaching Haridwar by train is one of the most convenient and economical means. Trains from Ujjain, Delhi, Varanasi, Bombay, Allahabad, Amritsar, Lucknow and Dehradun all ply regularly to Haridwar. Some of the important trains running to Haridwar are Bombay-Dehradun, Doon Express, Gorakhpur -Dehradun Express, Ujjaini Express, Varanasi-Dehradun Express, Dehradun-Allahabad Link Express, Mussoorie Express (Delhi-Dehradun), Shatabdi Express (Delhi- Dehradun).
By Road :
Many inter-state deluxe, semi-deluxe and ordinary buses ply to Haridwar everyday. If you wish to come in a large group you can even book a private bus for coming to Haridwar. For a smaller group private cabs or even your own vehicle can be used to reach Haridwar. In the course of the journey you will find several restaurants, hotels, motels and even garages for servicing of the vehicle.
