Haridwar

Location: Haridwar District, Uttarakhand.
Climate:
Summers: 44⁰ C (Maximum), 25⁰ C (Minimum)
Winters: 24⁰ C (Maximum), 6⁰ C (Minimum)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar Junction Railway Station
Must Visits: Har ki Pauri, Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Pakshi Vihar, Bhimgoda Tank
Language Spoken: Hindi and English
STD Code: 0133

Haridwar, also known as Hardwar, is a significant sacrosanct city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This holy city is the place where River Ganges touches the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India, after swiftly flowing for 253 km from its source at Gaumukh. This is the main reason as to why it was referred to as 'Gangadwara' during ancient times. Haridwar comes under the administrative district of Haridwar and is also a municipality as well. It is a very small city, spread over an area of about 13 square kilometers and sited at an altitude of 314 m above the sea level. Alike to other northern cities of India, it experiences extreme weather conditions including scorching summers, cool winters and pleasant monsoons with average rainfall of 1620 mm annually. Haridwar is visited by thousands of visitors including tourists and pilgrims every day and thus, is very well linked through all modes of transport like airways, roadways and railways.

In Sanskrit, Haridwar literally means Dwar of Hari or Gateway of God. The city of Haridwar represents itself as a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization, which has been mentioned in ancient scriptures with different names like Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. Haridwar happens to be one of the oldest living cities, as its existence weaves through the span stretching from the period of Mauryan Empire to the British Empire. During 322-185 BCE, Haridwar was ruled by Maurya Empire but late in 1st -3rd century it came under the rule of Kushan Empire. However, on January 13, 1399 this city was invaded by a Turkish invader. Haridwar has a rich cultural and historical heritage, the presence of many old havelis and mansions bearing a testimony to it.

Haridwar is considered as one of the seven holiest places of Hindus. It is also a point of access to the Char Dham yatra Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, the main four centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. Har ki Pauri, Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Pakshi Vihar, Bhimgoda Tank, Bharat Mata Mandir and Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir are some of the tourist attractions that one should definitely explore whilst in the city. You can get some authentic artifacts, idols of Gods, and souvenirs from the main shopping arcades Moti bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur and Kankhal. If you are planning to visit Haridwar, then do not miss the chance to take a holy dip in revered River Ganges and witness the magnificent evening aarti in Har Ki Pauri.

Best Time To Visit Haridwar
Extremities characterize Haridwar when it comes to weather! While the summers are blazing hot, the winters are usually very cold in this region. Therefore, the best option for anyone willing to travel to Haridwar is anytime between October to April.

History Of Haridwar
Soused in a strong spiritual spell, the holy city of Haridwar perches itself high as one of the most sanctimonious stations in the country. Dubbed as the 'Gateway to God', a visit to Haridwar takes you through an amazing ride down the

How To Reach Haridwar
The holy city of Haridwar, nestled on the foothills of Sivalik Range, has marked an indelible impression on the spiritual ethos of every Hindu. Standing as the gateway to God, the city of Haridwar serves as an entree to the 'char dhams' in Uttarakhand,

Places To Visit In Haridwar
The pilgrimage city of Haridwar, besides being a great place to sop up some spiritual clamor, is an ideal place to experience Indian culture. A land of great mythological and historical import, Haridwar not only evokes a sense of spirituality among

Shopping In Haridwar
The moment you reach this holy land, you can sense an air of divinity. Haridwar, the gateway to the gods, is not just a darling among pilgrim tourists but also among shopaholics who are always on a hunt to pick up some interesting stuffs.