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Haridwar--
 gateway
to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on the foot
hills of Shivaliks. It is on the banks of River Ganga. The Ganga leaves the
mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first major town on
the plains.
Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely nevertheless it
becomes very quite and calm here. The water is clean and people prefer
taking bath on the numerous ghats built on the river shores. It is said that
taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate
freedom, Nirvana.
Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the
trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major
Shaktipeeths.
Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not
only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major
learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the
Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has
maintained its fervour in Haridwar.
Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been
providing herbal remedies. Haridwar one of the first towns to be developed
on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in
the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and
nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the
ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold
floating in the waters of Ganges.
 PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Religious Places
Har ki Pauri
This ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that
this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari.
This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In the evening a Maha Aarti is
performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any
visitor.
Chandi Devi
This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the
other side of the river Ganga The temple was constructed by the King of
Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the
Chandi Ghat.
Mansa Devi
 This
temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple can
be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route to the
top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of Haridwar.
Kavand Mela
The fair is held ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months of
Shravan & Phalgun.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Four kms from Haridwar is a town called Kankhal. Mythology says that
the king of this place King Daksha Prajapati performed a yagya. His
daughter, Sati was married to Lord Shiva. But Daksha was not happy with this
marriage and did not invite Shiva-Sati in the Yagya.
But Sati came and was insulted by her father. She could not take the insult
and burnt herself in the yagya kund. On hearing this the followers of Shiva
killed Daksha. But later Mahadeo (Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The Daksha
temple is an attribute to this legend. This place is one of the five sacred
places in Haridwar.
Sapt Rishi
At
one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place is
known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing sight.
Maya Devi
It is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This ancient temple of Maya Devi is
also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is said that when Lord Shiva was
carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the honour of her
husband, then the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this place.
Others
Gurukul Kangri University
This university is known for its unique system of education. it is located
on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. This old institution follows the
ancient tradition of Guru-Sishya pattern of education. The institution also
has the Ved Mandir Museum which is has a very good collection of
archaeological exhibits and displays artifacts which are of historical
value.
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This
place is an enchanting bird watching point particularly during the winters.
There are various species of birds which can be spotted here. Around
Laljiwala on the banks of river Ganges one can expect the Siberian Cranes,
which are one of the prized visitor to this Pakshi Vihar. 
On
the outskirts of Roorkee is the Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahmed
'Sabir'. It is a must for any visitor to visit this place. The place is
known as Piran Kalier and is located 23 kms South of Haridwar. This Dargah
is famed for its mystical powers and is visited in large numbers both by
Hindus and Muslims. In fact this place is an living example of Hindu-Muslim
unity. During the Rabeeull month of Islamic calender, an Urs is celebrated
from the first day of sighting the moon to the sixteenth day.
HOW
TO GET THERE