Travel Sites in
Uttar Pradesh
&
Uttaranchal

Lucknow
Taj Mahal
Varanasi
Allahabad
Chardham
Gangotri
Yamunotri
Kedarnath
Badrinath
Rishikesh
Hardwar
Corbett Park
Rajaji Park
Kumaon
Mussoorie
Dehra Dun
Nainital

Reserve Hotels in Corbett Reserve Hotels in Agra Reserve Hotels in Almora Reserve Hotels in Bulandshahr Reserve Hotels in Dehradun Reserve Hotels in Haridwar Reserve Hotels in Lucknow Reserve Hotels in Mathura Reserve Hotels in Mussorie Reserve Hotels in Rishikesh Reserve Hotels in Nainital Reserve Hotels in Varanasi

HARIDWAR

     This is one of the oldest towns in the country. It finds a place in Hindu scriptures. The holiest of rivers, Ganga, flows through this sacred city, one of the most famous pilgrimage centers. This is also one of the seven places where, it is said, one attains salvation. The Ganga, originating in the mountains, touches the planes first here. The water is hence always crystal clear and cool. The town has a natural setting, with scenic beauty. One can go there any time of the year. Kumbh Mela is a religious festival organized here once in 12 years. Baisakhi is another fair. Hardwar has yoga centers and ashrams.

There are many places of interest one can visit from Hardwar:

Chandi Devi: Six km from the town or 3 km from Chandighat, the temple is situated on Neel Parvat. There is a story that Chanda Munda, the army chief of the demon king, Shumbh Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi and hence the place got the name.

Maya Devi temple: One of the Sidhapeethas, the temple has a legend connecting it to Goddess Sati. It is 0.5 km from the town.

Hari-ki-Pauri: 1.5 km from the center of the town, this sacred bathing ghat is also called Brahmakund. The lighting of lamps in the river is an enchanting sight.

Mansa Devi temple: 3.5 km away from Hardwar, it is on the top of Bilwa Parvat. By rope way or on foot one can reach there.

Daksha Mahadev temple: It is about 4 km from the town. According to mythology, king Daksha Prajapathi did not invite Lord Shiva to a yagna he conducted at this place. Sati, Daksha's daughter and Lord Shiva's first wife, could not bear this and committed suicide in the very same yagna fire. Shiva's disciples, infuriated, killed Daksha. However, Shiva brought him back to life. The temple was built in memory of this incident, according to the story.

Rishikesh: 24 km from Hardwar, it is a center of yoga and meditation. (See under Rishikesh for details).

Rajaji National Park (Chilla): 10 km from Hardwar, the park, 820 sq km, has wildlife in abundance. Fishing in the rivers there is allowed. Best time to visit is Nov 15 to June 15. entry fee (subject to change): Rs 15 for Indians, Rs 100 for foreigners per person per day for the first three days. Additional day Rs 10 and Rs 50, respectively. For Indian students the fee is Rs 5 per day.

Deoprayag: 95 km from Hardwar, it is an important pilgrim center where Alaknanda river merges with Bhagirathi.

Mussoorie: It is 89 km from Hardwar. Called the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is a salubrious hill station.

Dehra Dun: 54 km from Hardwar, it is a quiet town in the wooded Shivalik valley.