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The snow-fed rivers of Kumaon offer excellent opportunities for river rafting. The government runs a rafting unit. Kaliganga comes from Kalapani on Tibetan border and runs along the Nepal border. Rafting in Kaliganga is a thrilling experience.
Ramganga originates from Namik glacier, joins Saryu at Rameshwar and at Pancheshwar it merges in Kaliganga. Thirty km of the river is demarcated for rafting. The Government has taken several safety steps. Professional kayakers are always ready. Rafts have wireless sets. One has to wear the safety gear. The various equipments include raft, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, helmets etc
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.
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. RISHIKESH 24 km from Hardwar,
Ganga, soon after its origin in the mountains, flows through Rishikesh,
one of the holiest places. It is said God appeared here in response
to the penance of sage Raibhya Rishi and thereafter the place came to
be known after the rishi. Today it is a major center of yoga and ashrams
dot the banks. On Ganga's eastern side is a host of ashrams and on the
other bank is a located the markets and other businesses. The ashrams
provide classes and discourses. Food and lodging is also provided by
the ashrams on nominal rates, but one must follow the rules and regulations
as also respect the customs. Every year an international yoga week is
organized, from Feb 2nd to 7th. Triveni Ghat is the spot where people
make offerings to the river and take holy dip. It is thought that the
water here has the power to cleanse them of all sins. Triveni Ghat is
the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati river. Morning
Also called Kashi
and Benaras, Varanasi got its name from two rivers, Varuna and Assi.
This is one of the oldest and most important pilgrim centres in the
country. According to mythology, Kashi is the ground where Shiva and
Parvati stood at the beginning of time. Situated on the bank of Ganga,
its civilization is 2000 years old. The sound of chanting of mantras
fills the air. The bathing ghats are the main attraction here. There
are 100 ghats. One is named after Tulsi Das, the author of Ram Charit
Manas. The Tulsi temple built recently is also an attraction. The poet
had lived in the city. FACTFILE: Language: English, Hindi; Temp:
summer 32 deg C to 43 deg C, winter, minus 5 deg C to 15 deg C; rainfall:
111 cms annual; clothes: |
DTTDC Tourist
offices |
Brahmakund. The
lighting of lamps in the river is an enchanting sight.
prayers and in the evenings
floating of lamps offer a serene sight from the banks. Upstream
there is a suspension bridge called Lakshman Jhoola. It was built in
1929 to replace a rope bridge. According to a legend, Sri Ram's brother
Lakshman crossed the river here on a jute rope. Upstream there is
suspension bridge called Lakshman Jhoola. It was
built in 1929 to replace a rope bridge. According to a legend, Sri Ram's
brother Lakshman crossed the river here on a jute rope. Shivpuri is
a site15 km upstream. There in the white water of the Ganga, river running
and rafting activities can be undertaken. The best time for this is
October to May. Rishikesh is also a starting point for the Char Dham
pilgrimage. These four pilgrim centers are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath
and Badrinath (See separately under Char Dham/ Garhwal).
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