Haridwar is the place where people from across the India visit for pilgrimage and to take a holy dip into the holy river Ganges. Haridwar city is an ancient and it is one of the most sacred cities in India. The diverse nature of the Hindu religion has attracted foreign visitors from all around the world. Foreigners always attracted to Haridwar because here they can closely experience India's complex culture, various Hindu rituals and the ancient civilization.
Haridwar is an ancient pilgrimage site situated in the foothills of the shivalik range in Garhwal Himalayas. Haridwar is welcomes the river ganga to the plain areas. Haridwar means gurgling of river Ganges, innumerable temples, groups of monks in saffron clothes, enchanting sounds of vedic hymns and the divine holiness.
One of the most popular places in Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri is a ghat, which was built by King Vikramaditya. It is believed that Vikramaditya ordered for this ghat to be constructed in the memory of his brother Bharthari. The most famed spot here is the Brahmakund, which is thronged by devotees from all over the country.
Another major attraction of Har Ki Pauri is the evening Aarti that is organized each evening with great zeal. It is, in fact, one of those events in Haridwar that one should not miss out on. After the Aarti, devotees float Diyas in the River Ganga, which looks stunning in the evening light.
Chandi Devi Temple, located on the top of Neel Parvat. Chandi Devi Temple is an important pilgrimage centre of Haridwar. It is believed that the principal deity of the temple was established by Saint Adi Shankarcharaya in the 8th century. This place is of great religious importance and is also considered as one of the Shakti peethas of North India.
Chandi Devi Temple is known as one of the Siddha Peethas (Holy Places where one's wishes are fulfilled) together with Mansa Devi and Maya Devi of Haridwar. It is said that Goddess Chandi fulfills all the wishes of her true devotees.
Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most revered temple of Goddess Mansa Devi located at Bilwa Parvat near Haridwar. This temple is a holy place to worship Goddess Mansa, who is believed to be a form of Shakti, emerged from the mind of great Sage Kashyap. Mansa Devi temple is a famous Siddhpeeth and offers panoramic views of Haridwar city.
Mansa Devi completes the trio of Siddhpeeth in Haridwar with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi. Inner shrine of the Mansa Devi temple has two idols which are worship by the devotees. Located facing Chandi Devi temple in Neel Parvat, Mansa Devi temple has a 3 km pedestrian path from Haridwar.
Having historical importance, the Bhimgoda Kund/Tank is situated about 1km from Har ki Pauri. Legend have it that while proceeding to the Himalaya, the Pandavas stopped by to drink water here in Haridwar, and Bhimgoda is the place where Bhima drew water from the rocks by thrusting his knee (Goda). It is a major attraction in Haridwar and is visited by many people all through the year.
Bhimgoda Tank is a small pond located near har ki pauri in Haridwar City. Bhingoda tank is one of the major Tourist attraction in Haridwar City. According Hindu mythology this tank is made by the Bhima second of Pandava brothers.
About 5kms away from Haridwar, Sapt Rishi Asharam is one place that every tourist should see. Maintaining an old-world charm, this ashram is the Sanskrit learning point. Sapt Rishi Ashram is so named, as it was the place where seven sages, namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Gautam, Jamadagi, Vishwamitra, Bhardwaja and Atri once meditated.
The ashram is at a short distance from the bank of the River Ganga and is also quite a picturesque place. It is also believed that Pandavas while going to Himalaya crossed this place as well.