Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar. Due to its geographical location too, Haridwar stands as the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics, Haridwar has always remained a major pilgrimage for the Hindus.

The list of attractions in Haridwar is endless. Har-Ki-Pauri, the sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat.

Several festivals are celebrated in Haridwar. Haridwar, one of the oldest and holiest pilgrim centers of India, is also the place that plays host to around eight to ten million devotees during the Kumbh melas. The history of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe and as a show of their faith, Hindus from all over the country assemble to take a holy dip in the Ganges.

One of the oldest living cities, Haridwar has been in people's mind from the period of Buddha to the British advent and now even in the 21st century. Besides being a religious place, it has served as the center for learning arts, science and culture. It's unique Gurukul school of traditional education, scenic beauty, lush greenery (full with Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies, give the place a unique charm and flavor. For the wildlife lovers, the Rajaji National Park is a must among the solemn centers in a Travelmasti discoverer's itinerary of Uttaranchal.

Facts

Places to visit

Chandi Devi

The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir - Suchat Singh. The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandi Ghat. Legend has it that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi.

It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Sankaracharya in 8th Century AD. Chandi Devi Temple is accessible by a ropeway, which starts near Gauri Shankar Temple.
One can reach here by Trolley through ropeway or on foot.

Bharat Mata Temple

This is one of the important temples of Haridwar. It has eight stories in which the images of cities, heroes and great men are installed.

Shanti Kunj

It is the famous ashram of Gayatri. Followers and pilgrims from far and wide converge here for yoga and natural  Ayurved cures.

Maya Devi Temple
It is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhishtkatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapeethas. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient Saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri.

Har-Ki-Pauri

Har-Ki-Pauri the sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed the Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred bathing Ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti Ceremony. It is the most important Ghat on the river Ganga, where a holy dip is a must for every devotee.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi temple is the most visited temple in Haridwar. The temple is dedicated to Mansa Devi, an incarnation of Goddess of power, Durga. The temple is perched on a hilltop, called Bilwa hill. The only way to reach the temple is to choose from the options of trekking or ropeway cable car. Both of the ways sound really exciting, as spirituality and adventure come together at Mansa Devi Temple.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

 The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town .The mythological story about this place is that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva 's first wife ) performed yagya at this place. Daksha Prajapati did not invite Lord Shiva and Sati felt insulted . Therefore she burnt herself in the yagya Kund . This incident provoked the disciples and followers of Mahadev who killed King Daksha, but later on Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. Daksha Mahadev temple is thus a tribute to this legend .