Haridwar means ‘the abode of Lord Vishnu’ is a Hindu religious and pilgrimage site. It is one of the most populous cities of Uttarakhand with millions of people flocking here each year to participate in the annual pilgrimage. Endowed with natural beauty, both Haridwar and Rishikesh are alcohol and meat free cities owing to their pious nature. Large masses of people frequently visit Haridwar every year to pay homage to the holy river of Ganga. However, it would be wise to beware of rhesus monkeys who are notorious for troubling people along the ghats. During the Kumbh Mela which is a holy religious pilgrimage, Haridwar is the busiest. This makes it a photographer’s ultimate fascination because of rare sights seen in the course of this event.
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Below are the top 5 things you must do when in the holy town of Haridwar.
1) Visit the Har ki Pauri Ghat – It literally means the ‘footstep of God’, and is a holy bank situated on the river Ganga. Out of the places to visit in Haridwar this is most important especially for the people desiring to take a dip in the holy waters of Ganges. Evening at sundown, this beautiful ghat is a fascinating spectacle when the Ganga aarti is performed, with flaming torches and bells ringing everywhere. This is religiously performed every single day.
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Below are the top 5 things you must do when in the holy town of Haridwar.
1) Visit the Har ki Pauri Ghat – It literally means the ‘footstep of God’, and is a holy bank situated on the river Ganga. Out of the places to visit in Haridwar this is most important especially for the people desiring to take a dip in the holy waters of Ganges. Evening at sundown, this beautiful ghat is a fascinating spectacle when the Ganga aarti is performed, with flaming torches and bells ringing everywhere. This is religiously performed every single day.
2) Go Temple Hopping – Haridwar has many temples dedicated to innumerable Hindu gods and goddesses. Of these, Mansa Devi is a hilltop temple famous as it is devoted to the wish-fulfilling goddess. To reach here, you can take a walk up the hill or opt for a cable car. Other temples to visit are Chandi Devi temple on Neel Parvat and Maya Devi temple on the riverbank.
3) Ashrams in Haridwar – You could head to one of the many ashrams in the city, in case you’re in the look out for a peaceful abode for meditation. Shanti Kunj Ashram is one such ashram embedded in an exuberant garden. It provides lodging and meals along with spiritual activities. Another popular ashram is the Patanjali Yogpeeth, especially for practising yoga.
4) Visit to the Rajaji National Park - Apart from religious and spiritual places and activities, Haridwar is well known for its National Park with vast reserves of flora and fauna. You can hire a car or opt for the easily available Safari Jeep to witness the Park’s huge population of wild elephants, deers, birds and the lucky ones might even spot a tiger or leopard!
5) Feasting on delicacies – Haridwar is also renowned for its street food, especially the aloo puri at Mohanji Puriwale and not to forget the kachoris at Kashyap Kachoriwala. Tantalize your taste buds with the unmatched taste of the sweets at Mathura Walon Ki Prachin Dukaan. Don’t forget to gear up your stomach well in advance for this treat!
The ever bustling lanes of Haridwar with tonnes of gastronomic alternatives will have you lingering there for a very long time, mainly because of its unique sight at every corner of the town. The enchanting and spiritual ambience of Haridwar is the reason why it is considered most suitable as a holiday destination by people worldwide.
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