Haridwar, an ancient city on the
Ganges River, is located between the Gangetic Plain and the Himalayan foothills. One among the seven holy cities of Hindus, Haridwar is an abode of the Hindu god Vishnu. The religious city, known as 'Gateway to Gods', is referred in the epics as Mayapuri, Kapila and Gangadwar. It is also an entry point to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham.
Pilgrims in large numbers visit Haridwar to worship the Lord. Every twelve years the kumbhmela and every six years the ardh kumbh mela (half kumbh) are celebrated. Besides, Somwati Amavasya, Kartik Poornima, Shravan Poornima and Ganga
Dussehra are also held.
One of the sacred ghats in the country,
Har Ki Pauri (Brahmakund), is located here. Bharat Mata Temple,
Maya Devi Temple,
Mansa Devi Temple and
Chandi Devi Temple are the main sanctums. Rajaji National Park, 10 km away, is an ideal hang out for wildlife lovers. Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, on the Haridwar- Jwalapur bypass road, is famous for its traditional way of education.
Haridwar, on NH 47, is at a distance of 214 km from Delhi and 141 km from Meerut.
Haridwar Junction Railway Station has train services to Mumbai,
Dehradun, Varanasi, Delhi and
Allahabad.
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest aerodrome, 41 km away.
