Haridwar

North Indian City Guide - Haridwar

As the name suggests in its literal meaning – ‘Gateway to Lord Vishnu’, it becomes one of the holy cities for Hindus and a cultural treat amidst Nature for others. Haridwar is considered one of the seven holy places for Hindus. It is here that River Ganges starts off into the plains after flowing down from Gangothri Glacier.

Haridwar - City Guide

Haridwar is also a unique place, as Hindu mythology declares that Amrit, the elixir of immortality, fell here along with three other places while being carried by Garuda, the celestial bird. This episode happens once in every 12 years. It is called the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, which has millions of devotees, pilgrims and tourists who come to witness the exotic mass gathering.

The place where this arises is the same as where the elixir was said to have fallen, called ‘Hari Ki Pauri’ or ‘Lord Vishnu’s footstep’. It is a well-demarcated area that also denotes where Lord Vishnu had stepped.

One must not miss the Arti (ritualistic worship with incense and lamps) that takes place every morning and evening on the banks here. It is the best way to learn the religious traditions of Hinduism. As the Arti goes on, the river and the sky create a beautiful scene.

One must visit the ‘Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary’ and ‘Rajaji National Park’ where Jeep Safaris through the forest enable you to see barking deer, grey langurs, spotted deer, sambhar deer, hawks, hornbills, falcons and more. It is small getaway from the crowded area that attracts wildlife enthusiasts and birders.

Also visiting Doodhadhari Barfani Temple can be distinct from those you would find commonly in Haridwar. Constructed out of marble, it can interest people with a bend towards architecture. On the other hand, Bara Bazaar is for people interested in local markets and the local lifestyle of Haridwar. Overall, Haridwar is a small city with its own charm and simplicity that can be experienced in its true essence.

Climatic Conditions

Haridwar remains pleasant during most of the months because of its geographical position. However, it is also prone to sudden rainfall, while July to September has heavy downpours. Winters are cold, with temperatures between 6° C and 16° C that spans from October to March. Summer remains moderate, with June as the hottest month when the weather ranges between 20° C and 40° C.