Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology. Ganga, the holy river of the Hindus enters the plains from here. Haridwar's scenic beauty is a blend of height and plains, the air echoes the sounds of chanting mantras. The city abounds in temples of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Haridwar has a lot of spiritual retreats or Ashrams carrying on the lineage of providing the way to body soul perfection via various yoga and meditative techniques.

Sightseeing at Haridwar -
Har Ki Pauri : Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred bathing ghats at Haridwar. The best time to visit this spot is at sunset when you can see the 'Aarti' of Ganga being performed.

Chandi Devi : Across the main Ganga river, on the other bank is the Neel Parvat. The famous Chandi Devi Temple is situated atop it. One has to trek at least 3 Kms. on the hill to reach it. Other temples in close vicinity on the hill itself are the temples of Gauri Shankar, Neeleshwar Mahadev and Anjani Devi.

Bhimgada Tank: On the way to Rishikesh, this tank is said to have been made by Bhim with the blow of his knee, when the Pandavas were going to the Himalayas through Haridwar.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar : Legends abound in India. Here, it is said, Ganga splits herself in seven currents so that the Sapt (seven) Rishis worshipping there would not be disturbed.

Canal Centenary Bridge : Located near Har-ki-Pauri, this bridge commands a beautiful view of the canal and all the ghats.

Other Attractions are : Kavand Mela, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi and Shantikunj Ashram. Dehradun is at a distance of two hour drive. Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar.

Reaching Haridwar -
Haridwar is located in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal at a distance of 214 kms from Delhi.
Air : The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun, but it is preferable to take a flight to Delhi and then take a bus or train route to Haridwar.
Rail : The major pilgrimage center of Haridwar is well connected by trains to almost all the major cities in India. In fact, trains are the major source of the tourist inflow to Haridwar.
Road : The National Highway no. 45 crosses the city of Haridwar, so it is connected to other cities of the state as well as those in the other states too. The excellent road network links Haridwar with Delhi for a smooth and comfortable travel journey.

Shopping in Haridwar -
Haridwar is one of the four sites where the great Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic treatments and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar offers you some good handicraft items which can be kept as decorative pieces or can be used as gift items. Markets surround the temples and the Ghats.