For millions of Hindus going to Haridwar is like fulfilling a life-long ambition. It is believed that Har-ki-Pauri is where Lord Vishnu left his foot-print on a rock, and where Bhagirath performed penance, in response to which Lord Shiva sent forth the Ganga cascading from his knotted locks.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
The Har-ki-Pauri Ghat is believed to be the exact spot where the holy Ganga enters the plains. The river enters the sacred Brahmakund from one side and exits from the other. The Ganga Mandir and Haricharan Mandir are here. Har-ki-Pauri is also where divine nectar fell from the celestial kumbh, according to legend. The famous Kumbh mela is held at Haridwar every 12 years.
Tip The Ganga flows very swiftly and only an expert swimmer should try swimming unassisted here
Tip Non-Hindus are not allowed on the Har-ki-Pauri Ghat, but can bathe in the river and view the aarti from the platform-like island here.
Attending the evening aarti (soon after sunset) at Har-ki-Pauri is a must. While the aarti is held on the promenade above Brahmakund, a better view can be had from across the stream.
Tip Be wary of people who wish to seek donations
The Chandi Devi Temple is atop the Neel Parvat, a hill near Haridwar. The 3-km climb to the top is a little tough. The walking route goes past the Kamraj-ki-Kali Temple.
The ropeway, aka Udan Khatola, is the popular option and yields good views too. The approach to the Mansa Devi Temple, located atop the Bhilkeshwar Hill, is lined with landscaped gardens.
Saptarishi Kund is believed to have been sanctified by the seven rishis (sages) whose devotion compelled the Ganga to divide herself into seven channels. Gau Ghat lies to the south of Har-ki-Pauri. Kushavarta Ghat, south of Gau Ghat, is where Rishi Dattatreya is said to have stood on one leg for 10,000 years. This ghat is used for the ancestral rite of pinda daan. Vishnu Ghat, south of Shravanathji’s Temple, is where Vishnu is said to have meditated.
WHERE TO STAY
The best hotel here is The Haveli Hari Ganga (Tel: 01334-226443, 265207; Tariff: ₹7,000–15,000) set in the Pilibhit House haveli, with a riverside location at Ram Ghat. It boasts its own private ghat and an excellent Ayurvedic spa. Among the newer high-end options is Aalia (Cell: 09899975469, 07351008802; Tariff: ₹12,500–45,000) on the Najibabad Road, 15km from Haridwar.
Hotel Ganga Lahiri (Tel: 220017-18; Tariff: ₹6,000–7,500) is a convenient option at the Gau-Ghat in Har-ki-Pauri.
GMVN’s Rahi Motel (Tel: 226430, 228686; Tariff: ₹950–2,000) near the railway station has air-cooled and AC suites. Haridwar has many ashrams, most of them in the Bhopatwala area.
Eating simple but delicious fare from the many Mathurawale eating houses is recommended. Don’t miss the rabris, pedas and barfis.
THE INFORMATION
When to go Any time of the year, December–January can be very cold
Tourist offices
GMVNL, Rahi Motel, Lalta Rao Bridge, Haridwar, Tel: 228686, W gmvnl.com
STD code 01334
GETTING THERE
Air Jolly Grant Airport (30km/ 45mins), near Dehradun. Taxi cost ₹1,100–1,200
Rail Haridwar Junction
Road NH58 connects Haridwar to Delhi via Meerut. Taxi fares from Delhi to Haridwar range from ₹2,250–3,200 for the 6-hour trip