Haridwar

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the holy River Ganga, Haridwar is known as the gateway to the land of Gods. The small town in Uttarakhand is one of the holiest temple towns in India. The very air of the town reverberates with spiritual bliss. Hear the chimes of the temple bells and the religious chanting of the priests.
 

Revered as a holy pilgrimage, the town has religious significance as the holy river Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time in Haridwar. Famous attractions include the Chandi Devi temple, Maya Devi temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, etc. Each of the temples have deities worshipped according to Hindu Mythology. For the quest for peace and spirituality, this town blessed visitors with a rare experience. Go temple-hopping to centuries’ old temples, stroll along the river banks, have a holy dip in the Ganges, walk through the town markets replete with eateries and more.

Every evening, Haridwar is witness to Ganga Aarti. The daily ritual of worship of the River Goddess is similar to the famous Ganga Aarti held in Varanasi. Held at the Ghats (River Bank) at Har ki Pauri it is a sight to behold. Thousands of devotees flock to the ghats to appease the Gods, they float tiny diyas bedecked by flowers.  Another unique feature about the town is that, once in every twelve years, Haridwar hosts the religious mega-gathering, the famous Kumbh Mela. Along with Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain, Haridwar is one of the only four cities in India which host the Kumbh Mela, which is inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Rishikesh, another holy town in India is hardly an hour’s drive away. Known for sacred Hindu temples and ashrams, Ayurveda and Yoga centers, it is one of the must visit places along with Hardiwar. SImilary, Rajaji National Park, a wildlife haven lies close by. To feel spiritual bliss amid nature’s lap it is one of the best places to visit in India.