ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN HARIDWAR

Har Ki Pauri

The most famous of the ghats of Haridwar, Har ki Pauri translates to ‘Feet of the Lord’. Legend has it that drops of amrit (the elixir of immortality) accidentally spilt over from a celestial pitcher during the samudra manthana (churning of the ocean of milk) at this very spot, in the Brahma Kund. It is the site of the Kumbh Mela - world's largest temporary gathering of humanity - every twelve years, when millions of pilgrims gather for ritualistic bathing in Ganges, seeking purification and spiritual liberation (moksha).

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Mansa Devi Temple

Located at a height of 500 feet on Bilwa Parvat in the Sivalik Hills, this revered temple is one of the five sacred sites - Panch Tirthas - of Haridwar. Maa Mansa Devi is regarded as the sister of Vasuki (the king of serpents). The word Mansa means wish and it is believed that the goddess fulfils the wishes of faithful devotees who come here to tie a thread to the branches of a tree located within the temple premises. Once their wishes are fulfilled, the faithful come back to untie the thread.

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Chandi Devi Temple

Perched atop Neel Parvat in the Shivalik Hills, the temple is believed to be the place where Goddess Chandi chose to rest after slaying the demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh. Legend has it that the goddess’s idol was established here in the 8th century by the scholar-monk Adi Shankaracharya, making the temple one of India’s powerful siddh peethas. Accessible via a ropeway, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Ganga.

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Bharat Mata Mandir

Located by the Ganges in the Sapt Sarovar, this extraordinary temple is an eight-story, 180-foot structure dedicated to Mother India. It features a 3D map of India on the first floor and themes of national unity, freedom fighters and cultural figures across its floors. Visitors can access the exhibits via an elevator.

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Daksha Mahadev Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple in Kankhal is said to mark the spot where Goddess Sati immolated herself at her father Daksha’s grand yagna. It is known for a goat-headed statue of King Daksha and the Sati Kund, where the goddess sacrificed her life. The temple has its own ghat on the Ganga, known as Daksha Ghat, where devotees can take a holy dip.

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Sapt Rishi Ashram

Located on Haridwar-Rishikesh Road, the ashram originates in a fascinating Hindu mythology legend. It is said to be the place where the revered sapt rishis (seven sages) - Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam - once meditated. Disturbed by the thunderous waters of the Ganges, they split the river into seven smaller streams. Visitors can take a dip at the Goswani Ganesh Dutt Ghat, meditate and visit on-site temples along with the gaushala (cow sanctuary).

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Rajaji National Park

Located at the Himalayan foothills with the Ganges flowing through it, the park is named after India’s first governor general, Late C Rajagopalachari, popularly known as ‘Rajaji’. Apart from elephants and leopards, you can also spot tigers - though they tend to be elusive - barking deer, hyenas, golden jackals, grey mongoose, sloth bear and a variety of Himalayan birds, including the Great Hornbill and Great Slaty Woodpecker.

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