For centuries, Haridwar is a place that preserves Hindu
religion and mysticism. Haridwar literally means ‘Gateway to God’, located on
the banks of river Ganges, this small city is undoubtedly one of the holiest
Hindu places in the world. This chaotic, unrelenting discreet city witnesses
millions of pilgrims every year. The place is also a gateway to Char Dham or
four religious centres – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri,
promising holy, adventure and cultural experiences for travellers.
Religiously Haridwar holds more significance than
neighbourhood Rishikesh, with a clamouring crowd at Har-ki-Pauri at the time of
evening aarti, impressive temples,
ashrams and overall an aura of religious fervour, make it a religious
potpourri. Needlessly to say, being a religious town it hosts various religious
festivals throughout the year. Some of the renowned festivals are Kumbh Mela,
Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela and Ganga Dussehra.
Sights &
Activities
Har-ki-Pauri – This is the signature attraction of Haridwar,
which literally means the ‘Footsteps of God’. According to legend, Lord Vishnu dropped
some heavenly nectar and left behind his footsteps here. Despite of fast
current of Ganges, pilgrims take a dip holding chains fixed with the bar of
ghats and donate money to the priests and shrines. Every evening an illustrious
Ganga aarti (river worship ceremony) is staged here. This is best thing one can
watch in Haridwar. The best times to visit the place are early morning and just
before dusk.
Mansa Devi & Chandi Devi Temples – Mansa Devi temple is
situated on the hilltop and can be reached through a cable car. The path is
lined with stalls selling Prasad (food offering in religious ceremonies).
Travellers can also walk down 1.5 km path, but monkeys are atrocious here.
Another temple Chandi Devi temple is located on Neel Hills, 4 km southeast of
Haridwar. Many pilgrims combine these two temples in a same cable car, or one
can walk through 4 km and reach there.
Haridwar Ashram Stay – Many travellers, especially foreigners
make a beeline for Rishikesh to learn yoga and Hindu spiritual practice. However,
no one can deny a few but serious ashrams in Haridwar run by learned masters
and less commercial pursuit. Two most notable ashrams are: Sri Prem Nagar
Ashram and Mohyal Ashram
Rajaji National Park -
This unspoilt park is located almost 13 km from Haridwar, covering 820 sq.km in
the forested foothills a home to number of elephants, a few tigers, deers,
leopards, a handful of sloth beers and some 300 species of birds. Unlike other national parks where elephant
safari is predominant, this national park offers only jeep safari,
accommodating a maximum of 8 people. If anyone wants to stay overnight in the
forest, there are three historic but rudimentary rest houses in the park.
Staying in one of the rest houses will make the entry fee valid for three days.
There is no food available in the rest houses, so one need to arrange food from
Chilla. The comfortable stay is in Chilla GMVN rest house outside the park.
Comments
Post a comment