Places to See Near Haridwar

Considered as one of the most sacred pilgrims in Hindu Religion, Haridwar according to some mythological text is one of those four sacred places in India where the elixir of immorality accidentally spilled from heaven. It is also famous for the Kumb Mela celebrated here once in every three years. Haridwar is also surrounded by similar places of great religious significance. It is a perfect destination for tourists with religious bent of mind as in and around Haridwar, there are various famous religious shrines worth visit. It is also the perfect destination for many foreign tourists who come here to understand the Indian culture and Hindu mythology. Some famous excursions around Haridwar are: Tourist Places to See Near Haridwar Rishikesh Rishikesh is considered to be one of the most sacred cities in India, next only to Haridwar. Nestled amidst the beautiful Himalayas and piously intercepted by the mystic Ganges, this place is considered to be the sacred spot where one can attain salvation. This holy city also serves as the centre of several ancient Hindu temples and many other sacred shrines. Some of the places in Rishikesh worth visiting are Bharat Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev, Laxman Temple, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula and SwargaAshram. Rishikesh is also getting attention as a centre for rafting and trekking. Dehra Dun The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is famous for its scenic grandeur and beautiful surroundings. Located in the Shivalik hills, merely 54 km from Haridwar, the dense forests and scenic beauty of the place are enough to captivate the tourists. The places worth visiting in Dehradun are Sahastradhara, Tapkeshawar Temple, Chandrabani, Tibetan Temple, Robber's Cave, Santala Devi Temple, Lachhiwala, Tapowan, Asan Barrage Water Sports Resort, Rajaji National Park, Dakpathar and Malsi Deer Park. Rajaji National Park Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 amidst the bio diverse area of the Shivalik

Hill range on the Himalayan foothills. The national parks name has been dedicated to C. Rajagopalachari, fondly known as Raja Ji. Piran Kalier Located approximately 23 km towards the south of Haridwar, on the outskirts of Roorkee town, Piran Kalier is a place that every tourist in Haridwar must visit. It is actually the 'dargah' of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed 'Sabir'. This place is famous for its sacred aura and mystical powers. It is visited with due regard by Hindus and Muslims alike. During the Rabeeull month of the Islamic calendar, Urs, a colorful festival, is celebrated here from the first day of sighting the moon to the sixteenth day. Deoprayag Approximately 95 km from Haridwar, Deoprayag is the confluence point of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, through the vast network of tributaries, to form Ganges. It is only from Deoprayag that the sacred river starts being called Ganga. At a height of 2700 feet above sea level, it is a sacred pilgrimage centre and is considered the second most divine confluence centre in India, next only to Prayag. One of the famous temples here is the Raghunath Temple, which is considered as one of the 108 most important temples in India. Sapt Rishi Ashram Located approximately 5 km from Har-ki-pauri, along the Haridwar-Rishikesh road, is the Sapt-Rishi Ashram. According to Hindu Mythology, Sapt Rishi Ashram is regarded as the place where the seven great sages, or Sapt-Rishis, Kashyap, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam meditated. It is said that the Ganges split herself into seven streams, here only, so that the sages would not be disturbed by her flow. Thus, this place is also known as the Sapt Sarovar or Saptrishi Kund. The streams reunite further and flow as a beautiful channel called Neel Dhara while entering Haridwar. Chila Approximately 10 km from Haridwar, Chila is known for housing the famous Rajaji National Park. This is a popular destination for all the nature and adventure lovers. The immaculate scenic beauty and varied biodiversity of this park has been a major attraction for wildlife lovers from all over the world, since its inception. Kanva Rishi Ashram Another popular excursion from Haridwar is the Kanva Rishi Ashram, located at a distance of approximately 42 km. It is built on the banks of river Malini, on the way to Kotdwar. The path to this ashram is along a dense forest, providing an exciting experience for the adventure-lovers. This is a serene place, in the lap of nature, away from the hush-bush of cities.

Rishikesh: Around 28 km off Haridwar, Rishikesh is one of the most sacred cities in India, next only to Haridwar. Nestled amidst the beautiful Himalayas and piously intercepted by the mystic Ganges, this is place where the Ganges comes down to the plains from the hills. This holy city also serves as the centre of several ancient Hindu temples and many other sacred shrines. Rishikesh is also closely associated with the Ramayana. The city is famous world over as an important center for learning and research in yoga and meditation. The International Yoga Festival which attracts participation from all across the world is held here annually for one week in the month of February (2nd to 7th) on the banks of the serene Ganga. Some of the places in Rishikesh worth visiting are Bharat Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev, Laxman Temple, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula and Swarga-Ashram. The rope-bridge 'Lakshman Jhoola stands majestically here, as a landmark. This is where Lord Rama's brother Lakshman is said to have crossed the river on a jute rope. The old Lakshman temple is situated on the western bank. The Daksh Mahadev Temple: It is an ancient shrine situated to the south of Kankhal town. This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in AD 1810. Kankhal has several other temples and ashrams too. The Triveni Ghat: This is yet another interesting place to be at dawn, when people make offerings of milk to the river and feed the fish. After sunset, priests set off floating lamps on the water during the Aarti ceremony. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: This temple is associated with Lord Shiva. It is situated at a height of 1700 meters. It is a 4-hour walk from Rishikesh and a not-to-bemissed destination away from the madding crowd.

Places in Hardiwar

Har ki Pauri: It is one of the most popular ghats in Haridwar. This sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed the Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Har ki Pauri. This sacred bathing Ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat. Chandi Devi Temple: Legend has it that Chanda-Munda, the army chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. This temple, situated on top of the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganges was constructed in AD 1929 by Suchat Singh, the then King of Kashmir. The temple is a 3-km trek from Chandi Ghat and it is believed that the Adi Shankaracharya established the main statue in eighth century AD. The Chandi Devi Temple is now also accessible by a ropeway, which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple. Mansa Devi Temple: This temple a top the Bilwa Parvat is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. One can have a panoramic view of Haridwar, the Ganges, and the countryside from this place. Vaishno Devi Temple: This temple is a newly constructed and a true replica of the original Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu & Kashmir. Bharat Mata Temple: This is one of the important temples of Haridwar. It has eight stories in which the images of cities, heroes and great men are installed. Maya Devi Temple: It is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhishtkatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapeethas. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri. Daksha Mahadev Temple: This ancient Dsksha Mahadev Temple (Daksheswara Mahadev Temple) is located in the south Kankhal with Lord Shiva as its residing deity. According to mythology, this temple is supposed to have been the site of a yagna conducted by Daksha. Bhimgoda Tank: This tank is at a distance of about 1 km from Har ki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, Bhim made this tank with the blow of his knee.

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganges river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda Barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season. Doodhadhari Barfani Temple: Part of the ashram of Doodhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in white marble is one of most beautiful temples in Haridwar, especially the temples of Rama-Sita and Hanuman. Sureshvari Devi Temple: Temple of Goddess Sureshwari, situated in midst of beautiful Rajaji National Park. Serene and religious makes this temple abode of worshipers, saints etc. Located at outskirts of Haridwar in Ranipur and permission from forest rangers is necessary. Pawan Dham: A modern temple, made entirely of glass pieces, Pawan Dham is now a popular tourist destination. The temple complex was constructed by the effort of Swami Vedantanand Ji Maharaj and the institute located there is growing under the leadership of Swami SahajPrakash Ji Maharaj. People from Moga in Punjab have put considerable efforts and money to erect this place. Parad Shivling: Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Parad Shivling (Mercury Shivling) weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here. Ramanand Ashram: Situated in shravan nath nagar of the town near railway station, this is the main ashram of Ramanand Sampraday in Haridwar. Mahant Bhagwan Das is the chief of this ashram. Shantikunj: Shantikunj is the headquarter of famous spiritual and social organisation All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) established by Pt Shriram Sharma Acharya. Its located at a distance of 6 Kilometers from Haridwar railway station towards Rishikesh/Dehradun on NH58. At the bank of the holy Ganges and between the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas, its also a place of attraction for tourists as well as seekers of spiritual guidance. Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust): Patanajli yogpeeth is situated on Haridwar - Delhi Highway. this is a yoga institution and research center of Swami Ramdev. every day 1000 of person come here for yoga n other purpose. This is one of the best place in Haridwar to see Sati Kund: another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.