Haridwar (also called Hardwar) is a holy city situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Haridwar literally means – Hari ka Dwar (the Gateway to God). Hari means God and Dwar means Gate. Haridwar is a gateway to the four pilgrimage centres in Uttarakhand. It is located on the foothills of Shivalik ranges on the banks of holy river Ganga. It is regarded as one of the seven most sacred places to Hindus. The sacred river Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the Indo-Gangetic Plain of North India with Haridwar being the first town on the plains. This is the reason; in ancient time the city was also called Gangadwar (Gate of Ganga). This is the place where the Ganga descends to the plains.

The water in the Ganga at Haridwar is clean and Haridwar Temple

people prefer to have bath on the many holy ghats built on the river shore. It is believed that having a bath here purifies the soul open the way for Moksha (Nirvana) meaning the way to ultimate freedom. There are many temples and ashrams which are visited by large gathering of people every year. For Hindus, it is a very important pilgrimage centre. Haridwar is also known for ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies for long times. It is also known for lush and green surroundings. It is also base to visit famous Rajaji National Park. So, this holly city is also popular among wildlife enthusiast, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The town becomes uniquely charming in the evening when the ghats become gleaming with thousands of Diyas and marigold floating in the holy water of Ganga.

In the morning and evening Arati ceremonies (prayers) are celebrated on the Hari-Ki-Paudi ghat. Thousands of people from all over the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Haridwar. There are many Hindu temples which are attractions of the city. Chandi Devi Temple,

Maya Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Doodhadhari Barfani Temple, Sureshvari Devi Temple, Paavan Dham, Bharat Mata Mandir, etc are major temple attractions in Haridwar. These temples are visited by a number of Hindu devotees and foreign tourists as well. Beside temples, Haridwar is also known for many ashrams. Some of Ashrams provide facilities for excellent accommodations, ayurvedic treatments, spa therapy, and yoga exercises. Haridwar is also famous Shantikunj Ashram (Sri Ved Mata Gayatri Trust). Shantikunj is place for religious discipline and spiritual peace.It is a ultimate place for yoga and meditation.

How to Reach Haridwar:

By Air:
To arrive in Haridwar, the nearest airport is at Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand.Dehradun Airport is 35 km away from Haridwar. Buses and taxis are available for Haridwar at Dehradun.
Yoga Haridwar

By Rail:
Haridwar Railway Station is well connected to the major cities of India bydirect trains.

By Road:
Haridwar is well-connected by roads with the major cities of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and North India. It is well-connected by roads with cities like Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Ghaziabad, Nainital, Rishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Patna, etc.