Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar.
Due to its geographical location too, Haridwar stands as the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar

The list of attractions in Haridwar is endless. Har-Ki-Pauri, the sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari.
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.

Several festivals are celebrated in Haridwar. Haridwar, one of the oldest and holiest pilgrim centers of India, is also the place that plays host to around eight to ten million devotees during the Kumbh melas.
The history of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe and as a show of their faith, Hindus from all over the country assemble to take a holy dip in the Ganges.
 

PLACES TO VISIT
 

Har ki Pauri
King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri ( The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar
According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.


Mansa Devi Temple
This ancient temple dedicated to Mansa Devi is of great importance to the followers of Hinduism. It is situated on the top of Bilwa Parbat and can be reached by foot or by a trolley through the ropeway. Mansa Devi is said to have emerged from the mind of Saint Kashyap and is regarded as the wife of Nag King Vasuki. The Holy Idol of the goddess has three mouths and five arms while the other statue has eight arms. As one of the famous Siddha Peetha temples, Mansa Devi is supposed to grant all the wishes of a sincere devotee. (In fact, Mansa is derived from the word 'Mansha' which means 'wish'. There is a holy tree in the vicinity of the temple.Devotees who want their wishes to be fulfilled by the Goddess tie threads to the branches of this tree. Once their wishes are fulfilled people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree. This is one of the most popular and most visited temples of Haridwar.

Chandi Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Gang's banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. A three kilometers trek from Chandighat, it is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. It is at a distance of six kilometers on Neel Parvat on the other bank of River Ganga.