Haridwar and Rishikesh are the most famous places in Uttarakhand. The meaning of Haridwar is gateway to God where devotees come all through the year. Haridwar is the starting point to Char Dhaam yatra (4 pilgrimages) of Uttarakhand. It is believed that during Samudra Manthan, amrit was dropped in Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad. Kumbh mela is celebrated here in every 12 here where millions of devotees and tourists come to take ritualistic bath and wash away their sins to attain moksha.
In ancient times, Haridwar was known as Gangadwara, the place where the Ganges descends to the plains.
Rishikesh is one of the most holy cities in India found in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. In this place, divinity and nature combine to give the perfect experience. Rishikesh is famous destination for temples as well as adventures. Trekking and Rafting both can be done here.
Places to Visit in Haridwar
Har-ki-pauri (footsteps of the Lord) - It is the spot where the amrit fell and hence it is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. It is the place where river Ganga flowing through the Himalayas touches the plain for the first time. Diyas floating across the river looks amazing. It is also known for the huge gathering of devotees and pilgrims for Kumbh mela. It is believed that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva visited har-ki-pauri in ancient times. Best time to visit is during summer.
Ganga Arti is a religious prayer that takes place at the bank of river Ganga at Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat. One must attend Ganga Arti in the evening, the view is mesmerising.
Chandi Devi Temple - It is located on the top of Neel parvat and is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. According to Skanda Puran, Chanda-Munda were killed by Goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. The temple is 3 km trek from Chandi Ghat and can also be reached through ropeway. The view from cable car looks great.
Manasa Devi Temple - It is one of the famous siddhapeethas at bilwa parvat on the Shivalik hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Manasa and is believed to fulfill devotees wishes. Devotees tie the threads to the branches of a tree located in the tremple to get their wishes fulfilled and once wishes are fulfilled, the devotees come back to untie the thread from the tree.
Maya Devi Temple - It is one of the siddhapeethas where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen where the desires get fulfilled. It is one of the few ancient temples still standing in Haridwar. Goddess Maya is 3 headed and 4 armed deity of Haridwar and is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. Haridwar was previously known as Mayapuri in respect to this deity.
Daksha Mahadev Temple - It is situated in a south Kankhal town. It is believed that King Daksha Prajapati father of Dakshayani, Lord shiva's first wife, performed yagya to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. In this yagya kund, Goddess Sati self immolated herself.
Chilla Wild Life Sanctuary - It is located at a distance of 10kms from Haridwar and is covers an area of 249 sqkms. Here you can find varied wildlife such as Elephants, tiger, bear, spot deer, sambhar, gray langur, horn bills, falcons, hawks and others in this Sanctuary. You can enjoy 2.5 hours Jeep Safari here.
Bara Bazar - It has numerous shops along its streets selling all essential things. It is a great place to shop for wooden items and handicrafts.
Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat - It is located beside the Laxman Jhula. It is a confluence of 3 important holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is the most famous bathing spot in Rishikesh. It is believed that taking a holy bath here washes away all the sins of the devotees. Maha Arti is a daily event at Triveni Ghat where devotees offer several diyas to the river, it usually takes place after sun set. You can find market near Triveni Ghat where you can find cloths, gems, pooja necessities, religious books, rudraksha beads and several other things.
Lakshman Jhula - It is a popular hanging bridge named after Lord Rama's younger brother Lakshman. The bridge connects 2 villages, tapovan and jonk. There are several grand temples around the Jhula. It is 70 ft above river Ganga.
Ram Jhula - It is 3 kms north of Rishikesh. It is very popular because of nearby ashrams. Though similar in design, this bridge is bigger than lakshman Jhula.
Neelkantha Mahadev Temple - As per mythology, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a holy place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison originated from Samudra Manthan and placed in its throat. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is around 7kms from swarga ashram. It is sacred and famous temple located at 32kms from Rishikesh. The temple is surrounded by 3 valleys namely manikoot, brahmakoot and vishnukoot.
Rishi Kund - Rishi Kund is a holy pond located near raghunath temple. This sacred pond reflects the image of raghunath temple , dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita. It is a calm place, visitors usually come here to relax at Rishikund.
Adventures - you can enjoy many adventure activities in Rishikesh. It includes rafting, mountain biking, canyoning, bungee jumping, trekking, rock climbing etc.
How to Reach Haridwar/Rishkesh
By Air - Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Haridwar. It is 36kms from haridwar and can be easily reached by taxi.
By Train - Haridwar railway station is well connected by railway network with major destinations of India.
By Road - Many luxury and normal buses to haridwar are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand.
Rishikesh is near about 25kms from Haridwar and auto/buses are easily available at low prices.
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