Haridwar Travel Guide (Char Dham)

Haridwar means Gateway to God, is one of the Hindu holy places in India and a center of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries.

Haridwar is an ancient city which is also an important sacred place for the Hindu religion in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is a city and municipality in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India. It is the second-largest city in Uttarakhand. Haridwar is the place where the holy river Ganga exits the Himalayas. Hindu people believe that by taking a dip on this holy water of the sacred River Ganga will wash all their sins, so every day there is a large number of pilgrims come and bath on this holy water of River Ganga. It is well connected by motorable roads, so anyone can easily reach there by public or private transport.

It is one of the four places where the popular Kumbh Mela occurs after rotation of every twelve years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. Haridwar is a great source of ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and also its unique Gurukul school system of Indian traditional education. The famous Rajaji National Park is just 10 km from Haridwar. It is the perfect destination for wildlife and adventure lovers. In the evening, the Ghats look breathtakingly beautiful as thousands of Diyas (lamps) and marigold flowers float and illuminate the holy waters.

Haridwar is not only famous for its religious values but it also famous for " The Roorkee University" at Roorkee. It is one of the oldest institutes of learning in the fields of engineering & Science. Another university of the district is Gurukul which is famous for its vast campus and traditional educations.

Mythology/ Importance of Haridwar

According to Hindu mythology, Brahma was created the world. God and Demons churned the ocean  for the pot of nectar, while Garuda was carrying the pot, a few drops fell from the pot at this spot, making it a place for eternal salvation. Lord Vishnu also known as Hari, he left his foot print here and the name “Har” in Haridwar is also indicative of Lord Shiva known as Har Har Mahadev.

Places to Visit in Haridwar

  • Hari-ki-Pairi (or Har-ki-Pauri) – devotees gather to bath and worship on the Ganges. According to legend, this is where a drop of nectar fell from the churning of the oceans when the world was created, and a stone wall has Vishnu’s footprint. Each evening around 7 PM,(5.45 PM in winter) thousands gather and worship the river Goddess by putting diyas (floating lamps) in the river.
  • Maya Devi Mandir: located on upper road. This temple is one of the 51 “shakti peeths” and its the presiding deity of Haridwar. It is from this temple Haridwar derives its other name Mayapur.
  • Mansa Devi Mandir: atop a hill near the center of town. Can be reached by cable car or by a road that gently winds uphill (about 2 km), starting from Railway Rd.
  • Bharat Mata Mandir: 5 km north of the center. Dedicated to Mother India, this is half temple, half nation building exercise, with seven floors stacked with deities, saints, and secular heroes of all Indian faiths. Some signage in English.
  • Chandi Devi Mandir: 8-9KM from railway station, you get the combi package to see both the temples by AC bus including bus and ropeway charges
  • Daksh mandir: 7-8 km from railway station,you get rickshaw or you can hire a auto,near also many mandirs to see at kankhal.
  • Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir: Shiva temple located on a hill.
  • Ma Anandamayee Ashram: Located at Kankhal. The samadhi of Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee is located here and is also the Head Office of the revered organisation.
  • Sapt Rishi: 5 km drive from har Ki Pauri will take you to the Sapt Rishi Ashram. This is a prominent and ancient Ashram. Sapt Rishi is a mix of words sapt (seven) and rishi (sage).
  • Bhimgoda Tank:- It is located exactly at 300 mts from Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. the Bhimgoda Tank breathes life into the wonderful scenes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Char Dham Distance Chart From Haridwar

Haridwar is start and end point for Char dham Yatra which comprises of  Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Haridwar is about 200 km from Delhi, and well connected by road and rail network from all parts of India

Haridwar – Yamunotri

  • Route 1:- Haridwar to Yamunotri Via Dehradun
    Distance:- 221 km
    Time:- 7/8 Hrs
    Route:- Haridwar – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Nainbagh – Barkot – Jankichatti– Yamunotri

  • Route 2:- Haridwar to Yamunotri Via Rishikesh
    Distance:- 262 kms
    Time:- 8/9 hrs
    Route:- Haridwar – Rishikesh – Narendranagar – Chamba – Chinyalisaur – Dharasu Band – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri

Haridwar – Gangotri

Distance:- 300 kms Approx
Time:- 10 hrs
Route:- Haridwar – Rishikesh – Narendranagar – Chamba – Uttarkashi – Gangotri

Haridwar – Kedarnath

Distance:- 231 kms
Time:- 8-9 hrs
Route:- Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar -Rudraprayag – Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath

Haridwar – Badrinath

Distance:- 315 kms
Time:- 10-11 hrs
Route:- Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath

Top 5 places to stay in Haridwar

There are many options for accommodation in Haridwar during Char Dham Yatra. Following is the list of  top 5 hotels, resorts, guest houses in Haridwar.

1) Fortune Park Haridwar
Fortune Park Haridwar is a 4-star hotel in Haridwar with a restaurant and health club. The restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Address:- Plot No. 296/2 NH-58 Bahadrabad, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249402, India

2) Alpana Hotel
Hotel Alpana is the ideal for people who want to get the real taste of what Haridwar is with its Ghats, Puja at the Ganga Mandir, Shopping in the old and traditional Markets. This Hotel has 2 executives, 2 Deluxe and 27 standard rooms.
Address:- Lower Road Ram Ghat, Lower Bazar, Haridwar 249401 India

3) Ganga Lahari by Leisure Hotels
Ganga Lahari hotel is located on the banks of river Ganga at Har Ki Pauri. It is a beautiful heritage “Haveli” in Haridwar. This haveli has an amazing architectural marvel to recreate old world charm with modern-day hospitality.
Address:- Hanuman Ghat Rd Ram Ghat, Haridwar 249401 India

4) Rosewood Apartment Hotel
Rosewood apartment is well equipped and fully furnished with all essential comforts of a home. It also has a fully equipped kitchen.
Address:- GH-1 & 2 Haridwar Greens near Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Haridwar 249401 India

5) Le Roi Haridwar Hotel
Le Roi Hotel has 96 rooms with an option of Twin beds and King Size bed. The morning breakfast and wifi is free with many other facilities like Tv, kettle, toiletries, hairdryer in the room. There is a terrace as well to take in the beautiful views and some fresh air. 
Address:- Multi-Functional Complex Near Haridwar Railway Station, Haridwar 247663 India

How to Reach Haridwar

Haridwar is well connected by motorable roads and railway stations but the place does not have any airports. Many pilgrims visit Haridwar daily and take a holy dip into the sacred water of the holy river Ganga. You can easily travel here by using public transport as well as by driving your own vehicle.

By Road:- Haridwar is well connected by motorable roads from Delhi. There are many regular buses available for traveling to Haridwar from Delhi. You can also drive your car to travel Haridwar.

By Train:- Haridwar is well connected by railway station. Haridwar railways station is the only railway station in Haridwar. You can easily travel Haridwar from Delhi by using Indian railways.

By Air:- Haridwar is not connected by any airports. The nearest airport from Haridwar is Jolly Grant airport which is situated in Dehradun which is 39 kms from Haridwar.

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