From Rishikesh to Haridwar: An Excursion

Haridwar (1-hour drive from Rishikesh) is a city that is traditionally and religiously significant for the Hindus, so much that, the city is often referred to as 'the gateway to the Gods' (city's name derived from it). Legend suggests that the holy river the Ganges, which flows through this sacred city, has actually been sanctified by the powerful Trinity of Hindu Mythology and the centre of the pantheon – Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

Haridwar is a city of temples and hence any tour here is dominated by temple visits. The Chandi Devi temple, atop the Neel Parvat, was constructed in 1929. However, the main statue here is believed to be established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D.

The Maya Devi temple is believed to be the place where goddess Sati drops her heart and her navel. Another temple called Mansa Devi temple is situated at the top of Bilwa Parvat and can be reached by a ropeway or on foot. It offers a beautiful vision of the city of Haridwar. The Daksha Mahadev Temple is also an important site here.

After touring the above temples, you will visit Har Ki Pauri, the sacred Ghat. Har ki Pauri literally translates into the Lord’s Footsteps. The most famous landmark at this Ghat is a footprint, believed to be that of Lord Vishnu. The footprint is said to be at the precise location where the river Ganges enters the plains from the mountains. This area is famous for being the early location of the Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha Mela.