5 popular tourist places to visit in Haridwar
Also known as the "Gateway to Gods," Haridwar is a holy pilgrimage site in India that will mesmerize you with its ancient temples and peaceful ashrams. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the place is popular for the iconic Ganga Aarti which takes place from 5:30 am-6:30 am and 6:00 pm-7:00 pm. Here are five tourist spots that are a must-visit in Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple
Nestled on the Neel Parvat of the Shivalik Hills, the Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi. The temple is also called Siddha Peetha, a place where devotees worship to get their wishes fulfilled. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the then king of Kashmir Suchan Singh and the idol was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century.
Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri, one of the sacred ghats on the banks of the River Ganga, means "steps to Lord Shiva." According to the Vedas, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu used to visit this spot, and a large footprint on a stone wall here is believed to be of Lord Vishnu's. Mythology also suggests that the bird Garuda accidentally dropped amrit (nectar) at this site.
Pawan Dham
Managed by the Geeta Bhawan Trust Society of Moga, Pawan Dham is an ancient temple and non-profit organization in Haridwar located in the Bhagirathi Nagar area. The structure features intricate architecture, exquisite glasswork, and beautiful interiors. The idols in the temple are adorned with precious stones and jewels. The temple houses a stunning Lord Krishna idol preaching the Bhagavad Gita to his disciple Arjun.
Sapt Rishi Ashram
Established in 1943 by Guru Goswami Dutt, the Sapt Rishi Ashram is a serene sanctuary for yoga and meditation, steeped in mythological significance. It was here that seven revered sages, including Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja, and Gautam, meditated. When the Ganga's roar disrupted their peace, the river miraculously split into seven streams, now named Sapt Sarovar, preserving the ashram's mythological importance.
Kankhal
One of the Panch Tirths in Haridwar, Kankhal is a small colony that houses the famous Maa Anandamayi Ashram and the Daksha Mahadev Temple. The place is visited by hundreds of devotees throughout the year, especially during the holy month of Sawan. The colony is also home to the Kushavarta Ghat and the Patanjali Yog Peeth which is the world's largest yoga center.
