Questions about Haridwar

Haridwar is famous for its temples and ghats where pilgrims bathe to relieve themselves of their sins and achieve salvation. The Jairam Ashram and the Kanva Rishi Ashram are places where one can go to hear narratives of the Hindu legacy, other than a tour to the numerous temples that fill Haridwar with their chants and colours. The city celebrates its own religious and spiritual significance in a number of festivals that attract a huge number of people. These include the Kumbh Mela, whose grandeur can be witnessed only once in 12 years, Ganga Dusshera, Kavad Mela and Somvati Amavasya mela. The city is also famous for its Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments.

Visitors should avoid Haridwar between June and July

The winter temperatures at Haridwar may drop to -2 degrees, so make sure to be equipped with many warm clothes. Haridwar is a purely vegetarian city which provides a wide variety of food items. Do try out the dishes served by the Chotiwalas. If you are planning to visit Haridwar during Dussehra, make sure to witness how the locals partially dry the Ganga canal and restore its water on Bhai Duj. This is done in accordance to the belief that Ganga Maa departs for her father?s abode on the day Dussehra and returns on Bhai Duj. The local markets mostly sell items of devotion and artificial jewellery. Apart from that, you will also get garments and CDs of devotional songs. During peak seasons, this holy city is quite crowded and it is suggested that you make sure that your belongings are safe. From Haridwar, you can also visit Mussoorie, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Delhi.

I visited holy city Haridwar around two years back. Despite not being a very religious person, I took a dip in the river Ganga, as it seemed the best way to beat the heat! We shopped a lot from the local market which is famous for its low-priced woollens. However only vegetarian food is available in the city which might be a turndown for hardcore non-vegetarians like me. Evenings were well spent watching the beautiful arati and the floating lamps and flowers in the river. We also drove to Rishikesh from Haridwar and spent a day there to see the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. However the best part for me was the ropeway ride to Mansa Devi Temple. It was thrilling and offered a lovely view of the entire city!

Nice place to visit, situated in a very peaceful area