A paradise for nature-lovers, Haridwar presents kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. Haridwar also termed as 'Gateway to Gods' is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar as well. The followers of Lord Shiva(Har) and followers of Lord Vishnu(Hari) pronounce this place Haridwar and Haridwar respectively as told by some. It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttaranchal) Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Archaeological finding have proved that terracotta culture dating between 1700 B.C. and 1200 B.C. existed in this region.
Legendary king Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Lord Vishnu is said to have his foot print on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it all the times . Devout believers feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar.
Haridwar is also one of the four places; where Kumbh Mela occurs after rotation of every twelve Years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. It is said that drops of Amrit (Elixir) fell in to the Brahmkund of Har-Ki-Pairi, therefore considered that a dip in the Brahmakund on this particular day which is very auspicious and when Jupiter (Brahaspati) comes to the sign Aquarius (Kumbh) once in every twelve years the Maha Kumbh fair is celebrated at Haridwar. Kumbh, 1998 was the last Maha Kumbh of this century. Yet beyond the mystic aura and mythology, Haridwar casts another magic spell on the visitor. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it waves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buudha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has not only remained the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit, but also served as centre of attraction for many, for learning the arts science and culture. Haridwar's long standing position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the scenic beauty and lush greenery...all give the city unique flavors and charm; a must among the sojourn centers in a discoverer's intinary of Uttaranchal - A destination for all seasons.
Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. And that's why the water is crystal clear and cool. Lush green forests and small ponds add to the scenic beauty of this holy land. The Rajaji National Park is just 10 kms from Haridwar. Its an ideal destination for wild life 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 as today has not only religious importance but it has another temple of modern civilization i.e. BHEL, a 'Navratna PSU' to its credit. The Roorkee University at Roorkee is one of the oldest and prestigious institute of learning in the fields of science and engineering. Another university of the district i.e. Gurukul having vast campus is giving traditional educations of its own kind.

The Main ghat and is supposed to be at the precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Consequently, the river's power to wash away sins at this spot is superlative and endorsed by a footprint Vishnu (God of Hindu) left in a stone here. The ghat is on the west bank of a canal through which the Ganges is diverted just to the north. Each evening at sunset priests perform Ganga Aarti (the river worship ceremony) here, when lights are set on the water to drift downstream while priests engage in elaborate rituals. In addition to the main ghat, a series of smaller ghats extends along the canal bank, with large orange and white life-guard towers at intervals to ensure that bathing pilgrims don't get swept away.

On the north side of the canal, between Har-Ki-Pauri and the Upper Rd, is colorful Bara Bazaar. Along with the religious paraphernalia, or prasaad (food offered to the gods, images of the deities, religious pamphlets etc) are scores of tiny stalls crammed along both sides of bazaar selling an assortment of goods including shawls, brassware, glass bangles, wooden whistels, bamboo canes and can baskets.

Atop a hill overlooking Haridwar, this temple is dedicated to the goddess mansa. Mansa is one of the forms of Shakti Durga who makes wishes come true. It is connected by a ropeway to the heart of town.

Erected on Nhil Hill by a Kashmir raja, Suchet Singh, in 1929, and there are a number of temple at the hill. You may see large river turtles on the banks of the Nildhara River.

An imposig edifice dedicated to Guru Gorkhnath on main road leading to Har-Ki-Pauri. As might be expected in such an ancient pilgrim centre, Haridwar has temples for all devotess, all shades of religious persuasions underthat great umbrella of faith called Hinduism.

About 5km from Haridwar, named after the seven rishis (sages) who prayed here for the good of humanity. It has mythological origin and it is said that Saptrishis (Seven sages) who had trapped the Ganga agreed to release the River on King Bhagirath's request, provided it split into seven streams.

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun, but it is preferable to use the roads or rail to Delhi and then take flights to the destination of ones choice.

Haridwar is well connected by trains to almost all the major cities in India. In fact, trains are the major source of the tourist inflow to Haridwar.

The National Highway no.45 crosses the city, so it is connected to other cities of the state as well as those in the other states too. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.