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Located on the north Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh 214km from Delhi is the holy city of Haridwar.
Haridwar or “the Gateway to the Gods” is listed among the seven holiest
places according to Hindu mythology. Believed to be a place where the
Hindu gods left their footprints, Haridwar’s geographical location also
makes it a major thoroughfare to the three other important pilgrimages
of Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath, and
Kedarnath.
One of the oldest and holiest pilgrim centers of India, also plays host
to more than eight million devotees during the Kumbh melas
or the Hindu show of faith by taking a dip in the Ganges which is
believed to cleanse and purify their souls.
Haridwar is also known by the names of Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and
Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics.
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 kilometers from Haridwar. It;s 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.
Sights Around Haridwar:
 1.
Har-Ki-Pauri
Constructed by the King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhatrihari,
this sacred ghat is ond of the venues of the Ganga aarti ceremony. The
golden reflection of the floral diyas on the river Ganges during
twilight can be one of the most enchanting sights of India.
 2.
Temples of Chandi Devi and Chandi Ghat
Set atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of the river Ganges, Chandi
Devi was constructed in AD 1929 by then Kashmir King Suchat Singh.
Chandi Ghat, on the other hand, is located about 3km away. It is
believed that the Adi Shankaracharya established the main statue in 8th
century AD. The Chandi Devi Temple is now also accessible by a ropeway
which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple.
 3.
Bilwa Parvat
Tourists visiting the Bilwa Parvat may want to take a peek at the temple
dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi located on top of Bilwa Parvat.
Tourists can also enjoy a very panoramic view of Haridwar, the Ganges,
and the countryside from the temple.
 4.
Gurukul Kangadi University
Situated on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road, the Gurukul Kangadi
University is considered to be a center for traditional Indian studies.
The University also houses the Ved Mandir which features many
archaeological exhibits.
Other places around Haridwar that are well-worth a visit are the
Bharat Mata Temple, Maya Devi temple, Bhimgoda, and Shanti Kunj.
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