Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India's Uttarakhand state, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. Worshipers fill the city during major festivals including the annual Kanwar Mela.
Haridwar is well connected by roadways and rail networks from all parts of India. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport at about 40 km away. Another close airport is in Delhi at 200 km from Haridwar.
The best time to visit Haridwar is from October to February when the weather is pleasant. However, Haridwar experiences a moderate climate throughout the year, allowing the devotees to take part in different ceremonies and rituals. If you are a pilgrim, the best time to visit would be during the Kanwar Mela in July and Diwali in October.
Haridwar, considered to be among the seven holiest cities in India, is an ancient city located on the banks of River Ganga in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Dotted with temples, ashrams and narrow lanes across the city, Haridwar is a famous Hindu temple town where millions of devotees come to take a dip in the holy Ganges. It's believed that taking a dip in the holy Har Ki Pauri relieves you of all your sins.
Every evening, Haridwar is witness to a set of rituals for the famous Ganga Aarti at the Ghats (River Banks) where thousands of devotees come together to pray to the river. Once in every twelve years, Haridwar is host to the mega-gathering during the world famous Kumbh Mela which sees millions of visitors from all over the country. Along with Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain, Haridwar is one of the only four cities in India which can host the Kumbh Mela.
Haridwar also acts as the base destination for some of the other tourist towns of Rishikesh and Devprayag as Hardwar is well connected by trains and roads. Apart from the religious angle, Haridwar is also now developing as a multifaceted cultural and spiritual centre. It's also known for its food and some of the must-try dishes include kachoris at Kashyap Kachoriwala and the aloo puri at Mohanji Puriwale.