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BackgroundHaridwar is one of the most sacred cities for Hindus, and is situated on the banks of river Ganga. It is quite literally the Gateway to the Lord (Hari-Dwar), as it stands as a gateway to the famed Char Dham (four abodes of the Lord) shrines situated in the Upper Himalayas, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, giving it the name Haridwar. According to Hindu mythology, it is one of the four places where the drops of the elixir of immortality, Amrita accidentally spilled over from the pitcher or Kumbha, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu. These four spots have today become places where the Kumbha Mela is celebrated every 12 years cyclically - Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik, and Allahabad. Here millions of pilgrims, devotees and tourists congregate from all over the world to celebrate this celestial event and perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga. The spot where the nectar, Amrita, fell is today considered to be the Brahma Kund at Har-ki-Pauri, (literally "footsteps of the Lord" and symbolically the footprints of the Amrita) is considered the most sacred ghat of Haridwar, and thousands of devotees and pilgrims flock here from all over to take a holy dip; it is considered to be equivalent to washing away their sins or Karma and attain Moksha. The dusk Aarti of Goddess Ganga, at Hari-Ki-Pairi (steps towards God Hari )is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas floral float with lamps and incense on the river commemorating their deceased ancestors. Haridwar has a rich and ancient religious and cultural heritage; it still has many old havelis and mansions bearing exquisite murals and intricate stonework. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well-known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges, the township of BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals India Ltd.), a PSUs of India and several places of historic and mythological interest are situated within its precincts. Haridwar: In scriptures and todayA paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilisation. Haridwar is also known by Mayapuri, Kapila and Gangadwar. The followers of Lord Shiva (Har) and followers of Lord Vishnu (Hari) call this place Hardwar and Haridwar respectively. It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (the four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri). Archaeological findings have proved that terra cotta culture dating between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE 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 footprint on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it at all 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 the Kumbh Mela occurs after a rotation of every twelve Years and the Ardh Kumbh after every six years. The other places are Allahabad (also known as Prayag), Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbh, 1998 was the last Maha Kumbh of this century. Being one of the oldest living cities, it finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it waves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buddha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has been an abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit, and has also been a centre of attraction for learning various arts, science and culture. The city has a long standing position as a great source for ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and is home to the unique Gurukul school of traditional education. Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. The water in the river Ganges is thus mostly clear and cool, except in the rainy season, during which a lot of soil from the upper regions flows down into it. A large part of the district is forested. A part of the Rajaji National Park is within the bounds of the district. Its an ideal destination for wild life and adventure lovers. 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 (Now IIT, 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 Kangri, which has a vast campus, gives traditional education of its own kind. After the creation of new state of Uttaranchal, Haridwar is developing as a major industrial destination of state. Many Government administration offices like Lok Sewa Ayog and Sanskrit Academy are established here. Haridwar district, covering an area of about 2360 km². is in the western part
of Uttaranchal state of India. It's latitude and longitude are 29.58 degree
north and 78.13 degree east respectively. The height from the sea level is 249.7
metres. The district came into existence on 28th Dec. 1988. Prior to its inclusion in the newly created state of Uttaranchal, this district was
a part of Saharanpur Divisional Commissionary. DemographicsAs of 2001 India census, Hardwar had a population of 175,010. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Hardwar has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 64%. In Hardwar, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Bahadrabad is located at a distance of 7 km from Haridwar station. Places of InterestCHANDI DEVI- 6 km. The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir- Suchat Singh . It is a 3 km trek from Chandighat . Legend has it that the army chief Chanda-Munda of a local demon King Shumbh- Nishumbha was killed by goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi . It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. One can reach here by Trolley through ropeway or on foot. Ph. no. of 'Udan Khatola' (Ropeway) is 01334-220324, Time-8.30 AM to 6 PM. MANSA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km. This is an ancient temple of Mansa Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhpeethas. Said to be the place where the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen. Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. Here one statue of the Goddess has three mouths and five arms while the other statue has eight arms. The beautiful view of the city can be seen from this place. The temple can be reached by trolley through ropeway or on foot. Ph: 01334-227745 HAR-KI-PAURI -1.5 km. This sacred Ghat DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE -4 km. The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town. According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife) performed a yagna here, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing this Sati felt was infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund. King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend . SATI KUND - 4 km. Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati self-immolated herself in this kund. BHIMGODA TANK This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Harki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, Bhima created this tank by thrusting his knee or goda to the very ground. SAPT RISHI ASHRAM & SAPT SAROVAR - 7 km It is said that Ganga had split herself in seven currents at this place so that the Sapt(seven) Rishis worshipping there would not be disturbed. PARAD SHIVLING - 2 km Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Shivling weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here. PIRAN KALIAR The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world. 'URS' festival is organised every year on the holy dargah in summer. PAVAN DHAM Pavan Dham (means Sacred place) has a magnificent display of art work completely made up of glass pieces. BHARAT MATA MANDIR The only temple of its kind, inaugurated by Late PM Smt Indira Gandhi. A multi-story temple, each floor covering an era of Indian History, from the days of Ramayan till India's independence. ANANDAMAYI MA ASHRAM Situated in Kankhal, one of five sub-cities of Haridwar, the ashram is where the smaadhi shrine of this noted saint of India is situated. GURUKUL KANGRI UNIVERSITY - 4 km. One of the oldest Universities of India, this institution was founded in 1902 by Swami Shraddhananda (1856-1926), according to the tenets of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj. It was one of pioneering to reestablish ancient Indian education systems in modern India. Here Ancient Vedic and Sanskrit literature, Ayurveda, Philosophy were made part of the curriculum besides Modern Sciences and Journalism. Its Archaeological museum, houses some rare statues, coins, paintings, manuscripts and artefacts, starting from Harappa culture (c.2500-1500 BC) onwards. Its sprawling and serene campus is situated on the banks of Ganga, on Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. Mahatma Gandhi visited this institution, and stayed here for extended periods of time. Jwalapur It is one of the crowded markets of haridwar where you can find anything. The sight of the entrance of the market makes you feel like you are in a different city. B.H.E.L. It consists of two divisions: The Heavy Electricals Equipment Plant (HEEP) located in Haridwar, is one of the major manufacturing plants of BHEL. The core business of HEEP includes design and manufacture of large steam and gas turbines, turbo generators, hydro turbines and generators, hydro turbines and generators, large AC/DC motors and so on. Central Foundry Forge Plant (CFFP) is engaged in manufacture of Steel Castings: Up to 50 Tons Per Piece Wt & Steel Forgings: Up to 55 Tons Per Piece Wt. HEEP & CFFP have been awarded ISO-9001 and ISO-9002 certificates respectively. HEEP & CFFP units of BHEL, Haridwar have also been awarded ISO-14001. Sidcul - 5 km. State Industrial Development Corporation Uttranchal Limited is government body which is established for industrial promotion. Big enterprises are investing. Dabur, Mahindra & Mahindra, Havells, HLL etc have started production. Sidcul is located near Bahadrabad coming towards haridwar from Delhi. Bahadrabad - 7 km. It is located on Haridwar-Delhi National Highway(NH- ) at a distance of 7 km from Haridwar. Next Kumbh Dates. Dates for the Maha Kumbh Festival (every 12 years in 4 locations) External links
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Uttarakhand Information Centre 4dham.com - Haridwar
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board in the 
The district is ringed by
Saharanpur in the west, Dehradun in the north and east, Pauri Garhwal in the
east, Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor in the south. The district headquarters is
situated in the Roshnabad, at a distance of about 12 km from railway station.
The Collectorate, Vikas Bhawan, District Judiciary, S.S.P. Office, Police line,
District Jail, District sports stadium, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya etc. are the
prime establishments of this area. The district is administratively subdivided
into three tehsils i.e. Haridwar, Roorkee and Laksar and six development blocks
i.e. Bhagwanpur, Roorkee, Narsan, Bahadrabad, Laksar and Khanpur. Haridwar is
one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the
plains. As per the 2001 census, the population of the district is 14,44,213. Due
to Haridwar's location on the bank of river Ganga, it has plenty of water
resources and almost all kind of food grains are produced here in abundance. 
was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his
brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari came to Haridwar and
meditated on the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a
Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. This sacred
bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of
floral diyas in the river Ganga during the Ganga Aarti ceremony is an enchanting
experience.