Haridwar is a city of great religious and cultural significance in India. It is one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism, where millions of pilgrims and tourists visit every year to take a dip in the sacred Ganges river and witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony. Haridwar is also the gateway to the Char Dham, the four main pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, and the venue for the Kumbh Mela, the largest gathering of humans on Earth.
Haridwar History
The history of Haridwar can be traced back to ancient times. It has been mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata as one of the places where the Pandavas performed penance after the Kurukshetra war.
Brahma Kund, the spot where the amrita fell, is believed to be located at Har ki Pauri (literally, “footsteps of the Lord”) and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.
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Haridwar has been a center of learning and culture since ancient times. It has many temples, ashrams, yoga centers, and Ayurvedic clinics that attract people from all over the world. Haridwar is also a hub of industry and education, with several factories, institutions, and research centers.
Haridwar Darshan Timings
Haridwar is a place where you can experience the divine presence of various gods and goddesses. You can visit their temples and participate in their rituals and ceremonies. You can also witness the Ganga Aarti, which is a spectacular event that involves offering fire lamps to the river Ganges.
The darshan timings for some of the popular temples and events in Haridwar are:
- Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti: The Ganga Aarti is performed every evening at 6:00 pm (winter) or 7:00 pm (summer) at Har Ki Pauri ghat. It lasts for about 30 minutes and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.
- Mansa Devi Temple: The temple is open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm (winter) or 4:00 am to 10:00 pm (summer). The morning aarti is performed at 6:00 am (winter) or 5:00 am (summer) and the evening aarti is performed at 6:00 pm (winter) or 7:00 pm (summer).
- Chandi Devi Temple: The temple is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the year. The morning aarti is performed at 8:00 am and the evening aarti is performed at 5:00 pm.
- Bharat Mata Mandir: The temple is open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm throughout the year. There is no specific aarti time for this temple.
Tickets for Haridwar Attractions
Haridwar is a place where you can enjoy various attractions and activities. You can visit the temples, take a holy dip in the Ganges, go for a wildlife safari, or try some adventure sports. You can also use the ropeway or the bus services to reach the hilltop temples.
The tickets for some of the popular attractions and activities in Haridwar are:
- Ropeway Tickets: The ropeway tickets for Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple are available at their respective base stations. The ticket price for Mansa Devi Temple is Rs. 102 per person (round trip) and for Chandi Devi Temple is Rs. 95 per person (round trip). You can also buy a combined ticket for both temples for Rs. 150 per person (round trip).
- Bus Tickets: The bus tickets for Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple are available at Har Ki Pauri bus stand. The ticket price for Mansa Devi Temple is Rs. 20 per person (one way) and for Chandi Devi Temple is Rs. 25 per person (one way).
- Wildlife Safari Tickets: The wildlife safari tickets for Rajaji National Park are available at the park entrance or online. The ticket price for Indian nationals is Rs. 150 per person (entry fee) and Rs. 500 per vehicle (safari fee). The ticket price for foreign nationals is Rs. 600 per person (entry fee) and Rs. 500 per vehicle (safari fee).
- Adventure Sports Tickets: The Adventure sports tickets for rafting, trekking, camping, etc. are available at various operators in Haridwar or online. The ticket price varies depending on the activity, duration, and season.
Tips and Tricks for Haridwar Travel
Haridwar is a place where you can have a memorable and enjoyable travel experience. You need to follow some tips and tricks to make your trip more smooth and hassle-free.
Some of the tips and tricks for Haridwar travel are:
- Plan your trip in advance: Haridwar is a popular destination that attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance and book your tickets, accommodation, and transport well in advance to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.
- Carry appropriate clothing: Haridwar is a religious place where modest dressing is recommended. You should also carry some warm clothes as the temperature can drop at night or during winter.
- Follow the rules and etiquette: Haridwar is a place where you should respect the rules and etiquette of the temples and the ghats. You should cover your head, remove your shoes, and wash your feet before entering the temple complex. You should also avoid littering, smoking, drinking, or eating non-vegetarian food near the temples or the ghats.
- Beware of monkeys and pickpockets: Haridwar is a place where you may encounter some monkeys and pickpockets who can cause trouble for you. You should avoid carrying any food items or valuables that may attract them. You should also keep your belongings safe and secure at all times.
- Enjoy the local cuisine: Haridwar is a place where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine that is vegetarian and healthy. You can try some of the famous dishes such as aloo puri, chole bhature, kachori sabzi, dahi vada, halwa puri, etc.
Haridwar is a city that will enchant you with its charm and grace, and make you feel closer to the divine. It is a city that you should not miss in your lifetime.
