Haridwar
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 has a rich history and heritage, dating back to ancient times when it was known as Mayapuri or Gangadwar. It is believed that Haridwar is one of the places where a few drops of the elixir of immortality fell from a pitcher carried by Garuda, the celestial bird.
Haridwar is also a hub of spirituality and wellness, with many temples, ashrams, yoga centers, and Ayurvedic clinics. Haridwar offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, as it is also home to several industries, educational institutions, and natural attractions. Haridwar is a city that will enchant you with its charm and grace, and make you feel closer to the divine.
The best places to visit, things to do, and experiences to have in Haridwar for yoga, meditation, and adventure lovers.
Yoga and Meditation in Haridwar
Yoga is a system of physical, mental, and spiritual exercises that originated in India and aims to harmonize the body, mind, and soul.
Meditation is the practice of focusing the mind on a single object, thought, or sensation, to achieve a state of awareness and calmness. Both yoga and meditation have many benefits for health, happiness, and peace.
Haridwar is one of the best places in India to learn and practice yoga and meditation.
There are many ashrams and centers that offer various types of yoga and meditation courses, such as Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Vipassana Meditation, Transcendental Meditation, etc. Some of the most famous ashrams and centers in Haridwar are:
- Acharyakulam: This is a co-ed boarding school that nurtures its students in the divine and spiritual vicinity along with ultra-modern education.
- Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya: This is an Indian university that offers an MA in yoga and yoga learning as part of the master’s degree in yoga.
- Natraj Yog Kendra: This is a yoga studio that offers 200, 300, 400, and 500 hours of yoga teacher training courses.
- Patanjali Yog Gram: This is a part of Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust that was founded by Swami Ramdev ji. The center offers treatment and research in yoga and Ayurveda.
Adventure Activities in Haridwar
Haridwar is not only a place for spirituality but also for adventure. There are many activities that can satisfy your thirst for thrill and excitement. Some of the most popular adventure activities in Haridwar are:
- Rafting: Rafting is an activity that involves navigating a raft through rapids on a river. It is a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience teamwork. Haridwar offers rafting on the Ganges river from Shivpuri to Rishikesh. The rafting stretch is about 16 km long and has rapids ranging from grade I to IV.
- Trekking: Trekking is an activity that involves walking through natural terrain for long distances. It is a great way to explore the scenic beauty of the Himalayas and discover new places. Haridwar offers trekking trails to various destinations such as Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila (4 days), Deoria Tal (2 days), Kedarnath (6 days), etc.
- Camping: Camping is an activity that involves staying overnight in tents or other shelters in natural settings. It is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the starry sky. Haridwar offers camping sites near the Ganges River or in the forest areas. Some of the camping options are Shivpuri Beach Camp (1 night), Jungle Camp (2 nights), Luxury Camp (3 nights), etc.
- Wildlife Safari: Wildlife safari is an activity that involves observing wild animals in their natural habitat. It is an amazing way to witness the diversity of flora and fauna in India. Haridwar offers a wildlife safari in Rajaji National Park, which is home to more than 500 species of birds and animals, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, etc. The safari can be done by jeep or elephant.
If you are looking for a destination that can offer you a unique blend of spirituality and excitement, Haridwar is the perfect place for you. You can explore the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, experience the culture and heritage of India, and enjoy the fun and adventure of various activities. Haridwar will make you feel blessed and peaceful.
So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and plan your trip to Haridwar. You will not regret it!
