Haridwar, located in Uttarakhand, is one of India's seven sacred cities. It 's where the holy Ganga makes its first foray into the Indo-Gangetic plains. Haridwar, a prominent Hindu temple town studded with temples, ashrams, and tiny alleyways, is a popular Hindu temple town where multitudes of devotees flock to take a bath in the holy Ganges. Taking a bath in the holy Har Ki Pauri is said to cleanse one of all sins.

The famed Ganga Aarti conducted at the Har ki Pauri Ghat every evening is a feature of Haridwar. Thousands of people flock to the river Ganga to worship and release diyas. Haridwar is one of four towns that hold the Kumbh Mela every twelve years (the rest being Ujjain, Nasik, and Allahabad). Each year during Saawan, the Kanwar Mela is held here (rainy season). It also serves as a portal to Uttarakhand's Char Dham pilgrimage and as a center for some of the other tourist cities like Rishikesh and Devprayag.

Haridwar is home to the Panch Tirth (five pilgrimages) as per Hindu mythology. Har ki Pauri (Gangadwar), Mansa Devi Temple (Bilwa Tirth), Ghat (Kushwart), Kankhal, and Chandi Devi Temple are among the places to visit . Ayurveda, relaxation, and yoga are all popular in Haridwar. Liquor and non-vegetarian meals are not permitted because it is a religious centre. The city is well linked by bus and train, although the yatra season, which runs from May to October, is particularly congested.

Things to do at Haridwar 

• Immerse yourself in the Sacred Waters of Bramhakund: It would be a heinous crime to visit Haridwar and not bathe in Bramhakund in Har-ki-Pauri ghat. Being a part of hundreds of worshippers taking a bath in the frigid Ganga water is a sight in and of itself, particularly early in the morning. It is unquestionably at the top of the list of activities to do in Haridwar for both Indians and visitors.
• Achieve spirituality at the evening aarti prayer: In the evening, the Ganga arti is conducted in the same Har-ki-Pauri ghat, and it is extremely fascinating to witness. Hundreds of adorned diyas float on the river as a choir of priests say prayers in unison while moving the big artis in a coordinated way. Experiencing this magnificent show is undoubtedly one of the best nighttime activities in Haridwar.
• Have a fantastic Water Rappelling adventure: You may not be aware, but Haridwar offers the opportunity to enjoy waterfall rappelling over steep terrains. To prevent any mishaps, ropes and safety equipment are fastened around you. When the water strikes your face, you slow down and have some of the most memorable moments of your life.
• Ziplining- Get a bird's eye perspective: Ziplining is another fantastic activity to consider. This activity allows you to have a bird's eye perspective of Haridwar. Imagine sprinting against the breeze to enjoy a breathtaking vista of the Ganges River! Isn't it exciting to put this to the test? So, prepare to experience Haridwar with this thrilling adventure.
• Mountain Biking- Look for new experiences: Want to see Haridwar and Rishikesh in a new light? Mountain riding, on the other hand, will familiarise you with the city's less-traveled trails and lanes. Rent a mountain bike, put on your athletic shoes and a helmet, and prepare to speed around the streets of Haridwar with your daring pals.
• Bungee Jumping- The rush of adrenaline: This location is now well-known for this pastime, which allows visitors to see the Ganges in its full flow from Rishikesh to Haridwar. You're outfitted with all of the necessary safety equipment and ropes to ensure that you don't tumble. Thousands of young people go to Haridwar almost each year to participate in this event, especially during the summer.

Food of Haridwar 

Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are not served in Haridwar because it is a holy city. Even the selling of meat and drink is prohibited in this clean city to safeguard the mystical integrity of the land. In Haridwar, vegetarian food from both North and South India is offered.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Haridwar that provide wonderful food:

• The village restaurant
• Big Ben restaurant
• Dada Boudir hotel
• Hoshiarpuri
• Mashoor Mathure wale
• Maharaja bakers
• Aura restaurant
• Hotel Raghuwanshi
• Guru Nanak foods

Where to shop in Haridwar

• Moti Bazar: Moti Bazar is a well-known and historic bazaar in Haridwar. It is situated on the canal's upper road on the northern bank. Dazzling bangles, beads, sweets, Ayurvedic medication, and much more may be found here.
• Jwalapur market: Jwalapur market offers a wide range of merchandise, from traditional to modern. The streets are dotted with delectable food vendors and restaurants that will force you to abandon your diet.
• Bara bazaar: This market, situated on the railway road, provides religious and traditional items. It is also known for selling decorations. In this market, Ayurvedic medicines are sold at a low cost.

Places to visit

• Mansa Devi Temple: Another renowned attraction in Haridwar is Mansa Devi Temple, which is located above the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills and is also referred to as the Bilwa Tirth. This Siddh Peeth is devoted to Goddess Mansa, who is supposed to have been formed from Lord Shiva's intellect and is said to be a manifestation of Goddess Shakti.
• Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple is located on Neel Parvat and was built by King Suchat Singh. The primary idol at the temple is also said to have been constructed in the 8th century by the great saint Adi Shankaracharya. Thousands of devotees travel from all over the world to receive divine blessings.
• Bhimgoda Tank: The Bhimgoda Kund/Tank, which is historically significant, is located about 1 kilometre from Har ki Pauri. Folklore has it that the Pandavas halted in Haridwar to consume the water before heading to the Himalayas, and Bhimgoda is where Bhima got water from the rocks by extending his knee (Goda).
• Rajaji National Park: This national park, which spans for 820 kilometres on the foothills of the majestic Shiwalik highlands, is habitat to over 400 different species of birds as well as the world's largest elephant troop. Exciting jeep and elephant safaris will satisfy the thrill-seeker in you, and you'll be able to view uncommon bird species.
• Bharat Mata Mandir: The Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar honours India as a nation. On the floor of the temple is a large map of Mother India, which marks the location of a four-armed Hindu deity wearing saffron garments and clutching a book, piles of rice, a white cloth and a garland.
• Pawan Dham: Pawan Dham, a non-profit organisation and a renowned Hindu pilgrimage place in Haridwar, is situated at Bhagirathi Nagar, Bhupatwala. The beautiful idol of Lord Krishna teaching the Bhagavad Geeta to Arjun is the temple's main attraction.