"Among the many pilgrimages that dot the length of the Ganga, Haridwar ranks among the most holy in the land " Accroding to Hindu mythology Haridwar was known as Kapilsthan.
Lagend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bhagirath, were consumed by fire at this spot following a cused of rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhhagirath requested the ganga to descend on Earth.
Haridwar is also famous by the names of gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. It is at Haridwar that the Ganga finaly energes into the northern plains.
The Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh melas also take place here every 12 th & 6th year.
Places of Religious Interest:
The Chandi Devi Temple,
Maya Devi Temple,
Har- Ki- Pauri the Sacred Bathing Ghat,
Vilvkeshwar Mahadev,
Doodhadhari Temple,
Vaishnav Devi Temple,
Sapt Sarovar,
Shahi Gurudwara,
Mansa Devi Temple,
Daksha Mahadev temple
Bhimgoda Tank,
Pawan Dham,
Sureshwari Devi Temple and
Seraal Ashrams form excellent religious excursion sites.
Also of note are shakambhari Devi temple and Piran- Kaliyar.
FACILITIES:
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 42 km from Haridwar. Northern Railways Broad & metre gauge lines connect Haridwar to major centres in the country. Haridwar, on state Highway No. 45 is well connected to all major centres in the region
The upper reaches of Garhwal are connected by bus services of Garhwal Motor Operators Union, Tehri Garhwal Yatayat service etc.