(7) Haridwar Tourism Packages

Literally meaning ‘The Gateway of Gods’, Haridwar is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites in the country and thus attracts hordes of tourists all year around. Set along banks of the Ganga, it is considered one of the holiest places by Hindus and has its legacy etched in ancient scriptures. Haridwar tourism exhibits a mystical charm in the age-old heritage which has persevered over so many centuries. Experience the spiritual essence of this rustic town with our Haridwar tourism packages and have fun exploring the cryptic streets and beautiful temples here. The perfect way to reach Haridwar is by taking a Dehradun bound train from Delhi as it is only 4 hours away. You can also travel in a bus or car though it takes a little bit longer. Haridwar teems with budget-friendly hotels which offer a comfortable stay. You can treat yourself with a serene view of the Ganga by choosing a hotel somewhere along the banks of the river. Once you’re here, Haridwar is a colourful potpourri of cultures and it is a marvellous experience to see the homely and rustic nature of the lifestyle here. The religious importance this place makes it a Mecca for devotees as it hosts the auspicious Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Mela which attracts lakhs of visitors. The most sacred and visited place here is Har ki Pauri, a bank where thousands dip in the Ganga to cleanse their sins. Surrounded by the echoes of ringing temple bells, a dip in the river is an ethereal experience which is a must-try for all visitors. The evening transforms Har Ki Pauri into a dazzling display of lights as the aarti attracts the devotees here who send out countless diyas into the Ganga making it a sparkling visual spectacle. Haridwar has a bunch of beautiful temples as well. Standing atop the Neel Parvat, the Chandi Devi Temple where the main statue is believed to have established in 8th century. The Mansa Devi Temple is another famous temple here which is quite popular among tourists due to the ropeway journey till the top of Bilwa Parvat. The voyage to the summit is a breathtaking sight as you can see a splendid view of the entire town and the nearby hills. For a purely spiritual experience you can skip the hotels and stay in the ashrams here along with other pilgrims. The Bharat Sevashram and Shantikunj Ashram are some of the prominent ones here where you can indulge yourself in an pious environment with the resident temples and devotees around you. Haridwar’s multi-ethnic culture expands far beyond its Hindu traditions. The region reflects India’s diversity by having holy altars for Muslims and Jains as well. Located on the Rishikesh-Haridwar highway is a Jain Temple which exhibits the timeless Jain architecture made out of Jaisalmer stone. In the nearby Kaliyar village lies the Piran Kaliyar shrine, a revered sacred site for Muslims. Places like these showcase the harmony which exists in the communities here. Apart from the religious spots here, Haridwar has a number of exciting markets as well. The town has a number of restaurants which serve a delectable variety of cuisine. Despite the lack of non vegetarian food, Haridwar’s streets cook up lip smacking vegetarian dishes. See the local cottage industry’s handicrafts in the Government Handloom & Handicraft Emporium where you can scout among exquisite handicrafts and pick up some souvenirs. The Bara Bazaar is a sprawling marketplace where you can buy the religious Rudraksha seeds and various ayurvedic medicines. You can also shop for highly detailed stone idols, metal utensils and glass bangles in the Moti Bazaar. Birdwatchers will love the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, a bird sanctuary located 4 kilometers away from the town. The spot attracts birds which reside in the nearby Ganga and if you’re lucky you can also see migratory birds like the famed Siberian Crane. The surrounding hills of Haridwar offer terrific trails for trekkers and you can explore nooks and crannies of the region by taking cycles and bikes on rent from the shops here. There are plenty of yoga and meditation camps held here and even indulge in some of the local arts here like palmistry. The sadhus here are known to have mystic powers and a conversation with them is considered to be a riveting experience. You can also partake in the Haridwar Walk, a 5 hour guided tour of the town where you can know about the place’s rich and ancient history and also get intimate with the local lifestyle of the residents. You can even extend your trip to nearby places like Rishikesh and Rajaji National Park and marvel at the allure of Uttarakhand. Haridwar’s homely ethos makes for a tranquil holiday experience and should be in everyone’s bucket list. The sublime Ganga and the divine atmosphere will leave you spellbound and create indelible memories to last for a lifetime.