Haridwar & Rishikesh, Uttaranchal, India

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Har-ki-Pairi, Haridwar

What is it? “Dwar of Hari” or Gateway to God, ‘Hari’ meaning god and ‘dwar’ meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus
Where is it? Uttranchal
For how long? Two days

Haridwar (also Hardwar) is a holy city and municipal board in the Haridwar District of Uttarakhand, India. In Hindi, Haridwar stands for Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God, ‘Hari’ meaning god and ‘dwar’ meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. After travelling 253 km (157 mi) from its source at Gaumukh, 3,139 m (10,300 ft) above sea level, at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic Plain of North India for the first time at Haridwar, and this is what gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára, the place where the Ganges descends to the plains.

Propitiously located at the point where the Ganges emerges from the Himalaya, Haridwar is Uttarakhand’s holiest Hindu city and pilgrims arrive here in droves to bathe in the Ganges. The sheer number of people gathering around Har-ki-Pairi Ghat gives Haridwar a chaotic but reverent feel. Within the religious architecture of India, Haridwar is much more significant than Rishikesh, which is an hour north and every evening the river comes alive with flickering flames as floating offerings are released onto the Ganges. Dotted around the city are impressive modern and ancient temples, ashrams and dharamsalas (pilgrims’ rest houses). Famous for its Ayurvedic medicines, the city is relatively hassle-free and is also the gateway to nearby Rajaji National Park.
Haridwar is busy during the ‘yatra’ season from April to November, but the big annual event is Magh Mela in January or February, which every six years becomes a bigger Ardh Magh Mela. Every 12 years the mega Kumbh Mela (next one is in 2010) attracts millions of pilgrims.

Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh

What is it? Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, Rishikesh is a magnet for spiritual seekers.
Where is it? Uttranchal
For how long? Two days

Rishikesh has been the magnet for spiritual seekers. Today it styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the world’ – with some justifications – as there are masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. Most of this action is north of the main town, where the exquisite setting of the fast-flowing Ganges, surrounded by forested hills, is the ideal location for meditation and mind expansion. In the evening, the temple bells ring as sadhus (spiritual men), pilgrims and tourists prepare for the nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony. Rishikesh is now a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hangout and gateway to treks in the Himalaya.

Rishikesh is divided into two main areas – the crowded, unattractive downtown area, where you will find the bus and train stations as well as the Triveni Ghat; and the riverside communities 2km upstream around Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula bridges, where most of the accommodation, ashrams, restaurants and travelers are ensconced. The two jhula (suspension bridges) that cross the river are pedestrian-only. Sward Ashram, located on the eastern bank, is the traffic-free ‘spiritual centre’ of Rishikesh, which High Bank, west of Lakshman Jhula is a small enclave popular with backpackers.

Festivals
International Yoga Festival
Rishikesh hosts this festival attracting swamis and yoga masters from around the world for discourses and lectures. Most of the action is centered on the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Swarg Ashram.

For more information on the following topics, please see our Haridwar & Rishikesh travel guides below:
- Getting there
- Sights & Sounds
- Excursions
- Accommodation
- Activities

Rishikesh, Uttaranchal Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, a complete guide to Rishikesh – one of the most visited religious tourist destinations in India. Price: $4.99

Haridwar, Uttaranchal Known as the ‘Gateway to God’, a complete guide to Haridwar – one of the most visited religious tourist destinations in India. Price: $4.99