Haridwar Holidays

Haridwar at a Glance

Haridwar is a holy city in India’s Uttarakhand state. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, and at the foot of the region’s stunning mountains, it is an important location in the Hindu faith. Its name translated means ‘Gateway to God’.

Explore Haridwar

• Haridwar is a bustling Hindu city that attractions visitors from all over the country. Holidays to Haridwar are suited to those interested in the faith, in the day-to-day city life in northern India and the region’s beautiful scenery.

Why a Holiday to Haridwar?

• Hari-Ki-Pairi is the heart of the city, where Hindus flock to worship the river goddess. Around 7pm every evening, crowds gather to offer her diyas, or floating lamps, that beautifully light up the ghats – the steep steps leading down to the river. Situated north of the city centre is the Bharat Mata Mandir, a temple dedicated to saints and gods in India. It is an impressive place to learn about the country. Also worth a visit is the temple Maya Devi Mandir, the most significant in the city.
• Haridwar is home to a number of religious festivals that are great fun if you are visiting the city at this time. The largest festival held annually is the Kanwar Mela in July; others include the Kartik Purnima, which is held on the first full moon in November, around 2 weeks after Divvali.
• Check out some of the local markets, or bazaars, for some local handicrafts and jewellery. A good choice for a gift or souvenir is the beautiful deity statues, carved from stones from the river. Goa is another popular Indian destination for 2012 and can offer beaches, relaxation and culture.
• Haridwar is a vegetarian town, and there are a number of eateries where you can sample some of the local fare. Try out regional dishes from South India, Punjabi, Indian, Chinese and plenty more.