Haridwar

Haridwar is spread over an area of about 12,302 square kilometers and is considered to be the gateway to the 4 pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. Haridwar is located at an elevation of 294.7 meters above sea level and it is here that the sacred Ganga meets the plain. Haridwar is a beautiful landscaped city and lies at the base of the Shivalik hills. Haridwar serves as a starting point of the river Ganga. This famous pilgrimage center is located close to Dehradun.

Haridwar is also known as Gangadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. The oldest city known from the per-historic times, experiences a sub tropical type of climate with a very hot summer and chilled winter. During the summer months the mercury rises to maximum of 40ºC. Generally, the summer temperature hovers between 35.6ºC to 16.9ºC. In the winter months the temperature ranges between 28.3ºC to 10.6ºC.

According to census 2001, Haridwar has a total population of 14, 44,213. Haridwar is famous for Kumbh Mela that occurs every 12 years. Mythological belief says that Haridwar is called Kapilsthan. The great saints named the holy city.

Legends reveal that Prince Bhagirath performed penance in Haridwar as as result of which the river Ganga streamed from the locks of Lord Shiva and still passes through the holy town.

Haridwar is also the place where Ardha Kumbha Mela occurs once every 6 years. It is one of the very important pilgrimage centers of India where thousands of devotees throng to the holy town during the pilgrimage season. Apart from being a religious center, Haridwar also serves as the center for learning arts, science and culture.