Haridwar is the ancient Maya or Mayapuri of the Garuda Purana's seven sacred cities. It stands at the precise point where the Ganga descends from the Himalayan foothills onto the plains — the water cold, fast, and green. The Skanda Purana's Haridwar Mahatmya describes it as one of the four places where drops of amrita (immortal nectar) fell during the divine churning of the ocean.
The most revered ghat is Har-ki-Pauri (also called Brahmakund) — tradition says this is where Vishnu's footprint is embedded in the stone. The evening Ganga aarti here, with hundreds of lamps floating on the water and bells ringing from every direction, is one of the most moving sights in north India.
Haridwar is the gateway to the Char Dham — the road to Rishikesh, Devprayag, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri all begins here.
The Kumbh Mela at Haridwar rotates on a twelve-year cycle, bringing millions of pilgrims to the Ganga's banks. Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples are perched on the hills flanking the town — both reachable by cable car or on foot.
For most north Indian pilgrims, Haridwar is the place of first arrival — a bath in the Ganga, a dip at Har-ki-Pauri, and then the journey deeper into the mountains begins.
- Evening Ganga aarti at Har-ki-Pauri — lamps on water, bells ringing.
- Traditional practice: bathe at Har-ki-Pauri, then begin the onward journey.
- Many ghats along the river; Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi on the hills.
- Kumbh Mela every twelve years — one of the largest pilgrimages in the world.