Visited in 2012
Haridwar – is a major city in northern India, located on the banks of the Ganges River at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills. It is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and serves as a key pilgrimage gateway.
The city is best known for hosting the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, when millions gather to bathe in the Ganges to seek spiritual purification. A central sacred site is Har Ki Pauri, believed to mark the spot where drops of the divine nectar (amrita) fell. Haridwar is also a starting point for major pilgrimages, including the Char Dham Yatra and the Kanwar pilgrimage dedicated to Shiva. Its name reflects its religious role – Haridwar means Gateway to Vishnu, while Hardwar can mean Gateway to Shiva.
My college mate who lives in Dehradun took us on a day trip to Haridwar when we visited her in 2012.
- Har Ki Pauri
- Haridwar Cable Bridge
- Mansa Devi Temple
Har Ki Pauri – is a sacred riverside ghat in Haridwar, situated along the Ganges River. It is believed to mark the spot where the Ganges emerges from the mountains and enters the plains, making it one of the holiest sites in Hinduism.
The ghat is especially revered because, according to tradition, Vishnu once visited the Brahmakund here, and the name Har Ki Pauri translates to the feet of Vishnu. It is a major pilgrimage destination and a focal point for important religious gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years), the Ardh Kumbh Mela (every 6 years), and Vaisakhi. Located on the west bank of the Ganga canal, Har Ki Pauri is central to ritual bathing, where devotees gather to cleanse themselves spiritually in the sacred waters.
- Clock Tower of Haridwar – is a prominent freestanding landmark, built in 1938 by Baldev Das Birla. Standing about 66 feet tall, the tower has four clock faces with Roman numerals and minute dots. Located on Malviya Island opposite Har Ki Pauri, it offers a clear vantage point for viewing the evening Ganga Aarti (prayer rituals). The surrounding area has also served as a media hub during major events like the Kumbh Mela.
- Shiva Statue – The 100-foot-tall statue of Shiva in Haridwar is located across the Ganges River from Har Ki Pauri. Situated in Swami Vivekanand Park, the statue depicts Shiva standing with his trident (trishul) and damaru (drum). It is especially prominent during the evening Ganga Aarti, when it forms a dramatic backdrop to the riverside prayers and ceremonies.
Haridwar Cable Bridge – spans the Ganges River near the famous Har Ki Pauri area and provides a convenient and scenic crossing for visitors and pilgrims, offering wide views of the river and the city’s spiritual landscape. Functionally, it provides access to Swami Vivekanand Park and nearby riverfront paths. Its blend of modern design with the traditional setting of Haridwar makes it both a practical route and a visual highlight of the city.
Mansa Devi Temple – is a prominent Hindu temple in Haridwar, dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi. It is located atop Bilwa Parvat in the Shivalik Hills and is considered one of the five sacred pilgrimage sites (Panch Tirth) of Haridwar. The goddess Mansa Devi is regarded as a form of Shakti and is believed to have originated from the mind of Shiva. Devotees visit the temple to seek fulfillment of wishes, often tying sacred threads to a tree within the complex. Once their wishes come true, they return to untie them.
Pilgrims can reach the temple either by trekking uphill or by using the ropeway service called Mansa Devi Udankhatola, which provides scenic views of the Ganges River and the city below.