Haridwar, the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand (Uttaranchal) region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks. It is also the starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. It is situated on the banks of River Ganga. Hardwar is the place where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains. It is the first major town on the plains. Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely even so it becomes very calm and quite over here. The water is clean and people prefer to take bath on the numerous ghats built on the river shores. It is said that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate freedom, Nirvana.
Hardwar has earned obscurity as being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths. Down the ages Hardwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms, Hardwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place maintains the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its tradition in Hardwar.
Hardwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Hardwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Hardwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.
CLIMATE
Haridwar is located at a height of almost 300 meters . One Should never expect any sort of pleasant high altitude climate here. During the summers the temperature usually hangs around 40 degrees but winters sees the mercury dipping as low as six degrees. So neither of the seasons are suitable or ideal for tourists to venture in Haridwar. The monsoons further add to the miseries of the visitors. Haridwar can be visited throughout the year but the best time is some where between October and March.
Fast Facts
State |
Uttar Pradesh |
Area |
12,302 sq.kms. |
Altitude |
294.7 mts. |
Population |
3.5 Lacs |
Main Languages |
Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali and English |
Rainfall |
162 cm. (average yearly) |
Temperature |
Max |
Min |
Summer |
35.6 Degree C |
16.9 Degree C |
Winter |
28.3 Degree C |
10.6 Degree C |
| Clothing |
|
|
Summer |
Cotton and Tropical |
Winter |
Woolen |
|
