Haridwar and Rishikesh, two adjacent holy cities, are popular with Hindu pilgrims and travellers seeking peace and spirituality in the Himalayas. These charming cities, which are popular for a range of events and attractions, are found in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
In Haridwar, the mighty Ganges empties into the vast North Indian plains, creating a lush and fertile environment for farming. Haridwar is also one of India's four holiest cities and is where the famed Kumbh Mela is conducted.
Rishikesh, a popular pilgrimage site, is well-known for its yoga and rafting in addition to the various temples scattered across the city.
Finding Your Way to Haridwar
Haridwar is around 1.5 hours' drive from Dehradun and 5 hours' drive from New Delhi by automobile. Regular buses leave at regular times from Kashmere Gate ISBT Station. From Dehradun, which also has excellent bus service, it takes around two to three hours to reach here.
Haridwar station has links to significant railway hubs around India. Frequent trains stop here from Delhi, Dehradun, and a number of neighbouring cities. Many trains travelling to Dehradun from Bangalore, Guwahati, and Chandigarh stop here along route.
The airport closest to Haridwar is in New Delhi. The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun also offers a few limited airline connections from domestic airports. Passengers may take regular cabs and buses to go to Haridwar.
Haridwar may be easily reached from Rishikesh. The bus stop and train station both have access to local buses and cabs. The travel time between the two locations is close to 30 minutes. At regular intervals, direct buses travel between the cities of Delhi and Dehradun. There are no railheads in Rishikesh, and the next station that is open is in Haridwar.
Tourist Attractions in Haridwar
Hari Ki Pauri
Hari Ki Pauri is the focal point of all religious activities in Haridwar. Devotees come from all over the country to this area to take a holy plunge in order to gain blessings from the Goddess Ganga. In the evenings, thousands of visitors gather at Har Ki Pauri to see the serene Ganga Aarti, which is quite a spectacle. The goddess is worshipped in a variety of petitions, hymns, and praises during the course of this two-hour liturgy.
Mansa Devi temple
The Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Haridwar. A thrilling ropeway ride up the hill, where you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Haridwar town, is the only way to reach this temple, which is located atop Bilwa Parvat. The focus of the temple is Mansa Devi, who is seen as a manifestation of Shakti that sprang from Rishi Kashyap.
Chandi Devi Temple
A breathtaking view may be found from the temple's summit, Chandi Devi. Like Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi is also accessible by ropeway. Visitors come here to experience the exhilarating ropeway ride up the hill as well as the spectacular 360-degree views of the area around Haridwar.
The Top Destinations in Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are two suspension bridges that are recognised as landmarks in Rishikesh. The 450-foot swinging bridges offer views of the lower Alps and the Ganga River. Moreover, the bridges connect the temple district and Rishikesh town. Walking across the bridge is lovely. Because the bridges are so robust, people ride their motorcycles and scooters across them.
The Beatles Ashram
As the legendary band paid a visit and remained for a while, the area—which was formerly known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram—became known as the Beatles Ashram. In addition to serene surroundings, Beatles Ashram may provide you peace and tranquilly. Graffiti is all over the ashram's walls, which results in an aesthetically pleasing scene.
Shivpuri
A famous destination for thrill-seekers and tourists that travel to the Himalayas in search of heart-pounding activities is Shivpuri, which is located 19 miles from Rishikesh. Shivpuri is a charming camping location where guests may enjoy the full splendour of nature while camped out under the night and next to the meandering river. Private companies provide river rafting, a distinctive and exhilarating pastime.
Most Popular Activities in Haridwar and Rishikesh
Temple tours
Most holiday packages from Haridwar to Rishikesh include in-depth temple tours of the two towns. There are several temples worth seeing, both well-known and lesser-known. In addition to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, one may also visit a replica of Vaishno Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, and Swarg Ashram.
River Rafting
The wildly popular sport of river rafting in Rishikesh is something that every adventure seeker ought to attempt. The rafting distance, which varies from 7 km to 12 km to 16 km, affects the experience. Several seasoned rafting operators also offer cliff jumping at less turbulent parts of the river, which raises the level of thrill. Several campgrounds provide this activity, and their teams manage the programme. You might also commission an established travel firm to organise this trip for you.
Bungee Jumping , One of the Best Things to do in Haridwar and Rishikesh
Jumpin Heights in Rishikesh is one of the most well-known and thrilling bungee jumping spots in India. It is really amazing to see the leap from Mohan Chatti's elevation of 83 metres. The Giant Swing and the Flying Fox are two other must-experience attractions at this location. Jumpin Heights is one of the safest bungee jumping spots in India, and it is quite popular with visitors.
Comments