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.: DESTINATION GUIDE: HARIDWAR :. |
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Haridwar Destination Guide - Uttaranchal, India |
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Overview
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Haridwar, "Gateway to the abode of gods" blessed by the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva nestles on the banks of River Ganga. Renowned for the "Maha Kumbh Mela" appearing every 12 years and the Ardh (half) Kumbh performed every six years fortunately beautifies India drawing a number of pilgrims and devotees to commemorate this divine event. Haridwar also provides plenty to learn. "Among the many pilgrimages that dot the length of the Ganga, Haridwar ranks among the most holy in the land " Accroding to Hindu mythology Haridwar was known as Kapilsthan.
Lagend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bhagirath, were consumed by fire at this spot following a cused of rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhhagirath requested the ganga to descend on Earth. Haridwar is also famous by the names of gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. It is at Haridwar that the Ganga finaly energes into the northern plains. The Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh melas also take place here every 12 th & 6th year. |
SHOPPING: |
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Haridwar is one of the four sites where the great Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic treatments and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar offers you some good handicraft items which can be kept as decorative pieces or can be used as gift items. Markets surround the temples and the Ghats.
CLIMATE:
Haridwar is situated at a height of almost 300 meters above sea level and the temperature usually hovers around 40°C during summers. Winters see the mercury dipping to as low as 6°C.
Haridwar is situated at a height of almost 300 meters above sea level and the temperature usually hovers around 40°C during summers. Winters see the mercury dipping to as low as 6°C. The best season to visit Haridwar is between October to March during winter.
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| EXCURSIONS: |
Haridwar has a number of interesting sites that you can include in your excursion. Rishikesh, around 28 km off Haridwar, is at the base of the Himalayas and it is where the Ganges comes down to the plains from the hills. A breathtaking experience of natural beauty and undiscovered wildlife awaits here. Not to mention the peace and tranquility of a landscape associated with sages and meditation.
The Daksh Mahadev Temple is an ancient shrine situated to the south of Kankhal town. This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in AD 1810. Kankhal has several other temples and ashrams too.
The Sapt Rishi Ashram is situated along the Haridwar-Rishikesh road. The Ganges flows in seven streams in front of this Ashram, hence this place is also called Sapt Sarovar. The Kanva Rishi Ashram is situated around 42 km from Haridwar. The ashram is on the banks of the Malini River along the forest road to Kotdwar.
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The Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Rajaji National Park, covers an area of around 240 sq. km. It has 23 species of mammals and 315 fauna species. Lucky tourists can catch glimpses of elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, Himalayan yellow throated martens, sambers, chitals, barking dears, wild boars, langurs, ghurals, sloth bears, king cobras, woodpeckers, etc. Fishing in the river there is allowed with permits only.
The Triveni ghat is an interesting place to be at dawn, when people make offerings of milk to the river and feed the fish. After sunset, priests set floating lamps on the water during the Aarti ceremony.
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| Attractions and Places to Visit in Haridwar |
Beauty Point: On the Mansa Devi temple road, about two kms. from Haridwar is a vantage point with wonderful views of Haridwar and its forested surroundings. This place is called the beauty point, as the sight of the surrounding is very exciting and enthralling.
Bhimgoda Kund: Legend has it that while the Pandavas were here, Bhim with one blow of his horse’s hoof drew water from the rocks at this spot. It is about half a km upstream from Hari-ki-Pairi Ghat.
Chandi Devi (6 km. from Haridwar): This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat, on the other side of the river Ganga. The story goes that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the demons Shumbh-Nishumbh were killed by Goddess Chandi hence the name Chandi Devi. It also said that Adi Shankaracharya established the original statute of Chandi in 8th century AD.
Chilla Park: The Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Rajaji National Park is a popular destination for nature and adventure lovers. The pristine scenic beauty and rich biodiversity attracts wildlife lovers from India and abroad and has 23 species of mammals and about 315 avifauna species. Fishing in the river there is allowed with permits only.
Daksha Mahadev Temple: This temple is an ancient shrine located at Kankhal, and is one of the five sacred places around Haridwar. It is associated with Sati, the spouse of Lord Shiva who immolated herself to preserve his honour on being insulted by her father, King Daksha Prajapati. This incident provoked the disciples of Mahadev and killed King Daksha. But later Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. The temple is an attribute to this legend.
Deoprayag: Deoprayag is 95 kms from Haridwar and is the most sacred Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers in the vast network of tributaries that form the Ganges. It is from Deoprayag that the river starts taking the name Ganga.
Gurukul Kangri University: Situated on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road this is a center of learning where education is imparted in the traditional Indian way. Swami Shardha Nandji Maharaj, founder of Arya Samaj movement in India, founded this and within the precincts of the University is the Veda Mandir, housing many archaeological exhibits.
Har Ki Pauri Ghat: Also known as Brahmakund, this ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that Vikramaditya built this ghat in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat and the floral diyas that float on the ghat in the twilight creates an impression of stars being brought in the river water.
Manasa Devi: Situated on the Vilwa Parvat, this temple can be reached on foot, by road, or through the ropeway. The top of the hill gives an excellent view of Haridwar. It is a Shrine dedicated to Mansa Devi, wife of the Nag King Vasuki.
Maya Devi: This ancient temple of Maya Devi is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar and is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. It is said that the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this place, when Lord Shiva was carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the honour of her husband.
Mussoorie: The queen of hill stations is about 89 kms from Haridwar and the salubrious climate and deep woods make it an ideal hill station. The name, Mussoorie, derives its name from plants of ‘Mussoorie’, found in abundance here. After its discovery, this place gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: This is an excellent point to watch for migratory birds and during the winter season, fascinating birds, especially the Siberian Crane can be seen around Laljiwala on the banks of the river Ganga.
Piran Kalier: On the outskirts of Roorkee is the Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahmed "Sabir’, located 23 kms South of Haridwar. This Dargah is famed for its mystical powers and is visited in large numbers both by Hindus and Muslims and in fact this place is a living example of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Sapta Rishi Ashram: The Ganges flows in seven streams in front of this Ashram, hence this place is also called Sapt Sarovar. It is said that Saptrishis (Seven sages) trapped the Ganga and agreed to release the River on King Bhagirathps request. The Ashram commemorates the event.
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| How to Reach Haridwar |
Air : The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun, but it is preferable to take a flight to Delhi and then take a bus or train route to Haridwar.
Rail : The major pilgrimage center of Haridwar is well connected by trains to almost all the major cities in India. In fact, trains are the major source of the tourist inflow to Haridwar.
Road : The National Highway no. 45 crosses the city of Haridwar, so it is connected to other cities of the state as well as those in the other states too. The excellent road network links Haridwar with Delhi for a smooth and comfortable travel journey.
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Hotels and Travel Guide
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Alwar is 150 km form Jaipur and 170 km from Delhi. Alwar is nested between a cluster of small hills of the Aravalli range. Perched on the most prominent of these hills is a massive ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewat, Alwar was nearest to the imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interferences and daringly resisted against foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally sultan Bulban (1267 A.D. - 1287 A.D.) Suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslim Rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur's rulers, won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own. A part from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valleys thickly wooded in parts. Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan-Sariska, which is an excellent tiger country.
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SHOPPING:
There are quite a few market areas in Alwar, full of the heat and dust of Rajasthan. Some of them are Hope Circus, Bajaja Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Mala Khera Bazaar and Kedalganj Bazaar. Jewellery and other handicraft items are the best things you could take back home. Hope Circus , which is quite a busy place, gets its name from a monument of the same name. The latter is a circular structure with flights of steps leading to the top from all four sides. It was named after Miss Hope, daughter of Lord Linlithgow, the then Viceroy of India, on the occasion of her visit to Alwar in 1939-40. and while we're still at shopping and bazaars, you should try the wonderful mawa (a kind of sweet made of milk) in Alwar. You simply shouldn't miss that!
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CLIMATE:
The mercury rises very high during summers and drops very low during winters. The typical desert type climate of Alwar, makes the summers very hot, hence best to visit Alwar is during the winters. The best season to visit this place is between October and March
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EXCURSION:
Vijay Mandir Palace: Situated at a distance of about 10 kms. from Alwar, this grand architectural wonder is a reminder of the regal opulence and glory of yesteryears. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1918. The beautiful stately palace stands atop a hilly platform on the northern embankment of the lake created by the Vijay Sagar Bundh Dam. The Bundh is supported by two hills on the tributary of the Chuhar Siddh and was constructed in 1903. The Palace houses a Sita-Ram Mandir, which attracts thousands of devotees during the Ramnavami celebrations.
Siliserh Lake: Siliserh Lake is only about 13 kms. from the city of Alwar. The Lake was built in 1845 A.D. by constructing an earthern dam between two hills to store the water of a small tributary of river Ruparel. When full, the total water spread covers an area of about 10 sq kms. Adorned with domed cenotaphs, Siliserh Lake is picturesquely set amidst the forested slopes of Aravalli hills.
Neemrana Ki Baori: Besides the old Fort, which is today a Heritage Hotel , Neemrana, located on the Jaipur-Delhi Highway & about 2.5 hours drive from Jaipur, also boasts of and old and very magnificent nine storied baori (step well). This stepwell was constructed around 1700 A.D. by Thakur Janak Singh and the local population informs the visitors that there are nine storey above and tow below the water lever. It has 170 steps and as you descent, the entire construction becomes telescopic and the felling of entering the grotto overwhelms.
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Sariska: It is located on the Delhi - Alwar - Jaipur road (37 Km), nestled in the quaint surroundings of Aravalli this thickly wooded part throbs with life. It is a marvel of ecological adaptation and endurance. It is not only a delight for wildlife lovers but also for the followers of art and archaeology. The Sariska Tiger Reserve, has a rich and varied animal population, the key fauna is the tiger. The sanctuary houses ruined temples, a fort, pavilions and palace. The Sariska Palace , built as a royal hunting lodge is a magnificent piece of architecture.
Jai Samand Lake: To harved the flood waters of river Ruparel, Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar started construction of a dam across the river. This picturesque lake was completed in 1920 A.D. and was name Jai Samand Lake. The 1.5 km. long embankment of the lake also serves as a drive way. Around a dozen beautiful chhatris dome shaped Minar etc were built on the embankment of the Jai Samand Lake. Each Chhatri was built on a seven feet high raised lotus shaped platform carved out of red sandstone.
Kesroli (12 km): The Hill Fort, Kesroli, sited atop the rare, dark Hornstone Breccia rocks, commands splendid agrarian views from its ramparts which rise to 50-65 meters/ 150-200 feet. Kesroli Fort makes an ideal base to visit the neighbouring palaces, museums and sanctuaries of Alwar & Sariska. The origins of the seven-turreted Hill Fort Kesroli are traced back to over six centuries. It is reputed to have been built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, descendants of Lord Krishna, who converted to Islam in the mid-14th century to be called Khanzadas.
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| Attractions and Places to Visit in Alwar |
The Fort: This huge fort with its ramparts stretching 5 km from north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, stands 304 metres above the city and 595 metres above the sea level, constructed before the rise of the Mughal empire. Babar had spent a night at this fort and took away the hidden treasures to gift to his son, Humayun. Akbar's son, Jahangir had also stayed here for some time during his exile. The place where he stayed as called Salim Mahal. The fort was finally annexed by maharaja Pratap singh in 1775 A.D. It is a forbidding structure with 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 opening for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing it. The fort has several gates, Jai Pole, Suraj Pole, Laxman Pole. Chand Pole. Kishan Pole and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples.
City Palace: Built by Maharaja Vinay singh in the 18th Century, it is one of the most attractive palaces of Rajasthan. Its architecture is a blend of the Rajput and the Mughal styled. The lower floors of the palace are now occupied by government offices whereas the upper floors are used as museum. This Museum has one of the finest collections of books (Sanskrit & Persian), archaeological finds, paintings (Mughal and Rajput school), and armory (swords, shields, daggers, rifles, pistols and other arms.) Maharaja Vinay Singh Was a great patrons of the arts. He has a great taste for books and has an excellent collection in his library. It is said that he once paid a large amount of rupees fifty thousand to acquire a single manuscript of sheikh Sadi.
Hope Circus: This is another monument that attracts the attention of the visitors to Alwar. Located almost midway between the railway station and the city palace, this is a circular figure having flight of steps leading to the top from all four sides. It was named after Miss Hope, daughter of Lord Linlithgow, the then Viceroy of India, on the occasion of his visit to Alwar in 1939-40 A.D.
Purjan Vihar (Company Garden): A Picturesque garden, laid out during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh In 1868 A.D. the Garden has an enchanting setting called 'Shimla' which was built by Maharaja Mangal Singh in 1885 A.D. The lush surroundings and the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during summers.
Government Museum: Housed in the old City Palace, it has a unique collection of arms, bidri work, lacquered and ivory work, musical instruments, stuffed animals, beautiful brass and pottery works from Jaipur, Multan, Bengal and Ceylon, miniature paintings and Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts. The museum is divided into three major sections, each housed in big hall. The first section contains various archaeological finds chiefly sculptures and inscriptions from the region. Items presented by the ruler of the former Alwar state include mounted skins of wild animals like tiger, leopard and lion shot by them during their local and foreign excursions. The second section is the most important one as it contains various manuscripts in Persian including Gulistan of S'adi as well marvelous paintings of Mughal and Rajput Schools. The paintings have been further divided into various sub-styles. The third section of the museum contains the armory of State rulers. Various kind of shields, swords, pistols, rifles, daggers and other items are on display.
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| How to Reach Alwar |
Road : buses and taxis are available both from Delhi (170 km) and Jaipur (145 km away).
Air : Delhi and Jaipur are the nearest airports to Alwar.
Rail : Comfortable rail connections are available to Alwar from Delhi and Jaipur.
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