3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
By bus: in theory, 25 minutes from Rishikesh; in actual fact count 1h20
When to go
From September to March
Minimum stay
One day
Haridwar (India)
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voyagesadeux
Practical information on Haridwar
Reviews of Haridwar
Haridwar, located in the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India, is considered one of the cradles of Hinduism. Its prime location on the banks of the Ganges makes it a popular destination with Indian tourists.
My suggestion:
I would advise you to attend the ceremony of Har-ki-Pauri (prayer to the Ganges), at least once in your lifetime. More solemn than the one in Varanasi, it leaves a long-lasting impression.
My review
After spending 15 days in an ashram in Rishitesh, yoga capital of the world, we wanted to get off the beaten track in search of Haridwar, less touristy, yet a favourite haunt of many Indians.
At the foot of the riverbank steps or "ghats", where hundreds of Hindus come each day to pay their respects to the river Ganges, it is said that Vishnu, one of the Trinity of most revered gods in Hinduism, walked, leaving his footprints.
Not to bypass the rule, we also went along to this ceremony in order to get a better understanding of Indian culture. The moment, full of candles, garlands, hymns and incense have left a permanent impression on my mind. The bravest among you will no doubt immerse yourselves in the Ganges. We could only dip our feet!
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voyagesadeux
Haridwar is one of seven sacred Hindu towns and, in my opinion, not the most interesting. That said, the local Indians were, as they are everywhere, adorable and the food yummy (very spicy too!).
My suggestion:
I suggest you avoid going at the end of June, as it's baking hot and really crowded! As with Amritsar, smoking is forbidden in certain parts of town.
My review
Less popular with foreign tourists than Varanasi, the sacred Hindu town of Haridwar is a favourite with Indian pilgrims. As with Varansi, tradition is to bathe in the Ganges at Haridwar before dying, so as to avoid being reincarnated.
During my first trip to India, I spent a day there and visitied the Chandi Devi Temple and saw the Ghats - the areas where ritual prayers are held on the banks of the Ganges. Beside them you'll find numerous temples, dedicated to a variety of gods. Apparently Vishnou left a footprint, but we didn't see it. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed by my visit to this town, undertaken in a stifling heat.
Unless you're a Hindu, I don't think it's worth the detour.
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Cécile
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