Haridwar.

For the millions of Hindus going to Haridwar is like fulfilling a life’s ambition. It is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprint on a rock, and where Prince Bhagirath performed penance, in response to which Lord Shiva sent forth the Ganga cascading from his knotted locks.

Although who are not religious are stuck by the atmosphere of the town. Haridwar as we see it on postcards like believers bathing on the ghats, saffron- clad sadhus deep in meditation, families performing funerals, priest and the common people worshipping the sun.

Its chief attraction is the Har-ki-Pauri, its main ghat. One does not miss its evening aarti at the ghat, by watching the lights of thousands of diyas floating on the river, carrying hopes and aspirations of millions with them. This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga.

When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari.This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti ceremony . Attending the Ganga Arti which is performed here.

Haridwar has several other beautifully made Ashrams/temples of significance such as ShantiKunj, Jairam Ashram, Bhuma Niketan, Bharat Mata Mandir, Vaishnav Devi Temple, Radha Krishan temple, Shravan Nath Math, Pawan Dham, Doodhadari temple, Bilkeshwar Mahadev temple, Shahi Gurudwara, Parmarth Ashram, Prem Nagar Ashram, Ma Anand Mai Ashram etc. All of these places are worth seeing.

It’s against the law to carry non-veg food and alcohol into Haridwar. There are many good dhabas and restaurant in the market near to Har-Ki-Pauri. If you are a huge fan of sweets than you can go for the rabri, rasmalai, peras and barfis at the famous Brijwasi Mithaiwalla sweet shop at the Heera Complex in Bara Bazaar. You can also try the kachoris and other chat here, which are also delicious.