Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has privilege of having IIT at Roorkee, formerly known as University of Roorkee, founded in 1847 as a first technical institute of India.

The city has one of the "navratna PSUs of India" i.e BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals India Ltd.). The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world. There is another University in the city called Gurukul Kangri Vishva Vidyalaya apart from the head quarter of Uttaranchal State Public Service Commission also being established at Haridwar. Besides this, Kumbh fair is organized at the interval of every 12 years in this city in which about 1 crore pilgrims from all over the world participate. 

"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. 

PLACES TO SEE

Har ki Pauri
King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari’s footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar
According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Mansa Devi Temple
The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.

Chandi Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Ganga’s banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. A three kilometers trek from Chandighat, it is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. It is at a distance of six kilometers on Neel Parvat on the other bank of River Ganga.

Maya Devi Temple
This is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, known as one of the Siddhapethas. Said to be the places where the hearts and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.

Daksha Mahadev Temple
The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev stands in the south Kankhal town. Mythology has it that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife) performed yagya at this place, but didn’t invite Lord Shiva (Mahadev). Feeling insulted, Sati burnt herself in the yagya kund. Provoked by this, the ganas (followers) of Lord Shiva killed King Daksha. Later, Lord Shiva brought him back to life.

Other Places of Interest
Kanva Rishio Ashram; Bilkeshwar Mahadev; PawanDham; Bhooma Niketan; Vaishnav Devi Temple; Bharat Mata Mandir; Doodhadhari Temple; Shahi Gurudwara; Jairam Ashram.

 

Rishikesh is a famous religious place also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Rishikesh is popular amongst devotees, yoga persons and adventurers as well. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, Rishikesh attracts thousands of pilgrims every day from India as well as abroad.

There are several ancient temples and ashrams in Rishikesh which are associated with our mythological and historical background. A dip in the holy water of Ganges flowing from the river beaches of Rishikesh is capable of washing all the sins of a person. Rishikesh is also popular because it acts as the starting point for salvation trip to the "Char Dham" pilgrimage which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Rishikesh is the ideal destination for adventurer’s activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountaineering etc.

Rishikesh is situated 25 kms ahead of Haridwar at an elevation of 356mts above sea level. Rishikesh consists of three distinct areas known as Rishikesh, Swargashram and Muni-ki-Reti. It is believed that when Raibhya Rishi did rigorous penances here, the God appeared to name the place as 'Hrishikesh' and subsequently the place came to be known as Rishikesh. Numerous spiritual Yoga and meditation centres are located at Rishikesh which are regularly visited by large number of tourists from all over the world.

PLACES TO SEE

Bharat Mandir
The Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh, near the Triveni Ghat. This temple is dedicated to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram.

Kailash Niketan Temple
This is the main temple at Laxman Jhool and one can see the sculptures of all Gods and Goddesses in this thirteen storey mansion.

Satya Narayan Temple
The idol of Lord Satyanarayan has been enshrined inside the temple located enroute to Rishikesh, 10 kms. away from Hardwar. The visitors use this place as a station to halt for a casual worship.

Shatrughan Temple
This is an ancient temple dedicated to Shatrughan, Lord Ram's brother and is situated 5 kms. away from Rishikesh.

Neelkanth Mahadev
The Neelkanth Temple is situated on top of a hill across the Ganga. According to mythodology, after the Sagar Manthan Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom here, which turned his throat blue, hence the name Neelkanth.