Shanti Kunj Gayatri Tirth
It is referred to as the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar and annually receives thousands of pilgrims. It is claimed that the ashram leads the followers on the correct path and provides never-ending joy. Following spiritual principles, Shantikunj is one of the first to revive the traditions of Rishi and divine culture. If you are planning to visit, Hotel Crystal Ganga Heights is one of the best hotels near Shantikunj Gayatri Tirth.
Har ki Pauri
One of the Tourist places in Haridwar is Har ki Pauri which basically means footsteps of the Lord. It is the holy Ganga ghat where river Ganges touches the plains after winding its ways through the Himalayan ranges. Visitors flock along this pious ghat around dawn to take a holy dip to purify their mind, body and soul, during the Ganga Aarati.
Mansa Devi Temple
One east temple of Haridwar is known as Mansa Devi Temple or Bilwa Tirth which is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages). The temple is strongly spiritual as it is dedicated to Goddess Manso Devi, who is said to be the goddess of serpents and a manifestation of Shakti with the power to grant the desires of the people who worship her. Pilgrims have an option of reaching the shrine by either a 3km trek which is very steep or the Mansa Devi Udankhatola.
Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are under the impression that Haridwar holds nothing for tourists other than religion and culture, this place is like a breath of fresh air to make things all the more exciting for you. A treat for all wildlife lovers in Haridwar, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to an impressive range of animals and birds. Among the major wildlife species you can expect to witness here are elephant, tiger, leopard and bear.
Sati Kund Haridwar
A sacred site that has close associations with Hindu mythology is Sati Kund, Kankhal, Haridwar. This is thought to have been the Yagna Kund, where Goddess Sati, the daughter of King Daksh, sacrificed herself when her father was insulting her husband, Lord Shiva. The site is a representation of the devotion to and profound attachment of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Although the Mahabharata also mentioned Sati Kund.
Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple, as one of the most significant Shaktipeeth in Haridwar, is located proudly on Neel Parvat and is devoted to Goddess Chandika Devi. It is argued by mythology that upon witnessing the energy of the goddess Maa Durga, the deity was created to slay the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha and the temple was later established at this holy site. Pilgrims may either use the ropeway (often referred to as Udankhatola), which is an easy-to-use service, or embark on a 3 km walk to the top of a hill.
