Things To Witness In Haridwar, The Spiritual Capital Of India

If your soul is striving to go on a spiritual journey to find your true self, then Haridwar is the destination to head towards. It is a famous pilgrimage place, but there's a whole lot more to the city which tourists can enjoy. Its heritage charm coupled with its laid back lifestyle brings in thousands of visitors each year. Come here to witness the true meaning of spirituality and the full glory of Nature. Right from temple hoping to take dips in holy rivers to even going on trekking, there's a whole lot to engage yourself with here.

When you reach this city, it's best to lose yourself in all the calm ashrams in Haridwar, but here are some things which you shouldn't miss out on while here:

Go for a birdwatching and photography tour

You must be wondering, what else you can do in Haridwar, which will be unique and different. But if you love nature then the answer is right there in the form of the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, which is a must visit. Situated just 3.5 km away from the main city, this little place is the perfect home for a variety of migratory birds. These birds flock to this place every winter. Coming here is really soothing and you can really lose yourself in the music of the birds and of the echoing Himalayas.

Take a holy dip and cleanse yourself

It would be a sin to visit Haridwar and not go for a dip in the holy Bramhakund at Har-ki-Pauri ghat. The reason for this dip goes beyond just religious. The whole task of getting up and taking up a bath in the cold water of the Ganges amongst throngs of devotees is an experience in itself. Stick around to be part of the Ganga Arti during the evening. It is an extraordinary spectacle to behold, especially when you witness it in the lights in tandem with the chants of the priests.

Visit some Temples

Haridwar is the first and the foremost religious site and for this reason, there are a lot of temples around for you to see. The most notable ones which you shouldn't miss are the Maya Devi temple, Chandi Devi temple, Mansa Devi temple, and Vaishno Devi temple. Even if you aren't all that interested in religious activities, these temples are worth visiting for their beautiful architecture.

Go on a wildlife Safari

The one place which you should hit up to be a part of a wildlife safari is the Rajaji National Park. This park is spread over a massive 1,150 sq km and in terms of distance, it is about 10 km away from the city of Haridwar. You can enter using two gates, one is near Haridwar and is called the Chandi Devi Entry Gate. The second gate is near Rishikesh and is known as the Kunao Entry Gate. Come here to have a delightful time getting to know a variety of animals. It is also a great place to visit if you want to get a little respite from all the spiritual and religious activities.

Go on a Night Trek to famed Mansa Devi Temple

You might not believe in old myths of ghosts and wild animals but this little trek has the ability to make you reconsider your views. But aside from spooks, you will definitely get to see a lot of Sadhus along the path. The biggest surprise will be when you finally reach the temple and even in the darkness you will find it mesmerizing.

Do a little shopping

Shopping isn't something which people think of when they plan to visit Haridwar, but there are souvenirs from the city which you can't miss out on. You can get those in the four markets, namely Jwalapur, Moti Bazar, Kankhal, and Bara Vazar. In these four markets, you will find everything from religious curios to handicrafts and ayurvedic medicines.

Lose yourself in Kumbha Mela

Held once every 12 years, the Kumbha Mela is the largest religious gathering in the whole wide world. Haridwar just transforms into something spectacular during this festival. Bring your camera with you if you come to this festival and each and every person will have a different story to tell there. The popular belief during this festival amongst pilgrims is that a walk to Haridwar will wash them of all their sins in the Ganges during this festival.

Haridwar is a religious and magical destination. Here people feel a world different from the ordinary lives which they lead. But it is this distinct feeling which should make us seek the spiritual and magical, making Haridwar a must visit destination.

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