Haridwar Things to Do

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Go down to Har-ki-Pairi ghat at sunset and see the evening Aarti ( religious ceremony giving prayers and offering to the Ganga)
Very pretty- with crowds gathered to watch or taking part. The sound of gongs adds to the reverent and chaotic amosphere. We have watched this ceremony in Varanasi , and although it is not fair to compare them, I enjoyed Varanasi better)
Small baskets with flowers with a candle to light can be bought everywhere, and the idea is to place it into the Ganges after sunset. The sight of the flickering candles on the water is beautiful.
There is, however , a downside to all this- read about our unpleasant experience in my Tourist Trap tip

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I had a wonderfull relaxing body treatment at the Spa at the Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel, where we were staying.
A full fruit body scrub, then a steamy hot soak and afterwards a 90minute Therapeutic Massage with Ayurvedic Oils. Included in the massage was foot and hand reflexology.
The young woman who attended to me was Nepalese, and her massage technique was perfect. She was very professional, and respectful. My body was always partially covered by steaming hot towels. Another bath filled with rose petals followed the massage. Heaven.
I do recommend this bit of pampering- I felt relaxed and refreshed afterwards.
The cost was R3000.00, but worth every rupee.
There is also a steam-bath available.
There is a separate facility for men, with male attendants.

Places to visit.

1. Mansa Devi mandir and the Chadi devi mandir, these can be reached on foot, through stairs. You can also use the ROPE WAY.
FOr Mansa Devi, the stairs start from the main market. It is difficult to locate it amidst the shops, but just keep asking the local shop people and they will let you know. Also ask about the ROPE way if you dont want to hike up the stairs.

2. Visit the Yogashram Patanjali which is around 17 KM away from Haridwar. Great hangout for the people who like to take time out to meditate. Most of the things here are free of charge.
For Patanjali Yogasharam, you can reserve a CAB or Autorickshaw. You can get an autorickshaw from the Har-Ki-Pouri police Chowki. either you can book one with Rs500 or take the shared ones with Rs 25 / head.

3. Take bath in the ganges, of course that is the main attraction.

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Har-Ki-Pauri (the footstep of God) ghat, also known as the Brahmakund, is one of the most sacred pilgrim places. It is said to be built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother, Bhartrihari. In the evening, a 'Maha Aarti' is performed on this ghat. The floral diyas which float on the ghat, in the twilight, creates an impression of stars being brought in the river water.

This ghat is suppossed to be at the precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Popular belief is that if one take bath in this ghat, it will wash away all your sins.

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Patanajali Yog Peeth in Haridwar is a center of Yoga and Ayurveda activities in India built on the name of Maharishi Patanjali who invented Yoga 5000 years ago. The ashram is run under the guidance of Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj who has revived Yoga and spreading it all over the world. Patahnajali Yog peeth provides various facilities such as Yoga Classes, Accommodation, Natural health therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, Accommodation, canteen, OPD and admiting patients for long term disease treatment. Any one can visit and stay at patanjali Yog peeth and avail these facilities in a very hygienic, clean and well maintained environment.

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Swami Ramdev also known as Baba Ramdev, is an Indian, Hindu swami. He is particularly well-known for his efforts in popularizing Yoga. His yoga (pronounced as Yog in Hindi/Sanskrit)camps are attended by a large number of people. People follow his yoga camps through TV channels and video. His yog teaching sessions are for the masses and free for all. His stated principle in life is to be of help to all and as such the sessions are conducted free of charge. He is also one of the founders of the Divya Yoga Mandir Trust that aims to popularize Yoga and offer Ayurvedic treatments

There is not much to do in Haridwar, other than simply walking the city streets, looking, watching and learning. There are many harmless beggars looking for handouts from visitors, which are many since this is a famous pilgrimage site.

If you cross the walkway bridges to the small islands in the river, expect someone from the City Preservation to approach you looking for a mandatory donation. Give any amount you wish, but keep the reciept because that will be your admission ticket for the entire day.

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The five sacred bathing spots in Haridwar are Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha and Kusavarta. The main ghat at Haridwar is known as Hari-ki-Pairi (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall). Nearby is the Gangadwara temple, the most important of the several temples that dot this town. The Ganga Aarti which is celebrated at6- 7 pm each night, is a spectacular sight, when the aarti ceremony is performed at all temples in Haridwar at the same instant (see image ). Hundreds throng to the ghats at Hari-ki-Pairi to participate in this festival. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river.

Many think that this is a dirty place where people take bath and also wash clothes. But the mother Ganges is in the blood stream of Hindus all over the world. It is one of the most Sacred place for the Hindus!! Why do people take bath here? It is believed by Hindus, like our fore fathers all of our Sins & Filth will be washed away by Mother Ganges! Well I said this in simple terms but it has a lot deeper meanings. One has to read about Hinduism to get an essence of it!! However, I will make some study and try to write about the same in some tips!