This sacred town, 52 km from Dehra Dun, marks the emergence of the Ganga into the plains, piercing through the Shivalik Range. Haridwar is the gateway to the heaven. Hari means god and dwar means gateway.

Haridwar is essentially a Hindu pilgrim town with temples, hermitages and dharmshalas along the banks of the Ganga. There are numerous legends associated with its founding which are as colourful as the mythology that infuses the Hindu religion. Haridwar is said to have been sanctified by the three deities of the Hindu Pantheon-Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). Har-ki-Pauri, the most popular bathing ghat (bank of the river) of Haridwar, has a footprint on stone which is said to be that of Lord Vishnu.

Temples, bathing ghats, and hermitages are the main places of interest in this temple town. In the evenings, the aarti (the ritual of worship) at this in the ghat is an elevating experience. A stroll along the bank of the Ganga is enjoyable. People light diyas(earthen lamps) and float them on the river. The twinkling earthen lamps make a beautiful sight in that environment of temple bells and religious music that wafts through the air around the ghats.