Haridwar stands as the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttranchal. Geographically and geological, Haridwar, lying at the feet of Shiva's hills, i.e., Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttranchal Pradesh, is a doorway. " According to Hindu mythology Haridwar was known as Kapilsthan. Legend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bhagirath, were consumed by fire at this spot following a curse of Rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhagirath requested the Ganga to descend on Earth. Haridwar is also famous by the names of Gangadwar Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. People prefer taking bath on the numerous ghats built on the river shores. It is said that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate freedom, Nirvana. Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture.

Places of Interest:

Har Ki Paudi This is Haridwar's most important bathing spot. Every day thousands of people come over here for taking holy dip in the Ganges. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.
Chandi DeviThis temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga. The temple was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a 3 km trek from the Chandi Ghat.
Temple of Mansa Devi This temple is on the Bilva Mountain. To go up, a trolley ropeway can be used or one can walk up the rock stairs. The view of Haridwar and the Ganges is very scenic from here
Sapt Rishi At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing sight.
Beauty Point On the Mansa Devi temple road, about two kilometer from Haridwar is a point which provides an excellent view of Haridwar and the near by greenery. This place is called the beauty point as the sight from here of the surrounding is very exciting and enthralling.
Deoprayag This is again one of the sacred places for the Hindus. At this place the aggressive Alaknanda merges with the gentle flowing Bhagirathi. The place is 95 kms from Haridwar
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar This place is an enchanting bird watching point particularly during the winters. There are various species of birds which can be spotted here. Around Laljiwala on the banks of river Ganges one can expect the Siberian Cranes, which are one of the prized visitor to this Pakshi Vihar.