Haridwar, famous for its ancient religion and cultural heritage, is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has also its heritage of having IIT at Roorkee, formerly known as University of Roorkee, founded in 1847 as a first technical institute of India. Haridwar, The Gateway of God, is one of the scared place according to the Hindu mythology. It is also know as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokhsadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics. After the every 12 years, there are organized the Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha mela after every six years. It also has grown up as a major education center for arts, science and culture and maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching.

Rishikesh, the place of segas, is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Rishikesh has many adventures for the trekking expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting. It is far apart 24 kms from Haridwar and located at a height of about 1360 feet above the sea level. It attracts many visitors that are seeking the peace of mind and soul. A tour to Rishikesh provides you the peace of mind and body and infuse it with energy and will power. It is very popular for the Yoga basics that are given by many yoga experts. It symbolizes the first step to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttaranchal.

Fast Facts about Haridwar/Rishikesh
Area : 12.302 sq. km.
Altitude : 300 meters
Temperature : Summer: 40 0C, Winter : 6 0C.
Rainfall : Mysterious
Clothing : Summer : Light Tropical, Winter : Wollens.
Language : Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali and English
Best Season : September to June

How to approach there
Air : Nearest airport is Delhi (214 kms).
Rail : Perfectly connected with many cities in the country.
Road : Perfectly connected with different cities as Delhi- 214 kms, Rishikesh- 24 kms.

Places to visit:-
Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri, is an ancient temple known as one of the Siddhapeethas. It is said that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this place because of burning herself to keep the honour of her husband.

Nilkanth Mahadeo
Nilkant Mahadeo, a sacred temple of believe and popular Hindu’s religious place, has a mythology stated that during Sagar Manthan for Amrit, Lord Shiva drank first venom emerged out, which turned his throat blue. Hence, Lord Shiva also became famous as Neelkanth and the place is Neelkanth Mahadeo. It is situated at a height of 1700 meters and 12 kms from Rishikesh and is surrounded by lush green peaceful forests.

Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Paudi, known as Brahmakund, is one of the most sacred ghats in India, constructed by Vikramaditya in remembrance of his brother Bhartrihari. In the evening a Maha Aarti is accomplished on this ghat.

Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula has been a foremost magnetism amongst the visitors. 450 feet long bridge was built in 1939 and Ram Jhula, the other balanced Iron viaduct was recently erected between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram.

Daksha Mahadev Temple
Daksh Mahadev Temple is located in the south of Kankhal town. This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 A.D. This place is one of the five sanctified places in Haridwar.

Gita Bhavan
Gita Bhavan is newly constructed building and it is renowned for its fabulous paintings and sculptures, located just diagonally the Lakshman Jhula.

Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is situated on the top of Neel Parvat on the bank of river Ganga, 3 km trek from Chandi Ghat, was constructed in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. This famous sculpture was established by the Adi Sankaracharya in 8th Century AD. Chandi Devi Temple is easily reached by a ropeway, which starts near Gauri Shankar Temple.

Swarga Ashram
The gorgeous images in the area mesmerize the visitors. Visitors can explore various temples and the eating joints and shops where one can do shopping.

Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple, a very popular Hindu’s pilgrim, can be arrived by the rope way or the normal trekking route to the top, due to its location on top of the Bilwa Parvat.

Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is a distinct paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Three sanctuaries in the Dehradun Shivaliks- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla were amalgamated into a large protected area and named Rajaji National Park in the year 1983 spreading over an area of 820.42 sq kms.