Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages in Uttaranchal. It's also your starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to sage Kapila's curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.

each morning from 5am to 6am, people join together for Aarti. Spirits soar & days are truly begun as people give thanks for this new day and for all are blessed. Ganga Aarti is also performed at the time of sunset. This divine light ceremony is filled with devotional song, prayer, ritual and a palpable sense of the divinity of Mother Ganga.

the temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Ganga's bank was built in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. A 3kms trek from Chandighat, it is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century A.D.

the ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev stands in the south Kankhal town. Mythology has it that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati performed yagya at this place, but didn't invite Lord Shiva. Feeling insulted, Sati burnt herself in the yagya kund. Provoked by this, the ganas (followers) of Lord Shiva killed King Daksha. Later, Lord Shivabrought him back to life.

King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghati in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of Ganga. This Ghat later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pauri (Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The Ghat is regarded as the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.

the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi situated at the top of Bilwa Parvat. The rope way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.

this is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapethas.

according to legend the Saptarishi's (Seven Sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams around them.