6 Unexplored Places in Haridwar

Considered to be one of the most ancient cities of the world, Haridwar literally means “The Land of the Gods”. Previously named as Mayapuri, it can be found mentioned in most of the Hindu Puranas and Epics. Haridwar is home to numerous temples and is often referred to as “The city of temples.” Read on to know about the unexplored places in Haridwar that you must visit.

Unexplored Places in Haridwar

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Known to be one of the most sacred places for Hindus, Haridwar attracts lakhs of tourists every year to witness its magnificence. Hindu pilgrims arrive here to take a dip in the holy Ganges to wipe away all their sins and attain “moksha”.

Along with the popular places of Haridwar like the Har Ki Pauri Ghat, Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir and many more, there are many places that are less popular and yet equally important and grand.

Here is a list of the unexplored places in Haridwar.

Evening Aarti at Daksha Mahadev Temple

Located at a distance of 4 km away from the main city of Haridwar, the Daksha Temple is named after Prajapati Daksha, the father of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. According to myths, Prajapati Daksha conducted a grand Yagna here and invited all the Gods except Lord Shiva, with whom his daughter Sati was married.

Infuriated with this, Sati visited the Yajna, where her father, Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati was insulted and entered the fire of the yajna and gave her life. Lord Shiva appeared and carried her body.

It is considered to be the same place where the yajna took place. The same yajna kund is present in the temple premises, but the temple was built in 1810 and renovated in 1962.

There are clear depictions from the Shiva Purana on the walls of the temple. It also has a holy Shivlinga which is worshipped by devotees from all over the world.

Every evening you can witness the aarti on the Daksha Ghat of the temple. The priests worship river Ganga, and the view is heavenly.

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Bharat Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Temple is located at a distance of 5.3 km from the city of Haridwar and is situated adjacent to Samanvaya Ashram. Indians consider the country to be their mother, and this temple is dedicated to Mother India. This temple was inaugurated in15th May 1983 by the Late Prime Minister of India, Smt Indira Gandi.

It is an 8-storeyed building that is about 55 feet in height. Each of the eight floors depicts the eras from the Epic Ramayana. It houses an idol of the Mother India Goddess, who is depicted having four arms, each holding a book, sheaves of rice, a white cloth, and a mala or necklace. The deity is worshipped by patriots and the Indian Army.

Kankhal

One of the prime destinations in Haridwar, Kankhal is a famous colony and finds its mention in the ancient Puranas and in Mahabharata. According to legends, Kankhal served as the summer capital of God Shiva when he came down to earth and wanted to explore Haridwar.

There are numerous notable places in Kankhal that attract the attention of tourists. The famous Sati Kund, where Goddess Sati entered the Yajna Kunda and gave her life, is present here. You can also visit the Ramkrishna Mission Shevasrama, Anandamoyi Ma Ashram, Abheda Mayya Ashram and more.

Kanva Rishi Ashram

If you are looking to try spiritual experiences through meditations and asanas, then Kanva Rishi Ashram is perfect for you. Located in Kotdwar, Kanva Rishi Ashram is a serene and quiet place. It guides you calm and to understand your senses through meditations.

Located in the lap of nature, the ashram can be visited after walking through a trail of dense forest. It is located on the banks of the river Malini and is thus a picture-perfect site.

Sapt Rishi Ashram or Sapt Sarovar

One of the interesting yet historically important places of Haridwar is the Sapt Rishi Ashram or the Sapt Sarovar. The name is translated from Sanskrit and means the “abode of the seven sages”.

According to legends, the ashram is located at the place where the famous seven sages, Kashyapa, Vashishta, Vishwamitra, Atri, Jamadagni, Gautama and Bharadwaja, also together known as the Saptarshi, met.

The Ganga is said to have formed seven current flows at this particular place, honouring the sage.

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Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary

Located at a distance of only 3.4 km from the city of Haridwar, the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is a less explored yet beautiful place for tourists. It is situated on the east banks of the river Ganga and was established in the year 1977.

The sanctuary is famous for the adventurous jeep safaris, and the elephant rides that it provides. It is home to numerous wild animal species like wild boar, tigers, elephants, barking deer, peacocks, quails, hornbills, sambhar, spot deers and many more. There is a forest rest house that offers accommodation to the tourists, located amidst the jungle.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Known for its picture-perfect beauty due to the beautiful temples and the natural scenic beauties of the river Ganga, Haridwar can be visited anytime during the year. You can enjoy the most during the month of February and March when the weather remains favourable.

How to Reach Haridwar

Known to be one of the sacred and holy places of the country, Haridwar is a famous tourist destination. It attracts tourists from all over the world, owing to its ancient history and religious beliefs. Thus, it is well connected with the rest of the country by air, rail, and road.

By Air

The nearest airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport which is located in Dehradun and is about 37 km away. It is well connected with major airports. You can take a private cab from there to reach Haridwar.

By Rail

Haridwar Junction is the railway station and is well connected to the major cities of Delhi, Dehradun, and Hrishikesh. After you reach the station, you can board a rickshaw to reach the proper city.

By Road

Haridwar is well connected to all the major cities through well-maintained roads. There are buses regularly travelling to Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, and Nainital.

Haridwar is the perfect destination to uplift your spiritual self. It’s temples and the ghats, make the place divine and serene. Do not forget to explore the uncommon places along with the popular tourist spots, once you are in Haridwar.

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