Haridwar (also known as Hardwar) is a holy city in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Known as the Gateway to the Gods, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, The city stands as a gateway to three other important pilgrimage destinations: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
See a great statue of Shiva at the fork of the river followed by visit to Har-Ki-Pauri or the sacred Ghat. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti ceremony. Attending the Ganga Arti which is performed here everyday at sunset is an unforgettable experience as most of the tourists say.
Every evening, as dusk descends, the Ganga Aarti is performed at the three holy cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi in India. It's a very powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual. The aarti takes place facing the river. The lamps are lit and circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by changing or songs in praise of Mother Ganga.
The idea is that the lamps acquire the power of the deity. After the ritual is complete, devotees cup their hands over the flame and raise their palms to their forehead in order to get the Goddess's purification and blessing.
Rishikesh, a most tranquil place in northern Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized. During the visit an Ashram where solace-seeker come to spend their time in the serenity of meditation and godliness. The Shivananda Ashram is among the most visited where discourses in English on Hindu religious texts can be heard. Also visit the Lakshman Jhoola, a suspension bridge spanning the Ganga before returning to Haridwar.