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by Afia Ahmad on Feb 22, 2011
On the tours to Uttaranchal, be a part of the holy Kumbh Mela tours and experience the spiritual bliss that lie amidst the wondrous temples, tranquil Ganges and the mighty Himalayas.
by Afia Ahmad on Feb 22, 2011
Shopping in Uttaranchal is a pleasurable experience. Read to know more about the famous articles to bought and various shopping destinations in Uttaranchal.
by Afia Ahmad on Feb 22, 2011
Read to know about the famous pilgrim destinations and Yatra that one can be a part of during the pilgrim tours of Uttaranchal.
History
The history of Haridwar has been beautifully spun with the threads of mythological beliefs and historical data. While the holy city finds its reference in epic books like Mahabharata, various scriptures have also mentioned the city as Kapilsthan, Mayapuri and Gangadwar. The city has been linked to various mythological heroes like King Bhagirath, who is said to have brought river Ganga from heaven.
Documented history of Haridwar associated the city with the Mauryan Empire who ruled here from 322 to 185 B.C. Huan Tsang was perhaps the first person to have mentioned Haridwar during his visit in 629 A.D. The city was also raided by the Turkis invader Timur Lang in 1399.
The most revered Sikh guru, Guru Nanak is also said to have bathed at the popular Kushwan Ghat, which today is commemorated by a Gurudwara. Mughal kings too have ruled this holy land. According to the Ain-E-Akbari, a book written by Abul Fazal in the 16th century, Haridwar then was called as Maya (one among the seven most sacred places of Hindus). King Akbar is known to have drunk the water of Ganges in Haridwar.
During, the reign of King Jehangir, Haridwar was known as ‘Haridwara’ the capital of Shiva.
The East Indis Company used the ‘Upper Ganges Canal’ at Haridwar extensively, causing deterioration to the Ganges water flow. In the year 1901, Haridwar was declared as a part of the Roorkee Tehsil of United Province which came to be known as Uttar Pradesh after India’s independence in 1947.
Travel within city
Haridwar is pilgrimage city located in Uttarakhand and is one of the seven holiest places in the country. With its various religious sites and the developing industrial areas around the city the transport system around the city has improved. There are many options that a traveler can opt for in Haridwar. Some of them are government buses, auto rickshaws, cabs and taxis and also the inter city railways. The Haridwar airport is located around 30 km from the city.
Taxi
There are taxi services available from the airport to the city and they cost around Rs 500 for the trip. Haridwar railway station is connected to the rest of the city through auto rickshaws that can be found outside.
Local Train/ Bus
The best travel options inside the city are the local trains and buses. Both the options are frequently available and are inexpensive. Trains connect most of the city and cost around Rs 50 from one end of the city to the other. Buses are also available throughout the city.
Auto Rickshaw
Auto rickshaws are an important mode of local transport as they are available from most of the train stations and also from the various bus stations. They can be hailed of the road and are also metered. There are no separate night fares.
Hotels
You can find
69 hotels in Haridwar under following categories:
