Haridwar means “Gateway to God”, and is an ancient city in Uttarakh and state in North India where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage site, attracting a large number of pilgrims from all over the world.

On the banks of Haridwar is the famous “ghat”, which is a flight of steps leading down to a river. According to legend, this is the place where a drop of nectar fell from the blending and stirring-up of the oceans during the world’s creation and has a stone wall that houses Vishnu's footprint. Har Ki Pauriis a festival that takes place here, and host to the serene Ganga Aarti, river-worshipping ceremony in which “diyas” lamps, are sent floating down the river. Haridwar is also the location of many other religious ceremonies including the yearly Kanwar Mela festival in which normally draws up to 300,000 visitors and Kartik Purnima, held 15 days after Diwali on the first night of the full moon in November. Besides places of worship, Haridwar has some interesting handicrafts and jewellery, which can be found at the Moti bazaar.

Haridwar is about 200 kilometres from Delhi and well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun approximately 20 kilometres away. Haridwar Junction Railway Station located on the south side of town serves many cities and is also within walking distance to most hotels. There are numerous taxi operators providing taxis from New Delhi & Dehradun to Haridwar. It is advisable to book rooms and tickets well in advance for this popular location, especially at festival time.

Haridwar is thought by many to be an excellent source of Ayurvedic, holistic and herbal remedies. It is home to the unique Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya that has been providing traditional and holistic education since 1902.