Haridwar is an ancient city. It is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus and is the gateway to char dham, the four pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. Haridwar is situated on the bank of the Ganga River. The river Ganga enters the plains for the first time in Haridwar. In the evenings the river comes alive with flickering flames as floating offerings
are released onto the Ganges. The town is dotted with ancient and modern temples and ashrams specializing in teaching yoga and meditation. 
Major tourist sites in and around Haridwar: Hari Ki Pauri ghat, Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi and Bharat Mata Temples, Sapt Rishi Ashram, Rajaji National Park etc.

Tourism Board Website

When to visit: best time to visit is March to June and September to November.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest railway station: Haridwar station is well connected by trains to all major cities of India - Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Varanasi, Amritsar, Lucknow, etc.

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (IATA: DED) is about 38 km away.

Buses: Uttarakhand Roadways buses as well as private operators connect Haridwar to the major cities in North India.

By road: The distance from Dehradun to Haridwar is about 38 km via NH34 and NH 7. It takes around 1 hour.

The distance from New Delhi to Haridwar is aout 213 km via NH334. It takes around 4-5 hours.

The distance from Rishikesh to Haridwar is about 20 km via NH34. It takes around 1 hour.

The distance from Haridwar to Gangotri is about 287 km via NH34. It takes around 7-8 hours.

The distance from Jim Corbett National Park to Haridwar is about 117 km via NH34. It takes around 3-4 hours.