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Shopping Delights	City Name

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		<title>Haridwar</title>
		<link>http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide</link>
		
		<language>en-us</language>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:50 EDT</pubDate>
		<ttl>10</ttl>
		<image>
			<title>Travelguru</title>
			<link>http://www.travelguru.com/hotels/</link>
			<url>http://www.travelguru.com/images/logo.gif</url>
			<width>145</width>
			<height>65</height>
			<description>Hotels in India Find Cheap and Budget Hotels online on India largest Hotel Network.Instant Hotel Reservation at Best price</description>
		</image>

<item>
	<title>Editor's Note</title>
	<link></link>
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		<![CDATA[
			
		
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/haridwar-editor.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Haridwar" align="right" />'Gateway to the Gods', there has to be a reason why Haridwar is titled this. And there can be no reason better than Haridwar itself! Located at the base of the Shivalik Hills, this place is steeped in legends, mythology and ancient beliefs. An aura of spiritualism surrounds wherever you visit. This bustling city has a lot to offer - colourful markets selling all kinds of paraphernalia, beautiful temples dedicated to all possible gods and goddesses, ayurvedic potions, exotic wildlife, and exciting adventure options like rafting, trekking and mountaineering. The world famous Kumbh Mela that takes place once in 12 years has put Haridwar on the world chart! Over ten million people visit this holy place then, all looking to cleanse their souls and attain salvation. No matter when you decide to travel here, don't miss out on the spectacular Ganga Aarti, where priests perform religious rites to the river and thousands of diyas illuminate the sacred waters.</td>
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	<title>Fast Facts</title>
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 <td width="23%" valign="top">Climate</td>
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 <td width="12%" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_03.gif" alt="Summer" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="74%" valign="top">Summer 
 March-June, Warm, but pleasant, due to the snow from the Himalayas 
Temperatures - 20°C-35°C</td>
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 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_10.gif" alt="Monsoon" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top">Monsoons 
 June-August, Moderate rainfall Annual rainfall - 162 cm </td>
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	 <tr>
 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_06.gif" alt="Winter" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top">Winter 
 September-February, Cold 
Temperatures - 6ºC-16°C	</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Local Languages:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Hindi and English</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Best Time to Visit:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">October - April when the weather is cool</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Clothing:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Cotton during summers & woolen during winters</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Moving Around: </td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">
Rickshaws are the most popular mode of transport. Hired taxi's can be got from the Taxi Union. Private bus services, tempos as well as tongas (carriages driven by horse) are available for travel within Haridwar. </td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Tourist Offices</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Rahi Hotel, Lalta Rao Bridge,
Haridwar 
Tel: 01334-2224240
</td>
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	<title>What to See</title>
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		<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/haridwar-what-to-see.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Haridwar" align="right" />
		Har Ki Pauri: Not just Haridwar, this is one of the most sacred bathing ghats in India. It is believed to have been constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Don't miss the spectacular evening aarti (prayer), which is a display of sound and colour. Particularly enchanting is when the pilgrims float lighted diyas lighting up the entire river. This ghat is particularly busy during the Kumbh Mela when millions of devotees take a holy dip here. 
 Chandi Devi Temple: Located atop the Neel Parvat, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi who is believed to have killed the demon. The temple is accessible by a walk up the hill, though ropeway services can also be used.
 Masa Devi Temple: Located atop the Bilwa Parwat, the deity is believed to have wish-granting powers. Within the main temple are two idols of the Goddess - one with three mouths and five arms, and the second with eight arms. Especially notable is the cable car ride to this temple, which offers picturesque views of the entire city. 
 Maya Devi Temple: Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple is dedicated to the Adhisthatri Devi and regarded as one of the Siddhapethas. It holds special importance for Hindus, since it is believed that this was the spot where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell. 
 Daksha Mahadev Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to a legend of Goddess Sati's wedding to Lord Shiva. Legend has it that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Goddess Sati performed a yagna (holy prayers) here, to which he did not invite Lord Shiva. When Shiva arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king. This infuriated the goddess and she self-immolated herself in the yagna fire. King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, who was born due to Shiva's anger. Later, Shiva himself brought the back to life. 
 Sati Kund: Located in Kankhal, Sati Kund is believed to be where Sati immolated herself. 
 Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: This is one of the best spots to view a wide array of birdlife, especially migratory birds during winters. Among other species, you can catch a glimpse of much-loved Siberian Crane around Laljiwala on the banks of the river. 
 <img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/haridwar-what-to-see-1.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Haridwar" align="right" />Parad Shivling: Located in Kankhal, its main attractions include the shivling weighing almost 150 kg and the Rudraksha Tree. 
		 Bhimgoda Tank: Located 1 km from Har-ki-Pauri, this tank is believed to have been created when Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee on the ground. 
 Jairam Ashram: This is one of the most unavoidable spots of Haridwar. It houses within several sculptures from Hindu mythology. The most famous structure is the huge white statue depicting the famous scene of Samudra Manthan or churning of the ocean for the pot of holy nectar, which grants Haridwar its religious significance. 
 Sapt Rishi Ashram & Sapt Sarovar: This beautiful spot was the meditating ground for seven great sages or Saptarishis, namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam. It is here that Ganga split herself into seven streams so that the Rishis would not be disturbed by the flow. 
 
 Doodhadhari Barfani Temple: A sprawling temple complex in white marble, the temples of Ram-Sita and Hanuman are particularly noteworthy here. 
 Sureshwari Devi Temple: Located within the Rajaji National Park, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Remember, permission from forest rangers is mandatory to visit it. 
 Bharat Mata Mandir: A huge 8-storey temple, each floor within has idols belonging to different mythological legends, leaders and heroes, who have worked towards India's independence. The first floor of the temple has the statue of Bharat Mata holding India's map. 
 Anandamayi Ma Ashram: Located in Kankhal, the ashram houses the samaadhi shrine of one of the most noted saint Sri Anandamayi Ma. 
 Piran Kaliyar: Built by Ibrahim Lodhi, this Dargah is known for its wish-granting powers. The Urs Festival is celebrated at this Dargah every year with great zest. 
 Gurukul Kangri University: One of the few universities that still follow the ancient of Guru-Sishya pattern of education. Visit the Ved Mandir Museum which has an exceptional collection of archaeological exhibits and artifacts. 
 Triveni Ghat: Following Har-ki-Pauri, the Triveni Ghat is visited by people who worship the river with milk and diyas. Post sunset, priests perform religious ceremonies and set floating lamps on the water as part of the aarti ceremony. 
 Chila Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 10 km away, this sanctuary is part of the Rajaji National Park and houses a good number of rare Himalayan flora and fauna. The sanctuary remains closed annually from mid-June to mid-November. 
 Neel Kantha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is sited at a height of 1700 metres. According to a legend, this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison churned out of the cosmic ocean. The Shivratri festival is held here in reverence to the Lord. </td>
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	<title>Gourmet Feasts</title>
	<link></link>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/haridwar-food.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Haridwar" align="right" />Owing to this religious status, all food available in Haridwar is strictly vegetarian and consumption of alcoholic drinks is sternly prohibited. However, it has a varied selection of vegetarian cuisine that ranges from south Indian dosas and thalis to Punjabi chana bhathura and parathas. Head out to Chotiwalas on Railway Road that serves up a wide selection of South and North Indian favorites, along with some Indian-Chinese! A must-try includes the sumptuous dosas, available in quite a few varieties. Sivalik Restaurant, a block down from Chotiwala Restaurant, is known for its Gujarati and South Indian fares. Hoshiyar Puri, which is over 50 years old is situated on the main road by the Har-ki-Pauri ghat, and is one of the busiest thali joints in town. Bestee Restaurant in the Shiv Murti Area is known for its chiku shakes and snacks like veggie rolls and veggie cutlets. Puri Houses, as the name suggests offers a super combination of puris and various curried vegetables. For a quick meal, stop by at Mohan's Fast Food for vada pao, pao bhaji and ice creams! If you would like some fine dining experience, Hotel Ginger, located on the highway to Haridwar is a self service vegetarian joint and they offer a-la-carte menu as well. Also the restaurant within Mansarover International is a moderately priced place that serves good food along with first-rate service. For all sweet lovers, Bridge Mathura Walla, located in the Bara Bazaar is famous for its sweets like, rasmalai, rabri and halwa. </td>
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<item>
	<title>Shopping Delights</title>
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 		<td class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/haridwar-shopping.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Haridwar" align="right" />Not a shopping hot-spot definitely, but you can pick up some of the most unusual gifts, souvenirs and artifacts. The main shopping areas are Bara Bazaar Moti Bazaar, Jwalapur and Kankhal. These colourful markets display a collection of just about everything - from religious articles, pictures and images of gods and goddesses, spiritual books, brassware, cane and bamboo products, semi-precious stones and herbal medicines. The sacred rudraksha garland, made from strings of the rudraksha seed is a much popular buy! A unique souvenir here would be stones that have been naturally shaped by the river and intricately carved - these are minimally priced, so don't forget to carry a piece or two. Also you could pick up elaborately carved stone idols as souvenirs. Look out for kitchen set toys created in stone, copper utensils for pujas and wooden walking sticks. Haridwar is also known for its wide range of Ayurvedic products, so get yourself a few bottles. There are also quite a few sweet shops, so pedas, bottles of churan (digestives) and aam papad (sweetend dry mango) constitute as good buys. </td>
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	<title>Festive Celebrations</title>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/haridwar-festival.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Haridwar" align="right" />
 Obviously the renowned Maha Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years and plays host to over 10 million devotees! Mythology has it that the oceans were once churned to retrieve the Kumbh (pot) containing the nectar of immortality (Amrit). As the divine healer appeared with the Kumbh, a great fight followed between the Gods and the Demons for the pitcher. During the fierce battle in the sky, a few drops of nectar fell at four different places, Haridwar being one of them. Hence, every twelve years pilgrims and devotees converge to commemorate this divine event. It is marked by a dip in the holy waters, several hour long prayers, and sadhus chanting vedic hymns and mantras, all looking to cleanse their souls. Held every 6 years, the Ardh Kumbh Mela is also visited by a large number of devotees coming here for a holy dip in the Ganges. 
 Kanwar Mela is held ten days before Shivteras (during the Hindu months of Shravan and Phagun) and is marked by huge crowds thronging to Haridwar to collect the scared waters of Ganga. It is also marked by a huge display of colourful goods at all shops. Diwali in November is also celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. You would see the entire city decorated with lights and diyas and the reflections cast in the waters is truly a spectacular sight.</td>
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	<title>Staying There</title>
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 More than hotels, Haridwar has innumerable ashrams scattered throughout the length of the city that offer comfortable and budget accommodations. The most popular ashram here is Jayram Ashram in Bhimgoda, which has the Ganga flowing past. Pawan Dham located near Har-ki-Pauri is known for the Sheeshe ka Mandir, where the frescoes on the walls and idols are almost entirely crafted in glass.An exceptionally good hotel, if a tad on the higher side is <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00000184&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=The+Haveli+Hari+Ganga&hotelClass=2&address1=Pilibhit+House%2C+21+Ramghat&address2=&city=Haridwar&state=Uttaranchal&pinCode=000000&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Haveli Hari Ganga</a> on the banks at Ram Ghat. Another good option could be <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002478&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Hotel+Alaknanda&hotelClass=0&address1=Belwala&address2=&city=Haridwar&state=Uttar+Pradesh&pinCode=000000&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Hotel Alaknanda</a>, which has the river flowing adjacent. An exceptional hotel would be the new <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00000566&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Ginger+Hotel&hotelClass=3&address1=Opp.+Dudhadhari+Temple&address2=&city=Haridwar&state=Uttranchal&pinCode=566039&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Ginger Hotel</a>, which is a full self-service economical hotel. Check out the other options that offer a view of the Ganges and its several ghats, including <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002428&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Ganges+Rivera&hotelClass=0&address1=Bypass+road&address2=&city=Haridwar&state=Uttranchal&pinCode=240941&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Ganga Riviera</a>,<a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001678&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Hotel+Classic+Residency&hotelClass=3&address1=Jwalapur+Road&address2=&city=Haridwar&state=Uttaranchal&pinCode=248409&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right"> Hotel Classic Residency</a>, Hotel Park View and <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002182&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Le+Grand+Hotel&hotelClass=3&address1=Ranipur+More&address2=&city=Haridwar&state=Uttaranchal&pinCode=249407&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Le Grand Hotel.</a></td>
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<item>
	<title>Getting There</title>
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 <td width="5%" valign="middle" class="climate-head">Air:</td>
 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-air.gif" alt="Air" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="75%" valign="middle" class="body-text">Jolly Grant Airport at a distance of 35 kms from Haridwar is connected by a number of domestic airlines that operate regular flights to and from major cities.</td>
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 <td valign="middle" class="climate-head">Rail: </td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-rail.gif" alt="Railway" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="middle" class="body-text">The major pilgrimage center of Haridwar is well connected by trains to almost all the major cities in India. In fact, trains are the major source of the tourist flow to Haridwar. </td>
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 <td valign="middle" class="climate-head">Road:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-road.gif" alt="Roadways" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="middle" class="body-text"> The National Highway no. 45 connects Haridwar to other cities of the state as well as other cities. The road connecting Haridwar to Delhi ensures an extremely comfortable travel. </td>
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	<title>Trivia</title>
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	The much renowned Kumbha Mela owes its name to the Pot of Nectar that was the cause of a great battle between the Gods and demons. This ancient origin is part of an extremely interesting legend when the gods and demons together produced the nectar of immortality. It is believed that the gods and demons assembled on the shore of the milk ocean to churn the ocean and produce the nectar of immortality, which would then be shared equally.
 
 
 For this vigorous task, which took one thousand years, the Mandara Mountain was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the King of Serpents, became the rope. For the first part, the churning produced a deadly poison which Shiva drank without being affected. That poison turned his throat blue; hence bestowing him the name Neelkantha (the Blue-Throated One). Once Shiva drank the poison, several creations came to life. First of these was the Surabhi cow, who could yield unlimited quantities of milk. Then a white horse named Uccaihsrava, a four-tusked white elephant named Airavata, Vishnu's precious gem Kaustubhamani, Parijata the wishing coral tree, Kamdhenu the wish-fulfilling divine cow, Panchajanya the conch, Sharanga the invincible bow, and Dhanvantri, Nimi and Bharadwaj physicians and surgeons. 
 Next appeared the apsaras who were celestial dancing girls. At last Dhanvantari appeared carrying the pot of immortal nectar in His hands. Seeing Dhanvantari with the pot of nectar, a fight ensued between the demigods and demons as to who would drink the nectar. The gods then seized the pot and ran away. Wherever the demigods went fierce fighting ensued, during which a drop of immortal nectar spilled from the pot and landed on four places on the earth - Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. These four places are since believed to have acquired mystical power and are the since the site of the Kumbh Mela once every 12 years.</td>
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