Things to do in Haridwar
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Har-ki-Pairi Ghat
Har-ki-Pairi Ghat (The Footstep of God) is where Vishnu is said to have dropped some heavenly nectar and left a footprint behind. As such it is very sacred to Hindus and the place to wash away your sins. Pilgrims bathe here in its often fast currents and donate money to the priests and shrines.
The ghat sits on the western bank of the Ganges canal and every evening hundreds of worshippers gather for the ganga aarti (river worship ceremony). Officials in blue uniform collect donations (and give out receipts) and as the sun sets, bells ring out a rhythm, torches are lit, and leaf baskets with flower petals inside and a candle on top (Rs 5) are lit and put on the river to dr…
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Shanti Kunj Ashram
A large ashram set in beautiful gardens on the road to Rishikesh, this is an inspirational community (founded in 1971) that offers simple accommodation. It suits serious students of sadhana (spiritual achievement), as meditation and mantras start at 5am, followed by yagyar (fire ceremony) and meditation in a hall dominated by a model of the Himalaya. Contact the foreigners office (the ‘Abroad Cell’) for further information. The ashram has established its own university and runs ‘spiritual camps’ (in Hindi and English) running from nine days to one month.
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Ashrams
While most travellers make a beeline for Rishikesh to partake in yoga, spirituality and stay in an ashram, Haridwar has several excellent ashrams where you'll be surrounded by serious ashramites and fewer foreigners. You can join in with ashram activities as long as you obey the strict rules. Everything - lodging, meals, religious practice - is usually free, but a donation is expected.
Most ashrams try to be self-sufficient mini-utopias - some grow their own herbs which are made into Ayurvedic medicines, publish books and literature or run schools.
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Mohan’s Adventure Tours
From his office next to Chitra Talkies cinema, Sanjeev Mehta of Mohan’s Adventure Tours can organise any kind of tour, including trekking, fishing, birdwatching, cycling, motorcycling and rafting. An accomplished wildlife photographer, he specialises in five-hour safaris (Rs1750 per person) around Rajaji National Park. Sanjeev also runs three-day trips to Corbett Tiger Reserve – these tours operate year-round.
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Mansa Devi Temple
Take the cable car to the crowded hilltop temple of Mansa Devi, a wish-fulfilling goddess. The path to the cable car is lined with stalls selling packages of prasad (food offering used in religious ceremonies) to take up to the goddess on the hill. You can walk up (1.5km) but beware of prasad-stealing monkeys. Photography is forbidden in the temple.
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Chotiwala, Subhash Ghat
Being a holy city, only vegetarian food and nonalcoholic drinks are available. There are a couple of outlets for this popular veg restaurant - this one down on the river at Subhash Ghat and another on Upper Rd. You may find the forlorn mascot (the chotiwallah) sitting out the front. The veg snacks and Chinese dishes are simple but tasty.
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Chotiwala, Upper Rd
Being a holy city, only vegetarian food and nonalcoholic drinks are available. There are a couple of outlets for this popular veg restaurant - this one on Upper Rd and another down on the river at Subhash Ghat. You may find the forlorn mascot (the chotiwallah) sitting out the front. The veg snacks and Chinese dishes are simple but tasty.
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Mohyal Ashram
More a yoga retreat than an ashram, Mohyal has peacefullawns, marble floors and a meditation and yoga hall with wonderful acoustics. The spotless midrange accommodation includes meals and classes. This is not a usual strict ashram (although smoking, alcohol and meat are prohibited), and casual guests are welcome.
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Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple was built by Raja Suchet Singh of Kashmir in 1929.
Many visitors and pilgrims combine this with a cable car to the crowded hilltop temple of Mansa Devi, a wish-fulfilling goddess. Pay Rs 144 at Mansa Devi and you can ride on both cable cars and take an AC coach between the two temples.
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Chotiwala
There are a couple of outlets for this popular veg restaurant – one on Upper Rd and another down on the river at Subhash Ghat. You may find the forlorn mascot (the chotiwallah) sitting out the front. The veg snacks and Chinese dishes are simple but tasty.
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Hoshiyar Puri
Established in 1937 and still with a loyal following – the kidney beans, lacha paratha (stuffed fried bread) ,aloo gobi (potato-and-cauliflower curry) and kheer (rice pudding) are lip-smackingly good.
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Big Ben Restaurant
Watch the passing parade through the big windows and enjoy some of Haridwar’s best comfort food in this restaurant of mirrors, soft music and polite staff. It’s especially good for breakfast, soups or the gourmet special thali (Rs120).
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Prakash Lok
Don’t miss a creamy lassi at Prakash Lok, a Haridwar institution for its ice-cold lassis and almond milk served in tin cups. It’s not signed in English but locals know where to find it.
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7 Days Restaurant
This bright first-floor restaurant and internet café serves up dosas, pizzas, cheese burgers and Chinese dishes.
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