The religious city of Haridwar is a part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, located in the country’s northern section. The name of the city means ‘Gateway to God in the Indian national language, which is Hindi. Haridwar is best known as the venue of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The location of the event, Kumbh Mela, generally rotates between Ujjain, Allahabad, Nashik and Haridwar.
Also, there is a concept of Ardh Mela, also known as Half Mela, which takes place some time between two consecutive Maha Kumbh Melas. This fair is the most important and popular fair that happens in the entire country. Also, this is the most important pilgrimage destination in the country, and it sees many people from different parts of the world, especially during the Sawan month of the Hindu calendar.
Since the region remains so crowded during the Sawan month, it is advisable to avoid visiting this city during that time of the year. Even certain roads remain blocked, and the cost of hotels goes up and sometimes are not even available.
The city is located on the bank of the Ganga, which is the most holy rover according to the Hindu mythologies and has been prayed even as a Goddess for ages. The Kumbh Mela took place last in the year 2004.
During this year, almost 70 million people visited the city for the purpose of attending the fair. It again took place in the year 2013, and more people had turned up. Sawan month generally falls in the English month of July, and if you are visiting Haridwar during this time of the year, you should make it a point to book accommodation and tickets for travel beforehand to avoid any kind of hassle later.
The Indian city of Delhi is the capital city of the country and is located only 200 kms away from this region. The city of Haridwar is located close to the Himalayas, and so the natural beauty of the place is impeccable. This beauty can obviously be taken in without much hullabaloo when the rush is not much. There are certain trains and buses that connect Haridwar with its neighbouring regions of Delhi, Jaipur and Dehradun. Also, Rishikesh is located quite close to the region and is well connected with Haridwar.
Dehradun has its own airport, which is the Jolly Grant Airport, located at a distance of only 20 km from Haridwar. Haridwar Junction Railway Station is the name of its railway head, and the city does not have an airport of its own. Therefore, one coming by flight must reach the one in Dehradun and take a bus or taxi from there.
