Haridwar, located in the foothills of the Shivaliks and on the banks of River Ganga, is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. When the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains, Haridwar is the first major town on the plains. Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely, nevertheless it becomes very quiet and calm here. The water is clean and carries the religious sanction of purifying the soul of all its sins which, in turn, opens the gateway to Nirvana. Consequently, people bathe on the numerous ghats built on the river shores, some travelling great distances for this purpose only.

Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of the Lords Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths. Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul of people not only in spiritual or religious terms but also since it has emerged as a major learning centre for the arts, science and culture.  This place has maintained the ancient Gurukul tradition of teaching with fervour.

Since ages Haridwar has been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies. One of the first towns to be developed on Ganges, Haridwar is still lush and green with forest cover and trees. With the Rajaji Park being established in the in the vicinity, Haridwar is also a destination for the wildlife and nature lovers.
Always beautiful, the city looks especially enchanting in the evening when the ghats become stunningly ablaze with light and colour with thousands of diyas (clay lamps) and marigolds floating in the waters of Ganges.