Jun 16, 2006 01:00 PM
8722 Views
I went through all reviews on Haridwar before traveling there for the first time. I should admit that my expectations were sky high but all that went down as soon as I saw the Ganges river bank near Har-ki-Paudi. It is possible that I have slightly biased openion as I went to this place after exploring Rishikesh.
My serious suggestion for those who expect to see a great Hindu religious place is DONOT visit Haridwar. Worst case, go there to travel to other places such as Rishikesh. I wouldn't repeat what all others have said about the local attractions but would like to write down some facts to present my view.
1.The city is very dirty and it is worst if you go during rainy season. It starts showing up as soon as you step out of railway station/bus terminus.
2.The Ganges river bank is very dirty and if you believe my word, you will not get a single place near Har-Ki-Paudi to sit and watch the beautiful river. The place is full of hawkers, pandits who have permanent sheds right next to the river, beggers and even barbers. People even wash their cloths and hang them on the bridge right next to Har-Ki-Paudi.
3.The place is highly commertialized. Don't be surprised if you see little boys jump to the river immediately after the Ganga aarti to extinguish the lamps you worshipped and dropped to the river for resale. Almost all flowers you buy there are "recycled" ones. Pundits ask for money to give you teertha/apply teekha and even the Ganga mandir is not spared.
If you are thinking about performing Aarti yourself, better forget it. Nobody would tell you how much it would cost and whom to contact for that. Better to buy a basket with flowers/lamps and do it yourself on the opposite side of river.
If you are keen to watch/perform Ganga Aarti, goto Rishikesh - it is much better place.
4.People ask you for donation [rather demand it hundred times] just before the Ganga aarti and the situation becomes worse once the aarti is over: every Tom, Dick and Harry comes to you with local aarti and asks money.
5.Almost all ashrams you hear are literally lodges that collect money [call it donation] and the ambience is no more spiritual. You will think why to call them ashrams! If you really want ashram feeling, go far from the city.
6.People say that no non-veg/alcohal is served in the city but there are plenty of them. Just goto the bye-pass road and you will find them all over.
Probably the reviews that recommond the place are too old, just go there now and you will agree with my view. My advice is goto Rishikesh instead of Haridwar and you will really enjoy your trip.
If you still want to try out Haridwar for a day or so, try these places:
1.Bharat Mata Mandir
2.Mansa Devi
3.Saptarishi Ashram -- best place to take bath in Ganges compared to Har-Ki-Paudi.
