This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Haridwar.
Guess what? Haridwar is also named and spelled Hardwar - It is the same destination. Goodbye confusion.
Known as one of the Saptapuri (seven sacred cities) in India, Haridwar is a lively city surrounded by hills, forests and rivers in the state of Uttarakhand. Being a famous pilgrimage city, Haridwar is home to various religious sites, hermitages and temples. The city is filled with pilgrims, devotees and travelers throughout the year, with the peak tourist season being summer, lasting from March until June. You can visit Haridwar at anytime of the year as the city is well connected by air, rail and road, though the best time to visit would be from October to March. Hostels abound in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India, as the place is crowded throughout the year.
Haridwar plays host to many religious festivals throughout the year. The various temples in this city are a sight to be seen, especially during festivals when they are decorated with bright lights and with the aura of festivities surrounding them. There are more than ten temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion in Haridwar. Each temple has its own historical and religious significance. The city's main landmark, though, is the Har Ki Pauri ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. This ghat, or mountain pass, in Haridwar is revered because it is the precise location where the Ganges River leaves the Gangotri Glacier on the Himalayas and enters the Indian Plains.
Although Haridwar is filled with religious sites and temples, there are others attractions such as mountains, lakes, caves, meadows and waterfalls around the city. Make Haridwar your base while visiting other places of interest, and its many hostels will let you save money while providing you with ample accommodation. A number of youth hostels are scattered in areas such as Devpura, Madhya Marg, Khanna Nagar and Water Colony. There are a few hostels for women near Bhimgoda and Rajeev Colony. The prices for hostel accommodations vary and will suit any type of budget, though there is an increase in rates during summer.
Written by local enthusiast for Haridwar hostels
Joy Barboza