Haridwar District, Uttarakhand :

Haridwar District is located in the western part of Uttarakhand. The district headquarter is situated at Haridwar. Haridwar District is covering a total area of about 2360 sq kms. Haridwar is considered as a paradise for nature lovers. It presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. Haridwar also termed as 'Gateway to Gods' is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar as well. It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centres of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand) namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. 

Location :

Haridwar District is located between 29 degree 58 minutes north latitude and 78 degree 13 minutes east longitude respectively. Average elevation of the district from the sea level is around 249.7 metres. Haridwar District is bounded by Saharanpur in the west, Dehradun in the north and east, Pauri Garhwal in the east, Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor in the south. Due to Haridwar's location on the bank of Ganga River, it has plenty of water resources and almost all kind of food grains are produced here in abundance. 

History :

Archaeological findings have proved that terracotta culture dating between 1700 B.C. and 1200 B.C. existed in this region. Haridwar District came into existence on 28th of December, 1988. Prior to its inclusion in the newly created state of Uttarakhand, this district was a part of Saharanpur Divisional Commissionery. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it waves through the life and time stretching from the period of Lord Buddha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar's long standing position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the scenic beauty and lush greenery all give the city unique flavors and charm. 

Administration :

Haridwar District is administratively subdivided into three tehsils namely Haridwar, Roorkee and Laksar. There are six development blocks and these are Bhagwanpur, Roorkee, Narsan, Bahadrabad, Laksar and Khanpur. As per the 2001 census, the population of the district is 14,44,213. The district is headed by District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner. The subdivisions are headed by Sub Divisional Officer. Each subdivision serves the purpose of general, criminal and revenue administration of the district. For development works, a chief development officer (CDO) is posted at district head quarter who heads a team of Block Development Officers at blocks. 

Culture :

Culture of Haridwar District is rich and vibrant. Haridwar is also one of the four places; where Kumbha Melais organized after rotation of every twelve years and Ardh Kumbha after every six years. Haridwar is one place where fairs are being organized with full enthusiasm throughout the year, such as Somwati Amavasya, Kartik Purnima, Shravan Purnima, Ganga Dussehra and more. The Kanwad mela during the month of Shravana is very popular among masses in which thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva come to Haridwar. District administration also organises 'Haridwar Mahotsava', a cultural festival on the bank of river Ganga and 'Ayurveda Mahotsava'. 

Tourism :

Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga River emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. And that is why the water is crystal clear and cool. Lush green forests and small ponds add to the scenic beauty of this holy land. Places of attraction in state are :

Rajaji National Park: Rajaji National Park was founded in the year 1966 and spreads over an area of 820 sq kms, the park with its magnificent ecosystem, is nestled in the lush valley of Shivalik Hills. It represents the flora of several zones of the forest, riverine, broad leaf mixed forest, scrub land and grassy pasture lands. One may watch a herd of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle or may find oneself excited by wildlife of many kinds including tigers, leopard, jungle cat, Himalayan yellow throated marten, samber, cheetal, barking deer, wild boar, langoor, ghural, sloth beer, king cobra, woodpecker etc. The river shelters fish in abundance. 

Piran Kalier :The 'Dargah' of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed 'Sabir' on the outskirts of Roorkee town is a worth visit place for every visitor. It is situated towards the southern region of Haridwar. Famed for its mystical powers that fulfill the desires of the devout, the Dargah is visited by millions of devotees from far and wide. 

Sureshwari Devi Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is situated in the peaceful forest area of Rajaji National park. 

Kodiyala: The place is very popular among the adventure lovers. It is known for its turbulent white water. 

Bhimgoda Tank: This tank is at a distance of about 1 km from Har-ki-Pauri. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, Bhima made this tank. 

Har Ki Pauri: This sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother. It is believed that King Vikramaditya's brother eventually came to Haridwar to meditate in the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name which later came to be known as 'Har-Ki-Pauri'. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight during the Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Chandi Devi Temple: The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir Suchat Singh. Several legends are associated with this temple. This temple is one of the famous Shakti Piths of North India. 

Mansa Devi Temple: This temple of Goddess Mansa is situated at the top of Bilva Parwat. One can have a beautiful view of the city from this place. The temple can be reached through ropeway. 

Maya Devi Temple: This is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddha peethas. 

Daksha Mahadev Temple: The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to a popular legend associated with this temple. 

Apart from the above mentioned ones, there are several other religious places offered by Haridwar District. Haridwar has several Ashrams and temples of significance such as Shanti Kunj, Jairam Ashram, Bhuma Niketan, Bharat Mata Mandir, Vaishnav Devi Temple, Radha Krishan temple, Shravan Nath Math, Pawan Dham, Doodhadari temple, Bilkeshwar Mahadev temple, Shahi Gurudwara, Parmarth Ashram, Prem Nagar Ashram, Ma Anand Mai Ashram, etc. All of these are worth seeing.