WHY?
Haridwar is located by the Ganges and is one of the holy river's holy cities where the Kumbha Mela is celebrated with traditional baths every three years. Millions of pilgrims descend on the city for the occasion, but Haridwar can also be visited at any other time as the Ganges is believed to purify anything and anyone that touches it. Today, vast stretches of the river are very polluted but, as Haridwar is located just where the river comes into the plainlands of India, it is generally still clear here. There are several temples of importance in and around the city that you ought to visit, including the ancient Maya Devi and Daksha Mahadev Temples.
WHERE TO STAY
While it is hardly located next door, the Oberoi Cecil in Shimla is a tranquil hotel in picturesque surroundings where modern pilgrims can start their journey to Haridwar. The Cecil was originally a Himalayan hill station and was built in 1884 around an atrium. The rooms have beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and the spa specialises in aromatherapy, ayurvedic and Balinese treatments. Driving from Shimla to Haridwar takes six to eight hours, and trains are usually quicker. While in Haridwar itself, the County Inn and Suites is a comfortable hotel with good service. Oberoi Cecil, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (00 91 177 280 4848; www.thececil.com); County Inn and Suites Haridwar, Motichur, Haripur Kalan, Haridwar Rishikesh Highway, Haridwar Uttarakhand (00 91 135 248 5900; www.countryinns.com/haridwarin).
WHEN TO GO
Festivals take place every year in April, July and November. The next Haridwar Kumbha Mela will be held in 2010.
TOURIST INFORMATION
The Haridwar District authority's website (www.haridwar.nic.in) has a complete listing of festivals.
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