Haridwar is the main doorway to the four chardham pilgrimage destinations. It is located in the foot hills of the Shiwaliks. It is a divine place for pilgrims arriving in Uttarakhand. Haridwar occupies its area on the banks of the holy river Ganga. Char dham yatra comprises of traveling to destinations Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnathji, Badrinathji. Haridwar is also known by titles like Gangadwar, Tapowan and Mayapuri. Pilgrims also call it "The Gateway Of Chardham", "The Spiritual Land Of Hindus" etc. The rishis named it Haridwar. As in the Hindu mythos it is also known as Kalilsthan. The well known Kumbh Mela is organized in Haridwar once after every 12 years and the Ardha Kumbh Mela comes after 6 years. Apart from being a sacred place, it is also very much popular for arts, science and culture. The holiest of all, the great Ganga River flows through it.

Mythologically, during the fight between Gods and Demons to get "Amrit" a few drops fell at four different locations on earth. Haridwar is one of them. The remaining ones are Prayag, Nasik and Ujjain. All these places are popular sacred destinations for pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. Haridwar occupies an area of 12 sq. km, located at an elevation of 2,927 mts. above sea level. Munies, Rishis, men, women, sages and children visit here to take a holy dip in the Ganga at Haridwar.