Geographical Facts

Haridwar, meaning the gateway to God, remains tucked away at the foot of the Shivalik Himalayas. Located at an elevation of 819 ft (249.7 m) above sea level, spans over 2,360 sq km. After River Ganga takes birth at Gangotri, it journeys over a distance of 253 km before it makes an entry into the Northern Indian plains. Haridwar has the distinction of being the place that Ganga first touches before it enters the Indo Gangetic plains. Owing to this, the pilgrimage town of Haridwar in Uttarakhand is also referred to as 'Gangadwara', meaning the gateway to Holy Ganges. The location of Haridwar is so that it is also rich in nature, be it wild jungles and wildlife species.


Looking at the geographical map of Northern India, one comes to known that Haridwar lies at 29.96 degrees North latitude and 78.16 degrees East longitude. Occupying a position in southwestern part of Uttarakhand, Haridwar remains surrounded with dense jungles. In these Himalayan forests, a number of wild animals and bird have found shelter.