Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas, represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ancient pilgrimage site, held in reverence for centuries. The Chinese pilgrim Hyuen Tsang who visited India in the first millennium CE, describes Haridwar as Mayura, on the eastern banks of the Ganges. Several temples and ashrams dot this town and a visit to Haridwar is like stepping into a totally different world.

Legend has it that Bhagiratha , brought the Ganges into the earth, and into this point where his ancestors were burnt to ashes by the curse of the sage Kapila . Kapilastaan , a spot in Haridwar is pointed to as Kapila's hermitage. Haridwar was once known as Gangadwara .