Ganga Sadan Blog
India has a large diversity of wildlife but the most notable are the line of big cats that the inhibit the forests. The dense forests of Uttarakhand are home to the Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard and other predators that hunt the lands. Here’s a list of predators that you may bump into on a safari into the jungle. Bengal Tiger: The most royal of all cats the Bengal Tiger was…
The forests of Uttarakhand are home to over 25 different species of mammals. While some are predators the majority of the wildlife is constituted by herbivores. These include a variety of deer and other mammals that inhibit the forests. Here’s a list of the herbivores that you can spot on a safari in this region. Asian Elephant: The largest land mammal in Asia, elephants are a fairly common sight in…
The forest area in Uttarakhand is over 34,000 square kilometres, which is 65% of the states total area. The densest forests of the state are around the Shivaliks, around the foothills of the Himalayas. This area is well conditioned with a pleasant temperature for most of the year, lush vegetation and water sources like the river Ganga and Yamuna. The conditions are apt for flora and fauna alike, giving it…
Established in the year 1943 by Goswami Guru Dutt, the ashram is one of the few Sanskrit schools in the region. This huge ashram is located about 5 kilometres from Haridwar and sits along the banks of river Ganga. Myth has it that seven Sapt Rishis namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Arti, Jamadagi, Vishwamitra, Gautam and Bharadwaja meditated on the banks of river Ganga. As they meditated, they found the sound of…
This temple is the oldest Siddpeeth Temple in India, is devoted to Goddess Kali and is located on the Haridwar-Rishikesh Highway very close to the popular Chandi Devi Temple. The temple houses an idol of the furious Goddess who is known to be a demolisher of demons and all evil. If you’re on the lookout for an adventure, then you could also trek to this temple. There is a 7…
A replica of the popular Vaishno Devi Mandir in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, this temple houses a mirror image of the shrine in Jammu. The temple was built only a decade back but has garnered popularity over a short period. Located very close to the Bharat Mata Mandir, this temple has a few natural and man-made caves that you need to go through to reach the deity. The temple is…
Most of us are familiar with the mythological story of Sati – the first wife of Lord Shiva. As per folklore, King Daksha, the father of Sati, hosted a grand yagna at his palace, where all deities and saints were invited. However, he did not invite Lord Shiva to the ceremony. Further, he also insulted Lord Shiva in front of the guests and his daughter Sati. Sati, could not bear…
This 13th century Sufi dargah of saint Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir Kalyari, is located in Kaliyar village about 20 Kms from Haridwar along the banks of river Ganga. Built by the afghan ruler Ibrahim Lodhi, it is considered one of the most revered shrine for Muslims in the country. Saint Alauddin Kalyari, is said to be a spiritual and peaceful man who reached Kaliyar Sharif in 1253 AD. He spent…
Located about 4 Km from Har-ki-pauri ghat on the Haridwar-Rishikesh highway NH58, this temple houses sculptures of several Hindu gods. The temple is built completely with white marble and showcases intricate designs along its walls and pillars. Many visit the temple to admire and study its sheer architecture which includes several traditionally inspired designs as part of its construction. The temple is surrounded by huge spaces of greenery that include…
Running out of places for sightseeing in Haridwar? Just about 4 Kms from Haridwar near the Bhimgoda barrage, is the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar – a beautiful bird sanctuary on the banks of river Ganga. The best time to spot birds here is early in the morning, when several species, including migratory birds flock the waterhole. Some of the birds include Common Pochards, Spotted Himalayan Bulbuls, Black Drongos, Serbian Cranes…