Haridwar is known as the holiest Hindu city in the state, in particular for the Har-ki-Pairi Ghat. This is the 'footstep of God', where Vishnu dropped some heavenly nectar and left a footprint. Washing in the Ganges here is said to wash away your sins, provided you can cope with the fast flowing waters!

We stayed in hidden away hotel, comprising of huts surrounding an oasis garden and facing out onto the Ganges with it's own private ghat. It was very relaxing.

Again we went to see the evening prayers but this was not as organised as in Rishikesh. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of people there which made it a very active prayer ceremony. Leaves with lighted candles and petals floated down the Ganges as people made their prayers. The atmosphere was very exbuerant and in my mind, how it should be.

There were two cable cars to whisk you up the mountain to the Mansa Devi (wish fulfilling goddess) and Chandi Devi Temples. It was fun to take and inside the car very quiet compared to the spiritual noise below.

My favourite bit of Haridwar was a massive statue of Shiva at the entrance to the town and guarding the Ganges. Stunning in design, it reminded me of the statues guarding the waterways in Lord of the Rings.