In the local dialect, "Apani Dhani" means "Our Hamlet", an affectionate name given to the place by Ramesh C. Jangid, founder of the ecolodge and a pioneer of a form of militant tourism in India, especially in Rajasthan and his own native region of Nawalgarh.  

Get off the beaten track in India with a stay at Apani Dhani Ecolodge

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Haridwar, located in the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India, is considered one of the cradles of Hinduism. Its prime location on the banks of the Ganges makes it a popular destination with Indian tourists.

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Less popular with foreign tourists than Varanasi, the sacred Hindu town of Haridwar is a favourite with Indian pilgrims. As with Varansi, tradition is to bathe in the Ganges at Haridwar before dying, so as to avoid being reincarnated.
During my first <a href="/india/">trip to India</a>, I spent a day there and visitied the Chandi Devi Temple and saw the Ghats - the areas where ritual prayers are held on the banks of the Ganges. Beside them you'll find numerous temples, dedicated to a variety of gods. Apparently Vishnou left a footprint, but we didn't see it. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed by my visit to this town, undertaken in a stifling heat.
Unless you're a Hindu, I don't think it's worth the detour.

Haridwar is one of seven sacred Hindu towns and, in my opinion, not the most interesting. That said, the local Indians were, as they are everywhere, adorable and the food yummy (very spicy too!).

After spending 15 days in an ashram in Rishitesh, yoga capital of the world, we wanted to get off the beaten track in search of Haridwar, less touristy, yet a favourite haunt of many Indians.
At the foot of the riverbank steps or "ghats", where hundreds of Hindus come each day to pay their respects to the river Ganges, it is said that Vishnu, one of the Trinity of most revered gods in Hinduism, walked, leaving his footprints.
Not to bypass the rule, we also went along to this ceremony in order to get a better understanding of Indian culture. The moment, full of candles, garlands, hymns and incense have left a permanent impression on my mind. The bravest among you will no doubt immerse yourselves in the Ganges. We could only dip our feet!

Haridwar, located in the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India, is considered one of the cradles of Hinduism. Its prime location on the banks of the Ganges makes it a popular destination with Indian tourists.

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