Laxman Siddh Temple

Twelve kilometres out on the Haridwar road, a short walk off the tarmac into sal forest, stands the best known of the Doon's four Siddh Peeths, shrines associated with sages of the Dattatreya lineage. Tradition holds that Lakshman performed penance on this spot. Pilgrims with stamina attempt the Chaar Siddh Yatra, reaching all four seats (Laxman, Kalu, Manak and Madu) in a single day, and on the last Sunday of April the year's biggest gathering fills the grounds, when people come in great numbers to bow at the samadhi. On an ordinary weekday it is quiet under the trees. Shoes off; the customary offering here is gur, unrefined cane sugar.

Sal-forest shrine that anchors the valley's own one-day, four-seat pilgrimage