The topography of Haridwar is a blend of flat river plains and the rolling foothills of the Shivalik range. The city has an average elevation of 314 meters (1,030 feet) above sea level. While the core city, including the major bathing ghats and residential sectors, is relatively flat, two prominent hills immediately flank the river at the city's edge.
To the east lies the Neel Parvat (Blue Mountain), upon which the Chandi Devi Temple is perched. To the west is the Bilwa Parvat, home to the famous Mansa Devi Temple. These hills provide natural boundaries to the city and offer panoramic views of the Ganges winding its way through the plains. The river itself dominates the local topography, bifurcating into several natural and man-made channels, including the massive Upper Ganges Canal.
