Is Haridwar the same as Rishikesh?

No — Haridwar and Rishikesh are two distinct cities, located approximately 25 kilometres apart. Haridwar, at the base of the Himalayan foothills, is primarily a pilgrimage city with a busy, devotional character centred on Har ki Pauri and its temples. Rishikesh, further into the hills, is known as the yoga capital of the world and has a more contemplative, ashram-centred atmosphere. Many pilgrims visit both cities together.