Haridwar Travel Guide

Haridwar: A Journey to the Gateway of God

Haridwar (the Gateway of God) has always been one of the holiest cities and pilgrimage destinations in India, among Hindu communities. It is also considered one of the oldest living cities in the country, with a history that has no start date.

Located on the banks of India’s holiest river – the Ganga – in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the sacred city is also blessed with incredible natural beauty. The perfect agglomeration of natural beauty, rich history & culture, and religious significance makes this holy city a must-visit destination in India for several good reasons. Various attractions, including temples, ghats, ashrams, Ganga Aarati, mountains, and colorful local markets, are sure to seize your heart.

That is not all. You can make your Haridwar tours even more memorable by taking a few excursions to Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Dehradun are easily accessible from Haridwar and are also famous tourist destinations. The best execution you can take from Haridwar is a visit to Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World. Do not assume that Rishikesh is all about temples, Ganga, Aarati, and ashrams only. Here you can also enjoy a lot of fun, thrills, and activities. For example, you can trek to mountain villages, challenge the thrills of high-rising water rapids through river rafting, and have a nature walk in the surroundings.

Haridwar is also the gateway to the Himalayan Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage to the four sacred Hindu shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. In a nutshell, the holy city of Haridwar is indeed a must-visit destination in India, especially because of its religious significance and rich history. Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or spirituality seeker—you will have an amazing experience in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

Top Tourist Attractions to Visit on Haridwar Tours

Haridwar has many attractions awaiting you. However, you should be aware of the top attractions so that you can explore the key attractions in a better way without getting caught in difficulty.  To help you in this regard, we at Shakti India Tours compiled a list of the top attractions in Haridwar, every tourist should visit. Let us have a look at the top attractions before you embark on your upcoming Haridwar tour.

Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Undoubtedly, Har Ki Pauri is the prime tourist attraction in Haridwar. It is a sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. For many pilgrims, it is the main reason to visit this sacred town. It is the site where devotees gather to take a holy dip in the Ganges River. The belief says that having a holy bath in the Ganges River purifies one’s sins. Also, it is believed that Har Ki Pauri is the exact spot where Amrit fell. This is why pilgrims and devotees prefer this ghat in Haridwar to have a bath in the Ganges. Another key feature of Har Ki Pauri is that it also organizes Ganga Aarati in the evening. Witnessing the Aarati celebration at sunset here is a mesmerizing experience that you should not miss during Haridwar tours and travels. In the celebration, prayers are offered to the Goddess Ganga and other deities with chants, lamps, and floating diyas.

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

Situated at a hilltop (Bilwa Pravat), a part of the lower Shivalik Himalayan Ranges, Mansa Devi Temple is another attraction that pilgrims do not forget to visit. The temple is dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti, and is believed to have emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva. The temple is also a Siddh Peeth. There is a firm belief among devotees that Goddess Mansa Devi fulfils the desires of worshippers.

Since the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is located on a hilltop, you will need to trek to have the darshan and worship. However, you can also take a ropeway service (Mansa Devi Udankhatola) directly to the temple near Har Ki Pauri. The ropeway ride will also give you an amazing experience of seeing the beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the Ganges River. If you are looking to experience the best charm of the temple, you should visit it during Navratri and Diwali. During these auspicious festivals, devotees from different parts of the country come here to seek the goddess Mansa Devi.

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple is also a Shakti Peeth and top attraction in Haridwar. Perched on Neel Parvat, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, an incarnation of goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. It is popular among devotees because it is the place of worship where desires get fulfilled with the blessing of the goddess. If you want to visit this famous temple on your Haridwar tour, you will need to trek for 3 kms from Chandighat. Additionally, you can opt for ropeway (cable car) service, also called Chandi Devi Udankhatola, to reach the temple complex. The rope will carry you from the lower station near Gauri Shankar Temple to the Chandi Devi Temple. During this religious yet thrilling journey, you will also have a great opportunity to see panoramic views of the Ganges River, surrounding hills, and the entire city of Haridwar.

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple is another Seeth Peeth in Haridwar that attracts devotees from all over the country. Dedicated to goddess Maya, an incarnation of Devi Shakti, the temple holds a special significance. It is the place where the heart and naval of goddess Sati fell. Dating back to the eleventh century, it is also one of the ancient temples in the city, but still in a well-maintained and preserved state. The Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple are two other places that you will visit on your visit to Maya Devi Temple in Haridwar. Devotees from all around the country visit this famous temple especially during Navratri, Diwali, and Kumbha Mela in Haridwar.

Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar

Bharat Mata Mandir is one of the top attractions to visit in Haridwar that you should not miss. Established by Swami Satyamitrananda Giri Ji Maharaj in 1983, it is a unique temple dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India). The temple has multiple floors, and each floor represents different deities, spiritual figures, sages, scientists, and freedom fighters. Thus, the temple is not only for religious significance but also for a strong sense of patriotism and national pride.

Pawan Dham, Haridwar

Pawan Dham is a unique temple complex in Haridwar which his known for its exquisite glasswork elaborating both walls and ceilings of the interiors. Due to its unique charm and religious significance, it is also one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Haridwar that you should not miss. Though there are many temples made from glass across the country, the Pawan Dham Mandir is unique. The temple complex is famous for its artistic sculpture ornamented with glazed pieces of glass. The glasswork is also done beautifully on the walls, including the ceilings of the interiors. Indeed, it is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship that enhances the overall beauty of this beautiful temple complex in Haridwar.

The Pawan Dham Temple is basically dedicated to Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of the Hindus’ supreme god, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Here, you will also find the ornamented statue of Goddess Radha, the beloved of Lord Krishna. Besides, there are also many ornamented statues of several other gods and goddesses. Visiting this beautiful temple on a Haridwar tour will simply give you a spiritual and self-satisfying experience to cherish for a lifetime.

Shantikunj Ashram, Haridwar

Located just 5 kms from Haridwar Railway Station, Shantikunj Ashram is a religious tourist attraction in Haridwar. It is a worldwide famous spiritual center and hub of spiritual activities. It is also the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar. Established in 1971 by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and Bhagwati Devi Sharma, the ashram is expanded over Gayatri Nagar. The famous ashram is a place that promotes spiritual awakening, meditation, self-transformation, spiritual meditation & yoga, environmental conservation, and social upliftment.

If you are looking for inner peace and enlightenment, Shantikunj Ashram can be the best place to visit. However, it would be better if you stay here at least one day. In the premises of the ashram, you will find Gayatri Mata Temple, Yagyashala, Akhand Deep, Haritima Devalaya (having a collection of Rare Plants & Medicinal Herbs), Devatma Himalaya Temple, and temples of ancient sages. That’s not all. You will also find here an artificial waterfall and a university – Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya.

Saptrishi Ashram, Haridwar

Sapt Rishi Ashram is another prominent ashram and tourist attraction in Haridwar that you should include in your travel list. Situated along the banks of the Ganges River, the ashram is a peaceful spot where the Ganges splits into seven streams. It derives its name from the seven revered sages, namely, Vishwamitra, Vashishta, Kashyapa, Jamadagni, Gautama, Bharadvaja, and Atri. It is believed that the current ashram is the place where these seven sages meditated. On your visit to this famous ashram in Haridwar, you will not only see shrines of these sages but also deities like Lord Ganesha, Maa Durga, Maa Saraswati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman.

Daksha Mahadev Temple, Haridwar

Located in the small town of Kankhal, about 4 kms from Haridwar, Daksha Mahadev Temple or Daksheswar Mahadev Temple is a famous temple and tourist attraction. It is one of the oldest Shiva temples, associated with the legend of Sati (Lord Shiva’s consort). The temple is named after Daksha Prajapati, the father of goddess Sati. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahmaputra, Daksha Prajapati, organized a yagna here. He invited all gods, goddesses, and sages except Lord Mahadev. The purpose was to insult Mahadev. When Devi Sati came to know about this, she fumed in anger and jumped into Yagna Kund. Thus, the Daksha Mahadev Temple holds a special significance among devotees and tourists as well. If you are on your Haridwar tours, you should forget to pay a visit to this ancient Hindu temple.

Things to Do on Haridwar Tours

Haridwar, the gateway of God, is a prominent pilgrimage and tourist destination with lots of temples and ashrams. Thus, you will have many things to do and see in and around the city. If you are not sure what you should do apart from visiting the famous attractions in Haridwar, here is a list that will guide you to make your tour enjoyable and memorable. Let’s have a look at the top things you should do on your Haridwar tours in India.

Attend the Ganga Aarti: This is a daily evening celebration held at the very famous Har Ki Pauri (a ghat on the Ganges River). Witnessing the Aarati celebration will give you an amazing experience. You will also have the amazing sight of oil lamps (earthen diyas) floating down the Ganges River.

Take a Holy Dip in the Ganga: Your Haridwar is incomplete if you do not take a holy dip in the sacred water of the Ganges River. Har Ki Pauri and Gau Ghat are the most popular ghats. It is believed that a holy dip in the river can wash away your sins.

Visit an Ashram: Visit famous ashrams to experience the spiritual life and yoga retreats. Shantikunj and Patanjali Yogapeeth are among the top ashrams in the city.

Enjoy a Ropeway Ride: Enjoy the spiritual ropeway (cable car) ride to access the famous temples of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi situate atop hills. This will offer you a spectacular view of the surrounding hills, the Ganges River, and Haridwar.

Shop in Local Bazaars: You will definitely love this on your Haridwar tour. In the local bazaars, you can shop for rudraksha beads, brass idols, Ayurvedic products, and sweets like Peda and Rabri.

Nearby Places to Explore on Haridwar Tours

Although Haridwar has enough things that you can do and see on your tour, you can also take an excursion to some nearby places if you want to extend your tour. Some popular nearby places to explore on the Haridwar tour include:

• Rishikesh (25 Km): Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and River Rafting
• Rajaji National Park (10 Km): Great for wildlife enthusiasts. Spot elephants, leopards, deer, and various birds.
• Dehradun (55 km): Capital of Uttarakhand, with attractions like Robber’s Cave, Forest Research Institute, and Tapkeshwar Temple.
• Mussoorie (85 km): Popular hill station for a weekend getaway. Offers stunning mountain views and colonial charm.

Food in Haridwar

Haridwar is a pure vegetarian city with alcohol and non-veg banned due to its sacred status. But the vegetarian food is so flavorful, you will not miss the rest.
Must-Try Dishes

• Kachori with Aloo Sabzi: A spicy breakfast staple.
• Chole Bhature: Served hot at local eateries.
• Lassi and Rabri: Sweet treats for your inner foodie.
• Aloo Puri: A classic street food combo.
• Aloo Tikki and Chaat: Available in local markets.

Festivals in Haridwar

Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh

• Massive pilgrimage held every 12 and 6 years.
• Millions gather for a dip in the Ganga.
• A spiritual spectacle like no other.

Kanwar Yatra

• July-August. Devotees of Shiva (Kanwariyas) carry Ganga water on a sacred pilgrimage.

Diwali, Holi, and Navratri

• Celebrated with traditional fervor and spiritual rituals.

Travel Tips for Haridwar

Here are a few tips that you should follow during Haridwar tours in India.

• Dress modestly, especially if you are going to visit temples and holy ghats.
• Carry slippers or easily removable footwear as you will need to remove them frequently.
• Be alert when at ghats and only use designated bathing areas. Remember that the current of the water in the Ganges River can be strong.
• Avoid plastic as the government has designated Haridwar as a plastic-free zone.
• Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen if you are planning to visit Haridwar during the summer months.
• Respect local customs. Also, strictly follow the queues at temples and ashrams. Devotees line up for darshan in an orderly manner.

How to Reach Haridwar

Planning to visit Haridwar? Not sure about how to reach this holy city in India. Please take a look at the following travel modes.

By Air: If you are thinking of reaching Haridwar by flight, you will need to take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This airport is 37 km from Haridwar. From Dehradun, you can take a taxi to reach Haridwar. If you are coming from another country, the nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

By Rail: The Haridwar Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore, and Chennai. So, you can easily reach Haridwar if a train journey suits you well.

By Road: Haridwar is well-connected by a good road network. You can easily travel to Haridwar by road from the cities in states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other parts of Uttarakhand. Daily bus service is available from Delhi to reach Haridwar.

These travel options are best suited for travelers who are looking for a self-journey to the holy city of Haridwar. If you are looking to have an organized and systematic travel experience of the Haridwar tour, you should opt for a tour package that meets your travel needs. North India Temples Tour is a popular package that will allow you not only to explore Haridwar or Rishikesh but also other prominent cities like Varanasi, Delhi, and Agra. You can conveniently book this tour package with Shakti India Tours. Additionally, we can also customize this package as per your needs and special preferences.