There are ample places that you can visit in this city, here you will be welcomed by the temple bells, fresh river water, and chants of priests. The city is situated on the banks of the river Ganga and offers a mix of spirituality, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Yes, we are talking about Haridwar- Also named as Gateway of Gods and one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. This guide will take you through the places to visit in Haridwar so you can make the most of your trip.
It is a city where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains making it not just geographical but also a spiritual site as well. It is also a must visit pilgrimage site where millions of devotees come to the city to take a dip into the holy river Ganga, believing it will wash away their sins and help them attain Moksha. And Haridwar is not just about spirituality. It has so much more to offer such as landscapes, architecture, markets, and street food.
Delhi to Haridwar Distance
Delhi to Haridwar distance is 240 km approx with travel time of 4-5 hours, which make this sacred city of Uttarakhand as best place for same day trip. Booking Delhi to Haridwar Tempo Traveller is one of the best ways to travel comfortably in one day. Whether you are planning to explore the places to visit in Haridwar in one day or for a weekend trip, this guide will give you information about everything you are looking for:
Places to Visit in Haridwar in One Day
Har Ki Pauri
No trip to Haridwar is complete without visiting Har Ki Pauri, the most popular ghat on the Ganges. Har Ki Pauri literally means Steps to Lord Shiva and it is said that Lord Vishnu himself left his footprints here. Every evening as the sun sets thousands of people gather at Har Ki Pauri for the Ganga Aarti. This is a ritual of worship where oil lamps are lit and floated on the river accompanied by chants and prayers. The sight of thousands of diyas floating on the water as the sky darkens is pure magic makes it among the best places to visit in Haridwar. Har Ki Pauri is also famous for its bathing ghats. Devotees believe that a bath here washes away the sins and leads to moksha.
Mansa Devi Temple
Your next step in Haridwar is going to be Mansa Devi Temple, Situated on the top of Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, Mansa Devi Temple is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. You can reach the temple by a cable car or by trekking. The spiritual atmosphere and the view makes Mansa Devi Temple one of the top places to visit in Haridwar. It is said that Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti, fulfills the wishes of her devotees. Hence the temple is a must visit for pilgrims who come here to tie threads on the sacred tree, which symbolises their wishes. Once the wishes are fulfilled, devotees come back to untie the threads.
Chandi Devi Temple
Another hill top temple which attracts visitors is Chandi Devi Temple. Located on Neel Parvat, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, another form of Shakti. You can reach the temple by cable car or 3 km trek and get a mix of spiritual and adventurous experience. The temple has a history of the 8th century and it is believed that the main deity was installed by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu philosopher. Visiting Chandi Devi Temple is not just a spiritual journey but also a chance to get closer to nature so it is among the places to visit in Haridwar with family.
Pawan Dham
Another place to see in Haridwar is Pawan Dham, a modern temple that stands out for its stunning glass work and architecture. Unlike other temples, Pawan Dham is characterised by masterful use of glass and mirrors which makes it quite eye-catching. What makes it so special is that its walls and ceilings have been embellished with colourful pieces of glass hence providing a lively reflective environment that mesmerizes anyone visiting it.
Places to Visit in Haridwar with Family
Haridwar is most visited city by pilgrims to complete their religious trips and take peaceful stays in ashrams of Haridwar. Roaming around Haridwar city with family become easier with Taxi Booking in Haridwar available in different models at best price.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is a must visit place If you love nature and wildlife. The park is spread over 820 sq km that consist of a wide variety of flora and fauna. There you can see elephants, tigers, leopards and over 315 species of birds. A safari in Rajaji National Park is an exciting experience to see the biodiversity of Shivalik range. The greenery of the park and the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat makes it the best places to visit in Haridwar for couples.
Ashrams of Haridwar
Haridwar is full of ashrams where you can take spiritual retreats and learn about Hindu philosophy, yoga and meditation. Some of the famous ashrams are Parmarth Niketan, Shantikunj and Patanjali Yogpeeth. These ashrams are perfect for spiritual growth and wellness, so if you are looking for inner peace these are the place to be. They also provide accommodation and food, so it is a complete experience for the visitors. Exploring these ashrams can be beneficial for your whole family while you are looking for places to visit in and around Haridwar.
Vaishno Devi Temple
If you are unable to reach the Vaishno Devi shrine of Jammu for whatever reason, there is an alternative in Haridwar’s Vaishno Devi Temple. The temple construction was designed to resemble that of the former located in Katra. You will find similar caves and tunnels. Henceforth we have concluded that this town stands out as one of the major attractions for families who want to go there together on vacation.
Patanjali Yogpeeth
Patanjali Yogpeeth is a well-known center for Ayurvedic treatments and yoga, and was established by well-known yoga guru Baba Ramdev. It provides diverse courses and wellness retreats that will attract everybody that desires total wellbeing. In the campus, one can find a hospital, university, and research institution specializing in Ayurveda out of which this entire college is constructed.
Read More: 15 Best Places to Visit in India in August Month
Nearby Places to Visit in Haridwar
1) Rishikesh
The distance from Haridwar to Rishikesh is just 30 km that you can cover within an hour’s drive, the city of yoga and adventure. Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ Rishikesh attracts spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Rishikesh has many ashrams including the famous Parmarth Niketan and the Beatles Ashram where the band stayed in the 1960s. The city also has activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping and trekking. For those planning to visit Haridwar, you can not miss visiting Rishikesh as it is a perfect blend of spirituality and adventure.
2) Dehradun
If you are seeking some ideas on where you could go around Haridwar, there are numerous options available that combine both nature and heritage. Haridwar to Dehradun distance is 58 kilometers and this commercial city of Uttarakhand. Dotted with many historical sites, while people also love coming here owing to its interesting museums. For group tours, there are many options as Haridwar to Dehradun bus service, tempo traveller and state buses. There is a major rapid increase in tourism due to the increase in the number of parks and animal reserves, you can arrive at Jim Corbett National Park which is renowned for having the highest populations of tigers and other endangered species.
3) Char Dham
Haridwar is known as the entrance to the Char Dham Yatra, which is considered one of the most important pilgrimages among Hindus. Situated in the higher Himalayas, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath constitute the Char Dham attracting millions of religious tourists every year. Taking the Chardham Yatra from Haridwar is 10 days tour and can be quite long-distance journey. Commencing the pilgrimage at Haridwar makes it more spiritually worthwhile.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh
We have already mentioned some of the best places to visit in Haridwar in our previous sections. When you plan your trip to visit Nearby Places to Haridwar, you should remember that it can not be possible to trip it in a single day. You need at least 2 days to fully cover all these places. Here is the list of places to visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh in two days:
- Triveni Ghat
- Ram Jhula
- Laxman Jhula
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- The Beatles Ashram
- Tera Manzil Mandir
- Shri Bharat Mandir
- Parmarth Niketan
- Kankhal
- Maya Devi Temple
Markets in Haridwar
No trip to Haridwar is complete without visiting the markets. From religious stuff and Ayurvedic products to handicrafts and street food, the markets in Haridwar are a treat. Upper Road, Bara Bazaar and Moti Bazaar are the places to shop. Whether you want to buy souvenirs or just indulge in some retail shopping, these are the places to visit in Haridwar in 2 days trip.
Nightlife in Haridwar
Haridwar does not have a nightlife in the conventional sense but it has its own unique night experiences. The evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is a must see. After Aarti you can take a peaceful walk on the ghats and enjoy the calm atmosphere and the cool breeze of the river. The city is so peaceful at night that it is a contrast to the hustle bustle of the day. It is one of the places to visit in Haridwar at night if you want to be alone and introspect.
Hotels in Haridwar Near Railway Station
There are plenty of places for a night or hourly stay in Haridwar. But it is best to book a Hotel which is near the railway station. As the Haridwar railway station is pretty close to all the tourist attractions and easily accessible from anywhere. Here you can find hotels for all budget options such as dormitories for backpackers to family suites for the whole family. Check out some of the nearest hotels from Haridwar Railway station:
- Devnadi – The Heritage Hotel
- Hotel Le ROI, Haridwar
- La Casa Hotel
- Hotel Sethi Legacy
- Alpana Hotel
- Pilibhit House Haridwar IHCL SeleQtions
Conclusion
Haridwar is a city that defies time and space, where spirituality, culture and nature coexist. Whether you are planning a quick visit or a longer stay. This guide to places to visit in and around Haridwar ensures you to not miss out on the best of the city. From the sacred ghats of Har Ki Pauri and the hilltop temples of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi to the green landscapes of Rajaji National Park and the colourful markets, Haridwar is a must visit destination for anyone. Add Rishikesh to your trip and you will have a travel experience that is both fulfilling and thrilling. Haridwar has its arms open for you no matter whether you are travelling Solo, with family, with friends or as a couple.