Haridwar, often known as the “Gateway to the Gods,” is a city steeped in spirituality and culture. One of India’s seven holiest sites, this ancient city is quite significant to Hindus and nestled tucked away on the lap of Uttarakhand.
Haridwar, which is where the Ganges River flows from the Himalayas, has a harmonic mix of spirituality, natural beauty, and rich customs. Haridwar promises an incredible experience regardless of your path—that of a wanderer seeking tranquilly or a pilgrim seeking divine favours.
In this blog, we will take you through the best places to visit in Haridwar, along with tips on timing, accessibility, and the unique experiences each location offers. Let’s dive into the spiritual and cultural essence of this enchanting city.
1. Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri, located on the banks of the Ganga River in Haridwar, is a significant and well-known landmark. Claimed to be the location where the holy Ganga emerges from the Himalayas, this is a well-known pilgrimage site in Haridwar.
The renowned Ganga Aarti is located in the Brahmakund area of Har ki Pauri, a holy site where it is thought that the nectar (Amrit) arrived to Earth. Har ki Pauri hosts also the largest fairs of Hinduism, Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh.
Things to Do:
- Attend the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Cleans your sins by going holy dip in the Ganges.
- Take in the calm atmosphere in early hours.
Travel Tip: Reach early to secure a good spot for the Aarti and carry a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise and evening (Ganga Aarti’s 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Location: Central Haridwar, near Railway Station Haridwar Junction
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
2. Chandi Devi Temple
Maa Chandi Devi Temple is located Historic places in Haridwar, the holy city of Historic Places. On top of the Neel Parvat of the Shivalik Hills, the temple is honouring the goddess Chandi Devi. Although the temple’s architecture seems straightforward, in India it is considered as a very strong and significant Shakti Peeth and Siddh Peeth.
Under his administration in Kashmir, Suchat Singh built the present temple construction in 1929. The temple offers not only great spiritual strength but also wide, amazing views of the valley below. It is among the few Shakti Peeths where individuals get what they desire.
Things to Do:
- Ask Goddess Chandi for favours.
- Get broad panoramic views of the Ganges and Haridwar.
Travel Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and carry water if trekking.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning
Location: Neel Parvat, Shivalik Hills, Haridwar
Entry Fee: Free (Ropeway charges apply: Approx. ₹150 for a round trip)
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
3. Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is a well-known Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, located atop Bilwa Parvat in the Shivalik Hills in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Devotees of the temple, a revered Siddhpeeth, or holy location, believe their wishes are granted.
Thought to be a manifestation of Shakti, the divine feminine power, Goddess Mansa Devi sprang from the thoughts of the great Sage Kashyap. Particularly during Navratri and other lucky holidays, the temple attracts thousands of worshippers annually and boasts great religious significance
Things to Do:
- Tie a sacred thread on the temple premises for your wishes.
- Explore the spiritual aura and scenic beauty.
Travel Tip: Combine your visit with Chandi Devi Temple for a “Siddha Peetha Yatra.”
Best Time to Visit: Morning to afternoon
Location: Bilwa Parvat, Haridwar
Entry Fee: Free (Ropeway charges apply: Approx. ₹150 for a round trip)
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
4. Daksha Mahadev Temple
Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand’s south Kankhal region. Lord Shiva’s adherents consider it as a sanctified haven of devotion and trust and have great religious value. King Daksha Prajapati, Sati’s father, inspires the temple name. Folklore holds that King Daksha angered Lord Shiva, causing Sati to die horribly.
The temple honours this episode and acts as a reminder of Lord Shiva’s celestial part in Hindu mythology. For those looking for a spiritual experience in Uttarakhand, the Daksh Mahadev Temple is a well-liked tourist destination in Haridwar that must-see.
Things to Do:
- Offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
- Explore the nearby Sapta Rishi Ashram and the serene surroundings.
Travel Tip: Visit during the Maha Shivratri festival for a grand experience.
Best Time to Visit: Morning
Location: Kankhal, Haridwar
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
5. Bharat Mata Mandir
The Bharat Mata Mandir, also known as the Mother India Temple, stands as a revered sanctuary in Haridwar. Established by Swami Satyamitranand Giri and dedicated by late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi in 1983, this temple
Unlike several other temples, the Bharat Mata temple lacks a god in the conventional sense. Instead it celebrates India personally and the patriotic attitude. The temple celebrates Mother India’s diversified culture, rich past, and unwavering strength.
Things to Do:
- Explore each floor, set aside for different gods, saints, and national heroes.
- Admire the panoramic view from the top floor.
Travel Tip: Spend at least 1 hour looking about the whole temple.
Best Time to Visit: Daytime
Location: Sapt Sarovar Road, Haridwar
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
6. Shantikunj Ashram
Shantikunj Ashram, located in Spiritual places in Haridwar, is a renowned spiritual center dedicated to promoting the teachings of the ancient Indian sage, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. Its headquarters are the All World Gayatri Pariwar, a global organisation committed to meditation, spiritual development, and the Yajna (holy fire rites) practice.
Renowned for its serenity, the ashram offers spiritual searchers a venue for a variety of cultural and religious interests including yoga, meditation, and book study of holy texts. Furthermore a centre for social and educational projects aiming at improving the world via unassuming service is Shantikunj.
Things to Do:
- Attend yoga and meditation courses.
- Go to seminars covering environmental and spiritual concerns.
Travel Tip: If you intend to stay more than one day, pre-register for programs.
Best Time to Visit: Morning to evening
Location: Haridwar-Dehradun Road, Haridwar
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
7. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is a vast tiger reserve and national park located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It goes through the regions of Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, and Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The park, which is about 820 square km, opened in 1983.
One of the people on it is C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), who was the last Governor-General of India and a major figure in the fight for Indian freedom. The rich variety of plants and animals that live in Rajaji National Park’s thick woods, fields, and riverbeds is well known.
The park is home to many plants and animals, such as elephants, tigers, lions, deer, and more than 400 kinds of birds.The Uttarakhand Forest Department is in charge of the park and works hard to protect its animals and plants.
Things to Do:
- Take a trip through the jungle.
- Enjoy taking pictures and watching birds.
Travel Tip: If you want to see more wildlife, go from November to March in the winter.
Best Time to Visit: Winter months (November to March)
Location: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Entry Fee: Approx. ₹150 per person (additional charges for safaris)
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
8. Patanjali Yogpeeth
Patanjali Yogpeeth, located in Top tourist attractions in Haridwar, India, was founded by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna in 1995. Its major goals are to spread information about Ayurveda, classical yoga, and mental health. The place has a variety of yoga lessons, medical treatments, and educational programs to help people feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually.
It also has a large Ayurvedic study and production centre that makes drugs, vitamins, and personal care items. People come from all over the world to Patanjali Yogpeeth to get holistic health and fitness. Its big campus has yoga rooms and medical services. This is a very important part of spreading age-old Indian health methods.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Ayurvedic pharmacy and research center.
- Attend yoga and wellness sessions.
Travel Tip: Time your trip to meet with a huge sale on plant products.
Best Time to Visit: Daytime
Location: Delhi-Haridwar National Highway, Haridwar
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
9. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, located in Historic places in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is a popular bird sanctuary known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and wide range of plants and animals. This refuge, which is right on the Ganga River, is a great place to watch birds and learn about the environment. It is home to many local and migrant species.
The area is a beautiful place to relax because it has lots of plants, a calm atmosphere, and no noise. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a home for birds and an ecotourism spot where people can watch birds, go on nature walks, and use cameras. The refuge is a must-see for anyone interested in birds, wildlife, or the natural beauty of Haridwar.
Things to Do:
- Name different kinds of birds.
- Take in the peaceful environment and stunning views.
Travel Tip: Carry binoculars and a camera for the best experience.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM)
Location: Bhimgoda Barrage, Haridwar
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
10. Vishnu Ghat
One of the less crowded ghats in Haridwar, Vishnu Ghat is named after Lord Vishnu and offers a peaceful environment for meditation and relaxation. Devotees of Vishnu Ghat, which is on the banks of the Ganges River, have a lot of love for it because it has spiritual meaning and is linked to Lord Vishnu.
The ghat is a peaceful place to wash in the Ganges, which is thought to wash away sins and make the mind pure.This ghat is famous for being close to many important Haridwar temples and sites, such as the famous Har Ki Pauri. It gets a lot of tourists during religious events like the Kumbh Mela.
People can go to this emotionally uplifting place to watch rites, take part in aarti ceremonies, or just meditate.The area around Vishnu Ghat shows how people used to live in Haridwar. There are many shops, temples, and restaurants that serve local food and holy things.
Things to Do:
- Take a dip in the holy river.
- Meditate by the serene waters.
Travel Tip: If you want a calmer experience, go early in the morning.
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise
Location: Near Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the best time to visit Haridwar?
If you want to see the sights and do holy things, the best times to go to Haridwar are from February to April and from August to October.
Q2. Are there any dress codes to follow in Haridwar?
There aren’t any clear rules about what to wear, but it’s best to be humble and comfortable, especially when going to churches and ashrams.
Q3. How many days are enough to explore Haridwar?
2-3 day trip is best to see the key sights and get a sense of Haridwar’s spiritual centre.
Q4. Can I best places to visit in Haridwar with family?
Yes, Haridwar is a family-friendly destination offering activities and attractions suitable for all age groups.
Q5. Is photography allowed in temples and ghats?
Most places let you take pictures, but some churches don’t let you inside. Always look for signs or ask the officials before taking pictures.
Conclusion
Not just a city, Haridwar is an experience that connects you with the holy and the peaceful. From the sacred ghats of Har Ki Pauri to the tranquil forests of Rajaji National Park, the best places to visit in Haridwar offer something for everyone. Haridwar promises a trip that will inspire and recharge you, whether your goals are to gain spiritual insight, learn about other cultures, or enjoy natural beauty.
Plan a trip to Haridwar and let its timeless beauty wrap around you. Remember to share your memories and stories of this place of spiritual shelter as well. Have a great trip!
