One religious Hindu pilgrimage site in North India’s state of Uttrakhand, Haridwar is the city of Ghats, religious sites and the door to the Char-Dhams. It is one of the seven holiest cities (hereafter referred to as Sapt Puris) in India and is located on the banks of the sacred river Ganga, which exists in the Himalayan Foothills. Hari means god and Dwar means the door; it means the city is the door to the god.
Do not miss to read – 51 Shaktipeeths.
Haridwar also consists of sightseeing locations. It also includes the Panch Tirth Places which are:
- Har Ki Pauri (Also know about Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti Timings)
- Kanhal
- Kushavarta
- Saptrishi Ashram, Haridwar
- Pawan Dham
- Maa Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
- Maa Vaishno Devi Temple, Haridwar
- Gita Mandir Haridwar
- Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar
- Shri Maa Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar
Best Places to Visit in Haridwar
Check out the best places to visit in Haridwar here before your trip to Haridwar with a complete guide.
Har Ki Pauri Ghat
It is also known as Gangadwar as River Ganga leaves the mountains from here and enters the plains. Your first stop should be this spiritual gem as the Har Ki Pauri means the Lord Shiva’s steps. Devotees and tourists worldwide visit to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the holy river Ganga.
The main tourist attraction of this divine place is a large footprint that has religious significance. It is believed that it belongs to Lord Vishnu. In the evening, you can witness a spiritual aura with an emphasizing view of the river Ganga filled with countless Diyas and enchanting aarti.
Location: Har Ki Pouri Bridge, Krishna Dham, Kharkhari, Haridwar, Uttrakhand.
Timings to visit the Ghat: It is open 24×7.
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 3.4 Kilometers
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Haridwar is famous for Har ki Pauri and its Ganga Aarti, which means worshipping the holy river Ganga. People float diyas with flowers in the river Ganga and the priests hold large fire bowls in their hands. The chants and mantras make a mesmerizing sound in the air, along with the bells ringing in the temples at the ghat.
Ganga Aarti is organized every morning and evening and the aura is so fascinating that one must participate. The number of devotees and tourists increases at the time of the Maha Kumbh Mela which is held every 12 years and the Ardh Kumbh Mela which is held every 6 years.
| Ganga Aarti | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti Timings | 5:00 AM and 6:50 AM |
| Evening Aarti Timings | 05:30 PM to 07:00 PM |
For a complete guide on Ganga Aarti check Ganga Aarti Timings during Summer and Winter.
Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is a famous Siddhpeeth which completes the trio of goddess Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi perched atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik hills. It is also known as Bilwa Tirth. Devotees keep faith that all their wishes will be granted by the Goddess Mansa, who is believed to be a form of Shakti that emerged from the Mind of the great Sage Kashyap.
To reach the temple on the hilltop you can either trek or take the ropeway service (Mansa Devi Udankhatola). The temple offers a panoramic view of the Haridwar city from the top of the hill.
Location: Bilwa Parvat, Haridwar
Timings: 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 3.1 Kilometers
Time Required: 2-3 Hours
Chandi Devi Temple
The temple of Chandi Devi is another Siddh Peeth dedicated to Goddess Chandi located at a hilltop Neel Parvat which was the mythological battleground where the goddess killed the demons Chand-Mund and later Shumbh-Nishumbh. The main idol in Chandi Devi temple was believed to be established by the great Saint Adi Shankaracharya.
The temple offers a 360-degree picturesque city view. It is one of Haridwar’s best places to visit and should be on your itinerary list. You can trek to the temple or take the ropeway (Chandi Devi Udankhatola) which offers a bird eye view of Haridwar.
Location: Neel Parvat, Haridwar
Timings: 06:00 am to 08:00 pm
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 3.6 Kilometers
Time Required: 3 Hours
Maya Devi Temple
Completing the trio of Siddh Peeths in Haridwar is Maya Devi Temple, which is dedicated to the Goddess Maya. According to Mythological literature, the temple is built on the site where the Heart and the Navel of Goddess Sati fell. It is one of the Oldest Temples in the country, built in the 11th Century. The crowds increase at the time of Navratri and Kumbh Mela.
Every day, a large number of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings. The inner shrine has the idols of the Goddesses Maya, Kali and Kamakhya. Maya Devi temple is a must-visit temple in Haridwar and one should not miss it.
Location: Birla Ghat, Haridwar
Timings: 07:00 am to 07:00 pm
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 600 Meters
Time Required: 2 Hours
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, far away from the rush of Haridwar is a hub for tourists who enjoy picnics and sightseeing. Flora and Fauna are found in a very large amount as the bird sanctuary is blessed with residential and various colorful migratory birds. They can be witnessed during the time of winter and the place becomes more beautiful.
Tourists can also hike and visit the sanctuary. From the spot, travelers can also enjoy a magnificent view of the Shivalik Hills. The best time to visit the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is in winter and one can also spot Siberian Crane.
It is truly a paradise for bird watchers and trekkers. One should explore the bird sanctuary and enjoy the beauty of nature. The bird sanctuary is located just 3.5 Kilometers from the Har Ki Puri Ghat and is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar in 1 day.
Location: Near Bhimgoda Barrage, Haridwar
Timings: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 1 Kilometer
Time Required: 2 Hours
Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Mandir also known as Mother India Temple was built by the famous Hindu spiritual teacher Swami Satyamitranand Giri. This unique temple was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983.
What makes this temple special is that the country, India is worshipped here as a goddess. The 180-feet tall temple with 8 floors celebrates the spirit of Unity In Diversity which shows the essence of our great nation.
The architecture of the temple is quite different from the other temples in Haridwar. Each of the eight floors of the temple has an individual theme and it is a multi-storey temple which is dedicated to the patriots and the freedom fighters of India. Apart from being a place of worship, it also houses Diagnostic Camps, Cow Shelters, Ved Shala and an Old Age Home. It is among the interesting places to visit in Haridwar.
Location: Motichur, Haridwar
Timings: 07:30 am to 05:00 pm
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 7.1 Kilometers
Time Required: 1-2 Hours
Sapt Rishi Ashram
Founded by Guru Goswami Dutt, The Sapt Rishi Ashram is a well-known tourist place in Haridwar. It is located on the bank of the River Ganges and its ambience is perfect for meditation. The famous ashram is dedicated to the Sapt Rishis which means the Seven Great Sages. It is believed that they split the river into 7 different streams.
The Ashram is also known as Sapt Sarovar or Sapt Rishi Kund. Tourists who are fond of yoga and wish to find solace in spirituality must visit the ashram due to its religious significance.
Location: Sapt Rishi Ashram, Bhoopatwala, Haridwar
Timings: 08:30 am to 06:00 pm
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 7 Kilometers
Time Required: 2-3 Hours
Vishnu Ghat
Haridwar is also known as the City of Ghats and Vishnu Ghat is one of the sacred ghats of Haridwar where visitors soak themselves in the spirituality of this town. The Ghat is named after Lord Vishnu and it is believed that he took a dip in the river Ganges at this Ghat giving it its name. People visit this ghat to wash their sins by taking holy dips as it is one of the cleanest Ghats of Haridwar.
The ghat is close to Har Ki Pauri and comparatively less crowded. There are steps on the bank and iron barriers that make sure that people do not get swept away by the flow of the river. There are many temples and restaurants to explore nearby.
Location: Near Moti Bazaar, Har Ki Pauri Road, Haridwar
Timings: 05:00 am to 07:00 pm
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 1 Kilometer
Time Required: 1-2 Hours
Puja at Haridwar
As with accommodation booking, here you can also book the Puja in advance at Haridwar by the YatraDham.Org platform.
Chilla Range
Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is over an area of 249 square km which is nestled on the east banks of river Ganga. It was combined with the Sanctuary of Motichoor and Rajaji to create Rajaji National Park.
Tourists can enjoy the adventurous jeep safaris which are 2 and ½ hours exploring the wildlife and the beautiful landscapes along with the thrilling elephant rides which are possible in the morning and evening.
Chilla showcases wildlife such as Elephants, Tigers, Bears, Playful birds and more. You can take a cab from Haridwar to visit Chilla Range. The range remains open for tourists from 15th November to 15th June and closes for visits from 16th June to 14th November.
Location: Chilla Range, Haridwar
Timings: 06:00 am to 06:30 pm
Distance from Haridwar Railway Station: 10 Kilometers
Time Required: 3-4 Hours
| Jeep Safari | Entry Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Entry Time | 06:00 AM to 09:00 AM |
| Evening Entry Time | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
| Zone – Chilla Range | Sanctuary Entry Fees |
|---|---|
| Indian/SAARC (Rs.) | 150.00 |
| Foreigner (Rs.) | 600.00 |
Places To Visit Near Haridwar Within 100 Km
- Rishikesh – 25 Km
- Roorkee – 35 Km
- Dehradun – 52 Km
- Mussoorie – 83 Km
Places To Visit Near Haridwar Within 300 Km
- Delhi – 223 Km
- Yamnunotri – 240 Km
- Kedarnath – 240 Km
- Gangotri – 284 Km
- Badrinath – 309 Km
Also, have a look at the Famous Temples of Haridwar Blog – where you will find the proper guidance about the all places in Haridwar by YatraDham.Org.
Where to stay in Haridwar?
If you are planning to Visit Haridwar, from YatraDham.Org you can book the best Dharamshala, Hotels and Guest Houses at a budget price. Stay at GMVN Haridwar and enjoy a convenient location with essential amenities.
Also, read given below Blogs for detailed information on Accommodation options in Haridwar.
- Top 12 Dharamshala in Haridwar Near Railway Station
- Hotels in Haridwar Near Har ki Pauri
- Dharamshala in Haridwar Near Har Ki Pauri
How to Reach Haridwar?
By Road
Many state and private buses connect Haridwar to major states in India, including Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Taxis to Haridwar are easily available from many destinations in Uttrakhand State.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Haridwar is the Haridwar
Junction Railway Station which is well connected to major
Cities including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Amritsar.
By Air
The nearest airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport which is 38 Km from Haridwar. You can fly directly to the airport from cities like New Delhi and Mumbai.
For more details read How to Reach Haridwar Blog for more information.
FAQs
Haridwar is also termed the ‘Gateway of Gods’ and is known as Mayapuri, Kapila and Gangadwar as well.
The timings for Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar are from the morning 05:30 am to 06:30 am and in the evening 05:30 pm to 07:00 pm.
The best places to visit in Haridwar in one day are Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Saptrishi Ashram, Maya Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple.
The best time to explore Haridwar is from October to February. During this time the weather will be cool and you will enjoy exploring the places nearby.
Normally 5-7 days are enough to explore Haridwar. You can also visit Rishikesh and Mussoorie additionally.
One of the must-try dishes in Haridwar is Chole Bhature. Other than that, Aloo Puri, Kachori, Lassi and chaats are famous in Haridwar.
