Things to do in Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri and Ganga Aarti

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  On the banks of the holy Ganges, this ghat is the most important of the Panch Tirthas in Haridwar.

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  Translating to God’s feet, the Har ki Pauri is believed to have the imprints of Lord Vishnu’s feet and marks the place where Ganga descends to the plains.

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  Lined with temples, shrines, and stalls selling pooja items, this ghat bustles with religious fervour, especially during the evening aarti. The evening aarti’s venue, the Brahmakund is the spot where a drop of amrit fell from the sky, making it even more sacred.

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  Thousands of devotees seek forgiveness for their sins by taking a dip in the holy Ganges here.

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  Aarti Timings: Summer Morning - 5:30 am | Summer Evening – 7:00 pm | Winter Morning – 6:00 am | Winter Evening - 5:30 pm

Best Areas to Stay in Haridwar

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  Har Ki Pauri: Bustling with pilgrims and religious activities, this area has several accommodation options that are just a stroll from the Ganges.

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  Haridwar Railway Station: A major transit hub, this area has accommodations for all budgets and is ideal for guests seeking a quick getaway.

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  Kankhal: Home to the Daksha Mahadev Temple, this area offers easy access to all the Panch Tirthas in Haridwar.

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  Jwalapur: Set away from the city centre, this area is ideal for guests seeking peaceful vibes and a stay away from the crowds.

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  Haridwar Bus Station: Besides having plenty of accommodation options, this area offers easy access to the city’s top attractions.

Must Visit Attractions in Haridwar

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  Saptrishi Ashram: On the banks of the Holy Ganges, this serene ashram is named after the seven rishis who meditated here. Yoga & meditation classes are also held here.

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  Rajaji National Park: A scenic national park with streams, towering trees, and wildlife like Asiatic elephants, sambhar deer, and wild boar.

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  Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar: The All World Gayatri Pariwar headquarters, this centre offers spiritual camps, yagyas and other programmes.

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  Crystal World: A fun destination with a waterpark, thrilling rides, Interactive Art Museum, and Wax Museum.

Other Popular Temples in Haridwar

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  Shri Maa Chandi Devi: Accessible only by a 3 km trek or a ropeway, this hilltop temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Besides being one of the Panch Tirthas in Haridwar, it is a Siddhi Peeth. Temple Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm

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  Maa Mansa Devi Temple: A Siddhi Peeth and the third Panch Tirth in Haridwar, this hilltop temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa and can be accessed only by a 3 km trek or ropeway. Temple Timings: Morning - 5:00 am to 12:00 pm | Afternoon - 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm

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  Bharat Mata Temple: This 8-storeyed temple is dedicated to Mother India and Indian cultural & historical figures, besides having shrines to Goddess Shakti, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. Temple Timings: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm

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  Maya Devi Temple: A Shakti Peeth and a Siddh Peeth, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Temple Timings: Morning - 6:30 am to 12:00 pm | Afternoon - 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

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  Daksha Mahadev Temple: The fourth Panch Tirth in Haridwar, this riverside temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

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  Kushavarta Ghat: The last of the Panch Tirthas in Haridwar, this ghat is visited by devotees seeking to perform Shraddha pooja for their departed ancestors.

Good to Know Before you Travel

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  How to Reach: Book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around a 39 km drive from Haridwar. Enjoy a train ride to Haridwar Railway Station or board a bus to the Haridwar Bus Stand.

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  What to Buy: Moti Bazaar and Bara Bazaar are both famous as major shopping hubs in Haridwar. Besides religious artifacts like idols and Rudraksha malas, visitors can shop for Ayurvedic medicines, glass bangles, and handicrafts.

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  What to Eat: Street food like aloo puri, chole bhature, kachori, jalebis & samosas are famous here.