Overview
About Haridwar
Haridwar, in Uttarakhand, is one of the seven holiest cities of Hinduism and the place where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills and flows out onto the plains. Its name is often read as "gateway to God", and for centuries pilgrims have come here to bathe in the river, perform rituals for their ancestors and begin journeys to the Char Dham shrines in the mountains above.
The heart of the city is Har Ki Pauri, a set of ghats on a channel of the Ganga where, every evening, priests wave great brass lamps in the Ganga Aarti while thousands of devotees float leaf boats filled with flowers and diyas on the fast-moving water. Haridwar is also one of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela, which draws vast numbers of pilgrims when it is held here.
Beyond the ghats, hilltop temples reached by ropeway, ashrams, the old lanes of Kankhal and the forests of Rajaji National Park give visitors plenty to explore. Haridwar is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free city, and its atmosphere is devotional rather than touristy. Rishikesh, a short drive upstream, makes an easy and popular addition to any trip.
- Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
- Kumbh Mela
- Hilltop temples
- Ashrams
- Gateway to the Char Dham
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Haridwar
Ghats & Temples
Har Ki Pauri
The most sacred ghat in Haridwar, where the evening Ganga Aarti is performed. Brahma Kund here is believed to mark the spot where drops of amrit fell.
Mansa Devi Temple
A hilltop temple to the goddess Mansa Devi on the Bilwa Parvat, reached by a ropeway or a steep footpath, with views over the city and the river.
Chandi Devi Temple
Set on the Neel Parvat across the river, this temple to the goddess Chandi is also reached by ropeway and is often visited together with Mansa Devi.
Maya Devi Temple
One of the oldest temples in Haridwar, dedicated to the city's presiding goddess and regarded as a Shakti Peetha.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
An important Shiva temple in Kankhal, linked to the legend of King Daksha and Sati, set beside a ghat on the Ganga.
Ashrams & Spiritual Centres
Bharat Mata Mandir
A multi-storey temple dedicated to Mother India, with floors devoted to freedom fighters, saints and deities from across the country.
Shantikunj
The headquarters of the Gayatri Pariwar, a large ashram where visitors can attend prayers and learn about its spiritual and social programmes.
Patanjali Yogpeeth
A large yoga and Ayurveda campus on the Haridwar–Roorkee road, with wellness programmes and an Ayurvedic products store.
Nearby Excursions
Rajaji National Park (Chilla)
The Chilla range of the park, just outside Haridwar, offers jeep safaris through forest home to elephants, deer and many birds during the open season.
Rishikesh
About 25 km upstream, Rishikesh is known for its suspension bridges, ashrams, the Triveni Ghat aarti and white-water rafting.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Haridwar
- 1
Attend the evening Ganga Aarti
Arrive at Har Ki Pauri well before sunset to find a spot on the ghats or the bridge opposite, and watch the lamps reflected on the river.
- 2
Take a holy dip
Bathe at the designated ghats, holding on to the chains provided, as the current of the Ganga is strong.
- 3
Ride the temple ropeways
Take the cable cars up to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi for darshan and views of the city.
- 4
Explore Kankhal
Wander the quieter old quarter of Kankhal with its temples, ghats and ashrams away from the main crowds.
- 5
Shop in the bazaars
Browse Bara Bazaar and Moti Bazaar for religious items, brassware, rudraksha beads and Ayurvedic products.
- 6
Go on a jungle safari
Spend a morning at the Chilla range of Rajaji National Park when it is open to visitors.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
The best time to visit Haridwar is October to April. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
20°C to 40°C
Hot, especially in May and June, though early mornings and evenings on the ghats are pleasant. Pilgrim numbers rise as the Char Dham season begins.
Monsoon
July to September
24°C to 34°C
Heavy rain swells the river and bathing can be risky. The Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan brings huge crowds and traffic restrictions.
Winter
October to February
6°C to 24°C
The most comfortable season, with clear days and cool evenings. Mornings by the river can be cold and foggy.
Getting there
How to Reach Haridwar
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, about 35 km from Haridwar, is the nearest airport, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities. Taxis are available for the drive to Haridwar.
By Rail
Haridwar Junction is well connected, with direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Amritsar and many other cities. The station is close to the main ghats and markets.
By Road
Haridwar is about 220 km from Delhi via Meerut and Roorkee, and about 55 km from Dehradun. Frequent state and private buses run from Delhi and nearby cities, and shared autos and taxis connect Haridwar with Rishikesh.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Haridwar
Kachori and aloo sabzi
Crisp, stuffed fried breads with spicy potato curry, the classic Haridwar breakfast.
Puri and halwa
Fried breads served with sweet semolina halwa, popular with pilgrims.
Lassi
Thick, creamy yoghurt drinks served in clay cups near the ghats.
Rabri and jalebi
Sweetened thickened milk paired with hot, syrupy jalebis.
Sattvic thali
Simple vegetarian meals without onion and garlic, served at ashrams and dhabas.
What to Buy in Haridwar
- Rudraksha beads and malas
- Brass and copper puja items
- Ayurvedic medicines and herbal products
- Containers for carrying Ganga jal
Travel Tips for Haridwar
- Haridwar is a vegetarian, alcohol-free city, so plan meals accordingly.
- Keep your belongings safe and watch your footing on crowded ghats, especially during the aarti.
- Check festival calendars before travel; Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh and the Kanwar Yatra bring very large crowds.
- Dress modestly and remove footwear at temples and ghats.
FAQs
Haridwar Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Haridwar?
October to April is the best time to visit Haridwar, with pleasant weather for the ghats and temples. Summers are hot and the monsoon swells the river.
How many days are enough for Haridwar?
One to two days are enough to see Har Ki Pauri, the main temples and the evening Ganga Aarti. Add a day to visit Rishikesh.
What is Haridwar famous for?
Haridwar is famous for the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, the Kumbh Mela, its hilltop temples like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, and as a gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage.
What time is the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri?
The main Ganga Aarti is held every evening around sunset, so its timing shifts with the season. Arrive at least an hour early for a good spot.
How far is Rishikesh from Haridwar?
Rishikesh is about 25 km from Haridwar, usually under an hour by road, depending on traffic.
Is non-vegetarian food available in Haridwar?
No. Haridwar is a vegetarian city, and meat and alcohol are not sold within its main religious areas.
