Haridwar City Travel Guide

Known as one of the holiest towns in India and the home of the grand Kumbh Mela, Haridwar is the place where the Ganga River enters the plains of northern India. The town has a strong spiritual feel and is visited by people looking for peace and a deeper connection in life. Haridwar is more than just s hub for spirituality and meditation it is also one of the most remarkable places to experience some of the most thrilling adventure activities like rafting, trekking, bungee jumping, camping, hiking etc, where else can you experience a balance of adrenaline pumping sports activities and an unparalleled spiritual vibe.

If you are planning on visiting Haridwar - the land of mystical charm, then given below are some important information that will make sure your holiday is perfect. You'll find details on things like its history, transport options, top ashrams, and everything else you need to know about this beautiful and spiritual town. It is also famous for being the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas as well as the starting point for the famous Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which makes it one of the most popular spiritual destinations in the world.

Quick Information

• Why Haridwar is famous: It is known for the Ganga Aarti, the Kumbh Mela, and as the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra.
• Population: Approximately 2.28 lakh (Haridwar city). Haridwar district population is approximately 18 lakh (Census 2011).
• Location: Located in Uttarakhand, where the Ganga comes down from mountains.
• Time required to explore: 2 to 3 days.
• Elevation: 314 m
• Places to visit: Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Ghats, Ashrams, and Ganga Aarti.

History of Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. The name has two interpretations - 'Hari-dwar' meaning Gateway to Lord Vishnu, and 'Har-dwar' meaning Gateway to Lord Shiva. Ancient texts including the Mahabharata and Skanda Purana refer to Haridwar by earlier names - Gangadwara and Mayapuri. It is one of the four Kumbh Mela cities, where this massive pilgrimage has been held for over a thousand years based on a 12-year astronomical cycle. Haridwar is also the point where the Ganga exits the Himalayan foothills and descends to the plains.

Places to Visit in Haridwar

Haridwar is much more than a transit point for Char Dham Yatra. The city has a dense concentration of temples, ghats, and ashrams within walking distance of each other.

Har Ki Pauri

The most sacred ghat in Haridwar and the focal point of the entire city. Har Ki Pauri (meaning 'steps of Lord Vishnu/Shiva') is considered the exact spot where the Ganga exits the mountains. The evening Ganga Aarti here draws thousands every single day - priests perform synchronized aarti with large lit lamps while conch shells echo across the water. The ghat is also marked by the Harikeshari Stone where a footprint of Lord Vishnu is believed to be imprinted.

Mansa Devi Temple

Situated on Bilwa Parvat hill overlooking the city, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi who is believed to fulfill wishes. Reachable by ropeway cable car or a 30-minute uphill walk. The view of Haridwar and the Ganga from the hilltop is worth the trip on its own. Buy return ropeway tickets at the base - queues can be long during peak hours.

Chandi Devi Temple

Located on Neel Parvat hill across the Ganga, this Siddha Peetha is accessible by ropeway from Chandighat. The temple was originally established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The current stone structure was built by Suchat Singh, King of Kashmir, in 1929.

Maya Devi Temple

One of the oldest temples in Haridwar, dating back to the 11th century. Maya Devi is the Adhishthatri (presiding goddess) of Haridwar and is a Shakti Peetha - the heart and navel of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen here. Unlike the hilltop temples, this one is in the heart of the city and easily walkable.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

Located in the Kankhal area (3 km from Har Ki Pauri), this ancient temple marks the site where the legendary yagna (fire ritual) of King Daksha - father of Goddess Sati - took place. A significant Shiva temple and one of the less-crowded but deeply historically important sites in Haridwar.

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is performed twice daily - at sunrise (around 5:30-6:00 AM) and at sunset (timing varies by season, approximately 6:00-7:30 PM in summer, 5:30-6:30 PM in winter). The evening aarti is larger and more attended. Arrive 30-40 minutes before sunset to find a good spot on the ghat. During festivals and weekends, the crowd is much larger - arrive an hour early. Photography is permitted at the ghats but not inside the temples.

Famous Ashrams in Haridwar

Haridwar has over 100 ashrams, ranging from large institutions offering yoga and Vedic courses to simple guesthouses for pilgrims. Some of the most visited ones:

• Shantikunj (Gayatri Pariwar): One of the largest spiritual organizations in India, spread over a beautiful campus. Open to visitors for guided tours and spiritual programs.
• Patanjali Yogpeeth: Founded by Baba Ramdev, this large campus on the outskirts of Haridwar is known for yoga, Ayurveda, and wellness programs. Open for day visits.
• Sapt Rishi Ashram: Located on the seven-sages Ghat (Saptrishi Ghat), this peaceful ashram is built at the spot where the Ganga divides into seven streams to avoid disturbing seven sages in meditation.
• Birla Ghat Ashram: A quieter, budget-friendly ashram stay option for pilgrims close to the main ghats.

Street Food in Haridwar

Haridwar is a strictly vegetarian city - no meat or alcohol within city limits. The street food here is excellent and deeply tied to local tradition.

• Aloo Puri: The classic Haridwar breakfast - hot pooris with spiced potato sabzi. Best at Mohanji Puriwale near Har Ki Pauri.
• Kachoris and Samosas: Crispy kachoris with tamarind chutney are everywhere near the ghats. Kashyap Kachori Bhandar is one of the most famous.
• Chole Bhature: Available at multiple stalls near Bara Bazar - thick spiced chickpeas with puffy fried bread.
• Rabri and Lassi: After temple visits, sweet rabri (reduced sweetened milk) and thick lassi from roadside shops near Har Ki Pauri hit the spot.
• Prasad: Peda and mithai from shops surrounding the temples are sold as prasad - clean, hygienic, and part of the Haridwar experience.

How to Reach

Haridwar is easy to reach because it has good connections by train, road, and nearby airport for smooth travel.

• By Train: The nearest railway station, Haridwar Junction, has good train connections to many big cities in India.
• By Air: The closest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport, which is around 38 kilometers away.
• By Road: Many government and private buses travel between Haridwar and cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh every day.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March (Winter Season): The weather is nice and comfortable, perfect for exploring the Ghats, temples, nearby places, the Ganga Aarti, and enjoying the town's natural beauty.
• April to June (Summer Season): It gets hot in the afternoon so it's better to explore temples and Ghats early in the morning or in the evening.
• July to September (Monsoon Season): The city looks fresh and full of greenery when it rains, which creates a peaceful vibe. But sometimes your travel plans might change because of the weather.

Travel Tips

• Photography: Photography is usually not allowed inside temples. Make sure to respect the rules given by the temple staff.
• Ganga Aarti: If you want to see the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, try to reach early especially during busy seasons, so you can find a good place to sit or stand.
• Cable Car: Cable car rides to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi Temples often have long lines. To save time buy return tickets in advance or book them online if that option is there.
• Budget Stay: If you want a peaceful and budget-friendly place to stay, ashrams provide simple rooms and meals without costing too much.

FAQs

Q1. How long before visitors need to book a Haridwar tour package?

Ans: It is best to book at least 3 days in advance for a smooth and comfortable journey.

Q2. What are the famous temples to visit in Haridwar?

Ans: This spiritual town has many temples, but some of the most popular ones are Mansa Devi, Bharat Mata, Chandi Devi, and Maya Devi Temples.

Q3. What are some good places to enjoy local dishes there?

Ans: In this town, you'll find tasty Indian snacks like Chole Bhature, Samosas, Kachoris, and Puris at places like Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukan, Kashyap Kachori Bhandar, and more.

Q4. What local items should visitors purchase from Haridwar?

Ans: Rudraksha beads, spiritual items, and Ayurvedic goods are among the top things people like to buy here.