Haridwar, Uttarakhand, (North India)
Haridwar, situated in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is a sacred city and one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. It is located on the banks of the River Ganges, which is believed to cleanse the sins of devotees who take a dip in its holy waters. Haridwar is known for its numerous temples, the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat, where the Ganga Aarti ceremony is performed, and the Kumbh Mela—a grand religious festival held once every 12 years. The city attracts pilgrims and spiritual seekers from around the world.
Unlock the beauty of Haridwar with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Haridwar has it all
Religious Visit
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Best Time to Visit: January - April, October - December
Timings: 06:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Traditional temple, maintain decorum
Yoga Retreat
Join yoga and meditation classes or retreats available in many ashrams or specialized centers in Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 05:00-07:00,17:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Uncertain (Check price before visiting)
Prior booking recommended
Wildlife
A bird-watching spot, especially during the migratory season.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 07:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Birdwatching, bring binoculars
Religious Visit
Located atop the Bilwa Parvat, you can reach here by cable car or by trekking.
Best Time to Visit: January - April, October - December
Timings: 05:00-21:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Can be reached by 3kms steep trek or by Ropeway. Ropeway can be booked for ₹349 per person
Religious Visit
A quiet and spiritual place where the Ganges is believed to have split into seven streams to not disturb the meditation of the seven great sages.
Best Time to Visit: January - April, October - December
Timings: 08:30-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Peaceful, good for meditation
Religious Visit
Another hilltop temple accessed by cable car or trekking.
Best Time to Visit: January - April, October - December
Timings: 05:00-17:30,18:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Cable car available
Wildlife
Located close to Haridwar, it's a sprawling park known for its wildlife including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds.
Best Time to Visit: January - June, November - December
Timings: 06:00-09:00,15:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 1300.0 (Price is for 1 people)
A local guide is a must with every vehicle for ₹300/drive.
Shopping
Bara Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, and Jwalapur are some of the local markets where you can buy religious items, handicrafts, ayurvedic medicines, and local sweets.
Best Time to Visit: January - April, October - December
Timings: 11:00-21:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Local crafts available
Sightseeing
A historic spot, associated with an episode from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
Best Time to Visit: January - April, October - December
Timings: 06:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Religious significance
Sightseeing
Another sacred bathing spot where many pilgrims take a holy dip.
Best Time to Visit: January - April, October - December
Timings: 06:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Open to public, holy dips
Yoga Retreat
A large institute for research and education in yoga and ayurveda.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Sunday
Price: Free
The total charges for patanjali panchkarma treatments varies from Rs 1500 to 2000 per day
Religious Visit
Attend the mesmerizing evening ritual where priests perform prayers with fire to the river Ganga.
Best Time to Visit: January - April, October - December
Timings: 05:30-06:30,17:30-18:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Arrive early to get a good spot
Simplify your travel planning process and save time with our user-friendly app. Start your journey today!
Travel Guidelines for Haridwar, Uttarakhand (North India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
Haridwar, also known as the "Gateway to the Gods", is one of the seven holiest cities in India. Situated on the banks of the River Ganga, it's a major pilgrimage spot for Hindus. Haridwar is renowned for its temples, ghats, and the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Haridwar is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 38 km away.
By Railway: Haridwar has its own railway station, connecting it to various parts of the country.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't require a visa to travel within India. For any ID or travel-related concerns, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Major telecom providers in Haridwar include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL. Network connectivity is generally good throughout the city.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Haridwar is a popular pilgrimage site and is considered safe for visitors. However, it's advisable to beware of touts and keep personal belongings safe, especially during large gatherings. The Uttarakhand Police website offers safety advisories and other related information.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
In Haridwar, cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are commonly used for short distances. Taxis are also available for longer routes or day trips.
7. Special Mentions
Ganga Aarti: The evening ritual at Har Ki Pauri is a mesmerizing event where priests perform ceremonies to the River Ganga.
Mansa Devi Temple: Situated atop the Bilwa Parvat hill, this temple is accessible by cable car or a trek.
Chandi Devi Temple: Located atop the Neel Parvat, it's another significant pilgrimage spot in Haridwar.
Kumbh Mela: Held every 12 years, it attracts millions of pilgrims from across the world.
Bharat Mata Mandir: A unique temple dedicated to Mother India, representing India's culture, religion, and civilization.
Rajaji National Park: A short distance from Haridwar, it's known for its wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds.
Simplify your travel planning process and save time with our user-friendly app. Start your journey today!
