Top 13 Best Places to Visit in Haridwar: Spiritual and Cultural Gems

Top 13 Best Places to Visit in Haridwar: Spiritual and Cultural Gems

Haridwar, one of the seven most divine places in India, attracts lakhs of devotees every year. People visit this sacred city for various reasons—to take a holy dip in the Ganga, seek blessings from the divine, or honor their ancestors. Known for its spiritual aura, Haridwar remains bustling with visitors throughout the year. Apart from the iconic Har Ki Pauri, the city offers numerous places of interest to explore.

Geography, History, and Best Time to Visit

Geography:
Haridwar spans an area of approximately 2,360 square kilometers in the southwestern part of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 314 meters above sea level, it lies north of the Shivalik Hills, with the holy Ganga River flowing through its southern region.

History:
According to legend, King Bhagirath brought the sacred Ganga from heaven to earth to liberate his ancestors. Haridwar is also believed to be the abode of the Hindu Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The city is home to five sacred pilgrimages: Har Ki Pauri, Kushavart Ghat, Kankhal, Mansa Devi, and Chandi Devi.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to March: The weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city. However, the Ganga waters at Har Ki Pauri can be quite cold.
• March to May: These months are warm and suitable for those wishing to take a holy dip in the Ganga.
• June to September: Monsoon season sees heavy rainfall, and bathing at Har Ki Pauri is often restricted due to the strong currents.

Recommended Time: October to March is the best period for a comfortable visit.

Transportation

Reaching Haridwar:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 40 km (1.5 hours) from Haridwar. Taxis are available from the airport.
• By Train: Haridwar Junction (HW) is well-connected to major cities. From the station, battery rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are available to reach your destination.
• By Road: Haridwar has excellent road connectivity with cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Chandigarh, and Jaipur. Buses ply regularly on these routes.

Local Transport:
Private vehicles are not allowed inside Haridwar’s main areas. Visitors can explore the city on foot, or opt for taxis, auto-rickshaws, and battery rickshaws. Walking is highly recommended for enjoying the ghats and markets.

Best Places to Visit in Haridwar

1. Maa Chandi Devi Mandir

Timing: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Open throughout the year)
Entry Fee: Free

• Ropeway ticket: ₹220
• Combined ropeway ticket for Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi: ₹365

This ancient temple, located on the Neel Parvat of the Shivalik Hills, is one of the five Dhams of Haridwar and a Siddhi Peeth. You can reach it by trekking for 30–45 minutes or using the ropeway. The temple sees a large influx of devotees during Navratri and is believed to fulfill wishes, especially during auspicious times like Chandi Chaudas and the Kumbh Mela.

2. Har Ki Pauri

Timing: Open 24 hours (Year-round)
Entry Fee: Free

This is the holiest ghat in Haridwar for taking a dip in the Ganga River. Har Ki Pauri is steeped in spiritual significance, as it is believed to be one of the places where drops of nectar fell during Samudra Manthan. Surrounded by temples, Dharamshalas, and markets, it is a bustling center of activity. Parking is slightly away from the ghat, with a 10-minute walk required to reach it.

3. Rajaji National Park (Rajaji Tiger Reserve)

Timing:

• Morning Safari: 6:00 AM
• Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM
  Entry Fee:
• Shared Jeep: ₹600–700 per person
• Private Jeep: ₹2,500–3,000 for a group

Spread across 820 square kilometers, this wildlife sanctuary offers a 2–3 hour jungle safari where you can see elephants, leopards, deer, and more. Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers will enjoy exploring the 34-kilometer jungle trail and experiencing the park’s rich biodiversity.

4. Shanti Kunj (Gayatri Parivar Headquarters)

Timing: 3:30 am – 9 pm, Open daily (Registration required for entry)
Entry Fee: Free

• Registration requires a valid Aadhaar card.

Shanti Kunj serves as a spiritual retreat promoting social and spiritual awakening. Visitors can explore attractions like Yagyasala, the Gayatri Mata Temple, Akhand Deep, and the Himalayan Temple. Accommodation and meals are provided free of cost. It’s a serene place for meditation, reflection, and rejuvenation.

5. Bada Bazar

Timing: Open (9am – 10pm)
Entry Fee: Free

This bustling market near the railway station is perfect for shopping for puja items, clothes, accessories, handicrafts, Rudraksha beads, and Ayurvedic medicines. Bada Bazar also offers souvenirs and sweets, along with some of the best food places in Haridwar. It is a vibrant hub for visitors looking to explore the local culture.

6. Daksha Mahadev Temple

Timing: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Open throughout the year)
Entry Fee: Free

Daksha Mahadev Temple, also known as Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, is located in the Kalakhal area of Haridwar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is associated with the legend of Mata Sati and her father, Maharaja Daksha Prajapati. Visitors can see Yajna Kund and Daksha Ghat within the temple premises, as well as depictions of Maharaja Daksha’s life through paintings. This temple is especially crowded during the month of Sawan.

7. Pawan Dham

Timing: Open from sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee: Free

Pawan Dham, located in Bhupatwala, Haridwar, is an ancient temple known for its stunning interior made entirely of glasswork. Built by the Geeta Bhawan Trust Society, it houses the famous idol of Lord Krishna preaching to Arjuna during the Mahabharata. This temple, approximately 2 kilometers from Haridwar, is easily accessible by rickshaw or taxi.

8. Maya Devi Temple

Timing:

• Morning: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  Entry Fee: Free

Maya Devi Temple is one of the oldest temples in Haridwar, believed to be a Shakti Peeth where the navel and heart of Mata Sati fell. It houses three main idols: Goddess Maya, Kali Devi, and Kamakhya Mata. This temple is especially significant during Navratri and Kumbh Mela and is said to fulfill devotees’ wishes.

9. Patanjali Yogpeeth

Timing: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Established in 2006 by Baba Ramdev, Patanjali Yogpeeth is one of the largest yoga institutes in the world. It promotes yoga and Ayurveda and includes facilities like an Ayurvedic hospital, a research lab, a canteen, and a shop selling Ayurvedic products. This institute is a hub for those interested in holistic wellness and natural treatments.

10. Bharat Mata Temple

Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open throughout the year)
Entry Fee: Free (Lift fee: ₹2)

Bharat Mata Temple is a unique eight-story temple dedicated to India and its revolutionaries, rather than deities. It was inaugurated in 1983 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Each floor of the temple highlights a different aspect of Indian heritage, featuring statues of freedom fighters, saints, and gods. It is a tribute to the spirit and culture of India and a must-visit for anyone in Haridwar.

11. Sapt Rishi Ashram

Timing: Open (6am – 7pm)
Entry Fee: Free

Sapt Rishi Ashram, established in 1943 by Guru Goswami Dutt Ji, is a historic and serene site in Haridwar. It is believed that the Ganga River split into seven streams at this location to avoid disturbing the meditating sages (Kashyap, Vashist, Arti, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaj, and Gautam). The ashram features the Sapt Sarovar, Sapt Kund, a Sanskrit school, and residential facilities.

12. Mansa Devi Temple

Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Aarti at 5:30 PM)
Entry Fee: Free (Ropeway ticket: ₹180)

Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most revered temples in Haridwar, dedicated to the goddess Mansa, who is believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes. Visitors can reach the temple either by trekking for 1–2 hours or using a ropeway for convenience. It is a spiritual destination that draws crowds throughout the year.

13. Ganga Aarti (Har Ki Pauri)

Timing: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Evening Aarti)
Entry Fee: Free

The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is Haridwar’s most iconic event, held every evening. Devotees gather an hour in advance to witness this mesmerizing spiritual ceremony, which includes chants, hymns, and offerings to Ganga Maiya. The atmosphere during the aarti is vibrant and divine, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors.

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Conclusion

Haridwar is a treasure trove of spiritual, cultural, and natural attractions. From ancient temples like Maa Chandi Devi and Maya Devi to serene ashrams such as Sapt Rishi and Shanti Kunj, this sacred city offers a blend of divine experiences and timeless heritage. Don’t miss the vibrant Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri or a thrilling jungle safari at Rajaji National Park. Whether you’re seeking spirituality, adventure, or tranquility, Haridwar has something for everyone.