Haridwar Travel Guide
Uttarakhand, India
About Haridwar
Haridwar is one of India's holiest pilgrimage destinations, located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River in Uttarakhand. The city is renowned for its evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies and serves as a gateway to the Himalayan hill stations and spiritual centers. With its ancient ghats, ashrams, and temples, Haridwar attracts millions of devotees and tourists seeking spiritual solace and cultural immersion.
Famous places
- Har ki Pauri — The most sacred ghat in Haridwar where pilgrims believe the footprints of Lord Vishnu are imprinted on a stone. It's the epicenter of the Kumbh Mela and hosts the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony every evening. (Free)
- Mansa Devi Temple — Perched on a hilltop, this ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa is believed to grant wishes of devotees. The cable car ride offers stunning panoramic views of the Ganges and the city. (₹50 cable car (round trip))
- Chandi Devi Temple — A 300-year-old hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi accessible by a scenic ropeway or trek. The temple offers sweeping views of the confluence of Ganges and Yamuna rivers. (₹60 ropeway (round trip))
- Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri — An elaborate 45-minute ritual performed daily at sunset where priests offer prayers to the Ganges with oil lamps, flowers, and incense. It's a transcendent spiritual experience drawing thousands daily. (Free)
- Rajaji National Park — A 820 sq km wildlife sanctuary home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and diverse bird species in a scenic Himalayan foothill setting. It offers jeep safaris and nature walks through pristine forests. (₹400-600 (safari))
- Daksha Mahadev Temple — An ancient shrine located 15km from Haridwar where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as Virabhadra. The temple sits on the banks of Ganges with archaeological significance dating back centuries. (Free)
- Sapt Sarovar (Seven Sacred Lakes) — A series of seven holy lakes believed to be formed by Lord Agni, surrounded by lush greenery and spiritual significance. Each lake is dedicated to a different deity and offers peaceful meditation spots. (Free)
- Maya Devi Temple — One of the oldest temples in Haridwar dedicated to Goddess Maya, located in the ancient pilgrimage zone. The temple marks the origin point of Haridwar's spiritual significance and hosts important rituals. (Free)
Best time to visit
- Jan: best — Cool and dry weather, perfect for sightseeing and Ghat visits
- Feb: best — Pleasant temperatures, ideal for pilgrimage and outdoor activities
- Mar: good — Spring season, mild weather, good for temple visits
- Apr: good — Warm but manageable, fewer crowds than peak season
- May: avoid — Extremely hot and dry, temperatures exceed 40°C
- Jun: avoid — Monsoon begins, heavy rainfall and humid conditions
- Jul: avoid — Peak monsoon season, waterborne diseases, flooding risk
- Aug: avoid — Monsoon continues, slippery conditions at Ghats
- Sep: good — Post-monsoon, weather clearing up, mild temperatures
- Oct: best — Perfect weather, Dussehra celebrations, clear skies
- Nov: best — Cool and dry, Dev Deepavali festival, excellent visibility
- Dec: best — Cold but pleasant, festive season, ideal for pilgrims
Local food
- Arti Sweets
- Bilkeshwar Dhaba
- Ganga Lauki & Co
- Pandit Ji Ka Chaat Bhandar
- Mathura Wale Ke Laddu
- Param Chai Stall
Train routes
- From Delhi: Shatabdi Express (4 hrs), Dehradun Express (5 hrs), Mussoorie Express (5 hrs)
- From Mumbai: Haridwar Express (27 hrs), Avantika Express (21 hrs)
- From Kolkata: Ganga Kaveri Express (32 hrs)
Estimated daily cost
- backpacker: ₹800-1400/day per person
- midRange: ₹2200-3800/day per person
- comfort: ₹4500-7000/day per person
- luxury: ₹10000-18000/day per person