10 Things to do at Haridwar

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Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India's Uttarakhand state, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. Worshipers fill the city during major festivals including the annual Kanwar Mela.

Ganga Aarti in Haridwar

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Ganga Aarti is a religious prayer that takes place at the bank of the sacred river Ganga at the Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar. Bringing in tourists and devotees from all over the world, it is a ritual of light and sound where the priests perform prayers with bowls of fire and the ringing of the temple bells. Visitors float "diyas" (small candles) and flowers, surrounded by the chanting of the mantras and the reflection of the lights off the surface of the flowing river, which is said to be blessed by the Goddess Ganga.

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Har Ki Pauri

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Regarded as one of the most sacred Ghats in Haridwar and India, Har Ki Pauri is a revered landmark and is visited by devotees and visitors in large number seeking the blessings of Holy Ganga by offering their prayers. Har Ki Pauri which literally translates to 'Steps to Lord Shiva' is situated in the holy city of Haridwar which is considered as one of the seven holiest places in the country. A dip in the river Ganges here is believed to wash away one's sins and according to the Indian mythology, it is one of the four places where the drops of elixir ('Amrit') were accidentally spilled by the celestial bird Garuda. The river is filled in a golden hue of countless diyas offered by devotees floating along the river. Har Ki Paudi is the place where River Ganga flowing through the Himalayas touches the plains for the first time. Oozing serenity and calm all the time, it is the evening time at Har Ki Pauri that is most cherished by its visitors. With a plethora of temples at the river bank, offerings are made with lighted candles and diyas floating across the river, an enchanting sight to behold. The chanting of mantras and prayers with sages meditating exudes spiritual vibes and is an experience of a lifetime. The sound of gongs in the background takes one to an entirely different world. Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the place in Vedic times. The large footprints on a stone wall are said to belong to Lord Vishnu.

Chandi Devi Temple

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The Chandi Devi Temple of Haridwar is a charming temple dedicated to the Chanda Devi Goddess, perched on the Neel Parvat of the Shivalik Hills. The Chandi Devi Mandir, also known as Neel Parvat Teerth, is one of the five pilgrimages of Haridwar and is also known as Siddha Peetha, a place where devotees worship to fulfil their desire. Because of its location, the Chandi Devi temple is also a preferred choice for trekking tourists. You can also reach the temple zenith by the means of a ropeway, the view from which is exhilarating.

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Rajaji National Park

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Encompassing the Shivalik mountain ranges, Rajaji National Park is abundantly rich in flora and fauna and proves a great holiday destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Famous for its wildlife, especially for tigers and elephants, Rajaji National Park has recently received the status of a Tiger Reserve by the Government of India. Named in the honour or C. Rajagopalchari, this national park spreads over 3 districts of Uttarakhand including Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. This area is also enriched with valuable fossils which date back to as old as 10 million years old. The forest area is popular for Sal, Teak and other shrubs. You should explore the wilderness and rich diversity of Himalayan lives here with a Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari organised by the Forest Department, the 34 km jungle track is a major attraction here. You can spot Asian Elephants, Tiger and King Cobra, Panther, Bear, Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, Kakar, Python, Monitor Lizard, Wild Cats.

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

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The Mansa Devi Temple is a famous temple in Haridwar in Uttarakhand that is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, who is considered to be a form of Shakti and is believed to have emerged from Lord Shiva's mind. Thousands of Hindus flock to the temple every year in large numbers to this temple, which is one of the 'Panch Tirths' or the five pilgrimages in Haridwar. The temple is also popularly known as Bilwa Tirth and is perched on the top of the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills.

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Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar

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The Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar is dedicated to India as a country and thereby gets its name from its purpose. Its name translates into "The Moth India Temple". The multi-storey temple situated in Sapt Sarovar is not a temple that worships gods or has any religious inclination, but one that stands for the many freedom fighters and patriots of the Indian Struggle for Independence. The majestic temple Bharat Mata Mandir also celebrates the unique trait of India and its immense culture. The oneness of the country and its diversity are also a few aspects that the Bharat Mata Mandir brings to our attention.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

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Located in Kankhal in Haridwar, Daksha Mahadev is one of the oldest temples and a prime place of pilgrimage for Shaivites. The chief deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. The temple is named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Goddess Sati. Also known as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, it houses the Yajna Kund and the Daksha ghat on the left of the main temple where devotees take a dip in the holy Ganga River. The temple is also known for its pompous Shivratri celebrations.

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Vaishno Devi Temple, Haridwar

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A replica of the Vaishno Devi temple in Kashmir, the Vaishno Devi Temple of Haridwar is marked by tunnels and caves that lead to the inner sanctum containing the shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The divine temple houses three deities - Lakshmi, Kaali and Saraswati. The Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar is a frequently visited site, both by religious devotees and nature lovers because of the stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar

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Patanjali Yogpeeth is a medical and research institute in Yoga and Ayurveda, located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It is also renowned as one of the largest yoga institutes in India as well as in the world. The institute is named after Rishi Patanjali, who is acclaimed for the invention of Yoga and is Baba Ramdev's flagship project. If one is interested in Ayurveda and Yoga, it is one of the finest places to visit in Haridwar.

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Shanti Kunj Haridwar

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Shantikunj is a world-renowned ashram and the headquarter of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) located in Haridwar. An academy for social and spiritual awakening, this pilgrimage centre has shown the right path and given long-lasting happiness to crores of people. An ideal place which imparts training to the masses based on divine spiritual principles, it aims for the revival of Rishi traditions.

Accommodation At StayApart, Haridwar

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Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Hotel Mangal Inn

IHotel Mangal Inn, located in the enchanting city of Haridwar, is a haven of comfort and tranquility for travelers seeking a memorable stay amidst the spiritual and natural beauty of this sacred destination.

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Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Shri Pritam Bhawan

IShri Pritam Bhawan Hotel in Haridwar is a harmonious blend of comfort, spirituality, and traditional hospitality, offering pilgrims and travelers a serene retreat in this sacred city. Conveniently located, the hotel provides easy access to Haridwar's revered ghats, temples, and vibrant marketplaces, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both spiritual experiences and modern conveniences.

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Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Hotel Bhatia Inn

IHotel Bhatia Inn in Haridwar is envisioned as a comfortable and welcoming retreat in the heart of this sacred city, where spirituality meets modern convenience. Located in close proximity to Har Ki Pauri and other prominent ghats, this hotel offers a convenient base for pilgrims and tourists alike.

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