Haridwar, India: travel guide
Sacred Ganges city where the evening aarti lights up Har Ki Pauri
One of Hinduism's seven sacred cities — pilgrims descend to bathe in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri and witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at dusk.
About Haridwar
Haridwar is where the Ganges leaves the mountains and meets the plains, and for pilgrims it is one of the seven holiest cities in India. The main ghat, Har Ki Pauri, draws bathers from first light through the day.
The highlight for most visitors is the Ganga aarti at dusk, when lamps are floated on the river and chants fill the air. Temples such as Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi sit on the hills above town, and Bara Bazaar is a good place for sweets, brass items and religious offerings.
Haridwar suits pilgrims and those interested in Hindu traditions, and pairs well with Rishikesh. The cooler months, October to March, are the best time to visit Haridwar.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Last updated
Top places to visit in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri
ghat · 4.6 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The most sacred ghat in Haridwar where the Ganges enters the plains, famed for its spectacular evening Ganga Aarti with floating lamps and chanting crowds.
Mansa Devi Temple
temple · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · free entry
Popular wish-fulfilling Shakti temple atop Bilwa Parvat, accessible by cable car, where devotees tie threads on a sacred tree for their wishes.
Chandi Devi Temple
temple · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · free entry
Hilltop Shakti Peeth temple atop Neel Parvat, reached by a cable car or trek, dedicated to goddess Chandi with panoramic views over the Ganges.
Maya Devi Temple
temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
Ancient 11th-century Shakti Peeth in the heart of town, one of the few surviving early temples and counted among Haridwar's holiest shrines.
Patanjali Yogpeeth
wellness-campus · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Vast modern yoga and Ayurveda institute founded by Swami Ramdev, with herbal gardens, wellness facilities and the Yog Bhawan, on the city's outskirts.
Bharat Mata Mandir
temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
An eight-storey temple dedicated to "Mother India", each floor honouring heroes, saints and goddesses of the nation, with valley views from the top.
Bara Bazaar
bazaar · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The lively main market by Har Ki Pauri, selling brassware, rudraksha, Ayurvedic herbs, sweets and pooja items — great for souvenirs and snacking.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Ancient Shiva temple in Kankhal marking the site of King Daksha's yagna from Hindu mythology, an important pilgrimage spot especially during Shivratri.
Pawan Dham
temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Ornate modern temple famous for its dazzling glass-and-mirror interior and intricately decorated idols, a popular stop on the way out of town.
Sapt Rishi Ashram
ashram · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Tranquil ashram where the Ganga is said to split into seven streams to avoid disturbing seven meditating sages — a peaceful spot away from the crowds.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
bird-sanctuary · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Bird sanctuary on the Ganges near Bhimgoda Barrage, a winter haven for migratory birds and a peaceful spot for birdwatching and river views.
Sati Kund
sacred-tank · 4.1 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Sacred ancient pond in Kankhal associated with the legend of goddess Sati's self-immolation, a quiet mythological pilgrimage spot.
Things to do
- Mansa Devi Ropeway Leisure · 1.3 h · from INR 300 per person
- Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti Experience Cultural · 1 h
- Chandi Devi Ropeway Leisure · 1.5 h · from INR 300 per person
- Rajaji National Park Safari Wildlife · 3 h · from INR 2,000 per person
- Haridwar Temple & Ghats Tour Sightseeing Tour · 4 h · from INR 1,000 per person
- Ganga-side Yoga & Meditation Wellness · 1.5 h · from INR 400 per person
- Haridwar Street Food Walk Food Tour · 2.5 h · from INR 800 per person
- Sunrise Ganga Snan & Spiritual Walk Cultural · 2 h · from INR 600 per person
Day trips and tours
- Haridwar Temples & Aarti Day 8 h · from INR 1,800
- Haridwar-Rishikesh Combined Day 9 h · from INR 2,200
- Haridwar Patanjali & Wellness Day 6 h · from INR 1,400
Where to stay in Haridwar
- Hari Ki Pauri about INR 2,000 per night
Sacred waterfront with ghats and spiritual atmosphere
- Moti Bazaar about INR 2,500 per night
Commercial hub with hotels, restaurants, and local market
Hotels
- Hotel LA Costa Haridwar 3-star · INR 1,664 to INR 2,600 per night
- Prakriti Wellness Stay 2-star · INR 972 to INR 1,700 per night
- Ganga Lahari 4-star · INR 7,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- Aalia on the Ganges 5-star · INR 9,000 to INR 16,000 per night
- Radisson Blu Haridwar 5-star · INR 7,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- Haveli Hari Ganga 4-star · INR 6,000 to INR 12,000 per night
Where to eat
- Hoshiyar Puri North Indian, Vegetarian · about INR 200 per person
- Mohan Ji Puri Wale North Indian, Street Food, Vegetarian · about INR 150 per person
- Chotiwala Haridwar North Indian, South Indian, Vegetarian · about INR 300 per person
- Ahaar Restaurant North Indian, Chinese, South Indian · about INR 400 per person
- Big Bite Restaurant North Indian, Chinese, Continental · about INR 450 per person
- Bestow Cafe Cafe, Continental, Italian · about INR 400 per person
- Sagar Ratna South Indian, Vegetarian · about INR 350 per person
- Prakash Lok North Indian, Vegetarian, Thali · about INR 200 per person
Getting to Haridwar
Nearest airport: Rishikesh (via Dehradun) (DED), about 27 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
How visitors arrive in Haridwar
- Train to Haridwar Junction By train from Delhi · common
Haridwar station is on Northern Railway with direct trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur and others. Source: haridwar.nic.in
- State and private buses By road from Delhi · common
Buses come from Delhi, Haryana, UP, Punjab and other parts of Uttarakhand. Source: haridwar.nic.in
- Fly to Jolly Grant, Dehradun By air from Dehradun · possible
Jolly Grant airport serves the area; continue by road. Delhi is the international option. Source: haridwar.nic.in
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Cycle Rickshaw
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Pre-paid taxi "broken meter"
Airports, train stations, popular squares
Driver insists meter is broken, quotes ~3x the fair price; or detours via "shopping" stops earning commission.
How to avoid it: Use pre-paid taxi counter at airport, or Uber/Ola/Rapido apps. Insist on meter or agree price upfront.
Best time to visit Haridwar
- Jan 20°C
- Feb 22°C
- Mar 27°C
- Apr 33°C
- May 36°C
- Jun 34°C
- Jul 31°C
- Aug 30°C
- Sep 30°C
- Oct 29°C
- Nov 26°C
- Dec 22°C
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Frequently asked questions about Haridwar
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Haridwar?
- The highest-rated places in our Haridwar guide are Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple.
- Where should I stay in Haridwar?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Haridwar: Hari Ki Pauri, Moti Bazaar.
- How do I get around Haridwar?
- Ways to get around Haridwar covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Cycle rickshaw, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Haridwar?
- Scams reported to us for Haridwar include Pre-paid taxi "broken meter". Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Haridwar?
- Average daytime highs in Haridwar run from 20°C in Jan to 36°C in May.