10 Things to Do in Haridwar | How To Reach Haridwar

A spiritual journey is not deemed fulfilled without a visit to Haridwar in North India. This land of folklore and legends, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and purified by the divine Ganga, is renowned as the most sacred site for absolving sins.

However, beyond partaking in the ritualistic cleansing at Har Ki Pauri and visiting temples, there is much more to explore in this city and things to do in Haridwar.

From the sacred Ganges River to the bustling markets and ancient temples, explore the rich heritage and vibrant ambiance of this holy city in India.

Experience a sense of spiritual connection and immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature surrounding Haridwar – making it an ideal tourist attractions for a peaceful vacation.

Experience the tranquility of the surrounding nature or take part in some adventure activities in Rishikesh. As you plan a Haridwar darshan, you will have all the answers to most of your fears and uncertainties.

Near Haridwar is Rishikesh, the ultimate sojourn for adrenaline junkies.

It’s possible to plan a camping trip in Rishikesh as well; there are many tourist places in Haridwar and Rishikesh and several activities that can make for a fulfilling vacation.

In India, Haridwar is a top tourist Attractions with its enchanting blend of nature, spirituality, and religion.

You can add Haridwar to your travel bucket list as one of the seven holiest cities in the world. The famous attraction, the holy river Ganga, is the main reason for its popularity.

Despite this, Haridwar can satisfy travelers from all over the globe, whether they are nature enthusiasts seeking scenic tours or devout pilgrims seeking quiet retreats.

Haridwar is becoming more than just a holy city, drawing visitors from all over the world who want to explore its other aspects.

Our list of the best tourist attractions in Haridwar will help you explore the other side of the holy city.

Among the best tourist attractions in Haridwar in one day to two are the pilgrimage tourist attractions for devotees, the national park for adventure & nature lovers, and the local market for curious tourists.

How To Reach Haridwar

It is one of the most significant pilgrimages in India. Many visitors visit Har Ki Pauri Ghat for the famous Ganga Aarti in the evening. The city is well connected by all three forms of transportation, making it easily accessible. There are three routes to get to the city of Lords, Haridwar. The holy city is accessible by plane, bus, and train.

How To Reach Haridwar By Air

To reach Haridwar, you need to fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. This is a domestic airport located about 20 km from the city centre. There are 52 kilometers between Haridwar and Dehradun, and taxis are easily available at the airport. The journey takes less than two hours and takes you along the Ambala-Dehradun-Hridwar road, passing by the NH7 and NH34.

There is 200 km between Haridwar and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is India’s busiest airport and has constant traffic from national and international airlines. Haridwar is very accessible from the airport, making it very accessible to tourists.

How To Reach Haridwar By Road

Several state and commercial buses connect Haridwar to Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and other Uttarakhand destinations. Haridwar has a large number of buses, and the regularity and rates are both reasonable. The bus station is really close to the rail station. Please keep in mind that busses are not always on schedule.

To book a bus ticket in Haridwar, reach out to the Bus operators and secure your tickets. Be sure to inspect the bus condition beforehand. Opt for cushioned and push-back seats for the long and bumpy ride ahead. While the bus service provider may accommodate your seating preferences, it is subject to availability. If you need to cancel your plans, note that refunds may vary depending on the company’s policy. Keep in mind that during busy seasons, there may be a limited number of AC buses available. Plan accordingly by arriving early at the bus stop and securing a reservation well in advance of your desired travel time.

Taxis are available from Delhi to Haridwar. Below are the approximate rates per kilometer that are charged from Delhi to Haridwar.

How To Reach Haridwar By Railways

The Haridwar Junction Railway Station is well connected by train, with frequent trains to Delhi, which takes four to five hours; Dehradun takes one hour; and Rishikesh takes around an hour.

Located on the south side of town, Haridwar Junction Railway Station is within walking distance of most hotels, but it is a 2-km hike to Hari-ki-Pauri, a famous Ghat in Haridwar.

Things to do in Haridwar

1. Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri Ghat, a sacred Ganga bank, is a popular tourist Attractions in Haridwar.

Situated within 2 kilometers from Haridwar Junction Railway Station, this hallowed location is a prominent landmark inside the holy city of Haridwar.

When the aarti is done on the River Ganga as the sun sets, the Har ki Pauri Ghat becomes a captivating sight. A sight not to be missed is this one.

2. Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary

Ten kilometers from Haridwar, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Ganges. A wildlife sanctuary that was established in 1977, Rajaji National Park merged with Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Motichur, and Rajaji Sanctuaries in 1983.

The sanctuary is home to bears, elephants, leopards, small cats, and birds of all kinds.

3. Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple, situated in Haridwar, is a highly renowned tourist attractions among the five pilgrimages of the city.

It attracts thousands of Hindu devotees each year who seek blessings from Goddess Mansa for wish fulfillment.

The temple is perched atop Bilwa Parvat hill and offers a breathtaking view of Haridwar. Traveling to the temple involves either trekking or taking the cable car.

For couples, Mansa Devi Temple is an ideal places to visit in Haridwar, as they come here to pray for the longevity of their marriage.

4. Chandi Devi Temple

One of the must-visit locations in Haridwar near Har ki Pauri is Chandi Devi, a renowned temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati.

Nestled on Neel Parvat, this sacred site attracts many visitors and is often included in the list of top tourist attractions in Haridwar.

To reach the temple, one can either trek 3 km from Chandi Ghat or opt for a cable car ride, which offers spectacular views that will leave you amazed.

5. Patanjali Yogpeeth

One of the top tourist Attractions in Haridwar is Patanjali Yogpeeth, founded by renowned Yoga guru Baba Ramdev.

It serves as a research institute and medical hub specializing in Ayurvedic remedies.

Covering a vast area, the campus houses various amenities such as research centers, hospitals, labs, a university, a food and herbal park, canteen residential camps, and more.

This esteemed institution in Haridwar draws inspiration from Patanjali, a revered sage and creator of Yoga and other Sanskrit texts in India.

6. Daksha Mahadev Temple

The Daksha Mahadev Temple is a popular stop for religious tourists in Haridwar, paying homage to the Hindu mythological legend.

The story goes that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Dakshayani/Sati, organized a yagna but purposely excluded Lord Shiva from the invitation list.

Upon hearing about the event, Sati urged Shiva to join her, but he declined. Despite his disapproval, Sati was determined to attend the yagna.

When she arrived, her father became enraged and verbally attacked both her and Shiva. Despite Satis’ attempts to calm him down, Daksha continued his insults.

This pushed Sati over the edge and she transformed into Goddess Adi Parashakti before her father’s eyes. She revealed herself as the Eternal Power and declared that she would sacrifice her mortal life by jumping into the fire.

Learning of this, Lord Shiva took on his destructive form of Virbhadra and decapitated Daksha in a fit of rage.

7. Bharat Mata Mandir

Have you ever heard of a temple that depicts the chivalry and patriotism of all the heroes that ever existed in India? We are talking about the Bharat Mata Mandir temple.

A complex of eight floors, it worships Shiva, Vishnu, and all the saints. Besides displaying important works of art and religious texts written by members of various religions, this place is sure to make it to your bucket list.

8. Gau Ghat

Gau Ghat in Haridwar holds great significance for Hindus, as it is dedicated to the revered cow. This ghat, situated on the banks of the Ganga, is believed to be named after Kamdhenu, the celestial cow who provided endless sustenance.

The ghat serves as a place of atonement for those who have wrongfully killed a cow and seek to wash away their sin. Many also come here to pray for the peace of departed loved ones.

With its rich spiritual heritage, Gau Ghat is held in high esteem by all who visit Haridwar.

It is also worth noting that this very ghat was chosen as the final resting place of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, where their ashes were scattered.

9. Pawan Dham

Among the top tourist attractions in Haridwar lies Pawan Dham, a testament to the exquisite artistry and skill of ancient times, beautifully displayed through the incorporation of glass pieces.

This magnificent temple was constructed by the dedicated efforts of Swami Vedantananda Ji Maharaj, and draws visitors with its stunning glasswork and intricately designed walls.

Alongside depictions of Hindu mythology, the temple also houses marble idols of deities such as Lord Hanuman, Ganesh, Shiva, Durga, and Santoshi Mata – alluring travelers from across the nation.

10. Shanti Kunj

Shanti Kunj, established in 1971 by Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya, is a well-known ashram in Haridwar. It serves as a hub for learning about spiritual and moral values through daily bhajans and aarti.

The ashram offers lodging for students, along with training and guidance on various topics such as spirituality, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga, and other Hindu traditions.

Additionally, Shanti Kunj houses a research institute and residential university.

Devotees can also receive Ayurvedic treatment at the ashram. Notably, esteemed guests like Dalai Lama and Morari Bapu have graced Shanti Kunj with their presence due to its renowned reputation.