Uttarakhand · North India

Haridwar travel guide

Where the Ganga meets the plains

Haridwar
pavankunar · CC BY-SA 4.0
Best time
Oct–Apr
How long
1–2 days
Stay a night
₹700–5,500
Food a day
₹250–1,200
Nearest railhead
0 km away
Nearest airport
35 km away

Plan Haridwar in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.

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About Haridwar

One of Hinduism’s holiest cities — the blazing Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri, hilltop temples by ropeway and the busy lanes of Bara Bazaar.

Things to do in Haridwar

  1. Har ki Pauri Ganga Aarti

    2 h · Free

    Har ki Pauri is a sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges River in Haridwar, where the river leaves the mountains and enters the plains. The name translates to the feet of Vishnu, who is believed to have visited the Brahmakund here in Vedic times. At dusk, hundreds of lamps are floated on the river during the Ganga aarti.

    Tip: Keep your belongings secure in the large crowds gathered along the ghats

  2. Mansa Devi Temple

    2 h · ₹150 entry

    Mansa Devi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills in Haridwar. Also known as Bilwa Tirth, it is one of the five holy pilgrimages within the city. Visitors can take a ropeway to reach the hilltop shrine and seek blessings.

    Tip: Offer coconuts, fruits, garlands, and incense sticks at the temple

  3. Chandi Devi Temple

    2 h · ₹200 entry

    Chandi Devi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi atop Neel Parvat in Haridwar. Built in 1929 by the King of Kashmir, it features an ancient murti installed by Adi Shankaracharya and is one of the Panch Tirth pilgrimages.

  4. Bharat Mata Mandir

    1 h · Free

    An eight-storey temple dedicated to Mother India, located in Haridwar. Each floor of the temple features different deities, freedom fighters, and epic heroes from Indian history and mythology.

    Tip: Dress modestly as you would for any religious site in India.

  5. Rajaji National Park, Chilla

    3 h · ₹600 entry

    Rajaji National Park, Chilla is located in Uttarakhand. It offers exciting jeep safaris where you can spot wild elephants and a wide variety of birds.

  6. Bara Bazaar

    1 h · Free

    Bara Bazaar in Haridwar is a bustling local market known for selling authentic rudraksha beads, traditional brass items, and local snacks. It is a vibrant place to experience the daily trade and culture of the city.

    Tip: Keep your belongings secure and be prepared for crowded walking paths.

  7. Daksh Mahadev, Kankhal

    1 h · Free

    Daksh Mahadev is an old Shiva temple located in the historic pilgrimage town of Kankhal in Haridwar. This sacred site is deeply associated in Hindu tradition with the sacrifice of Daksha and the self-immolation of Sati. The temple area features surrounding ashrams and traditional havelis.

    Tip: Combine your temple visit with a quiet walk around the historic Kankhal quarter to see old havelis and ashrams.

Where to stay in Haridwar

  • Har ki Pauri

    ₹700–2,500

    Dharamshalas and hotels steps from the ghat.

  • Ranipur Mor

    ₹1,500–3,500

    Mid-range hotels near the station.

  • Haridwar–Rishikesh road

    ₹4,000–12,000

    Riverside resorts.

What to eat

  • Hoshiyar Puri

    restaurant · veg

    Thali institution on Upper Road since 1937.

  • Mohan ji Puri Wale

    street food · veg

    Aloo-puri breakfast near Har ki Pauri.

  • Bara Bazaar kachori-jalebi

    street food · veg

    Hot kachoris and jalebis in the market.

Good to know

  • Reach Har ki Pauri an hour early to get a spot on the steps.
  • Haridwar is vegetarian and alcohol-free.
  • Avoid Kanwar Yatra weeks (July–August) when roads close.

Going to Haridwar? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.

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Haridwar travel guide: best time, things to do, how to reach · JrnyLoop Blog