Why is Haridwar famous for?

Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is well-known as the "Gateway to the Gods" and one of the seven holiest cities of India. Famous for its natural beauty and religious collection.

Is 2 days enough for Haridwar?

Yes, two days are enough to visit the famous tourist places in Haridwar, including Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, and Chandi Devi Temple. To experience river rafting in Rishikesh, extend your trip for three days.

What is the best time to visit Haridwar?

From October to March is considered the best time to visit Haridwar. It offers the most pleasant weather, with a clear, cool climate and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, perfect for sightseeing.

What clothes to wear in Haridwar?

Wear comfortable cotton clothes, and carry hats or caps for sun protection. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sandals, or slippers.

Which God is in Haridwar?

Haridwar is significant for both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is a gateway to the Badrinath pilgrimage, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and to the Kedarnath pilgrimage, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and many other ancient temples are there for both deities.

Which river flows through Haridwar?

The heavenly river Ganga flows through Haridwar. It is the first place where the river Ganga reaches the plains from the Himalayan foothills. It is often called the gateway to the Ganges.

What is the 7-floor temple in Haridwar?

The 7-story temple in Haridwar, known as the Bharat Mata Mandir, features eight stories, each with a dedicated theme. The temple symbolises the Indian culture. It is often known as the Mother India Temple.

Which Jyotirlinga is near Haridwar?

The nearest Jyotirlinga from Haridwar is Kedarnath at a distance of 239 km. Haridwar is the central starting point for the Kedarnath trek; the main trek route begins at Gaurikund.

What is the famous food of Haridwar?

Haridwar is famous for mostly northern indian dishes, including Aaloo puri, Chole bhature, kachori, and more.

Is Rishikesh better than Haridwar?

Rishikesh and Haridwar are both fantastic places; it depends on your interests. Rishikesh is suitable for adventure activities, peace, and meditation, while Haridwar offers a spiritual pilgrimage experience.

What are the hidden gems in Haridwar?

There are many hidden gems in Haridwar, including Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple for its cave-like setting, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar for birdwatching, Bharat Mata Temple, Sapt Rishi Ashram, and many others, such as Maya Devi Temple and Rajaji National Park.

What is the price of Ganga Aarti at Haridwar?

The Ganga aarti at Haridwar is free. If you are expecting a guided tour or a private boat ride, that can be booked, but there is no ticket or cost for the Ganga Aarti.

What is the spiritual importance of Haridwar?

The spiritual importance of Haridwar is that it is the "Gateway to the Gods"; it is believed that taking a dip in the river Ganga here cleanses sins and provides salvation. It is the starting point of many pilgrimages, including the Char Dham yatra.

Explore About Haridwar, Uttarakhand Complete Guide 2026

About Haridwar

Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is well-known as the "Gateway to the Hari (Lord Vishnu)" and one of the seven holiest cities of India. Located in the foothills of the Himalaya, known for its natural beauty and religious collection.

It is a district of Uttarakhand located at an altitude of 314 meters (1030 feet) above sea level. It is located on the bank of the river Ganga and is famous as a pilgrimage destination.

It is home to Haridwar Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings on earth. It is the place where Maa Ganga descends from the mountains into the plains for the first time.

Every year, millions of devotees visit here in search of enlightenment, peace, salvation, and purification. The most famous attractions of this city are Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri, beautiful temples, and ancient ashrams that offer Vedic and spiritual enlightenment.

Haridwar provides the divine atmosphere that soothes the soul and uplifts the spirit. So let's dive deep into this sacred land.

Haridwar Location

State: Uttarakhand, India

District: Haridwar

Region: Northern India

Located on: NH 7 Highway

Coordinates: Approx. 29.95° N latitude, 78.16° E longitude

Famous Places To Visit In Haridwar

It is a spiritual hub and is home to thousands of small and large temples. Here is the list of some of the most famous temples in and around Haridwar, which should be on your bucket list if you are planning to visit here.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar, is located on Bilwa Parvat, on the Shivalik Hills. It is dedicated to "Mansa Devi" and is one of the "Shidhipeeths” in India. The lateral meaning of Mansa Devi is "Diety who fulfils all the desires" and is believed to be the incarnation of lord Shakti born from the mind of lord Shiva.

The main shrine houses two idols of the goddess: one with three faces and five arms, and another with eight arms.

According to legend, she grants the wishes of her devotees who pray to her with a pure heart. Every year, thousands of devotees visit here with their wishes for health, prosperity, and protection from evil forces.

Chandi Devi Temple

Located on the top of Neel Parvat in Haridwar, the chandi devi Haridwar is one of the most famous and revered sites for Hindus of India. It is also a part of the Seedhi peeth located in Uttarakhand. Chandi Devi is believed to be the incarnation of lord Durga.

Although the idol of this temple was considered to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, the temple was believed to have been built by the King of Kashmir, "Suchat Singh."

According to legend, Goddess Chandi fought and defeated the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha on this very hill, making it a sacred Site of divine victory and protection. Devotees visit this place to gain strength, well-being, and prosperity.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

Located in Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar, the Daksha Mahadev Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha organised a grand yajna (sacrificial ritual) but did not invite his son-in-law, Lord Shiva.

When Goddess Sati arrived uninvited and witnessed her father insulting Shiva, she self-immolated in grief. Enraged, Lord Shiva created Veerbhadra, who destroyed the yajna and beheaded Daksha.

Later, Shiva forgave Daksha and restored his life, replacing his head with a goat's. Inside the temple, the sacred Shivalinga and Yajna Kund symbolise divine energy and penance. Every year, thousands of devotees visit this place to worship Lord Shiva and get a blessing of well-being.

Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Temple, Haridwar, is one of the most spiritual and patriotic temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to "Mother India." Unlike traditional temples, this magnificent structure honours India's cultural heritage, freedom fighters, and outstanding personalities who contributed to the nation's progress.

Located in Sapt Sarovar, about 5 km from Har Ki Pauri, the temple is a symbol of national unity and pride. This temple was inaugurated in 1983 by the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. This 8-floor temple is 180 feet tall and houses the culture and heritage of India on each floor.

Famous Temple Lists Near Haridwar

Here is a comprehensive table listing famous temples near Haridwar, along with the Haridwar distance and time to reach those temples. So let's have a look.

Temple	Distance	Travel Time	Notes
Mansa Devi Temple	2 km	10–15 min (via ropeway 5–10 min)	On Bilwa Parvat, it is very popular.
Chandi Devi Temple	4 km	15–20 min (ropeway 10 min)	Located on Neel Parvat.
Har Ki Pauri (Ganga Aarti)	0 km	—	Main ghat, must-visit.
Daksha Mahadev Temple	4 km	10–15 min	Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Maya Devi Temple	1.5 km	5–10 min	One of the Shaktipeeths.
Bharat Mata Mandir	5 km	15–20 min	Multi-storey iconic temple.
Vaishno Devi Temple (Replica)	7 km	20 min	Popular among tourists.
Pawan Dham	4 km	10–15 min	Famous for glasswork.
Parad Shivling Temple	6 km	15–20 min	Contains a mercury Shivling.
Shantikunj (Gayatri Parivar)	6 km	15–20 min	Spiritual learning centre.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple	45 km	1.5–2 hours	Central Shiva temple in Forest Hill.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple	52 km	1.5–2 hours	Sunrise point & 52 Shaktipeeth.
Vashishta Gufa	30 km	45–60 min	Meditation cave on the Ganga.
Trimbakeshwar/13-Storey Temple	25 km	40–50 min	Famous landmark near Laxman Jhula.
Trayambakeshwar Temple	28 km	45 min	Iconic riverside temple.
Raghunath Temple	25 km	40–50 min	A historical temple dedicated to Lord Rama.

How to Reach Haridwar

It is well-connected by all modes of transport, including air, rail, and road. You can reach Haridwar easily from your hometown by taking a flight, train, or bus/cab/taxi.

By Air

The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport, which is also known as Dehradun Airport.

Haridwar to Dehradun distance is about 40 kilometres, and almost all major airlines operate regular flights to this airport. The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

Either you can take a direct flight to Jolly Grant Airport and take a taxi to reach Haridwar, or take a break journey at New Delhi, if you don't find any direct flight to Dehradun.

In some cases, you may find flight prices to be very high, as due to limited flights, prices increase during the peak time. In that case, you can book your flight to Delhi and then continue the rest of the journey by road. In fact, this is also the most popular option.

By Rail

Haridwar is well connected by train route, as it has its own station with the name of Haridwar Railway Station, with the station code HW. Although it has good connectivity from most cities in India, you may not get a direct train to this station.

Then you can also search trains for Rishikesh, Dehradun or Roorkee as all these stations are located in the close vicinity of this city. You can also take a connecting train till New Delhi railway station, or just book till Delhi and continue the rest of the journey by Bus.

By Road

It is well connected by road from most of the major and monor cities around Uttarakhand. You can get buses easily in this range, that too in all ranges, i.e. Government or Private, with sleeper or semi-sleeper options. All these buses either drop you at the Haridwar bus stop or, in some cases, also drop you at Haridwar bypass, from where you need to hire an auto rickshaw to enter the city.

Best Time To Visit Haridwar

You can visit this city throughout the year, as it is located in the plain region and has the best connectivity from almost all the major and minor cities around this state. But the best time to visit Haridwar will totally depend on your preferences. I am going to list our pros and cons of each season, so that you can choose your best time to visit Haridwar as per your choices.

October To March (Winter)

Winter, from October to March, offers the best time to explore. In this season, the weather remains pleasant, clear, and calm. Perfect for sightseeing and rituals with a moderate crowd.

This time is perfect for anyone looking to experience the divine beauty of this city, without any crowds and rush.

Temperature: 10°C to 20°C

April To June (Summer)

This time is considered the peak pilgrimage time, as the Do Dham and Char Dham yatra begins. These months offer pleasant mornings and evenings, and are hot during the daytime, making it idle for all those planning for the Do Dham, Char Dham or Kedarnath yatra in this state. Also, it is ideal for people who are planning to visit this place with family, especially kids or the elderly.

But as this is a favourable month, climatic condition-wise, plus the yatra starts, it is not good for anyone looking for peace and solace.

Temperature: 25°C to 40°C

July To September (Monsoon)

From July to September, Haridwar is less crowded, and hotel rates are lower, making it an ideal time for those seeking a peaceful spiritual retreat with budget travel. The weather stays rainy and humid, offering a serene view of green surroundings. But this will also increase the chance of floods and thunderstorms in this region.

Temperature: 20°C to 30°C

Things To Do In Haridwar

It is a land of spirituality and devotion. In addition to attending Ganga aarti at Har ki pauri and visiting temples all around Haridwar, you can just stroll across the markets.

It is well known for spiritual souvenirs, holy books, Rudraksha beads, and incense sticks. You can also find a variety of sweets and handicrafts all along the market. Some of the significant markets include Har Ki Pauri Market, Bara Bazaar, Jwalapur Market, and Mansa Devi Market.

In addition, you can visit Raja Ji National Park or Rishikesh to experience the power of meditation or to do thrilling adventure activities, especially river rafting in Rishikesh. Haridwar to Rishikesh distance is about 26.1 km.

Moreover, it is also the starting point for the primary pilgrimage circuits of Uttarakhand, such as the Do Dham Yatra, the 4 Dham trip, the Tour to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, Panch Prayag, and the Panch Kedar temples.

Ganga Aarti At Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

The literal meaning of Har ki Pauri is "Footstep of lord Vishnu." It is one of the most sacred gats of India and is well known for its mesmerising and spiritual Ganga Aarti.

Every day at sunrise and sunset, we offer a tribute to Maa Ganga for its life-giving and divine purification properties.

Thousands of devotees and tourists gather along the banks to witness the enchanting sight of flaming oil lamps, rhythmic chanting of Vedic hymns, and the collective devotion that fills the air with a profound spiritual energy.

The entire riverbank glows with flickering lights and glittering diyas offered by devotees to Maa Ganga with a wish of well-being and prosperity. Ganga aarti is not just a ritual; it's a lifetime experience that touches our hearts and brings us peace through devotion.

Note: Ganga Aarti Haridwar time is 5:30 to 6:30 AM, and 6 to 7 PM

Kumbh Mela At Haridwar

The Kumbh Mela takes place after 12 years and is believed to be the grandest spiritual gathering of Hindus. It is organised at only four places in India, they are Nasik, Ujjain, Prayagraj and Haridwar.

During the Kumbha mela, millions of devotees visit Haridwar to take a dip in the holy Ganga River, thinking it washes away their sins.

According to legend, when the oceans were churned to obtain the nectar of life, four drops fell at four key places in India where the Kumbh Mela is held. Thousands of saints and devotees visit here to take a holy bath during this time. In addition, the Ardh Kumbh, which was also held here every six years.

Conclusion

Visiting Haridwar offers an unforgettable experience of divine and spiritual energy. The ancient temple, with deep spiritual significance, and adventurous activities such as river rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, and more make it an ideal place to visit for both spiritual and adventure travellers.

So pack your bags now and plan a trip with the correct information.

FAQs

Why is Haridwar famous for?
Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is well-known as the "Gateway to the Gods" and one of the seven holiest cities of India. Famous for its natural beauty and religious collection.
Is 2 days enough for Haridwar?
Yes, two days are enough to visit the famous tourist places in Haridwar, including Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, and Chandi Devi Temple. To experience river rafting in Rishikesh, extend your trip for three days.
What is the best time to visit Haridwar?
From October to March is considered the best time to visit Haridwar. It offers the most pleasant weather, with a clear, cool climate and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, perfect for sightseeing.
What clothes to wear in Haridwar?
Wear comfortable cotton clothes, and carry hats or caps for sun protection. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sandals, or slippers.
Which God is in Haridwar?
Haridwar is significant for both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is a gateway to the Badrinath pilgrimage, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and to the Kedarnath pilgrimage, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and many other ancient temples are there for both deities.
Which river flows through Haridwar?
The heavenly river Ganga flows through Haridwar. It is the first place where the river Ganga reaches the plains from the Himalayan foothills. It is often called the gateway to the Ganges.
What is the 7-floor temple in Haridwar?
The 7-story temple in Haridwar, known as the Bharat Mata Mandir, features eight stories, each with a dedicated theme. The temple symbolises the Indian culture. It is often known as the Mother India Temple.
Which Jyotirlinga is near Haridwar?
The nearest Jyotirlinga from Haridwar is Kedarnath at a distance of 239 km. Haridwar is the central starting point for the Kedarnath trek; the main trek route begins at Gaurikund.
What is the famous food of Haridwar?
Haridwar is famous for mostly northern indian dishes, including Aaloo puri, Chole bhature, kachori, and more.
Is Rishikesh better than Haridwar?
Rishikesh and Haridwar are both fantastic places; it depends on your interests. Rishikesh is suitable for adventure activities, peace, and meditation, while Haridwar offers a spiritual pilgrimage experience.
What are the hidden gems in Haridwar?
There are many hidden gems in Haridwar, including Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple for its cave-like setting, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar for birdwatching, Bharat Mata Temple, Sapt Rishi Ashram, and many others, such as Maya Devi Temple and Rajaji National Park.
What is the price of Ganga Aarti at Haridwar?
The Ganga aarti at Haridwar is free. If you are expecting a guided tour or a private boat ride, that can be booked, but there is no ticket or cost for the Ganga Aarti.
What is the myth of Haridwar?

There are two major myths of Haridwar, the descent of Ganga and the drops of Amrita. Legends hold that the king Bhagirath did penance to form the river of heaven, the Ganga, and the second myth is that during Samundra manthan, the bird Garuda split the four drops of Amrita, and one of them fell in Haridwar.

What is the spiritual importance of Haridwar?
The spiritual importance of Haridwar is that it is the "Gateway to the Gods"; it is believed that taking a dip in the river Ganga here cleanses sins and provides salvation. It is the starting point of many pilgrimages, including the Char Dham yatra.