The ancient city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand has been a major Hindu pilgrimage site for centuries. Located where the sacred River Ganga emerges from the base of the Himalayas, it’s considered one of the 7 Sapta Puri. The Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years, is also celebrated here. The sacred city of Haridwar offers a colourful and fascinating blend of culture and offers the best tourist places in Haridwar. Being one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar often bustles with devotees. It propitious location near the holy River Ganga has made it gain more popularity.
With the passage of time, it has become more than just a religious city, where people thronged to perform immersion of the ashes or took a dip in the water to wash away their sins. It has evolved into Yoga, cultural and spiritual center and has also become a prime hub for learning the Sanskrit language The modern day, Haridwar is the reflection of the culture of India and thus offer much to its visitors. Here is the list of best 12 places that one must see in this holy city.
While religion plays an important role in Haridwar – many visitors are pilgrims and devotees – there’s more to this holy city. The cuisine is excellent and food lovers eager to try authentic Indian fare will find their palates satiated many times over. Travelers in search of yoga ashrams and centers hoping to improve their physical and mental health won’t be left wanting either. If you’re eager to experience the tourist places in Haridwar, read on to know the best time to visit, how to get here and where to stay.
Places to Visit in Haridwar
1. HAR KI PAURI
One of the Tourist places in Haridwar is Har ki Pauri which means footsteps of the Lord. It is the holy Ghat where river the Ganges touches the plains after winding its way through the Himalayan ranges. Visitors flock along this pious ghat around dawn to take a holy dip. during the Ganga Aarati.
It is mesmerizing to watch the whole Ghat getting illuminated by the shimmering lights of the three-tiered lamps of fire in the hands of the priests . Additionally, devotees float thousands of diyas on the surface of the water giving the river Ganges an ethereal aura of beauty. A prime attraction during the daytime is a footprint imprinted on a wall which is believed to belong to Lord Vishnu.
2. SHANTI KUNJ
Relish a realm of spirituality and wellness at Shanti Kunj when you are in Haridwar. It is known as the headquarters of All World Gayatri Power and attracts dozens of pilgrims. It is said that the ashram guides you towards the right path and offers perpetual happiness. Taking inspiration from spiritual principles, Shanti Kunj is a pioneer in the revival of Rishi traditions and divine culture. When you are here, you can participate in one of the training camps and take home wonderful memories of moral and spiritual upliftment.
Some of the prominent attractions of Shanti Kunj are the Yagya shala, Gayatri Mata temple, Akhand Deep, Devatma Himalaya temple and various other temples dedicated to ancient rishis. If you are interested in knowing more, go through one of the exhibitions at the world famous ashram on Divine culture. You will not return disappointed after returning from Shanti Kunj.
3. MANSA DEVI TEMPLE
Mansa Devi Temple, also known as Bilwa Tirth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar. It is a Tourist attraction in Haridwar which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Mansa Devi, the goddess of Snake. The temple is located at the top of Biswas Parvat on the Shivalik Hills which is a part of the southernmost range of Himalaya. Visitors can reach the temple either by 3km steep trek or by cable car which is also known as Mansa Devi Udankhatola.
4. CHILLA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
If you are under the impression that Haridwar holds nothing for tourists other than religion and culture, this place is like a breath of fresh air to make things all the more exciting for you. A treat for all wildlife lovers in Haridwar, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to an impressive range of animals and birds. Among the major wildlife species you can expect to witness here are elephant, tiger, leopard, and bear.
5. PARAD SHIVLING
Located in Harihar Ashram, Parad Shivlinga is one of the astounding sites of religious importance in Haridwar, It translates to Mercury Shivling and draws in many devotees of Lord Shiva. It is well known for having the Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple.
A popular site to see here is the Rudraksha tree which has been fixed here for many decades. It is a popular belief that the Rudraksha from the trees here will relieve you of all your problems. So don’t go back home without collecting a rudraksha from this tree. The fascinating fact about the shivling is that it is made up of 151 kg of mercury and is one of the most unique attractions of the place. Visited by millions of devotees, it is one of the most popular places to see in Haridwar.
6. ANANDAMAYI ASHRAM
Built in reverence of Sri Ma Anandamayi, this ashram is located at Kankhal in the city of Haridwar. Sri Ma Anandamayi was an eminent spiritual philosopher who belonged to Bengal. Her remains are buried in a crypt at the Ashram which is constructed with white marble.
A center for spirituality, the ashram brings in visitors from all over the world. The ashram complex has many buildings like Gayatri Yagnashala, Ati Rudra Yagnashala, Rudraksha Tree, Shankaracharya Hall, Annapurnasthal, Ma Anandamayi Museum and Ma Anandamayi Vidyapeeth.
Among these, the most popular one is the Ati Rudra Yagnashala which saw the participation of many saints on the occasion of Ati Rudra Maha Yagna in 1981. A popular attraction here is the Akhand diya which you can see illuminated every time and offers a divine experience for everyone.
7. VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE
The Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar is a replica of the original temple situated in Katra, Jammu. The temple is dedicated to Maa Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Laxmi. To maintain the beauty of the original temple, this temple also has man-made caves through which visitors have to crawl to reach the heart of the temple.
Apart from the idol of Maa Vaishno Devi, the temple also has the idols of Goddess Kali and Goddess Saraswati along with 12 Jyotirlingas which are replicas of Lord Shiva.
8. CHANDI DEVI TEMPLE
One of the shaktipeeth at the top of Neel Parvat is Chandi Devi Temple, dedicated to Chandika Devi, who was born out of the energy of Devi Durga to kill the demon king’s Shumbha-Nishumbha.
Worshippers visiting this place can opt for a 3km adventurous trek to the hilltop while experiencing beautiful sights punctuated by monkeys around the place. The other, more comfortable, way of traveling is by the Udankhatola, the ropeway service. Few worshippers can also take trolley service which plies along the way.
There is a pond beside the temple which has medicinal values for which it attracts the visitors who take a dip. There are several vendors around the temple selling Prasad, Diya, agarbatti, etc for those who want to offer puja.
9. DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE
Daksha Mahadev Temple, which is also known as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, is one of the oldest temples Located in Kankhal in Haridwar and is one of the Places to see in Haridwar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati, the temple was named after Goddess Swati’s father, King Daksha Prajapati.
The temple houses a Yajna Kund and also has a thousand year old Banyan tree. The Daksha Ghat on the left of the main temple allows devotees to take a dip in the holy Ganga River. The temple becomes ex.
10. NEEL DHARA PAKSHI VIHAR
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a paradise for bird watchers. The famous bird watching point is situated at the Bhimgoda Barrage of Haridwar and has been blessed with abundant wildlife, flora, and fauna adding to the beauty of the place.
The place becomes breathtakingly beautiful in winters when colorful birds of various species migrate to this place. Special mention would be Siberian Cranes from Rajliwala. Being very close to many trekking routes in Haridwar, the place is also a favorite amongst trekkers and nature lovers. Adding to the beauty of the place are the glorious views of the snow-covered Shivalik Hills which makes it to the top list of tourist attractions in Haridwar.
11. BHARAT MATA MANDIR
Among all the famous shrines and temples that make Haridwar a hub for those seeking God, Bharat Mata Mandir is the most unique one. What makes this temple so special is that the country, India, is worshipped here as a goddess. The temple complex is eight-storeyed and is located near the river Ganges.
12. SAPTRISHI ASHRAM
Among the popular ashrams in Haridwar, it was built by Guru Goswami Dutt in the year 1943. It is renowned for being a host to many sages. Among them, the most popular saints to have visited here are Kashyapa, Vashishta, Atri, Vishwamitra, Bharadwaja and Gautam. The idyllic atmosphere of the ashram is breathtaking and allows you to practice meditation.
13. VISHNU GHAT
Vishnu Ghat is one of the tranquil treats of Haridwar where Visitors can soak themselves in the spirituality of this town. Provisions have been kept for a holy dip in the revered Ganges River in the early morning. During the evening, visitors can enjoy the divine aura of the place which also surrounds this city in its very spirit.
14. PAWAN DHAM
Amongst the places to visit in Haridwar, is Pavan Dham, one of the oldest temples in India. The temple is famous for its remarkable architecture with its intrinsic glasswork on the designed walls. The idols of this temple have been adorned with precious stones and gems adding to the beauty.
15. BARA BAZAR
For visitors wishing to indulge in shopping for what Haridwar is famous for, Bara Bazar is one of the Tourist places in Haridwar. This colorful Bazaar is the main marketplace of the city. The traditional Bazar which meanders through narrow lanes is full of shops selling religious paraphernalia like Rudraksha seeds, ayurvedic products and medicines Churans and digestive powders handcrafted materials and ornaments.
For sweet lovers, sweet shops sell various sweets. A special mention is Pedas the local specialty made from milk. For visitors wishing to fulfill a pang of hunger there are food vendors and small restaurants.
16. FUN VALLEY WATER PARK
A perfect retreat to enjoy a cool dip in water to beat the summer heat, Fun Valley Water Park is one of the most exciting places to visit in Haridwar. It is nestled in the Golden Triangle of Uttarakhand and connect the famous cities of Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. It is a famous amusement park cum resort that will help you cherish some fun moments with your loved ones.
17. BIRLA GHAT
Birla Ghat is one of the oldest riverside ghats in Haridwar. It is a leisurely stretch that will charm visitors with the solitude that makes for the very air here. The ghat has provision for the visitors to take a holy dip in the early hours of dawn. Security barriers in place have been given to ensure no one slips into the water of the Ganges.
18. PATANJALI YOGA PEETH
A must amongst Places to visit in Haridwar is Patanjali Yogpeeth which aims to achieve peace, good health, and happiness by freeing people across the world from diseases without the use of allopathy medicine with its side effects. This is achieved with the help of yoga therapy mainly.
The institute has regular classes on yoga and gives training on various yoga forms. There is also a hospital that gives ayurvedic treatment to visitors traveling from all over the world. The place also has an ayurvedic medicine manufacturing unit. For visitors wishing to stay in this place, there is an accommodation facility as well.
19. LOCAL MARKETS
Haridwar is famous for lots of items that are sold in the local bazaars such as Intricately carved stone idols, puja utensils made of brass and copper, beads, cane baskets, glass bangles, and other ornaments. People visit Jwalapur Market for souvenirs, fruits and vegetables and also sweets for which it is famous.
Moti Bazar, the main bazaar of the city, is for Pooja items like Diya, sandalwood paste, etc. and also famous for bangles and ornaments. For holy materials like Rudraksha males, pendants, motifs, etc, visitors must visit the Kankhal market.
