Places to visit in Haridwar

Although Many people might have this perception that Haridwar is only a religious place and you should only go to Haridwar if you are religious and all. But once you will see this list of the Best places to visit in Haridwar you will realize that that is not the complete truth. There are places like the National Park, the adventurous journey of Rope Way, and the streets of Haridwar that are way beyond this perception.

Haridwar

Haridwar is located on the right Banks of the Ganges, in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the places in India where drops of “Amrita” received from Samudra Manthan fell down. Haridwar is one of the holiest places for Hindus. The most famous festival “Kumbh Mela” happens every Twelve Years in Haridwar only at Har Ki Pauri Ghat. Haridwar is also known as Mayapuri, KaPilsthan, and Gangadwar in ancient sacred texts. The Shaivites call it “Hardwar” where “Har” means “Shiva” and Vaishnavites call it “Haridwar” where “Hari” means “Vishnu”.

Haridwar is also the starting point of Chota Char Dham Yatra which is a very famous pilgrimage tour in Uttarakhand. Please do not misunderstand this with the Char Dham Yatra which includes abodes of God in four directions.

Top places to visit in Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most visited places in Uttarakhand. Most of the attractions in Haridwar have great religious importance. These attractions in Haridwar have now been developed as tourist Spots and thousands of tourists as well as pilgrims visit these sites now.

This is one of the most famous and sacred ghats in Haridwar. It is the most visited place in Haridwar and visitors have recommended considering it adding to the Itinerary on the top. The story behind its name is linked to Bhagwan Vishnu coming to this ghat in Vedic times. This is also the very place where the river Ganga touches the plain surface after leaving the mountains. At this very ghat only thousands of people commence in this holy river on the occasion of the Kumbh Mela organized in every 12 years. People believing in the holiness of this river take a dip daily.

The ghats are mostly crowded so it’s better not to go with the crowd and find a less crowded one and take a dip there only.

If you are coming to Haridwar, make sure to add this place to your list even if you are not going to bathe here, still there is a lot to enjoy.

How to reach Har ki Pauri?

It is easily accessible from the nearest bus stand or railway station which is within 3kms and the nearest airport is 43 km away which is Jolly Grant Airport. Rikshaws and autos are available from bus stands or stations.

The temple is situated on the top of Bilwa Parvat, a part of Shivalik Hills. One has to walk upstairs or can use the ropeway to reach the temple. The temple is one of the five Tirth in Haridwar and is known as Bilwa Tirth.

The form of the goddess is said to be originated from the mind of Mahadev and hence named Mansa. There are other stories as well about the temple and they are very interesting. Overall speaking, the view of the temple and surroundings, the experience of the ropeway and the Mandir Darshan definitely make the place a must-visit one.

This is basically a temple complex and the Mansa Devi Mandir is the prime deity. The cable car operator sometimes tries to sell a round trip forcefully but you may choose to visit any of them for example only the Mansa Devi Mandir and not the Chandi Devi Mandir however that is solely your choice.

How to reach Mansa Devi Temple?

Rikshaws and Autos are available to the downhill of the temple from there you can either trek 3km uphill to the temple or book a ride of Mansa Devi Udankhatola(the ropeway) to the temple.

Roaming on the streets of Haridwar is an experience which is a very unique experience and trying street food altogether. The streets of Haridwar might reminisce you of Godhowlia (Varanasi). There are many street foods like; lassi, puri sabji, puri chole, etc.

The temple is located on the Neel Parvat and is not very far from Mansa Devi Mandir. You may either walk through the stairs or take the ropeway. Booking ropeway in advance is better as it will not only save you time, but you also won’t need to engage in any meaningless discussion.

How to reach Chandi Devi Temple?

You can either steep trek for 4 km uphill to the temple or book the ropeway from Haridwar.

The Rajaji National Park is a must-visit place for wildlife lovers or wildlife photographers. A vast range of wild animals and birds inhabits the national park. It is famous for wild elephants in particular. Too much information is not needed to visit here, you only need to be interested in watching the wildlife and the rest will come along with it. The national park has been rated 4 by many travellers on various platforms so you won’t be disappointed.

How to reach Rajaji National Park?

The national park has many gates and the main gate opens up in Haridwar and is located 8 km from Haridwar Railway station. It is also accessible by road and is almost 40 km from the Jolly Grant Airport.

The locals say that this temple is a replica of the Vaishno Devi Mandir in Jammu. Believe me, this is a masterpiece and if you are in Haridwar, or even planning for it, please include this in your list. The temple consists of many Devi and devtas and all are not just temples or statues but depictions. Almost every status is a depiction of any incident or story. People who visited there have rated it 4.5 on almost every platform so you are not going to be disappointed.

Also, people who cannot go to the Vaishno Devi Mandir in Jammu, can visit here and experience this unique place and be blessed. People who cannot go through the caves might visit another Vaishno devi Mandir in Dehradun which has very small cave roots and is said to be very much natural and not man-made.

How to reach Vaishno Devi Mandir, Haridwar?

The temple is only 5 km away from the Haridwar Railway station, easily accessible by road and is located in Jwalapur, Haridwar.