Haridwar

🇮🇳 India

Life on the holy banks of the Ganges River

Haridwar - Vacation Briefing

Haridwar is a sacred city in northern India, located on the banks of the holy Ganges River. Known for its spiritual significance and rich cultural heritage, Haridwar is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The city is home to numerous ancient temples and ghats where devotees gather to take holy dips in the sacred river. Haridwar also hosts the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Apart from its religious importance, Haridwar offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and tranquility, with lush green forests, mystical waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Popular Sights in Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri Mansa Devi Temple Chandi Devi Temple Maya Devi Temple Daksha Mahadev Temple Bharat Mata Mandir Sapt Rishi Ashram Shantikunj Pawan Dham Rajaji National Park

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Things to do during your Haridwar vacation

Haridwar is a vibrant city in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, this holy city on the banks of the Ganges River is a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Haridwar is known for its sacred ghats, temples, and religious rituals. Besides spiritual activities, there are also a variety of things to do in Haridwar that offer a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Har Ki Pauri: Visit Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat and the holy landmark of Haridwar. Witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony and take a holy dip in the Ganges.
Chandi Devi Temple: Take a cable car ride or trek up the Neel Parvat hill to reach the Chandi Devi Temple. Enjoy panoramic views of Haridwar and seek blessings from Goddess Chandi.
Mansa Devi Temple: Visit the Mansa Devi Temple located on Bilwa Parvat. Take a cable car or trek to the hilltop to seek the blessings of Goddess Mansa Devi.
Rajaji National Park: Explore Rajaji National Park, spanning across three districts and home to diverse flora and fauna. Engage in wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Shantikunj: Visit Shantikunj, the headquarters of the spiritual organization All World Gayatri Pariwar. Attend meditation sessions, participate in spiritual discourses, and learn about Indian culture and heritage.
Bhimgoda Kund: Explore Bhimgoda Kund, a sacred water tank associated with the epic Mahabharata. It is believed to have been created by Bhima by striking the ground with his knee.
Daksha Mahadev Temple: Visit Daksha Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple holds mythological importance and offers a serene atmosphere for meditation and prayers.
Sapt Rishi Ashram: Visit Sapt Rishi Ashram, a tranquil retreat located on the banks of the Ganges. It is believed that seven sages meditated here, making it a significant spiritual spot.
Bharat Mata Mandir: Explore Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. This eight-story temple houses statues and exhibits representing India's history, culture, and deities.
Kankhal: Discover the holy town of Kankhal, famous for its ancient temples and religious festivals. Visit Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple and Anandamayi Ma Ashram.

Why you should visit Haridwar

Overall

Haridwar, India is a moderately desirable destination with a mix of positive and negative aspects.

Safety

The safety rating for Haridwar, India is moderate. While the city has its share of petty crimes, it is generally safe. However, travelers should remain cautious and take necessary precautions.

Culture

Haridwar, India is rich in culture and spirituality. It is home to numerous temples, ashrams, and religious festivals, offering a unique cultural experience to visitors. The diversity of food and religious practices enhance the cultural experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife rating for Haridwar, India is low. The city is known for its religious sanctity and is not renowned for vibrant nightlife or entertainment options.

Adventure

The adventure rating for Haridwar, India is relatively low. The city does not offer many adventurous activities but serves as a gateway to nearby adventurous destinations like Rishikesh, where activities like river rafting and hiking can be enjoyed.

Relaxation

Haridwar, India is a moderately relaxing destination. The city is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, providing serene and peaceful surroundings. Visitors can participate in meditation, yoga, and experience the spiritual atmosphere.

Best time to visit Haridwar

Haridwar is best visited in the months of February to April and October to December. These months offer pleasant weather conditions, religious festivals, and lesser crowds.

Jan

Chilly and crowded

6°C - 19°C

Feb

Pleasant and festive

9°C - 22°C

Mar

Pleasant and festive

13°C - 26°C

Apr

Moderate temperatures

17°C - 32°C

May

Hot and crowded

23°C - 37°C

Jun

Hot and humid

22°C - 35°C

Jul

Rainy but less crowded

22°C - 33°C

Aug

Rainy and humid

22°C - 32°C

Sep

Pleasant weather

20°C - 31°C

Oct

Pleasant weather and festivals

17°C - 29°C

Nov

Mild weather and festivals

11°C - 25°C

Dec

Cool weather and lesser crowds

7°C - 21°C

A guide To your first day of Haridwar vacation

morning

Visit Har Ki Pauri for a peaceful sunrise and witness the religious rituals on the banks of River Ganges.
Take a dip in the holy Ganges and experience the purification rituals.

afternoon

Explore the vibrant markets of Haridwar and indulge in some local street food.
Visit the famous Mansa Devi Temple and seek blessings from the goddess.

evening

Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri and witness the floating diyas on the river.
Take a boat ride in the evening to experience the serene beauty of the Ganges.

night

Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the riverside restaurants and savor the local cuisine.
Take a stroll along the ghats and soak in the peaceful ambiance of the night.

How to get to Haridwar

By Plane

The most convenient way to reach Haridwar, India by plane is to fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. Delhi is well-connected to major international cities and offers numerous flight options. From Delhi, you can take a domestic flight to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is the closest airport to Haridwar. From there, it's a scenic drive of approximately 35 km to reach Haridwar.

By other means

Reaching Haridwar by public transport is convenient, thanks to a well-connected rail network. Haridwar Junction railway station is an important stop and connects to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Buses are also available from various cities in North India to reach Haridwar. Once in Haridwar, local rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are a popular and convenient mode of transport for exploring the city.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!