Haridwar, India: travel guide
One of Hinduism's seven sacred cities — pilgrims descend to bathe in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri and witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at dusk.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Top places to visit in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri
Cultural · 4.6 rating · about 1.3 h
The most sacred ghat in Haridwar where the Ganges enters the plains, famed for its spectacular evening Ganga Aarti with floating lamps and chanting crowds.
Mansa Devi Temple
Temple · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h
Popular wish-fulfilling Shakti temple atop Bilwa Parvat, accessible by cable car, where devotees tie threads on a sacred tree for their wishes.
Chandi Devi Temple
Temple · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h
Hilltop Shakti Peeth temple atop Neel Parvat, reached by a cable car or trek, dedicated to goddess Chandi with panoramic views over the Ganges.
Maya Devi Temple
Temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.7 h
Ancient 11th-century Shakti Peeth in the heart of town, one of the few surviving early temples and counted among Haridwar's holiest shrines.
Patanjali Yogpeeth
Cultural · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h
Vast modern yoga and Ayurveda institute founded by Swami Ramdev, with herbal gardens, wellness facilities and the Yog Bhawan, on the city's outskirts.
Bharat Mata Mandir
Temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h
An eight-storey temple dedicated to "Mother India", each floor honouring heroes, saints and goddesses of the nation, with valley views from the top.
Bara Bazaar
Market · 4.2 rating · about 1 h
The lively main market by Har Ki Pauri, selling brassware, rudraksha, Ayurvedic herbs, sweets and pooja items — great for souvenirs and snacking.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h
Ancient Shiva temple in Kankhal marking the site of King Daksha's yagna from Hindu mythology, an important pilgrimage spot especially during Shivratri.
Pawan Dham
Temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.5 h
Ornate modern temple famous for its dazzling glass-and-mirror interior and intricately decorated idols, a popular stop on the way out of town.
Sapt Rishi Ashram
Cultural · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h
Tranquil ashram where the Ganga is said to split into seven streams to avoid disturbing seven meditating sages — a peaceful spot away from the crowds.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
Wildlife · 4.2 rating · about 1 h
Bird sanctuary on the Ganges near Bhimgoda Barrage, a winter haven for migratory birds and a peaceful spot for birdwatching and river views.
Sati Kund
Cultural · 4.1 rating · about 0.5 h
Sacred ancient pond in Kankhal associated with the legend of goddess Sati's self-immolation, a quiet mythological pilgrimage spot.
Things to do
- Mansa Devi Ropeway Leisure · 1.3 h · from INR 300 per person
- Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti Experience Cultural · 1 h
- Chandi Devi Ropeway Leisure · 1.5 h · from INR 300 per person
- Rajaji National Park Safari Wildlife · 3 h · from INR 2,000 per person
- Haridwar Temple & Ghats Tour Sightseeing Tour · 4 h · from INR 1,000 per person
- Ganga-side Yoga & Meditation Wellness · 1.5 h · from INR 400 per person
- Haridwar Street Food Walk Food Tour · 2.5 h · from INR 800 per person
- Sunrise Ganga Snan & Spiritual Walk Cultural · 2 h · from INR 600 per person
Day trips and tours
- Haridwar Temples & Aarti Day 8 h · from INR 1,800
- Haridwar-Rishikesh Combined Day 9 h · from INR 2,200
- Haridwar Patanjali & Wellness Day 6 h · from INR 1,400
Where to stay in Haridwar
- Hari Ki Pauri about INR 2,000 per night
Sacred waterfront with ghats and spiritual atmosphere
- Moti Bazaar about INR 2,500 per night
Commercial hub with hotels, restaurants, and local market
Hotels
- Hotel LA Costa Haridwar 3-star · INR 1,664 to INR 2,600 per night
- Prakriti Wellness Stay 2-star · INR 972 to INR 1,700 per night
- Ganga Lahari 4-star · INR 7,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- Aalia on the Ganges 5-star · INR 9,000 to INR 16,000 per night
- Radisson Blu Haridwar 5-star · INR 7,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- Haveli Hari Ganga 4-star · INR 6,000 to INR 12,000 per night
Where to eat
- Hoshiyar Puri North Indian, Vegetarian · about INR 200 per person
- Mohan Ji Puri Wale North Indian, Street Food, Vegetarian · about INR 150 per person
- Chotiwala Haridwar North Indian, South Indian, Vegetarian · about INR 300 per person
- Ahaar Restaurant North Indian, Chinese, South Indian · about INR 400 per person
- Big Bite Restaurant North Indian, Chinese, Continental · about INR 450 per person
- Bestow Cafe Cafe, Continental, Italian · about INR 400 per person
- Sagar Ratna South Indian, Vegetarian · about INR 350 per person
- Prakash Lok North Indian, Vegetarian, Thali · about INR 200 per person
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Cycle Rickshaw main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.
Safety and scams to avoid
Pre-paid taxi "broken meter"
Airports, train stations, popular squares
Driver insists meter is broken, quotes ~3x the fair price; or detours via "shopping" stops earning commission.
How to avoid it: Use pre-paid taxi counter at airport, or Uber/Ola/Rapido apps. Insist on meter or agree price upfront.