An ancient city located in the heart of the country, Haridwar, is known for many religious and exploratory activities that you can take part in. Apart from the religious capital of the country, Haridwar can take you on an exciting journey. It would be no short of a sin to visit Haridwar and not take a dip in the holy waters at the Har Ki Pauri Ghat. If you are seeking spiritual peace, there are numerous things to do in Haridwar. The serene ambiance, pristine waters, and the chant of prayers form the perfect backdrop for a spiritual getaway.
The most famous and exciting you can do in Haridwar is visit the Har ki Pauri Ghat. Known for its world-famous ‘Ganga Aarti,’ the site is known as the ‘Footstep of God.’ Hundreds of people come here every morning to wash their sins off. Watching the synchronised chants of the devotees and the hum of the metal bells in the background early in the morning is the most spiritually moving experience you can get in this place.
Home to pristine flora and fauna, there are numerous things to do in Haridwar other than spiritual activities. You can head to the Rajaji National Park, which houses the largest population of wild elephants and tigers. For nature lovers, there is no place better than the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar. Apart from encompassing a wide area of lush greenery, it is home to diverse migratory birds.
If you are lucky enough to be in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela, you can have a once in a lifetime experience. It is the biggest gathering of humans that happen only after 12 years in Haridwar. The quaint markets, delicious food, adventure activities, and innumerable temples make Haridwar an ideal spot for a vacation.
Places to Visit and Things to Do in Haridwar
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Haridwar Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Haridwar
Birla Ghat is one of the oldest riverside ghats at 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 the place have been given to ensure no one slips into the water of Ganges. The ghat has a lot of eateries where visitors can go for breakfast and snacks after taking the holy dip.Location - Birla Ghat, HaridwarTiming - 24 hours Best Time to Visit - February to June; August to December
One of the Places to visit in Haridwar is Maya Devi Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, who is the incarnation of Goddess Shakti. One of the Shakti Peethas of Haridwar, the temple is believed to have been built over the place where the heart and navel of Sati had fallen as per mythology. The temple premises have the idols of Goddess Maya, Goddess Kamakhya and Goddess kali. Apart from being a holy place of worship, the temple is well known for its ancient architectural beauty. The temple is known for its elaborate decoration and celebration during the festivals of Navaratri & also during Kumbh Mela.Location - Upper Road, Birla Ghat, HaridwarTiming - 6 AM to 12 PM & 4 PM to 8 PMBest Time to Visit - February, March, August, September & October.
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. Location - Maharshi Dayanand Gram, Delhi-Haridwar National Highway Near BahadarbadTiming - Ayurveda OPD is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Hospital is open 24 hoursBest Time to Visit - Can be visited in all months of the year.Entry Fee - Nil. OPD Consultation with Doctors is also free.
Haridwar Travel Guides
People Also Ask About Haridwar Things To Do
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What is famous for Haridwar in shopping?
There are many things you can buy in the markets of Haridwar. From trinkets and idols of brass and copper with intricate carvings to stone idols of Hindu deities. Hindu worship paraphernalia is sold abundantly in Haridwar like the beads necklace, metal bells, cane baskets, glass bangles and puja utensils.
There are many markets where you can buy your products from like Moti Bazar, Jawalpur, Kankhal, Bara Bazar and the Government Handloom and Handicraft Emporium. -
What is there to do in Haridwar at night?
If you're wondering about what to do in Haridwar at night, trekking to the Mansa Devi Temple should be at the top of your list. Haunted with the tales of ghosts of wild animals and mythical creatures, this trek gives you more than religious indulgence. The temple itself is so beautiful and humbling that you will not regret the whole experience.
One can also take a stroll around the jungle by visiting the Rajaji National Park at night. The thrill and awe one feels navigating through a forest after dark is unmatchable by anything else. -
What is the famous food of Haridwar?
Haridwar has an array of dishes right out of the most authentic recipes of North Indian cuisine. It is most famous for its unique variant of ‘aloo puri’. It's a spiced potato dish served with fried puff bread and is a favourite of visitors and locals alike. The streets of Haridwar are brimming with many cheap food stalls that serve local dishes like these. -
Which are the activities that I can do in Haridwar?
Haridwar is a city vibrant and joyful. Days here are spent walking aimlessly, exploring the streets and evenings here is an everyday celebration at Har ki Pauri aarti where the entire city accumulates. The power of spirituality is then felt. Except for this, following are a few things to do in Haridwar-
- Attend aarti at Har ki Pauri
- Stay in Ashram
- Try the street foods
- Indulge in some yoga and meditation
- Take a holy bath
- Go for a wildlife jungle safari at Rajaji National Park
- Visit various temples
- Go shopping at Bara Bazar or Kankhal
- Some more shopping at Jawalapur and Moti Bazar
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Where can I see Ganga Aarti in Haridwar? Which is a popular site for it?
Ganga Aarti means prayer for river Ganga and prayers are dedicated to gods and goddesses. If you are wondering why prayers are offered to River Ganga then the reason is because river Ganga not just a river in India, it is considered to be the divine mother who gives life in the form of water. In Haridwar, Ganga Aarti is performed at Har Ki Pauri Ghat which is one of the most famous popular sites in Haridwar. A visit to Haridwar is incomplete if you have not seen the Ganga Aarti that is performed at Har ki Pauri .
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Which are famous yoga ashrams in Haridwar to perform yoga?
Haridwar is famous for its Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments. There are special yoga ashrams where people from all over the world come for meditation. These ashrams have certain rules and regulations that must be followed by every participant. These ashrams are known for their yoga therapies and have helped many in several ways. Some of the famous yoga ashrams in Haridwar are-
- Aurovalley ashram Haridwar
- Santosh puri Ashram Haridwar
- Patanjali Haridwar
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Which are some famous temples to visit in Haridwar?
Temples are located on every street of Haridwar. Many of these temples attract not just local devotees but devotees from across the globe. Some of the most famous temples in Haridwar are-
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Har Ki Paudi - Ganga Temple
- Daksha Mahadev Temple
- Maya Devi Temple
- Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Bharat Mata Temple
- Neeleshwar Temple
- Mahamrityunjaya Temple
- Jain Temple
- Pawan Temple
- Shree Yantra Temple
- Doodhadhari Barfani Temple
- Anjana Devi Temple
- Sati Kund Temple
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Which are some famous locations for sightseeing in Haridwar?
As Haridwar is a religious destination, majority of the sightseeing locations here are religious spots. There are various temples and ashrams that can be visited in and around Haridwar. Some of the most famous locations for sightseeing in Haridwar are-
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Shantikunj
- Patanjali Yogpeeth
- Chilla Range
- Saptrishi Ashram
- Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Gau Ghat
- Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
- Pawan Dham
- Parad Shivlinga
- Sati Kund
- Bara Bazaar
- Vishnu Ghat
- Moti Bazaar
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Which are some famous sites for rafting near Haridwar and what is the average cost?
The nearest river rafting site near Haridwar is Rishikesh. White water rafting in Rishikesh is one of the best rafting destination in India and has grown to a well-liked and adventurous spot. For white water rafting enthusiasts, this place offers a impressive experience of medium to very tough and rough rapids in the regions of River Ganges. Many adventurous tourists both from India and overseas visit this place to experience the real challenges of this water sport activity. The cost of this sport depends on the rafting route you choose. The average cost starts from INR 750 per head and goes on to INR 1500 per head.
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Which are some famous camping sites in and around Haridwar?
Camping in Haridwar gives you natural peace and a chance to relax from your daily routine. Camping trips in Haridwar and around has become vastly popular.
- Camp Tusker
- Camping at Rajaji National Park
- Rajaji Jungle Camp
- Shivpuri
- Brahmpuri
- Marine Drive
- Byasi
- Kaudiyala
- Sinthali
- Neelkanth Road
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When can I visit Neel Dhara PaKshi Vihar in Haridwar? What are the timings and charges?
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is blessed with abundance of flora and fauna and is a paradise for nature lovers. The bird sanctuary is located 3.5 kilometres from Haridwar and tourists can reach there by using shared cabs or buses. This park can be visited during any time of the year. In winters, the park is flooded with several migratory birds like Siberian crave. This place is known for its immense natural beauty and visitors can also see the Shivalik Hills from the bird watching point. Moreover, one can also enjoy the sight of the snow covered mountains from here. The park is functional for 7 am to 7 pm and the entry fee costs INR 350 per head
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Which are some of the best treks near Haridwar?
Trekking in and around Haridwar can be done to explore and enjoy the scenery of the trails. Uttarakhand being the hilly area has a lot to explore through trekking. Apart from going to the temple people also prefer going to the trekking in Haridwar. The best time to trek in this area is during the month of July, august, September. Kunjapuri trek Gaumukh in Gangotri Glacier Trek to Shivpuri Trek to Kaudiyala Auli Kuari pass Valley of flowers