Haridwar
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 in fact evolved into Yoga, cultural and spiritual centre and has also become a prime hub for learning 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.
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Haridwar FAQ's
Travel Advice
The temples and ghats in Haridwar are usually crowded and hence, there are chances of thefts and pickpocketing. Hence, do not wear expensive jewelry or carry a lot of cash with you.
There are a lot of scammers in Haridwar who would sell you gems, sacred items claiming them to be of holy importance. Stay away from such marketers.
There are a lot of tour guides who offer to take you on a day excursion all over the city. Do not pay them a large sum of money. If you need a guide, hire one through an authorized travel agency.
As Haridwar is a holy city, consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is prohibited here. Hence, refrain from doing so and respect the prescribed ethos.
There are a lot of Dharamshalas, resorts and Hotels which claim to provide best stay services but turn out to be in a deteriorated condition when you actually visit there. Hence, review your accommodation properly before visiting.
Do not make advance payments for any tourist facility unless you are getting a proper receipt for it.
As it is a holy city of religious importance, it is not advisable to wear clothes which are body showing and overly exposing.
Drinking Laws
As Haridwar is a pilgrimage place and is regarded as holy and sacred, it is not legal to consume alcohol in the city of Haridwar.
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What is the best time to visit Haridwar?
Haridwar witnesses climate extremes of sorts.
Summer
The summer months from March to June can get very hot during the day with temperatures sometimes touching 40 degrees Celsius.
Winter
Winter is a lot more pleasant, ranging from 30 to a chilly 10 degrees Celsius.
The best time to visit is February to March and August to October when the weather is pleasant during the day and night. Try to avoid traveling in July when the Savan festival is held as it becomes very crowded and roads can get blocked.
How to reach Haridwar?
Haridwar is connected to cities within and outside the state by road, air and rail.
Road: Most travelers coming from Delhi go by road via NH 45.
Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun and is about 20 kms away. Visitors coming in from abroad will land at Delhi Airport, which is about 5 hours away and is the nearest international airport.
Rail: Haridwar Railway Station is the point of entry if traveling by train. It’s linked to major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Indore.
Which are some best resorts to stay in Haridwar?
Haridwar is visited by different classes of travelers and has resorts catering to various budgets. Here is a list of some of the best resorts –
- Radisson BLU Hotel Haridwar
- Haveli Hari Ganga
- Regenta Orko's
- Alpana Hotel
- Hotel Hari Heritage
- Hotel Sun City
- Aalia Resort
- The URMI
- Brij Lodge
- Le Grand Hotel
- Hyphen Grand
- Lakshya's Hotel
- La Casa Hotel
- Ganga Lahari
Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Haridwar?
Local cuisine in Haridwar largely centers around sweetmeats and classic Indian fare like chole bhature, samosas, kachoris and puris. Some of the best joints to tuck into these mouth-watering foods are –
- Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukan
- Kashyap Kachori Bhandar
- Pandit Sevaram Sharma Doodh Wale
- Bhagwati Chole Bhandar
- Mohan Puri Wala
- Aahaar Restaurant
What are the best public transport modes to commute around Haridwar?
Local buses, taxis and autos are the commonest modes of transport to explore Haridwar. However, hiring a taxi or an auto is a better option as you can take your time and reach out-of-the-way destinations easily. Keep in mind that taxis and autos are more expensive than buses.
What are the best places of shopping in Haridwar?
Haridwar is a shopper’s delight especially if you lean towards handicrafts, ornaments and handlooms. The street markets are very popular but there are upscale places and shops catering to mid-range budget shoppers. Here are a few –
- Moti Bazaar
- Bara Bazaar
- Kankhal Market
- Government Handloom and Handicraft Emporium
- The Pentagon Mall
- V-Mart
Which is the best place and time to experience Ganga Aarti in Haridwar?
The best time to experience Ganga Aarti is in the morning and evening, particularly sunrise and sunset, as the light from the wicks is brightly illuminated.
The most popular place to witness and participate in Ganga Aarti in the ghats of Har Ki Pauri. It’s accessible by bus from Haridwar bus stand and by taxis and autos. If you’re traveling by train, Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest stop and is only 3 kms away.
Which are the best yoga ashrams in Haridwar?
Haridwar is a famous yoga destination in India and the practice ties in closely with its culture and traditions. Make the most of the opportunity when you’re here by visiting an ashram and taking yoga classes and sitting in on teachings. It’s an experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Head to Anantbodh Yoga and Shantikunj to immerse yourself in yoga
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