Things to Do in Haridwar
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.
One of the Tourist places in Haridwar is Har ki Pauri which basically means footsteps of the Lord. It is the holy ghat where river Ganges touches the plains after winding its ways through the Himalayan ranges. Visitors flock along this pious ghat around dawn to take a holy dip. during the Ganga Aarati.
It is mesmerising to watch the whole ghat getting illuminated by the shimmering lights of the three-tiered lamps of fire in the hands of the priests . Additionally, devotees float thousands of diyas on the surface of the water giving the river Ganges an ethereal aura of beauty. A prime attraction during the day time is a footprint imprinted on a wall which is believed to belong to Lord Vishnu.
Location - harkipodi, near Krishna Dham, Kharkhari
Timing - Open at all times
Best Time to Visit - Can be visited every month of the year although summer can be hot during day time.
Some of the prominent attractions of Shanti Kunj are the Yagya shala, Gayatri Mata temple, Akhand Deep, Devatma Himalaya temple and various other temples dedicated to ancient rishis. If you are interested to know more, do go through one of the exhibitions at the world famous ashram on Divine culture. You will not return disappointed after returning from Shanti Kunj.
Location: Shantikunj, Sapt Rishi Rd, Motichur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Timing: All day
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Mansa Devi Temple, also known as Bilwa Tirth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) is within Haridwar. It is a Tourist attraction in Haridwar which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Mansa Devi, goddess of Snake. The temple is located at the top of Biswas Parvat on the Shivalik Hills which is a part of the southernmost range of Himalaya. Visitors can reach the temple either by 3km steep trek or by cable car which is also known as Mansa Devi Udankhatola.
If you are under the impression that Haridwar holds nothing for tourists other than religion and culture, this place is like a breath of fresh air to make things all the more exciting for you. A treat for all wildlife lovers in Haridwar, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to an impressive range of animals and birds. Among the major wildlife species you can expect to witness here are elephant, tiger, leopard, and bear.
A popular site to see here is the Rudraksha tree which has been fixed here since many decades. It is a popular belief that the Rudraksha from the trees here will relieve you of all your problems. So don’t go back home without collecting a rudraksha from this tree. The fascinating fact about the shivling is that it is made up of 151 kg of mercury and is one of the most unique attractions of the place. Visited by millions of devotees, it is one of the most popular places to see in Haridwar.
Location: Harihar Ashram, Kankhal, Haridwar
Timing: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Built in reverence of Sri Ma Anandamayi, this ashram is located at Kankhal in the city of Haridwar. Sri Ma Anandamayi was an eminent spiritual philosopher who belonged to Bengal. Her remains are buried in a crypt at the Ashram which is constructed with white marble.
A centre for spirituality, the ashram brings in visitors from all over the world. The ashram complex has many buildings like Gayatri Yagnashala, Ati Rudra Yagnashala, Rudraksha Tree, Shankaracharya Hall, Annapurnasthal, Ma Anandamayi Museum and Ma Anandamayi Vidyapeeth.
Among these, the most popular one is the Ati Rudra Yagnashala which saw the participation of many saints on the occasion of Ati Rudra Maha Yagna in 1981. A popular attraction here is the Akhand diya which you can see illuminated every time and offers a divine experience for everyone.
Location: Brahm Vihar Colony, Kankhala, Mayapur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Timing: 24 hours
For visitors wishing to indulge in shopping for what Haridwar is famous for, Bara Bazar is one of the Tourist places in Haridwar. This colorful Bazar is the main marketplace of the city. The traditional Bazar which meanders through narrow lanes is full of shops selling religious paraphernalia like Rudraksha seeds, to ayurvedic products and medicines to Churans and digestive powders to handcrafted materials and ornaments.
For sweet lovers, sweet shops are selling various sweets. A special mention is “Pedas” , the local specialty made from milk. For visitors wishing to fulfill a pang of hunger, there are food vendors and small restaurants.
Location - Subhash Ghat, Haridwar
Timing - Daily 9 am to 10 pm
Best Time to Visit - Except for January & July
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a paradise for bird watchers. The famous bird watching point is situated at the Bhimgoda Barrage of Haridwar and has been blessed with abundant wildlife, flora, and fauna adding to the beauty of the place.
The place becomes breathtakingly beautiful in winters when colorful birds of various species migrate to this place. Special mention would be Siberian Cranes from Rajliwala. Being very close to many trekking routes in Haridwar, the place is also a favorite amongst the trekkers and nature lovers. Adding to the beauty of the place is the glorious views of the snow-covered Shivalik Hills which makes it to the top list of tourist attractions in Haridwar.
Location - Bhimgoda Barrage
Timing - 07:00 am - 07:00 pm daily
Best Time to Visit - Daily 07:00 am - 02:00 pm. The best time to visit is during winters.
Amongst the places to visit in Haridwar, is Pavan Dham, one of the oldest temples in India. The temple is famous for its remarkable architecture with its intrinsic glasswork on the designed walls. The idols of this temple have been adorned with precious stones and gems adding to the beauty.
The beauty of the place enhances when the sun rays reflect on the idols and the walls of the place. So, to enjoy its beauty, visitors should visit the place in daylight. The temple is a part of a non-profit organization that believes in rendering free service to significant social causes.
Location -Sapt Sarovar Road, Haridwar
Timing - 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Best Time to Visit - May-June and August to October. Also, peak winter around December and January.
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 Bahadarbad
Timing - Ayurveda OPD is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Hospital is open 24 hours
Best Time to Visit - Can be visited in all months of the year.
Entry Fee - Nil. OPD Consultation with Doctors is also free.
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Haridwar is famous for lots of items that are sold in the local bazaars such as Intricately carved stone idols, puja utensils made of brass and copper, beads, cane baskets, glass bangles, and other ornaments. People visit Jwalapur Market for souvenirs,fruits and vegetables and also sweets for which it is famous.
Moti Bazar, the main bazaar of the city, is for Pooja items like Diya, sandalwood paste, etc. and also famous for bangles and ornaments. For holy materials like Rudraksha males, pendants, motifs, etc, visitors must visit the Kankhal market.
Location - Jwalapur Market at Jwalapur, Moti Bazar at Moti Bazar Road, Kankhal Market at Kankhal, Chowk Bazar, Haridwar
Timing - 9 am to 10 pm daily
Best Time to Visit - Any time of the month
Saptarishi( the Seven Sages) Ashram derived its name from the Hindu mythology as per which seven great sages Vashishth, Kashyap, Atri, Vishwamitra, Gautam, Bharadwaja, and Jamadagni met in this place to meditate. Located on the bank of river Ganges, the place is also the point from which river Ganges splits into seven different streams, known as sapto sarovars.
There are 5 statues on the banks of the river for the Pandavas. The place is an abode for Hindu saints and sages who reside, mediate and also research worldly and divine dynamics and practice religious rituals. Apart from being one of the Tourist places in Haridwar, the ashram also is a place for students who reside and learn from the saints.
Location - Bhupatwala, Haridwar
Timing - Daily 6 AM to 7 PM
Best Time to Visit - Except January and July
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, Haridwar
Timing - 6 AM to 12 PM & 4 PM to 8 PM
Best Time to Visit - February, March, August, September & October.
One of the shaktipeeth at the top of Neel Parvat is Chandi Devi Temple, dedicated to Chandika Devi, who was born out of the energy of Devi Durga to kill the demon king's Shumbha-Nishumbha.
Worshippers visiting this place can opt for a 3km adventurous trek to the hilltop while experiencing beautiful sights punctuated by monkeys around the place. The other, more comfortable, way of traveling is by the Udankhatola, the ropeway service. Few worshippers can also take trolley service which plies along the way.
There is a pond beside the temple which has medicinal values for which it attracts the visitors who take a dip. There are several vendors around the temple selling Prasad, Diya, agarbatti, etc for those who want to offer puja.
Location - Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Timing - Daily 6 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 6 PM
Best Time to Visit - February to October.
Gau Ghat
Location: Gau Ghat, Haridwar
Timing: 24 hours
Best Time to Visit: All year
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Many people say that this was the place where Ganga had split herself into seven streams so as not to disturb the seven sages who were meditating here. Hence, the ashram is also well known as Sapt Sarovar or Saptarishi Kund. An enchanting respite, Saptrishi Ashram is a must visit for anyone who is fond of yoga and wishing to find a solace in spirituality. The ashram is well-known among the rishis and saints from all over the world. Another popular attraction of this ashram is one of the residential hostels and a Sanskrit school for poor children.
Location: Saptrishi Ashram, Bhoopatwala, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Timing: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Surrounded by a landscape of lush greenery at the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas, Fun Valley Water Park is one of the most prominent amusement parks in Haridwar. It allows you to cherish some amazing time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is an amazing place to relax and unwind with your loved one. Enjoy some exhilarating rides and get your adrenaline rushing with your friends and families. Other popular facilities to be enjoyed here include adventure activities like go karting and recreational experiences like shopping.
Location: The Fun Valley 28th Km Stone, Haridwar Road, Lal Tappar Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Timing: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Below 3 feet - Free, From 3 feet to 4 feet 6 inches - INR 600, Above 4 feet 6 inches - INR 800
One of the Places to visit in Haridwar Crystal world is Uttarakhand’s largest Entertainment Destination having an amusement park with a Water World Park and two museums. The amusement park has 39 water and thrill rides (22 rides & 17 slides) which the young visitors enjoy most.
The two museums, India’s Celebrity museum with 14 silicon statues and Interactive Art Museum with 25 3D paintings adds to the fun. The place also has its highway food court where visitors can enjoy food for 3 generations under one roof.
Location - Delhi Rd, Batedi
Timing - Amusement Park - 10:30 am to 8:00 pm, Water Park - 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
Best Time to Visit - All months of the year. Not very comfortable during monsoon season.
Entry Fee -
Adult : ₹700 (M-Fri) / ₹800 (Sat & Sun)
Children : ₹600(M-Fri) / ₹700 (Sat & Sun)
Sr. Citizens : ₹600(M-Fri) / ₹700 (Sat & Sun)
Surya Kund in Haridwar, India, is a sacred water tank located near the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat on the banks of the Ganges River.
The ghat has a lot of eateries where visitors can go for breakfast and snacks after taking the holy dip.
Location - Birla Ghat, Haridwar
Timing - 24 hours
Best Time to Visit - February to June; August to December
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Haridwar Things To Do FAQs
What is famous for Haridwar in shopping?
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?
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?
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
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 .
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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