Haridwar, in India's northern state of Uttarakhand, is a city rich in history and spirituality. It is one of Hinduism's seven holiest places, and its name, Haridwar, means "Gateway to Gods." It's a fascinating destination with its bustling markets, colour festivals, and numerous temples and ashrams. The following are some of the best places to visit in Haridwar.
1. Har Ki Pauri
2. Chandi Devi Temple
3. Mansa Devi Temple
4. Bharat Mata Temple
5. Maya Devi Temple
1. Har Ki Pauri
One of the holiest Ghats in Haridwar and all of India, it is renowned as a landmark and frequently visited by pilgrims seeking the grace of Holy Ganga. Here, taking a dip in the Ganges is thought to wash one's sins away. Offerings are made with lighted candles and diyas floating across the river at the numerous temples located along the riverbank. It is also well recognised for hosting a sizable assembly of worshippers for the Kumbh Mela celebration.
Mythology: According to mythology, it is one of the four locations where the celestial bird Garuda accidentally spilled the drops of elixir ('Amrit').
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
Nearby Attractions: Daksh Mahadev Temple (7.9 km), and Pawan Dham (6 km)
Location: Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
2. Chandi Devi Temple
This temple is one of the shaktipeeth on Neel Parvat and is dedicated to Chandika Devi, who was born from Devi Durga's energy to kill the demon king's Shumbha-Nishumbha. It is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar and a popular trekking destination. The view from the ropeway that takes you to the zenith of the temple is breathtaking. The ropeway operates from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost For Ropeway: INR 95/- per person (approx)
Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
Nearby Attractions: Maya Devi Temple (0.9 km), and Daksh Mahadev Temple (2.9 km)
Location: Neel Parvat, Haridwar
3. Mansa Devi Temple
Another popular sightseeing in Haridwar is the Mansa Devi Temple, which is located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills and is also known as the Bilwa Tirth due to its location. This Siddh Peeth is dedicated to Goddess Mansa, who grants their devotees' wishes. You can reach this hilltop temple by trekking or taking the ropeway, which is one of the must-do activities in Haridwar.
Things To Do: Take trips around the area; there are many famous temples, ashrams, and museums. Or, enjoy some local shopping for souvenirs.
Best Time To Visit: September to April
Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
Nearby Attractions: Chandi Devi Temple (3.9 km), and Gau Ghat (2.2 km)
Location: Bilwa Parvat, Haridwar
4. Bharat Mata Temple
This is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar and a multi-story shrine in Mother India designed to honour all patriots and independence warriors' sacrifices. The temple is 180 ft tall and has eight stories, each with a different theme devoted to various folklore and deities. The main deity of Mother India can be found on the first floor. Shoor Mandir, Matru Mandir, Assembly Hall, Sant Mandir, and many more can be found on the other floors.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Nearby Attractions: Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar (1.2 km), and Har Ki Pauri (7 km)
Location: Motichur, Haridwar
5. Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya, the main deity of Haridwar, and the city was previously known as Mayapuri in honour of her. It is also one of the oldest temples and the best spot for sightseeing in Haridwar. It is a small temple with traditional north Indian architecture and stucco portraits of the Devi in different poses. Inside the temple are three idols: Maya Devi, Goddess Kali, and Goddess Kamakhya.
Best Time To Visit: Navaratri & Kumbh Mela
Ideal Duration: 30 minutes
Nearby Attractions: Chandi Devi Temple (0.9 km), and Crystal World (0.8 km)
Location: Birla Ghat, Haridwar
Other Famous Attractions In Haridwar
Daksh Prajapati Temple
Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar
Rajaji National Park
Vishnu Ghat
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What are the best places to visit in Haridwar?
A.The top Haridwar attractions include Ganga Aarti, Har ki Pauri, Bharat Mata Mandir, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, and others.
Q.What time of year is ideal for visiting Haridwar?
A.The months of February, March, August, and October are the ideal times to travel to Haridwar. In Haridwar, the weather during these months is quite agreeable and ideal for your holiday.
Q. Why is Haridwar so renowned?
A. Hardiwar is a holy city that serves as a starting point for the Char Dham Trek's pilgrimage sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Millions of worshippers visit its numerous temples and shrines each year.
Q. How many days are sufficient to visit Haridwar?
A. A vacation of about 2-3 days is ideal for visiting Haridwar because it covers the majority of the attractions.
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