Haridwar

Haridwar, located in Uttarakhand, is one of India’s most sacred cities. The name "Haridwar" comes from two words: 'Hari' meaning Lord (God) and 'Dwar' meaning gateway, which together signify “Gateway to the Lord.” The city is especially revered for the holy River Ganga, where countless pilgrims from across the country come to take a sacred dip in its waters. This ritual is believed to cleanse sins and bring peace, forgiveness, and spiritual freedom (moksha).

The city is also famous for hosting the Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, held every 12 years. Haridwar is home to many ancient temples, ashrams, and ghats, making it a center for yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice. It is also the main starting point for the Char Dham Yatra (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath), welcoming millions of pilgrims every year who begin their journey to the Himalayas from here.

Spiritual Importance of Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India and holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees. Every year, countless pilgrims visit this holy city to seek blessings and spiritual peace. Flowing through Haridwar is the sacred River Ganga, worshipped as a divine mother. Bathing in its waters is believed to purify the soul, wash away sins, and lead one towards moksha (spiritual liberation).

A major highlight of Haridwar is the Har Ki Pauri Ghat, where thousands gather daily to offer prayers and witness the Ganga Aarti, a powerful spiritual ritual that symbolizes the connection between the river and the devotee. Haridwar is also deeply rooted in Hindu mythology—it is believed to be one of the four places where drops of Amrit (nectar of immortality) fell during the celestial Samudra Manthan, making it spiritually charged and eternally sacred.

Top Places to Visit in Haridwar

• Har Ki Pauri: Har Ki Pauri is the most famous ghat in Haridwar, where pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganga River to wash away sins and seek blessings. It is believed that Lord Vishnu once visited this sacred spot, and the name means “Steps of the Lord.” The highlight here is the Ganga Aarti, held every morning and evening, where priests perform a beautiful fire ritual that fills the air with chants, lights, and devotion. Har Ki Pauri is also the main site of the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, and is a must-visit for anyone coming to Haridwar.
• Mansa Devi: Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Mansa, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. The temple is located on Bilwa Parvat (hill) and is considered one of the five sacred pilgrimage sites in Haridwar. Visitors can reach the temple either by a scenic ropeway ride, which offers stunning views of the city and river, or by a 3 km uphill trek. The ropeway ride also attracts adventure seekers looking to combine spirituality with a thrilling experience. Many devotees come here to tie sacred threads and make wishes, hoping the goddess will bless them.
• Chandi Devi Temples: Chandi Devi Temple is a popular spiritual site in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Chandi, a powerful form of Goddess Durga. The temple is perched atop Neel Parvat, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Ganga River. Visitors can reach the temple by a 4 km uphill trek or take a ropeway ride, which adds a touch of thrill and adventure to the spiritual journey. The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of its devotees and is also considered one of the Shakti Peethas, making it a highly revered site. With its peaceful ambiance, scenic views, and divine energy, Chandi Devi Temple is a must-visit when in Haridwar.
• Daksha Mahadev Temple: Daksha Mahadev Temple, one of the best places to visit in Haridwar, is a revered pilgrimage site located in Kankhal, about 4 km from the main city. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds immense mythological significance as the site where King Daksha, father of Goddess Sati, conducted a yajna without inviting Lord Shiva—leading to a series of divine events that mark the temple’s sacred legacy. Built in 1810 by Queen Dhankaur and later reconstructed in 1962, the temple stands beside the tranquil Ganga River, which adds to its spiritual ambiance. During the holy month of Saavan, it becomes a hub of devotion, attracting thousands of devotees.
• Rajaji National Park: Rajaji National Park is one of the best places to visit near Haridwar, especially for nature and wildlife lovers. Located just outside the city, the park is home to many wild animals like elephants, deer, leopards, and a variety of birds. It is also part of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, where lucky visitors may spot a tiger. A jungle safari is the best way to explore the park and enjoy the beauty of the forest, its greenery, and wildlife. The park is open for tourists from 15th November to 15th June every year. If you’re visiting Haridwar and want to enjoy nature and adventure, a trip to Rajaji National Park is a must.

Things to Do in Haridwar

• Holy dip in the Ganga: One of the first and most important things to do in Haridwar is to take a holy dip in the sacred River Ganga. It is believed that bathing in the river washes away sins and purifies the soul.
• Attend Ganga Aarti: Don’t miss the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, held every morning and evening. The grand celebration of lights, chants, and devotion creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere that touches the heart.
• Ropeway rides to temples: Experience a unique and adventurous ride by taking the ropeway (also known as Udan Khatola) to visit famous temples like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi. It offers scenic views of the city and the Ganga River below.
• Local market shopping: Take a stroll through Haridwar’s bustling local markets to shop for puja items, souvenirs, handicrafts, spiritual books, and traditional clothes. It’s a great way to explore local culture and take home something memorable.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

The best time to visit Haridwar is during the post-winter and early summer months, especially from February to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, temple visits, and attending the famous Ganga Aarti.

• February to April: This is the most comfortable time to explore Haridwar. The weather is pleasant, and the water of the Ganga is not too cold, making it perfect for taking a holy dip and visiting temples peacefully.
• April to June: The days start getting warmer, but it’s still manageable. This is a good time to visit if you want to attend religious events or avoid the monsoon rush.
• July to September: These are the monsoon months with heavy rainfall. The Ganga’s water level rises, and there is high flow, making dips risky. It is also the Kanwar Yatra season, which brings a massive crowd of devotees. If you’re a participant, it’s the right time; otherwise, expect high rush and limited movement.
• November to January: Winters in Haridwar can be quite cold, and the water becomes too chilly for many. However, if you’re a devoted pilgrim and can manage the cold, the spiritual atmosphere during this time is peaceful and less crowded.

Tip: If you wish to witness major spiritual festivals like the Kanwar Yatra or Kumbh Mela, plan accordingly, as these events attract millions of devotees and create a truly divine and energetic atmosphere.

How to Reach Haridwar

Haridwar is easily accessible from major cities across India by road, rail, and air. Here’s how you can reach this sacred city:

1. By Road: Haridwar is well-connected to Delhi and other nearby cities by road. Regular buses, cabs, and taxis operate from Delhi to Haridwar, covering a distance of about 240 km in 4–5 hours. Both private and government buses (including Volvo and deluxe) are available.

2. By Train: Haridwar has its own railway station (Haridwar Junction), which is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Varanasi. Trains to Haridwar run regularly, making it a convenient and affordable travel option for pilgrims and tourists.

3. By Air: The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 38 km away. Travelers can take direct flights to Dehradun from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and others. From the airport, Haridwar can be reached in about 1 hour by road via buses, private taxis, or shared cabs, which are easily available