Haridwar is famously known as the “The Gateway to God” and is reckoned as one of the 7 holiest places in India. It is a major pilgrim spot nestled in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This place is perched 314 meters above sea level. It is endowed with beautiful temples, ashrams, and narrow lanes across the city.
It draws millions of devotees to come to take a dip in the holy Ganges. There is a strong belief that taking a dip in the Holy Ganga River relieves one of all the sins. This place has a great historical significance and is also quoted in the texts of the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang.
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The highlight of this place is the popular Ganga Aarti held every evening. It is one of the cities that host the Kumbh Mela every twelve years. It is also famously known for Kanwar Mela organized here every year during saawan (rainy season). It is also regarded as the gateway to the Char Dham of Uttarakhand. There are many impeccable places to visit in Haridwar that will help to explore its history, culture, art, and lifestyle.
Places to Visit in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Maya Devi temple
- Vishnu Ghat
- Shanti Kunj
- Pavan Dham
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Vaishno Devi Temple
Har Ki Pauri
The Har Ki Pauri is reckoned as one of the most revered places in Haridwar. It literally means the Footsteps of God. The most remarkable landmark at the sacred Ghats is the footprint of Lord Vishnu himself. The place is famously known for being the location of the Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha Mela.
It is a spot where River Ganga flowing through the Himalayas touches the plains for the first time. According to Hindu mythology, it is a place where the drops of elixir (‘Amrit’) were accidentally spilled by the celestial bird Garuda. This place is a heaven on the earth offering serenity and tranquility all the time. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Major Attractions: Footprint of Lord Vishnu
Things to Do: Ganga Aarti
Chandi Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to Chandi Devi, a form of the Hindu Goddess Durga. It is one of the most ancient temples in India, located on the Neel Parvat of the beautiful Shivalik Hills. The temple was established by the ancient Hindu Philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.
This place draws a large number of pilgrims during the festivals of Navratri and the Kumbha Mela. It is endowed With verdant greenery, you will surely experience the presence of the divine around you. It is indeed an incredible tourist place in Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Major Attractions: Navratri and the Kumbha Mela
Things to Do: Photography, Trekking
Maya Devi temple
The Maya Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi is an epitome of Shakti which takes us back to the 11th century AD. This tourist spot in Haridwar is also the place where the heart and navel of the Goddess Sati fell after she performed penance and is famously known as the Shakti Peetha.
The holy temple is also blessed by the idols of goddess Kamakhya and Goddess Kali who are also a form of Adi para shakti. It is a strong belief that the sacred temple has the power to fulfill any desires of the person seeking her blessings. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Major Attractions: Shakti Peetha
Things to Do: Photography, Festivals, Hiking, Cable car ride
Vishnu Ghat
The Vishnu Ghat is considered sacred and the most famous tourist destination in Haridwar. This place is named after the Hindu Lord Vishnu. It is a place where Lord Vishnu took bath and the water is said to absolve all sins. It is often regarded as the gateway to the Hindu pilgrimage sites of the ‘Char Dhams’ and draws a huge number of visitors throughout the year. It is adorned with amazing mountains, rivers, and ancient temples. It is the most frequented place to visit in Haridwar and will surely engulf you in a spiritual healing experience.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Major Attractions: Char Dhams
Things to Do: Photography, Shop for souvenirs
Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj is a world-renowned ashram known to be the headquarters of the All India Gayatri Pariwar and was established in the year 1971 for the moral and spiritual regeneration in the Indian culture. This tourist spot in Haridwar is one of the most visited places for spiritual guidance. It is an ideal place that organizes several spiritual training programs for those seeking inner peace and divine inspiration. It is one of the top tourist places to visit in Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Major Attractions: Yagya shala, Gayatri Mata Temple, Akhand Deep, Devatma Himalaya Temple, Temples of ancient Rishis, and an Exhibition of Divine Culture
Things to Do: Yoga & Meditation
Pavan Dham
Pavan Dham is one of the most visited pilgrimage tourist spots in Haridwar. It is located just 2km away from the main city. The temple was constructed in the year 1970 by Swami Vedantanand Ji Maharaj. It is famously reckoned for its unique temple architecture, elaborate glasswork, and craftsmanship.
This place is also popular for the elaborately adorned idols. It abodes idols adorned in rich jewels and precious stones. The stunning interiors and divine atmosphere make it an amazing tourist place in Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Major Attractions: Idol of Lord Krishna
Things to Do: Photography
Mansa Devi Temple
The Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mansa Devi, this place is perched at a beautiful hillock known as the Bilwa Parvat of the Shiwalik Range of the Himalayas. The Goddess is said to fulfill all the wishes of their devotees by tying a piece of thread on the branches of the tree nestled in the temple premises.
The goddess Mansa Devi, is considered the epitome of Shakti and is believed to have emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva. Thousands of Hindus flock to the temple throughout the year which is one of the ‘Panch Tirths’ or the five pilgrimages places to visit in Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Major Attractions: Peethas, Ropeways
Things to Do: Photography
Vaishno Devi Temple
The Vaishno Devi Temple located in Haridwar is a replica of the Vaishno Devi temple in Kashmir. The path leading to the worship spot is marked by tunnels and caves that lead to the sacred place that abodes the shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi.
It is a strong belief that the Vaishno Devi Temple of Haridwar was built in the memory of Trikuta, a devotee of Lord Ram. It is a great place for nature lovers because of the pristine view of the surrounding landscape. This is also one of the Shakti Peethas temples and an eminent tourist place in Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Major Attractions: Shakti Peethas
Things to Do: Photography
Haridwar, with the abundant greenery, scenic view, beautiful lakes, majestic hills, temples, wildlife, magnificent peaks, and every other tourist attraction is indeed a great place where you can spend a fantastic vacation. The list of amazing places to visit in Haridwar offers a picturesque blend of nature and wildlife, where you can explore the greenery and view the beautiful scenery around you.
FAQ
What are the famous foods of Haridwar?
The sumptuous foods of Dehradun include Aloo Puri, Kachori.,Rasmalai & Jalebi, Chhole Bhature, Lassi & Kulhar Wala Milk Samosas, and Fresh Fruit Chaat.
What is special about Haridwar?
Haridwar is nestled along the holy Ganga, is popular for its beautiful temples and ghats where pilgrims bathe to relieve themselves of their sins and achieve salvation.