A Complete Travel Guide to Haridwar 

Haridwar Complete Travel Guide for Tourists include Famous Temples in Haridwar, Haridwar Tourist Places, and How to Reach Haridwar. Haridwar, located in Uttarakhand, is one of India’s seven holiest cities. It’s where the sacred Ganga makes its first foray into the Indo-Gangetic plains. Haridwar, a famous Hindu temple town dotted with temples, ashrams, and tiny lanes, is a popular Hindu temple town where millions of devotees flock to take a bath in the holy Ganges. Taking a bath in the sacred Har Ki Pauri is said to cleanse one of all sins.

Haridwar is home to the Panch Tirth (five pilgrimages) according to Hindu tradition. Har ki Pauri (Gangadwar), Ghat (Kushwart), Kankhal, Mansa Devi Temple (Bilwa Tirth), and Chandi Devi Temple are among the places to visit (Neel Parvat). Ayurveda, meditation, and yoga are all popular in Haridwar. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are not permitted because it is a religious centre. The city is well-connected by bus and train, although the yatra season, which runs from May to October, is particularly congested.

The famous Ganga Aarti, done every evening at the Har ki Pauri Ghat, is a highlight of Haridwar. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Ganga to worship and floating diyas. Every twelve years, Haridwar is one of four cities that host the Kumbh Mela (the others being Ujjain, Nasik, and Allahabad). The Kanwar Mela is conducted here every year during the month of Saawan (rainy season). It also acts as a gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, as well as a base for other tourist destinations such as Rishikesh and Devprayag.

Haridwar is the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas,’ elegantly positioned on the Ganga’s bank at an elevation of 249.7 m above sea level and covering a total area of 2360 sq km. This hallowed city is akin to a magazine, with intriguing representations from history and daily life persuading travellers from all over the world to visit. Every year, the city hosts the Magh Mela, the Kumbh Mela every three years, the Ardh Kumbh Mela every six years, and the Maha Kumbh Mela every twelve.

History of Haridwar

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Lord Vishnu is also known as Hari, and the name Haridwar literally means “Gateway to Lord Vishnu.” It is correct in the sense that one must begin their journey from Haridwar in order to visit Badrinath, a Vishnu shrine. Haridwar is a historical city that has survived the invasions of various civilizations while maintaining its spiritual significance. This city is mentioned in a number of books and manuscripts dating back before the Buddha’s time. 

Archaeological surveys in Haridwar revealed that terra cotta culture flourished in Haridwar between the years 1700 and 1300 BCE.11. Muzaffarnagar– 84 km. Huang Tsang, an ancient Chinese traveller, noted Haridwar in his travel writings. Thomas Coryat, an English traveller who visited the city during the time of Emperor Jahangir (1596-1627), referred to it as ‘Haridwar,’ the capital of Lord Shiva.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

From September through April is the finest season to visit Haridwar. As the rainy season draws to a close, the cool peaceful surroundings and lush greens of the Shivalik range, which contrast beautifully with the placid blue waters of the Ganges, are left behind. The winters bring a chill to the air, making Haridwar an ideal location for spending time alone or with family.

Summers in Haridwar

The temperature in Haridwar fluctuates from 35°C to 45°C throughout the summer months. Summer is pleasant and moderate, with plenty of rain in the monsoon. Winter in Haridwar: In the winter, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 30°C. Haridwar’s weather is often unreliable.

Monsoon in Haridwar

The monsoon season lasts from July to September, and most activities are halted owing to the severe rain. August is the wettest month of the year. The weather is nice and mild during the months of October and November.

Winters in Haridwar

In the winter, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 30°C. Haridwar’s weather is often unreliable. Haridwar’s winters are bitterly cold. During this time, woollen clothing is required.

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Haridwar

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Haridwar is home to numerous temples and tourist attractions. The holy city of Haridwar is also an ideal location for discovering one’s inner self. There are a variety of yoga and Ayurveda ashrams where you may relax and discover a new perspective on life. On the other side, a sightseeing tour to religious sites is possible. Famous tourist places of Haridwar are Mansa Dev Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksheshwara, Mahadev Temple, Har Ki Pauri, Maya Devi Temple, Shantikunj Haridwar, Doodhdhari Barfani Temple, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Neeleshwar Temple

Top 10 Places to Visit in Haridwar

For more information and details on top 10 places to visit in Haridwar, click on the above link and get all the details about the most famous torurist places in Nainital District.

Top Tourist Activities in Haridwar

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Har ki Pauri, a popular pilgrimage site in Haridwar, is thought to be the location where the holy river Ganga emerges from the Himalayas. The world-famous Ganga Aarti takes place in the Brahmakund area of Har ki Pauri, a sacred site where the nectar (Amrit) is said to have fallen to earth. Haridwar, which means ‘Gateway to God,’ is one of India’s seven holiest cities (Sapt Puris), located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in Uttarakhand. For Hindu pilgrims, the old city is home to a plethora of temples, ashrams, ghats, and other venerated monuments.

There are other experiences to have in Haridwar like Trekking, Camping, Skiing, White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Giant Swing, Flying Fox, Paragliding, Yoga and Meditation, When it comes to yoga, the mind is naturally drawn to the Himalayas, and Haridwar serves as an excellent entry point for those seeking yoga experiences. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi, this is unquestionably the ideal location for a stress-free session. Here are a few sites where you may spend some quality time doing yoga, ranging from the Patanjali yoga foundation in Rishikesh to ashrams in Almora, Nainital, Chamoli, and Chopta, among others. The sheer beauty of this location is mesmerising no matter where you go, and it will allow you to engage in contemplative and yoga practises.

Places to Visit Nearby Haridwar

Here is the list of best places to visit near Haridwar with Top sightseeing places nearby Haridwar that are a must to visit for tourists whenever visiting Haridwar

Rishikesh

Grand temples, ceremonies, architectural marvels, and yoga ashrams are all associated with the city. Every temple here, whether it’s the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, or the 13-story Trimbakeshwar Temple, has a captivating legend that draws visitors from all over the world. The twin Ram and Lakshman Jhulas are architectural marvels in and of themselves. These 750-foot-long suspension bridges straddle the Ganges. There are various ashrams in this area that guide visitors into the spiritual world of ancient types of yoga, meditation, and vipassana in order to cleanse their souls and de-stress. Rishikesh’s picturesque splendour is enhanced by the mighty Ganges cutting directly through the city, which is situated at the foothills of the towering Garhwal Himalayas.

The gorgeous city appears to be suspended between beautiful riverside promenades, acres of forests, lush mountains, and brilliant blue skies, giving it a strange appearance. Rishikesh also offers a variety of unusual and adventurous activities. If you don’t want to experience the adrenaline rush of white water rafting, which is offered up to grade 6, you can spend your time doing things like cliff jumping, kayaking, and body surfing. There are beautiful waterfalls here, such as Patna Fall and Neer Garhi Fall, that are ideal for escaping into nature’s raw wilderness. If you’re a spiritual person, you won’t want to miss the Maha Aarti’s jaw-dropping display.

Dehradun

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Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is recognised for its pleasant climate and stunning surroundings. It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas. One of the most astounding aspects about this location, though, is that it is also one of India’s most prominent educational centres. It’s hard to see how a city so small and insignificant could compete with India’s other financial sectors.

Dehradun is located in Doon Valley, which has a varied elevation of roughly 410 metres. The climate of the area is particularly well-known. While Dehradun has lovely cool weather, it is also known as the “Rainy City of India” because of its frequent rains. Uttarakhand’s capital is Dehradun. In recent years, there has been a construction boom in the city, with seemingly infinite residential property popping up. Modern structures are progressively being built to compensate for the good parts of Dehradun.

Dhanaulti

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Dhanaulti is a tranquil little village on the Chamba-Mussoorie route that sits at a stunning 2,250 metres above sea level. Because of Dhanaulti’s elevation, you can see the surrounding Himalayas from practically anywhere, and the weather is almost always favourable. The region’s landscape is characterised by pristine forests with towering deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees. You’ll find lovely meadows, lush jungles, and bubbling streams just a short walk from the town centre.

Dhanaulti, despite its modest size, has a strong cultural presence, with inhabitants donning traditional attire and headgear. Traditional garhwali cuisine is available here, as well as local handicrafts and souvenirs. The area is also littered with multiple temples and forts that date back to various periods in history and provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Dhanaulti and its position in history. Dhanaulti is home to a number of resorts and camping sites that provide a variety of lodging alternatives. You can either sleep under the stars in a tent or enjoy the breathtaking views of the forest from the window of a luxury resort.

There are various locations that offer adventurous activities such as skywalking through peaks, forest trekking, mountain climbing, and sledding down slopes! Ziplining, biking, and rappelling are also available! If you are not interested in adventure, you can spend your time in Dhanaulti relaxing in a spa, playing golf, reading literature in a hammock, or taking leisurely walks along jungle pathways. Dhanaulti also boasts kilometres of potato farms where you may go horseback riding! Aside from them, Dhanaulti’s apple orchards grow a wide variety of apples, and you may spend an entire day going through them, gathering apples and enjoying excellent apple-based meals.

Mussoorie

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With the passage of time, this natural scenery, located at a height of about 1900 metres above sea level, has evolved into a tourist paradise. The officers of the controlling East India Company established this natural advantage point as a holiday paradise in the hills in the nineteenth century. Mussoorie, which is 40 kilometres from Dehradun, the state capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, has earned the title of “queen of the hill stations.” When you stay at Mussoorie Resorts, you will have access to around 15 attractions that are rich in environment, religion, and culture. This high station is also an entrance to the Yamunotri and Gangotri glaciers.

Because of certain cultural events and political celebrity movements in 1991, this town was thrust into the spotlight. This period might be considered the start of the modern history of “Mussoorie as a tourist destination.” This hill station has evolved into a modern town where nature and modern conveniences are creating a new eco-system of fun, frolic, and entertainment for people of all ages, particularly honeymoon couples. Mussoorie has evolved into an educational centre as a result of the presence of various prestigious educational institutes and convent schools. Mussoorie’s environment was also infused with a youthful attitude as a result of the existence of these tourist attractions.

Nainital

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The emerald, glassy, eye-shaped lake (tal) around which the town is built gets its name from Nainital, the hill resort town in the same-named region. P. Baron, a British sugar trader, created the town in 1841, and thank goodness he did! There is no better place to get away from the rush and bustle of city life. You enter a new, parallel world the instant you enter the Nainital district. The shift to the picturesque beauty of the likes of the area, with the greatest tourist spots to visit in Nainital, is a feast to the senses, a particular balming ecstasy of an experience that one can only appreciate via life experience.

No wonder the Kumaon Himalayas are known as “dev Bhoomi” (Land of the Gods), a divine manifestation of nature’s most intricate natural laws, which have been at work for millennia to carve out the perfect cradle in the arms of the lofty peaks, who continue to stand as sentinels, offering solace and inspiring awe in humanity. Nainital’s charm is eerily similar to that of a dreamscape. Once upon a time, the British elites used the location as a hideaway during the harsh summers of the Indian mainland, and the tradition continues now for native Indians as well as our foreign visitors.

Kasauli

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Kasauli is a lovely, picturesque town and cantonment in the Himachal Pradesh state of Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district. Kasauli is noted for its beautiful beauty and calm, despite the fact that it has several distinctive attractions. Kasauli is accessible from both Chandigarh, 65 kilometres distant, and Shimla, 77 kilometres away.

Because Kasauli is a railway junction, the most convenient mode of transportation is by train. The Kalka Mail, one of the country’s most important trains connecting places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Amritsar, is a terrific way to get to Kasauli, which is only 40 kilometres from Kalka in Haryana. If you prefer to travel by air, Chandigarh Airport is the closest airport, from where you may hire a car or take a bus to Kasauli. Buses from Delhi and Chandigarh run frequently, making journeys to Kasauli simple and pleasant.

Despite its tiny size, Kasauli offers many beautiful sites to explore, making it a popular tourist destination. Manki Point (a Hanuman Temple), the Gilbert Trail on Kachcha Road, Sunset Point, the Gurkha Fort, Baba Balak Nath Temple Christ’s Church, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, and the Central Research Library, which is known for its virological research and studies in the fields of immunology, are among Kasauli’s main attractions.

Kalsi

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Kalsi is a breathtaking natural beauty positioned at a height of roughly 780 metres in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district. This beautiful village is nestled at the junction of River Tons and River Yamuna, making it an easy gateway to the Jaunsar-Bawar tribal area. Every year, millions of national and international travellers flock to this region, which is known for its ancient monuments, picnic places, and adventurous activities.

Hotels in Haridwar

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The city welcomes visitors by providing a variety of lodging options. There are luxury hotels as well as ashrams that provide very nice lodging. There are a number of Yoga Retreats that provide adequate lodging as well as a perfect yoga learning experience. The services and amenities provided by any hotel are decided by the price and location.

In the city, cycle-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are readily available. Alternatively, individuals might travel in their own vehicles. Budget motels, guest houses, and even some decent resorts to indulge in lavishly are all readily available. Because Haridwar has a large number of visitors throughout the year, it is recommended that you reserve your hotel ahead of time.

How to Reach Haridwar

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Haridwar is well-connected by rail to major cities. Trains run frequently from Central and North India, while there are also train connections from South India. Haridwar is also well connected by road, with large towns such as Delhi and Bareilly serving as stops along the way. Dehradun, about 35 kilometres from Haridwar, is the nearest airport.

By Train

The rail network in Haridwar is excellent, connecting it to all of India’s major cities. Haridwar is well-served by trains from major cities across the country. There are frequent trains from Haridwar Junction Railway Station to Delhi (4-5 hours) and Dehradun (4-5 hours) (1 hour).

By Air

The nearest airport to Haridwar is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun is accessible via direct flight from Mumbai or Delhi, as well as connecting flights from other Indian cities. Local automobiles can be hired outside the airport to get to Haridwar from Dehradun via road.

By Road

By road, Haridwar is easily accessible from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and other districts of Uttarkhand. Haridwar is connected to these locations by a multitude of public and private buses. Bus service is offered on a regular basis, and fares are reasonable. Visitors can board these buses at any time that is convenient for them.

Distance between Haridwar and Major Cities

1. Delhi– 171 km
2. Dehradun– 52 km
3. Bareilly– 251 km
4. Rishikesh– 24 km
5. Agra– 308 km
6. Jaipur– 412 km
7. Chandigarh– 202 km
8. Roorkee– 30 km
9. Meerut– 150 km
10. Kashipur- 114 km
11. Muzaffarnagar– 84 km
12. Mussoorie- 86 km
13. Almora– 286 km
14. Amritsar– 406 km
15. Kanpur– 443 km
16. Gwalior- 514 km
17. Lucknow– 440 km
18. Mumbai– 1317 km
19. Shimla- 160 km
20. Ludhiana– 263 km

Haridwar Travel Tips

1. If you are visiting Uttarakhand for a vacation in Haridwar, you must adhere to all government-issued requirements to ensure your safety.
2. Bring some warm clothing because the weather can be fickle.
3. If you’re travelling during peak season, book your hotel room ahead of time to escape the crowd.
4. If you want to go on a wildlife safari, you need to book your Jeep safari in advance.
5. The Ganga Aarti in Har Ki Paudi, which takes place every evening, is a sight to behold.
6. Inside the temple, especially in the sanctum sanctorum, photography may be restricted.
7. Haridwar gets overcrowded, especially during the Kumbh Mela.
8. Do not miss Haridwar nearby places.
9. Cheapest Dharamshala also available to stay in Haridwar for cheapest travel in INR 200+ per night.
10. Public display of love is prohibited and always dress up decently.

The majority of the places in India are sacred. If you consider yourself to be a believer in God. You must go to Haridwar. Haridwar is a historic city and one of Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage sites. It is found in the Uttarakhand state’s Haridwar district. The finest spot to visit is Haridwar. There are numerous locations to visit and explore in Haridwar.