Haridwar, meaning ‘Gateway to God’, is one of the seven holiest cities (Sapt Puris) in India that is located on the banks of the holy Ganga River in the state of Uttarakhand. The ancient city is home to a number of temples, ashrams, ghats and numerous other revered sites for Hindu pilgrims. Panch Tirths (Five Pilgrimages) are one of the foremost places to visit in Haridwar – Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Kankhal and Kushavarta. The city is visited by innumerable devotees and tourists year-round, with the footfall increasing exponentially during the Maha Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years) and the Ardh Kumbh Mela (held every 6 years).
1. Har Ki Pauri
One of the first places to visit in Haridwar is the holy ghat of Har Ki Pauri – which means Lord Shiva’s steps – located on the banks of the Ganga River. Interestingly, the Vedic literature mentions that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited this place, and you can also see a large footprint on a wall that is said to be of Lord Vishnu. Also known as Gangadwar, this is the place where the Ganga River first leaves the mountains and enters the plain.
Har Ki Pauri is considered to be the most sacred ghat in the entire city where the mythological bird Garuda accidentally dropped Amrit (elixir), and it is believed that if you take a dip here, then all your sins get washed away. The Ganga aarti held at the ghat at dusk and dawn attracts devotees in large numbers.
- Location: Kharkhari, Haridwar
- Timings: 24X7 (Ganga Aarti: 5:30 am – 6:30 am and 6 pm – 7 pm)
2. Mansa Devi Temple
Another popular place to visit in Haridwar is Mansa Devi Temple atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, and owing to its location it is also known as the Bilwa Tirth. This Siddh Peeth is dedicated to Goddess Mansa, who is believed to be a form of Goddess Shakti and is said to have been created from Lord Shiva’s mind.
It is one of the most revered temples in North India as devotees firmly believe that all their wishes are granted by Goddess Mansa (the name of the deity means wish). You can either reach this temple on the hilltop by trekking or by taking the ropeway, which is one of the unmissable things to do in Haridwar.
- Location: Bilwa Parvat, Haridwar
- Timings: 5 am to 9 pm
3. Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is another Siddh Peeth dedicated to Goddess Chandi – a form of Goddess Durga and is visited by thousands of devotees to get their wishes fulfilled. This temple is situated atop the Shivalik Hills’ Neel Parvat, which was the mythological battleground where the goddess killed demons Chand-Mund and later, Shumbh-Nishumbh. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Kashmir King Suchan Singh while the idol was established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya.
You can trek to the temple or take the ropeway (Chandi Devi Udankhatola) that offers a bird’s-eye view of Haridwar. Near this temple lies another popular religious site – Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Location: Neel Parvat, Haridwar
- Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
4. Kankhal
Kankhal, one of the Panch Tirths in Haridwar, is a small colony that is home to the renowned Daksha Mahadev Temple and Maa Anandamayi Ashram. The former is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by innumerable devotees, especially during the holy month of Sawan. The latter is a spiritual centre, built in honour of the Bengali mystic leader Maa Anandamayi.
Kankhal is also home to the holy ghat of Kushavarta, which is one of the Panch Tirths and the famous Patanjali Yog Peeth that is probably the largest yoga centres in the world. Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple in Harihar Ashram, located on Kankhal Road, is famous for the unique Parad Shivalinga that is made from 151 kg mercury.
- Location: South Haridwar
- Timings: 24X7
- Places to Stay: Hotels near kankhal
5. Maya Devi Temple
Completing the trio of Siddh Peeths in Haridwar is Maya Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Maya, who is the main deity of Haridwar and in reverence, the city was earlier known as Mayapuri. As per mythological literature, the temple has been built on the site where Goddess Sati’s heart and navel fell.
It is one of the oldest temples in the entire country that was built in the 11th century on Har Ki Pauri Ghat. Although the temple is visited by hundreds of devotees daily to seek the goddess’ blessings and get their wishes granted, the footfall increases immensely during Navratri and Kumbh Mela.
- Location: Birla Ghat, Haridwar
- Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
6. Shantikunj
One of the most popular spiritual and moral enlightenment centres in the world is Shantikunj in Haridwar. Established in 1971, it is the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) that has millions of followers across the world. The centre propagates national integration as well as cultural and ethical values apart from spiritual and moral upliftment. Shantikunj also has a research institute (Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan) and a residential university (Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya).
This must-visit attraction has been visited by a number of world-renowned personalities, including Dalai Lama. You can also stay here for free for up to two days, during which you need to take part in all their daily activities, including bhajans and aartis.
- Location: Motichur, Haridwar
- Timings: 24X7
7. Bharat Mata Mandir
Literally meaning Mother India Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique multi-storey temple in Haridwar that is dedicated to patriots and freedom fighters. Inaugurated by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983, the 180-feet tall temple with 8 floors celebrates the spirit of unity in diversity, which actually reflects the true essence of our great nation.
Each of the eight floors have an individual theme – Bharat Mata dedicated to Mother India, Shoor Mandir dedicated to Indian heroes, Matru Mandir dedicated to renowned women personalities, Sant Mandir dedicated to saints, Assembly Hall reflecting religious harmony, sixth floor dedicated to Goddess Shakti, seventh floor dedicated to Lord Vishnu and eighth floor dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Location: Motichur, Haridwar
- Timings: 7:30 am to 5 pm
8. Pawan Dham
Pawan Dham, an ancient temple and a social non-profit organization, is managed by the Geeta Bhawan Trust Society of Moga. Along with the elaborate architecture, stunning interiors and exquisite glasswork, the beautiful idols adorned with precious jewels and stones are the highlights of this revered site. The main attraction is the beautiful Lord Krishna idol that is seen preaching his disciple Arjun. Owing to the intricate mirror and glasswork, the temple is often referred to as the Glass Temple that enjoys great fame not only among Hindu devotees, but also among local and foreign tourists.
- Location: Sapt Sarovar Road, Haridwar
- Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
10. Gau Ghat
ostly visited by people who seek safety and well being of their near and dear ones, Gau Ghat makes for one of the best places to visit in Haridwar in one day. The ghat is the perfect place to seek divine intervention sitting by the banks of the Ganga river. Located in the vicinity of Subhash Ghat, Gau Ghat is also known as the place where ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi were immersed.
Location: Gau Ghat, Haridwar
Distance From Haridwar Railway Station: 1.6 kilometers
Timing Required: 2 to 3 hours
11. Birla Ghat
Located right next to Vishnu Ghat, Birla Ghat is known for being one of the oldest Ghats in Haridwar which also makes it to be one of the top places to visit in Haridwar. Birla Ghat is a quaint and solitary ghats at most times and taking a dip in the holy waters is believed to absolve your sins and many devotees take a dip here for the same. There are security barriers installed near the stairs to prevent mishappenings.
Location: Birla Ghat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401
Distance From Haridwar Railway Station: 0.75 kilometers
Timing Required: 2 to 3 hours
12. Adbhut Mandir
This magnificent temple located at the Haripur Kalan is among the famous places in Haridwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Spread across a region of 3 acres, the construction of this temple started in 2000 and it took 16 years to complete that. This temple is known for its outstanding architecture and design which is complemented by the lush-greenery and cascading river in the backdrop which also makes it one of the best tourist place in Haridwar.
Location: Haripur Kalan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249411
Timings: Morning – 9AM -1PM and Evening 3PM-8PM
Timing Required: 2 to 3 hours
13. Doodhadhari Barfani Temple
A remarkable white marble structure, Doodhadhari Barfani Temple is counted among the most beautiful tourist places in Haridwar. Located in the Doodhadhari Barfani ashram, this temple has small temples dedicated to all the main Hindu deities like Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, and Lord Shiva and Goddess Parva. Do visit this temple to seek blessings and to meditate amidst nature.
Location: Hagirathi Nagar, Bhoopatwala, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Distance From Haridwar Railway Station: 4 Km
Timing Required: 2 to 3 hours
14. Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Nestled in the valley of Billa Parvat, Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is another Haridwar tourist place that no one can afford to miss. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed by the locals that this is the same place where Goddess Parvati worshipped to Lord Shiva after which accepted to marry her. The place is surrounded by woods and hills which makes it a perfect weekend spot.
Location: Bypass Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401
Distance From Haridwar Railway Station: 650 m
Timing Required: 2 to 3 hours
15. Daksh Prajapati Mandir
One of the top religious places to see in Haridwar is Daksh Prajapati Mandir which is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva & Goddess Sati. Moreover, the temple has been named after the father of Sati, King Daksha Prajapati. If you want to see the place in full swing then you must explore the temple during Shivratri.
Location: Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249408
Distance From Haridwar Railway Station: 2.6 km
Timing Required: 2 to 3 hours
Top 5 Places For Shopping In Haridwar
1. The Pentagon Mall
This is a big shopping mall in Haridwar. Tourists and shoppers willing to spend a day in this mall can avail of its cinemas, eateries and shopping outlets present here. You can buy branded kids, men, and women fashion clothing. There are also many novelty shops here. They are the best to buy lifestyle accessories. It is a family, kid and disabled-friendly shopping mall. It has ample parking places. This is a well-maintained shopping mall.
Address: Plot No: C1, BHEL Main Road Sector 12, SIDCUL, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249403
Timing: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
2. Tibetan Shopping Centre
The people willing to buy the authentic handicrafts of Tibet must shop from this place once in Haridwar holidays. Woolen dresses are the best to buy. You will get the original sheep wool and that to hand-knitted. The other woolen products you can buy are woolen blankets, scarves, shawls, and mufflers. There are many Tibetan souvenirs shops available here. Those shops are the best to buy traditional fashion accessories for kids, men, and women. You can bargain and come down on price. They do give discounts when you buy in bulk quantities.
Address: Bhalla Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401
Timing: 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM (closed on Wednesday)
3. V2 Value & Variety
This is a trendy clothing store in the heart of Haridwar. This is the best shop for teenagers. They have kids wear too. There are boys and girls dresses, which are trendy collections. Most of the readymade dresses found here are of export quality. If you are looking for funky dresses, this is the shop to land. The tourists can buy warm jackets and accessories from this modern store. This is a fixed price shop. Yet the dresses are with quality for what you pay here. You can see a trial and buy them. They accept card payments.
Address: Panchwati Colony, Devpura, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249410
Timing: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
4. Multi Brand Hub
This is a multi-brand store in Haridwar. They sell sportswear, men’s fashion, and footwear. They have a vast collection of men’s shirts and pants in casual collections. The people looking for sportswear must shop here. They are affordable and with the finest quality. In leather products, they have a vast collection of sports shoes and casual shoes. They sell top brands of shoes. You can also buy leather made fashion accessories. This is a fixed price shop and accepts card payments from customers.
Address: Shop No. 23, Nirmal Sarai, near the railway station, Mayapur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401
Timing: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
5. Glow Beauty & Bangles Store
This is the best place to shop by ladies for cosmetics, fashion accessories, and tailoring materials. You can match a bangle set as per the dress color from this store. You can buy a single pair to elbow level bangle sets. They are with colorful glittering designs. They are available in glass and plastics. If you stitch and wear Salwar Kamis, you can buy authentic designing materials from this store. The skincare cosmetics available here are of low chemicals.
Address: Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249408
Timing: 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
11 Best Street Food In Haridwar
1. Aloo Puri
Famous across North India, Aloo Puri is undoubtedly the best street food in Haridwar. It is not only the signature cuisine of the city, but also an all time favorite be it for lunch or dinner. The puris are deep fried Indian breads that are served with tangy yet spicy Aloo ki Sabzi, and often accompanied with halwa on the side. This is an absolute must-have when you’re holidaying in the city.
Best Places To Eat At: Mohanji Puri Wale, Chotiwala Restaurant, and Hoshiyarpuri
2. Kachori
Just like Delhi, kachori has been a famous street food in Haridwar as well. Served along with with sabzi and chutney, it can be enjoyed as a quick snack at any time of the day. Though, this is the most common breakfast of locals. So, if this is something you do not want to miss, get up early in the morning and head out to the restaurants at Har Ki Pauri Ghat for savouring fresh and toothsome kachoris.
Best Places To Eat At: Kashyap Kachori Bhandar at Gau Ghat, Bhagwati Chole Bhandar, and Chotiwala Restaurant
3. Rasmalai & Jalebi
Needless to say this city is a paradise for sweet lovers and sweets like Jalebi, Rasmalai, & Rabri are a part of the must-have Haridwar special food. The sweets here are mostly made with pure ghee and are only served fresh on the plate. Whether you eat one or many, we can vouch that you’d end up craving for more.
Best Place To Eat At: Mathura walon ki Pracheen Dukaan
4. Chhole Bhature
In Haridwar, food options are endless, but the best ones that can actually titillate your taste buds are few. A favorite delicacy of almost everyone in North India, Chhole Bhature are a must-have in this city. Along with a plate of spicy chhole bhaturas, you can take kheer or lassi, but just make sure you do not visit the local restaurants during peak hours.
Best Place To Eat At: Bhagwati Chhole Bhandaar
5. Lassi & Kulhar Wala Milk
There is no denying that Haridwar has the best quality milk & milk food items, and that’s why trying them during your trip is a must. From lassi to hot frothy milk served in earthen (kulhar) pots, you can savour anything. To ensure that you have the best experience, do tell the bhaiya if you’d like them to serve it to you as salty, sweet, or mix.
Best Place To Eat At: Pandit Sevaram Sharma Doodhwale in Moti Bazaar
6. Chaat
From golgappas to papri chaat and dahi vadas to aloo tikkis, the street food in Haridwar has got it all. These chaat options are undeniably lip-smacking and we bet you won’t feel satisfied with just one. And while you can savour these at any time of the day, the best time to have them is during the noon before lunch or in the evening much before dinner.
Best Places To Eat At: Jain Chaat Bhandar, Chotiwala Restaurant, and Invitation Restaurant
7. Samosas
Apart from kachori, if there is anything else the people love in North India the most it is samosas. They are a favourite all-time snack and are best enjoyed with mint & Imli ki chutney. Though, what makes the samosas in Haridwar so exquisite is its traditional recipe that adds a different flavor to them. If not spicy, you can also try the sweet samosas in this city.
Best Places To Eat At: Hoshiyarpuri, Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan, and Chotiwala Restaurant
8. Fresh Fruit Chaat
For those who cannot relish the Haridwar street food much because of health issues, the fresh fruit chaat is the ultimate food option in the city. From chatpata to salty, you can get the flavor of your fruit chaat customized as per your interests. This food is certainly the best thing to have during breakfast or as a refreshing snack during the evening.
Best Place To Eat At: Dibiya Fresh Fruit Chaat
9. Flavoured Kulfi
Just like the sweets and milk, the streets of Haridwar are also famous for selling scrumptious kulfis in a variety of flavors that will truly leave you craving for more. Malai, pista, kesar, rose, elaichi, and mango are some of the top flavors that you can try after your meal either in a matka or on a stick as you please. And if you do not wish to eat it alone, you can buy it along with falooda.
Best Places To Eat At: Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan, Chotiwala, and more
10. Stuffed Parathas
Popular as North Indians’ staple breakfast food, parathas are worth trying even in Haridwar. With aloo, cheese, gobhi, and onion being amongst the top ingredients, the stuffed parathas have become one of the famous street foods in Haridwar. Be it any time of the day, these are best enjoyed when served piping hot and along with curd.
Best Places To Eat At: Billu Bhai Paranthe Wale, Siwalik Restaurant, and Chotiwala Restaurant
11. Gulab Jamun
A popular sweet dish, Gulab Jamun is every dessert lover’s weakness. If served with ice cream, Gulab Jamun will make you enter the state of bliss. The locals of Haridwar are crazy about desserts and one of the best shops in the city is Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan that prepares special Gulab Jamun that you should not miss out on. The delicious Gulab Jamun served at this shop are so tasty that you will surely more than two pieces.
Best Places To Eat At: Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan
