Haridwar Tourist Places

Haridwar is an ancient city which is a famous religious attraction of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. Every year lakhs of devotees come here. Haridwar is also a famous tourist place. Apart from its ancient temples, this city is world famous for its special Ganga Aarti. Surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, the city of Haridwar is the first stop on the holy river Ganga in the plains. The Panch Teerth located here, Har Ki Pauri, Kushavart Ghat, Mansa Devi Temple, Neel Parvat and Kankhal are very important for the believers of Hindu religion.

History of Haridwar

Haridwar holds significant historical, cultural, and religious importance in India. History of Haridwar city is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology and ancient Indian civilization. 

The history of Haridwar dates back thousands of years. It is mentioned in various ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas and the Mahabharata. According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) where drops of the elixir of immortality (Amrit) fell from the pitcher carried by Garuda, the celestial bird, after it was churned from the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan).

The region around Haridwar has been inhabited since ancient times. It served as a meeting point for various cultures, tribes, and civilizations. The town developed as a significant center for trade, pilgrimage, and religious activities due to its location on the banks of the Ganga River.

Haridwar has been mentioned in historical accounts of travelers and scholars throughout history. It was visited by Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang during the 7th century AD. He described it as a prosperous and vibrant town with numerous temples and religious activities.

Haridwar came under the rule of various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, Kushans, and later the Mughals. It continued to thrive as a center of religious and cultural activities during this period.

With the arrival of the British in India, Haridwar came under their administration. After India gained independence in 1947, Haridwar became part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. In 2000, when Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh as a separate state, Haridwar became one of its prominent cities.

In recent years, Haridwar has witnessed rapid urbanization and development. It has emerged as a major pilgrimage destination attracting millions of devotees annually for the sacred ritual of taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga River. The city has also become a center for yoga, spirituality, and Ayurveda, attracting tourists and seekers from around the world.

Haridwar remains an integral part of India's cultural and religious landscape, preserving its rich history while adapting to the demands of modern times.

Haridwar Tourist Places 

Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple, situated on the Bilwa hill of the Shivalik range in Haridwar, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is said about this temple that it has been situated here since ancient times. It is believed that Goddess Sati had performed penance here with the desire to marry Lord Shiva. 

Click the link to know more about Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple Haridwar !

Maya Devi Mandir - Haridwar Tourist Places

Maya Devi Temple Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple located in Haridwar is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is a Shaktipeeth. In ancient times, Haridwar was called Mayapuri. This ancient name of Haridwar was derived from the name of Maya Devi temple. This Maya Devi temple, the center of power, is the center of attraction for devotees especially during Navratri. 

Click here to know more about Maya Devi Temple Haridwar !

Chandi Devi Temple - Haridwar Tourist Places

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chandika, the form of Shakti, is one of the three Shaktipeeths located in Haridwar. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandika who killed the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Chandi Devi Temple, situated on Neel Parvat in the Shivalik range of Hikmalaya, forms a triangle with the other two temples, Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.

Click here to know more about Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar !

Nileshwar Mahadev Mandir - Haridwar Tourist Places

Nileshwar Mahadev Temple

Nileshwar Temple situated on Neel Parvat is a famous Shiva temple in Haridwar. It is believed that in mythological times, the wedding procession of Lord Shiva stopped at Nileshwar Mountain when he was going to marry Sati, daughter of King Daksh. It is also believed that after the death of Sati, Lord Shiva performed Tandav on this mountain due to which his entire body turned blue and that is why this mountain is called Neel Parvat and this temple is called Nileshwar Temple. 

Click here to know more about Nileshwar Mahadev Temple !

Bharat Mata Mandir - Haridwar Tourist Places

Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Temple, which is spreading the story of the contribution of great men and women who were the basis of the history of modern India, is a special temple located in Haridwar. This temple is also known as India Temple and in it the country India is shown in the form of a goddess in the form of Mother India. 

Click here to know more about Bharat Mata Temple Haridwar !

Mansa Devi Mandir - Haridwar Tourist Places

Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar

This temple dedicated to Manasa Devi, the Manas daughter of Lord Shiva, is one of the most famous temples of Haridwar. This temple remains the center of reverence for devotees throughout the year, but during the days of Navratri, a large number of devotees come here from every corner of the country to offer special prayers. 

Click here to know more about Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar !

Daksh Mahadev Mandir Kankhal - Haridwar Tourist Places

Daksh Mahadev Temple Haridwar

Daksh Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple located in Kankhal, about 4 kilometers from Haridwar city, which holds special significance for Shiva devotees. Daksh Mahadev Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva by King Daksh, father of Goddess Sati. According to mythology, this temple is the base of all Shaktipeeths. 

Click here to know more about Daksh Mahadev Temple Haridwar!

Pawan Dham Mandir - Haridwar Tourist Places

Paavan Dham temple is also called glass temple. This temple is situated on Sapt Sarovar Road. Pavan Dham Temple is situated at a distance of about 3 kilometers from Har Ki Pauri. This temple is also quite famous for its glass work and the jewelery adorned with the idols installed here.

Vaishno Devi Mandir - Haridwar Tourist Places

Vaishno Devi Temple located in Haridwar is a replica of Vaishno Devi Temple located in Katra in Jammu and that is why it has become a famous attraction of Haridwar. Replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas can also be seen in this temple complex.

Doodhadhari Barfani Mandir - Haridwar Tourist Places

Dudhdhari Barfani Temple made of white marble is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita. This is an ashram which is named after the abbot here. Know more about it

Parad Shivling - Haridwar Tourist Places

This special Shivling made of mercury metal and some other metals, installed in the Pardeshwar Mahadev temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Click to know more about this temple

Har ki Pauri - Haridwar Tourist Places

Har ki Pauri Haridwar

According to mythology, Lord Vishnu came here to Har Ki Pauri and took bath here. This place was named Har Ki Pauri after being inspired by Hari, a name of Lord Vishnu and it is considered to be the oldest ghat among the ghats built on the banks of river Ganga. Har Ki Pauri is a special attraction of Haridwar. 

Click here to know more about Har ki Pauri Haridwar !

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar - Haridwar Tourist Places

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar Haridwar

Neel Dhara Park and Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of river Ganga flowing through Haridwar, which is called Neel Dhara here. Nature lovers like to come here in winter to see and photograph migratory birds. 

Click here to know more about Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar Haridwar !

RajaJi National park - Haridwar Tourist Places

Raja Ji National Park 

Rajaji National Park, located in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, is a famous tiger reserve and also a national park. Rajaji National Park, spread in the forests of Haridwar, Dehradun and entire Garhwal, is very special for those interested in wildlife. 

Click the link below  to know why this park was named Rajaji National Park and what other activities you can do here!

Raja Ji National Park 

Shanti Kunj Ashram - Haridwar Tourist Places

Shanti Kunj Ashram located in Haridwar is a world famous ashram. This ashram was established in 1971 by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. People come here for spiritual benefits. Classes on Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Geeta are held in this ashram.

Know more about Shanti Kunj Ashram in Haridwar !

Patanjali Yogpeeth - Haridwar Tourist Places

Patanjali Yogpeeth located in Haridwar is a famous yoga institute. Patanjali Yogpeeth was established by Baba Ramdev in the year 2006. Since then Patanjali Yogpeeth is an organization engaged in the promotion and dissemination of Yoga and Ayurveda across the country. Lakhs of people come here throughout the year to learn yoga and get health benefits.

Saptrishi Ashram - Haridwar Tourist Places

Saptarshi Ashram is an ashram located on the banks of river Ganga in Haridwar. This ashram is known as a naturopathy center. Patients are here to get health benefits through naturopathy. This ashram provides a peaceful environment.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

The best time to visit Haridwar, a popular pilgrimage destination in India, is usually during the winter months from October to February. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it comfortable for sightseeing and participating in various religious ceremonies and festivals.

Haridwar experiences scorching heat during the summer months from March to June, which may not be conducive to outdoor activities. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding, which can disrupt travel plans.

Overall, the winter months offer the most favorable conditions to visit Haridwar, but keep in mind that it is an important pilgrimage site, so crowds may still be present, especially during festivals and auspicious days.

Know more about Pratap Nagar Raja ka Mahal !

How to reach Haridwar

Haridwar is well-connected by various modes of transportation. 

By Air: 

The nearest airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 37 kilometers away. From the airport, tourists can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Haridwar.

By Train: 

Haridwar Junction Railway Station is well-connected to major cities across India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and others. There are regular trains running to and from Haridwar, making it an easily accessible destination by train.

By Road:

Haridwar is around 220 kilometers from Delhi, and the journey takes around 5-6 hours by road. Tourists can either drive their own vehicle or take a bus from Delhi to Haridwar. There are also private taxi services available.

Haridwar is approximately 53 kilometers from Dehradun, and it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Dehradun to reach Haridwar.

Rishikesh is about 20 kilometers away from Haridwar, and the journey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes by road. You can take a local bus, hire a taxi, or use other private transportation options.

Once you reach Haridwar, you can easily explore the city by foot, cycle rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, or taxi, depending on your preferences and convenience.