Places To Visit Haridwar
Haridwar, a city in Uttarakhand situated on the banks of the Ganga River, is also known as the “Gateway to God”. The city is one of the seven holiest cities (Sapt Puris) in India. The city has a large number of temples, Ashram, Ghats, and other sacred Hindu pilgrim places. Panch Tirth places in Haridwar include Har ki PauriMansa Devi templeChandi Devi temple, Kanhal, and Kushavarta. The footfalls of devotees and tourists increase at the time of Maha Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years) and the Ardh Kumbh Mela (held after every 6 years).
To know the city in deep the best way is to explore it and in the process, you can take the help of Taxiyatri’s expert and knowledgeable drivers as they are well aware of the local route and can work as a guide. To explore the city, you can book a Taxiyatri cab service and you will get the best travel experience and enjoy a comfortable, hassle-free, and smooth ride to the city. In this article, we will discuss some tourist attractions in Haridwar. If you are planning to visit Haridwar or explore the city, there are some places that you must have in your must-visit list and itinerary. Let’s discuss the sightseeing places in Haridwar one by one.
1. Har Ki Pauri
Among all the tourist places of Haridwar, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Haridwar. If you are travelling to Haridwar, your first stoppage must be Har Ki Pauri meaning Lord Shiva’s steps located on the holy Ganga River. According to Hindu sculptures both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva visited the place. The place is also known as Gangadwar as from here Ganga River leaves the mountain and enters the plains.
It is said to be one of the sacred ghat in the entire city as according to mythology Garuda accidentally dropped Amrit and it is believed that if you take a dip in the river, all your sins will be washed away. A large number of tourists and devotees are attracted by the famous Ganga aarti held every day at the time of dawn and dusk. If you want to visit Har Ki Pauri you can book a Taxiyatri cab from your location to Kharkari, Haridwar.
Time to visit the place: Har Ki Pauri is open for visitors 24*7
Ganga Aarti Timing: You can enjoy Morning Ganga Aarti at 5:30 – 6: 30 am while Evening Aarti at 6 -7 pm.
2. Mansa Devi Temple
The second most popular place to visit in the city is Mansa Devi Temple situated on the top of Bilwa Parvat situated on the Shivalik Hills. Being on the Bilwa Parvat it is known as the Bilwa Tirth. It is a Siddh Peeth dedicated to Goddess Mansa who is one of the forms of Goddess Shakti created by Lord Shiva’s mind.
India is one of the sacred temples in North India as devotees believe that all their wishes granted by Devi Mansa will be fulfilled.
How to Reach: You can either reach the destination either by trekking or by taking the ropeway.
Location: Bilwa Parvat, Haridwar
Timings: 5 am – 9 pm.
3. Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar is another Siddh Peeth dedicated to Goddess Chandi- a form of Goddess Durga. It is believed that all the wishes are fulfilled hence thousands of devotees visit the place. The temple is on the top of the Shivalik Hills Neel Parvat, which was the battleground where goddess Kaali killed the demons Shumbh- Nishumbh and Chand- Mund.
How to reach: You can either trek to the temple or can reach there through a ropeway that offers a bird eye view of Haridwar.
Location: Neel Parvat, Haridwar
Timing: 7 am to 7 pm.
4. Kankhal
Kanhal, is one of the Panch Tirths in Haridwar, is a small colony and home of Daksha Mahadev Temple and Maa Anandmayi Ashram. The place is dedicated to Lord Shiva and in the holy month of Sawan, thousands of devotees visit the place. It is a spiritual center built in honor of the Bengali mystic leader Maa Anandamayi.
Location: South Haridwar
Timing: You can visit the place 24*7
5. Kushavarta
It is also one of the Panch Tirths in Haridwar and is the famous Patanjali Yog Peeth which is the world’s largest yoga center. Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple situated in Harihar Ashram is famous for its Parad Shivlinga made of 151 mercury.
Location: South Haridwar
Timing: The place is open 24*7
6. Maya Devi Temple
Complete the trio of Siddh Peeth, Visit Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar dedicated to Goddess Maya who is the main Goddess of Haridwar. Initially, the city was called Mayapuri. According to Hindu mythology, in the place Goddess Sati’s heart and navel fell. It is one of the oldest temples in the in the entire country built in the 11th century at Har ki Pauri Ghat. Daily 100 devotees visit the place and seek goddess blessings. However, the number of devotees increases at the time of Navratri and Kumbh Mela.
Location: Birla Ghat, Haridwar
Timing: 7 am to 7 pm.
7. ShantiKunj
Shantikunj is one of the most spiritual, popular, and moral enlightenment centers in the world. The center was established in 1971 and is the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) that has millions of followers worldwide. The motive of the center is to uplift national integration along with cultural and ethical values apart from spiritual and moral upliftment. It is not only the Brahamvarchas Shodh Sansthan meaning research institute but also the Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya meaning residential University.
The place has been visited by several famous personalities including Dalai Lama. There is an option to stay for free for a day or two but for this, you have to take part in all their activities including bhajans and aartis.
Location: Motichur, Haridwar
Timing: You can visit and stay in the place 24*7.
8. Sapt Rishi Ashram
Sapt Rishi Ashram Located on the banks of the Ganga River is one of the popular places to visit in Haridwar. The tranquil ambiance of the place is perfect for meditation and it also attracted the renowned seven sages and hence got its name of Sapt means Seven and Rishi means sage.
Location: Motichur, Haridwar
Timing: The place is open for visitors 24*7
9. Bharat Mata Mandir
It is a unique multi-story temple in Haridwar dedicated to freedom fighters and patriots. The temple was inaugurated by late Prime Minister Indra Gandhi in the year 1983. The temple was 180 feet tall with 8 floors that celebrates the spirit of unity in diversity.
All the 8 floors of the temple have an individual theme and different gods.
Location: Motichur, Haridwar
Timing: 7:30 am- 5 pm
10. Pawan Dham
Pawan Dham, Haridwar is an ancient temple and a social non-profit organization, managed by Geeta Bhawan Trust Society of Moga. Along with the elaborate architecture, marvelous interiors and exquisite glasswork and beautiful idols with precious jewels and stones are the highlights of the place. The center of attraction of Pawan Dham is the beautiful idol of Lord Krishna who is preaching Arjun. Due to the mirror and beautiful glasswork, the temple is also known as the Glass Temple.
Location: Sapt Sarovar Road, Haridwar
Timing: 6 am- 8 pm.
11. Bara Bazar
Although Haridwar is not so popular for its malls, still you can get what you require in Bara Bazar. The shops in this lively market sell religious items, Ayurvedic Medicines, Wooden items, Handicrafts, Ornaments, and other beautiful and amazing items.
In Bara Bazar, you will not find shops but you can see various restaurants where you can enjoy hot Samosa, Kachori- Sabji, Chole- Bhature and many more mouth-watering food items.
Location: Bara Bazar is situated at Subhash Ghat, Haridwar
Timing: You can go and enjoy the place between 9 am to 9.
12. Rajaji National Park
Apart from temples, there are other sightseeing places in Haridwar and in the list Rajaji National Park also come. Rajaji National Park is surrounded by Shivalik mountain ranges and is rich in flora and fauna and is a great tourist attraction for nature and wildlife lovers. The place is famous for its wildlife popular for tigers and elephants. It has received the status of a Tiger Reserve by the Government. If you visit the place after the monsoon season you can see birds of different species of migratory birds.
Location: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Timing: To enjoy the wildlife and nature you have to reach the place at 6 am-9 am in the morning and the place reopens for 3 hours from 3 pm- 6 pm.
13. Vaishno Devi Temple
It is a replica of the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu-Kashmir. The Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar is distincted by the tunnels and caves. This divine temple of Vaishno Devi has three goddesses including Devi Laxmi, Devi Kaali, and Devi Saraswati. The place is popular among both tourist and devotees as it provides a stunning view of the city. Apart from tunnels and caves, the temple has no resemblance with the original Vaishno Devi Temple of Jammu and Kashmir.
Location: Jagdish Nagar, Jwalapur
Timing: You can visit the temple and see the stunning view of the city 24*7.
14. Fun Valley Water Park
Fun Valley is a water park in the beautiful Valley of Haridwar. It offers more than 21 thrilling water rides and slides, roller coaster rides, aqua dance, DJ, etc. Above all it has an amusement park that have various adventure activities that gives you an adrenaline rush.
Location: Haridwar Road, Lal Tappar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Timing: 9 am- 6 pm
15. Bhimgoda Tank
Bhimgoda Tank is a holy water tank situated in Birla Ghat, Haridwar. The tank is named after Bhima- one of the Panch Pandavs from the time of Mahabharat. The tank has been rebuilt with the water of the Ganges and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The place has also had a beautiful water fountains and flower beds due to which it is a popular tourist place.
Location: Birla Ghat, Haridwar
Timing: The place is open for visitors for 24*7
16. Vishnu Ghat
Haridwar is also known as the city of ghats and Vishnu Ghat is one of the sacred ghats of Haridwar. The Ghat is close to Har Ki Pauri and comparatively less crowded than Har Ki Pauri and is generally visited by Vaishnavas and the ghat is named after the Lord Vishnu. As it is one of the cleanest ghat of Haridwar people come and take a dip in the holy Ganga River to wash their sins.
Location: 1.7 km from Har ki Pauri
Timing: You can visit the place 24*7.
17. Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a temple of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati situated on Billa Parvat near Har Ki Pauri. According to Hindu mythology at this place only Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva and Lor Shiva accepted her as his wife. As the place is in a hilly area and surrounded by woods, the Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a popular picnic spot especially in weekends.
In the temple, you can also find the idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesh, Mata Rani, and Lord Shiva. On the campus of the temple, there is a tree of Bilva tree and people put the leaves of the Bilva Tree on shivling and do the Jal Abhishek with holy water of Ganga River. The best way to reach the temple is to hire a cab from Taxiyatri as it is one of the most convenient mode of transportation.
Location: Billa Parvat, Haridwar
Timing: 5:01 am- 4:01 pm
18. Gau Ghat
Gau Ghat is also one of the popular ghats in Haridwar situated on the southern part of Subhash Ghat and is relatively less crowded than any other ghats. The crimination of different famous personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Indra Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru has been performed at this ghat. Gau Ghat is visited by the people who want to do “pinddaan” and offer food their departed family member.
Location: 2 km from Haridwar railway station
Timing: You can visit the place 24*7
19. Swami Vivekanand Park
It is one of the amusement parks situated near Har Ki Pauri. This is an amazing and mesmerising park is of triangular shape and has a green lawn and a flower bed along with a huge statue of Swami Vivekanand. Another quality of Swami Vivekanand Park is that you can see a huge statue of Lord Shiva even from a distance. The park is perfect for a full day picnic.
Location: near Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
Timings: 7 am- 6 pm.
20. Bhuma Niketan
Bhuma Niketan is a popular pilgrim spot in Haridwar situated near Saptsarovar Marg. It is full of beautiful idols of different gods and goddesses. The main highlight of the Bhuma Niketan is the sculpture of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati at the entrance of the gates. The place has both water fountain and a beautiful lawn; hence it serves as a temple as well as a shelter place for the tourists. The best way to reach Bhuma Niketan is to rent a cab from Taxiyatri with driver.
Location: Saptsarovar Road, Motichur, Haridwar
Timing: 6 am- 8:30 pm
