Haridwar

Haridwar History

Haridwar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India also considered one of the seven holy places of India. ‘Hari’ is another name of Lord Vishnu and ‘Dwar’ means ‘Gateway’ which makes sense as Haridwar is the point of entry to Badrinath, Temple of Lord Vishnu, along with the other three of Chardham. This is one of the reasons Haridwar is considered sacred. Haridwar was previously named ‘Gangadwara’ which translates to ‘Gateway of Ganga’ as the river Ganga which is again a holy river for Hindus, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plain here in Haridwar after flowing for almost 157kms. Haridwar has very much importance religiously for Hindus, It is one of the four places where Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years in rotation and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. It is a mythological belief that during the fight between demons and Gods for the elixir of immortality, a drop fell in Har Ki Pauri. So it is believed taking a dip in Bhramhakund on this day is auspicious. It is said legendary King Bhagirath brought Ganga on Earth from heaven so he can provide salvation to his ancestors. Haridwar is one of the oldest living towns which has mentioned in scriptures before the era of Buddha. Apart from these Haridwar is famous for its Ayurvedic and herbal medicines and Gurukul School of traditional education.

Geography of Haridwar

Haridwar is a district covering an area of 2360 km sq in the southwest region of Uttrakhand. Situated at an elevation of 314 meters above sea level, with Shivalik ranges in north and north-east and Ganga river in the south. The River Ganga emerges from the mountains later touching the plains and flows in a series of channels segregated from each other. Begam Nadi, Ranipur Rao, Rawaii Rao, Pathri Rao, Harnaui Rao, etc are some of the minor seasonal streams of River Ganga. The important tourist places of Haridwar are Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Har ki Pauri’s Ganga Aarti, and Kumbh Mela, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Shakti Kunj Ashram, Ashram tour, etc.

Plan My Package Recommends Places to visit in Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple is located at the Neel Parvat of Haridwar, dol is believed to be erected in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya and the current temple structure was developed by the King of Kashmir. The temple is as known as Siddha Peetha and Neel Parvat Teerth one of the five pilgrimages of Haridwar. One can reach the temple by ropeway, for the trekking enthusiasts trekking is also an option. Being one of the most famous temples of Haridwar the temple also has enough footfall throughout the year but during the festivals of Navratri, Kumbh Mela, and Chandi Chaudas the temple is gushed with the devotees.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa Devi, situated at the Bhilwa Parvat. This temple offers an amazing panoramic view of the city and is also famous as Sidhpeeth. There are two statues of Mansa Devi in the temple, one with 3 heads 5 arms and another statue with 8 arms. The temple is considered one of the 51 shakti peethas. Goddess Mansa is believed to be another incarnation of Devi Shakti who came out of the mind of Sage Kashyap.

Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary

Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of River Ganga where animals like deers, elephants, tigers, hawks, peacocks, hornbills, etc can be spotted. Tourists can easily spot wild Boar, Sambhar, the Grey Langur, Falcons, Red Rhesus Macaque, etc. The tourists can enjoy the jeep safari which is 2 and a half hours according to its fees. Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 246 square kilometres. Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1977 and was later merged with Motichur and Rajaji in 1983 to create Rajaji National Park.

Shantikunj Ashram

Shantikunj Ashram is a very famous ashram visited by people all around the world for spiritual and moral enlightenment. This ashram was previously visited by Dalai Lama. It is a huge Ashram with a spiritual tranquil environment encouraging meditation and yoga which attracts tourists, pilgrims, and saints in huge numbers. It is also a center for Yug Nirman Yojna with the motive to reconstruct the era that teaches “Divinity in mankind is the foremost Objective of life.

Har ki Pauri

Har ki Pauri is the place where Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years in rotation. This place is believed to be the exit point of the holy river Ganga. The daily procession called Ganga Aarti takes place in the Bramhakund area of Har Ki Pauri. Also, the biggest fairs Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela take place here every 12 years in rotation. It is the spot believed where the Exir fell during the fight between the Gods and Demons. The place was built by the orders of King Vikramaditya.

Patanjali Yogpeet

Patanjali Yogpeet is one of the most famous places in Haridwar known for its research and propagation in Yoga and Ayurveda around the world. Founded by the Yog Guru Ramdev in the year 2006 and it is named after the Inventor of Yoga Maharishi Patanjali. Activities and services like treating patients with Ayurveda, Research, and laboratories are available. In the vast campus area of Patanjali Yogpeet Patanjali University, Food and Herbal Park, etc are available. Patanjali Yogpeet welcomes visitors at any time of the day to prevail any services they wish to.

Places near Haridwar

Dehradun (51.3km from Haridwar)

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand is 51.3 km away from Haridwar situated in the Doon Valley located at a varying elevation of approximately 410 m with a beautiful climate and astonishing landscapes. It is also one of the important education hubs of India. It is one of the oldest towns in India. It is the gateway to many destinations of Uttarakhand also with the Jolly grant Airport being located here it is the entry point of tourists to many destinations of Uttarakhand. It is home to several prestigious institutes in India. Dehradun is bliss to tourists with several tourists destinations, rivers, sacred temples, and many more.

Rishikesh ( 20.6 km from Haridwar)

Rishikesh is just 20.6 km away from Haridwar, located right on the banks of River Ganga in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Region. Rishikesh beholds the tag of the ‘Yoga capital of World’ and ‘Gateway to the Himalayas’. Rishikesh is one of the holy places in India known for its grand temples, architectural marvels, rituals, and yoga ashrams. There are many adventure activities other than attractions to experience once in a lifetime. The name 'Rishikesh' translates to ‘hair of a Sage’. Rishikesh is equally popular for spirituality, yoga, adventure sports, and pilgrimage. It is situated at the bank of river Ganga on the foothills of the Shivalik range.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve (61 km from Haridwar)

Rajaji Tiger Reserve spread in the Shivalik Ranges of Himalayas over 820 km sq. covering the regions of Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts are situated at a distance of 26 km from Haridwar. Earlier named Rajaji National Park is now both a national park and a Tiger Reserve is the second Tiger Reserve of Uttarakhand after Jim Corbet. The reserve is home to 600 elephants, 259 leopards, and 16 tigers. Rajaji Tiger Reserve is spread over in three districts of Uttarakhand i.e Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri Garhwal.

Dhanaulti (78.2 km away from Haridwar)

Dhanaulti is 78.2 km away from Haridwar. It is famous for its less crowded and mesmerizing and panoramic view of the Himalayas. Dhanaulti is also known for its rich traditions, locals are seen wearing their traditional outfits and headgears and celebrating the Garhwal festivals most traditionally. It has many temples that were built in different eras of history. Dhanaulti being an emerging destination has a lot to offer to welcome tourists, from nature to wildlife and historical to cultural Dhanaulti is a pack of everything one is interested in. Dhanaulti has many forts and Jain temples.

Best time to visit Haridwar

Haridwar in Summer ( March - June )

March is the best time to visit Haridwar is between the months of October to June as the weather remains pleasant. One can witness beautiful sunsets and sunrises in this season. Celebrations of Ramnavami are done at this time which is worth experiencing. Other fairs like Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela which happen every 12 and 6 years respectively are also held during summers which attract crowds in millions are also worth experiencing.

Haridwar in Monsoon ( July - September )

Haridwar in monsoon receives moderate rainfall yet enough to bring the risk of landslides also there’s enough humidity, therefore, it’s suggested to not travel in this season. Celebrations of the Saavan Festival can be witnessed in this season.

Haridwar in Winter ( October - February )

Winter is one of the best times to visit Haridwar for Pilgrims as well as for tourists as one can experience festivals celebrated in this season like Diwali, Kartik Purnima, and the Ganga Artis. Know More...

How to Reach Haridwar

Haridwar by Air

The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) which connects flights from airports of many metropolitan cities like Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), etc. From the Jolly Grant Airport, taxis or cab service to Haridwar is available.

Haridwar by Train

The nearest railway station to Haridwar is Haridwar Jn (HW). Haridwar has good train line connectivity from all major cities all around the country. Major routes are from Allahabad Jn, Howrah Jn, and Ahemdabad Jn. Weekly 2 trains run from Allahabad Jn to Haridwar Jn, 6 trains in a week from Ahmedabad Jn to Haridwar Jn, and daily trains available from Howrah Jn in Kolkata, Puri Jn, and New Delhi to Haridwar.

Kalinga Utkal Express (Rishikesh to Puri)
Hemkunt Express (Rishikesh to Katra)
Dehradun Amritsar Express
Doon Express (Rishikesh to Howrah)
Rishikesh Barmer Express
Yoga Express (Ahmedabad to Rishikesh)

Delhi to Haridwar

Nanda Devi AC Express (Dehradun to Kota)
Dehradun New Delhi Shatabdi Express
New Delhi Dehradun Jan Shatabdi Express
Mussoorie Express (Old Delhi to Dehradun)

Haridwar by Road

The roads connecting Haridwar are well maintained by the in Uttrakhand's P.W.D. Haridwar is well connected by road with Delhi and other cities of Uttrakhand. Haridwar from Delhi i-s at a distance of 225 km which can be covered in 6 and a half hours if done via National highway 334. Other cities of Uttrakhand connecting Haridwar are Dehradun at 51.3km, Rishikesh at 20.6km, Tehri at 94.3 km, and Mussoorie at 81.6 km.
Delhi to Haridwar Uttarakhand Roadways, Rajasthan Roadways, UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh Roadways) buses are available and Other Private buses are available.

Places to Eat in Haridwar

Mohan Ji Puri Wale

Mohan Ji Puri Wale is serving hot puris with the aloo gravy for generations in a small shop located near the Police chowki of Har Ki Pauri which is always crowded from morning 8 am till 10 pm. It is one of best the places in Haridwar that serves a staple breakfast of India with a delightful taste for decades. serves

Chotiwala Restaurant

Chotiwala Restaurant has been serving people delicious vegetarian food and is famous for its fat guy in white with a choti waiting outside to welcome guests. The place has several restaurants with the same name be sure you are entering the right one for the right taste you looking for. The restaurant serves from 8 am till 11 pm. Hoshiarpur

Hoshiyarpur

Hoshyarpuri is known best for its simple vegetarian cuisine. It is one of the best Punjabi restaurants in Haridwar with a comfortable family seating ambiance. It serves the best North Indian food in the area. It opens from 9 am to 4 pm and 7 am to 11 pm.

Big Ben Restaurant

Big Ben restaurant in Haridwar is a perfect place for youth to chill and have casual dining. With Indian and continental flavors this place captivates people to surely come back. Located on the main road of Haridwar, Devpura, this eatery serves from morning 7:30 am to 11 pm.

Places to Stay in Haridwar

Amatra by the Ganges, Haridwar

Amatra by the Ganges, Haridwar offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort with serene vistas. Provides special amenities like morning yoga sessions, massages, and facial treatments in a resort spa, outdoor activities, BBQ sessions and bonfires, various spas, and saunas. There are multiple types of rooms available according to the preference. This property is located 49 km away from the Jolly Grant Airport.

Boutique stay

The boutique stay is a three-storeyed house with 4 guest rooms that have attached double rooms along with a cozy dining area, well-stocked library. It has 4 different types of rooms. Services allotted are massage and yoga class on request and Ganga Aarti along with other basic facilities. This property is just 29km away from Jolly Grant Airport. Know More...

Do's and Don'ts in Haridwar

Do`s

Do wear your masks and carry sanitizer.
Carry woolen clothes, jackets, and boots during winter.
Carry sun protection stuff during summers.
Wear appropriate clothes while participating in religious festivals or entering the temples.
Take a dip in the holy River Gange.

Don`ts