The Ultimate Haridwar Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit, Eat, And Stay At

Moti Bazaar is one of the main markets in Haridwar that also lead to Har Ki Pauri, which is also the reason why the narrow lanes of the market are packed with pilgrims walking towards the ghat. The entire stretch is lined with shops ranging from shops filled with crafts, clothes, food, jewellery and the likes. It is also here that you'll spot the famous food places of Haridwar while you get to do some shopping special to the city of Haridwar. 

When in Haridwar, we suggest renting a jeep away from the main city, through the forested foothills to the Rajaji National Park & Tiger Reserve, which is mainly populated with dense jungles forming a sustainable environment for a number of animals. The park is also known to have the largest population of elephants in Uttarakhand.

While strolling through the narrow congested lanes of Moti Bazaar, if you ask anyone for the best lassi in town, they'll immediately point you towards Prakash. A tall, creamy, chilled glass of lassi on a hot summer day can melt away all your woes. The shop is decades old and revels in the fact that nothing has changed over the years. While you're downing a glass (or two) we also suggest packing up some laddos for later. 

Going to Haridwar and not trying the famous Jain kaanji vada is a crime. The shop has been around for decades with hundreds visiting everyday. The shop does not use any garlic, potatoes, and onions, truly making it a Jain establishment. It is considered a culinary gem in Haridwar and rightly so. When here, start with the papdi chaat, which is a burst of flavour, and end with the famous kaanji vada, which is refreshing and extremely digestive too! While you'r at it, you can also pack a few plates of kaanji vada since they stay fresh for a long time. 

If you love puri-subji, then don't think twice before heading to this spot. The shop has three outlets all one after the other offering everything from sweets to food. Always packed, and a great place for breakfast, Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan is a must-visit. Other than the puri-aloo, we also suggest trying the malai samosa and kachodi. 

Needless to say, pooris are a big deal in Haridwar. And Pandit Ji Poori Wale is famous for the delectable food. They are known to serve amazing poori-subji along with three side dishes—gravy aloo (potato) dry aloo, and seethaphal (custard apple). They serve throughout the day, breakfast lunch and dinner. They start serving at 6.30 AM and close shop at 10.30 PM. 

Pilibhit House is the amalgamation of luxury and centuries-old charm. Situated on the banks of the river with its own private bathing ghat, the house has been restored and now is a part of the IHCL SeleQtions with 35 artfully reinstated suites and rooms that wrap around a gorgeous courtyard with the balconies offering panoramic views of the Shivalik mountains and the Ganges flowing by. 

Pro-Tip: Read more about them here. 

Located on the edge of Kankhal, which is a part of the southern part of modern-day Hariwar that is filled with ashrams. The hotel is a seven short minutes away from Hair Ki Pauri and the railway station, making it an ideal spot. What makes Amrit Bhawan stand out is that it was initially built as a family home in the 1970s with a garden and a private ghat by the river and has now been expanded into a plush boutique hotel with modern amenities. Additionally, it must be noted that Amrit Bhawan has eight unique bedrooms and can accommodate up to 20 people. 

Made up of exquisite courtyards, interiors, and marble flooring, The Haveli Hari Ganga is a royal residence that is located on the banks of the river. It was built in 1913 and was the personal residence of the Maharaja of Pilibhit. The hotel comes with the tranquility of a hill view and river on one side, and the mesmerising city life of Haridwar on the other. Further, the hotel is walking distance from Har Ki Pauri.