Places To Visit In Haridwar For An Ultimate Soul-Stirring Experience

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The holy city of Haridwar situated in Uttarakhand, is known for its sanctified charm with thousands of pilgrims and tourists flocking to the city every day. It is one of the seven holy cities in the country and is where the river Ganga flows. The entire city is small and charming, surrounded by the Shivalik mountains, dotted with hundreds of temples and ashrams. Apart from being known as a place where devotees come to take a dip in the Ganges, it is also globally known for Ayurveda, meditation and yoga. 

If you are looking for a list of places to visit in Haridwar then let us guide you to the best of them! 

How to get there and the best time to visit: 

The city is easily accessible by trains, buses, and cars. If you wish to go by air, the closest airport is Dehradun, with Haridwar being 37-odd kilometres by road from there. 

The Yatra season is known to be from May to October, which is when most of the pilgrims from across the globe visit. 

Best Places To Visit & Things To Do

Har ki Pauri (Gangadwar)

Hai Ki Pauri, also known as the Gangadwar is called so because it is where the Ganges first touches land which makes it one of the top places to visit in Haridwar. It is also one of the holiest spots in the country where thousands flock to every single day. The most significant activity to take place at this ghat is the Ganga Aarti which takes place twice a day—in the morning, and in the evening with thousands being a part of it. To call it a fascinating experience would be a complete understatement because whether you're religious or not, experiencing the Ganga aarti is something one mustn't miss. 

Aarti Timings: 5:30 AM - 6:30 AM, 6 PM - 7 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Moti Bazar

Moti Bazaar is one of the main markets in Haridwar that also leads 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 like. It is also here that you'll spot the famous food places to go in Haridwar while you get to do some shopping, making it one of the best places to visit in Haridwar. 

Timings: 5 PM - 8 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Vindhyavasini Temple Tour

Situated on the banks of the Ganga, the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is visited by hundreds daily and is one of the unmissable places to visit in Haridwar. What's best is the journey of getting to the temple which involves crossing a river, further so it is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, which only adds to its charm. Further, for history buffs, it'll be fascinating to know that the temple served as a secret refuge for freedom fighters against the British. 

Aarti Timings: 4 AM - 5 AM, 12 PM - 1:30 PM, 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Entry Fee: As Vindhyavasini temple is in Rajaji National Park, an entry fee (around INR 150) depending on the mode of transport and the type of visit is required. 

Rajaji National Park & Tiger Reserve

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 which makes it one of the best sightseeing places in Haridwar. 

Timings: 6 AM - 9 AM, 3 PM - 6 PM

Entry Fee: INR 150 per person, INR 250 per jeep

Best Places To Eat

Prakash Lassi

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 one of the best places to go in Haridwar and is decades old, revelling 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. 

Google Rating: 5/5

Timings: 10 AM - 10 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Lassi, Laddos, Rabdi

Jain Chaat Bhandar

Going to Haridwar and not trying the famous Jain kanji vada is a crime. The shop has been around for decades with hundreds visiting every day, making it one of the best places to visit in Haridwar. The shop does not use any garlic, potatoes, or 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 kanji vada, which is refreshing and extremely digestive too! While you're at it, you can also pack a few plates of kanji vada since they stay fresh for a long time. 

Zomato Rating: 3.9/5

Timings: 11:30 AM - 10 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Kanji vada, papdi chaat, dahi vada

Cost For 2: INR 100

Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan

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 which makes it one of the best places to visit in Haridwar for unforgettable dining. 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

Zomato Rating: 3.8/5

Timings: 8:45 AM - 9:30 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Puri subji, samosa, khasta kachori

Cost For 2: INR 200

Pandit Ji Poori Wale

Needless to say, pooris are a big deal in Haridwar and Pandit Ji Poori Wale is famous for its delectable food. They are known to serve amazing puri subji along with three side dishes—gravy aloo (potato) dry aloo, and seethaphal (custard apple). They serve throughout the day, breakfast lunch and dinner. 

Google Rating: 4/5

Timings: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Must-Try Dishes: Puri subji, samosa, kachori

Best Places To Stay

Pilibhit House

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, also making it one of the best sightseeing places in Haridwar.

Pro-Tip: Read more about them here

Amrit Bhawan

Located on the edge of Kankhal, which is a part of the southern part of modern-day Haridwar that is filled with ashrams. The hotel is seven short minutes away from Har 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. 

The Haveli Hari Ganga

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 tranquillity of a hill view and river on one side, and the mesmerising city life of Haridwar on the other. Further, the hotel is within walking distance from Har Ki Pauri. 

Pro-Tip: Rishikesh is just around 25 km (36 minutes) away from Haridwar. So, if you plan to visit there as well, check out this guide!

FAQs

Q. What is Haridwar famous for?

A. Haridwar is majorly famous because of its regional significance as it is considered the 'Gateway to Gods.' Moreover, as it is at the foothills of the Himalayas, you can immerse yourself in its natural beauty!

Q. Which Month is best to visit Haridwar?

A. The best time to visit Haridwar is during the winter months, from October to February as the weather is cool. If you want to experience its festive atmosphere, visit in April, July, or October. 

Q. What is the special food of Haridwar?

A. Street food is one of the must-try in Haridwar. From chole bhature and khasta kachori to kanji vada and papdi chaat, everything here is worth having. Other than street food, you should also try sweets like pedas and barfis!

Q. How many days are enough in Haridwar?

A. Since Haridwar is a small city, you can complete all the major tourist attractions the place has to offer in two days. If you are looking to stay longer to experience the beauty of Ganga river, visit Rishikesh which is only around 36 minutes away from Haridwar. 

Q. What is the famous thing to buy from Haridwar?

A. Haridwar is famous for Ayurvedic and herbal products like soaps, oils, and other skincare products. You can also shop for unique handicrafts and copper cookware. 

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An opinionated fashion & beauty writer who follows a strict pros & cons framework for her recommendations; loves discovering new fashion trends, writing & recommending them, while constantly keeping a pulse on what’s the latest that’s happening in the lifestyle space. Writer & editor with 4 years of experience that’s also always on the lookout for their next cup of coffee and book.