Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism and a significant pilgrimage site. Haridwar, meaning “Gateway of God”, defines this ancient Indian destination as the gateway to the divine and the center of religious and cultural activities. Famous for its rich spirituality, culture, and history, Haridwar attracts pilgrims, tourists, and seekers of inner peace worldwide. Behind its religious significance, some most captivating places to visit in Haridwar offer a glimpse into the city’s tapestry of spirituality and history.
With its divine surroundings and serene environment, it is home to innumerable saints, devotees, spiritual people, ancient temples, ghats, pilgrimage sites, gurukuls, and meditation sites. As you explore these sacred ghats, ancient temples and serene ashrams, the energy of this eternal city seeps into your soul, leaving you with a deep sense of peace and spiritual awakening. Beyond its religious and cultural allure, Haridwar is heaven for thrill seekers as it offers numerous adventurous activities amidst the beauty of nature.
Let’s Exploring The Enchanting Places To Visit In Haridwar
Haridwar is considered the crown of all pilgrimages, attracting many people to this holy place to seek ultimate happiness and escape from worldly troubles. This place provides respite from the fast-paced life and reminds one always to stop, learn the techniques and realize the truth of endless happiness and satisfaction before it is too late. Haridwar is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, worshipped with great faith, especially by Hindus. Today in our journey, we will explore some amazing and fascinating places to visit in Haridwar to know more about its mystical wonders.
1. Har Ki Pauri: Witness the sacred Ganges Aarti
Considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri literally means Footprint of God. It is believed that during Ganga’s descent to earth, Gangaji first proceeded from Brahmaloka, emerging from Brahmaji’s Kamandal and getting absorbed in the locks of Shiva’s hair, who was the only one who could bear the magnitude of her volume. The entire Har Ki Pauri is in the shape of a huge footprint, considered the footprint of Shiva since the time of Ganga’s incarnation. Ganga Aarti is performed twice every day, once at sunrise and the second at evening. Har Ki Pauri is also known as one of the Panch Tirth located within the periphery of Haridwar.
This must-see event glorifies Har ki Pauri, the chanting of mantras, the sacred aarti, and the fragrant atmosphere all around the devotees, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Haridwar. This ancient bathing ghat is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his footprints. If you are at Har Ki Pauri, you must attend the grand Ganga Aarti, one of the best things to do in Haridwar. The grandeur and divineness of this place cannot be described in words; to feel the divine atmosphere, you must visit this place once.
2. Mansa Devi Temple: A Hilltop Haven
Mata Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the Snake Goddess Mata Mansa, who is known to bestow boons of fearlessness, health and prosperity to her devotees. She is a form of Shakti that manifested from the mind of Shiva. This temple is another one of the ‘Panch Tirtha’, five pilgrimage sites and is one of the most famous places to see in Haridwar. The most interesting thing about this temple is that it can be reached by an arduous trek or a convenient cable car ride, offering a panoramic view of the Ganges and the city below, making it a spiritual as well as visual experience. This journey also adds some thrill for the tourists and devotees who come here.
Mansa Devi Temple is believed to be a wish-fulfilling temple, and there is a ritual of tying thread known as “Moli” around a sacred tree. It is believed that the devotee who makes a wish by tying a ‘Moli’ to the sacred tree here, gets his wish fulfilled. Beyond its religious and cultural allure, the architectural richness of the temple is another point of attraction. Built with a blend of North Indian and Indo-Aryan architectural styles, this temple is decorated with vibrant colors and intricate carvings. The jaw-dropping surroundings and divine atmosphere make this place one of the best places to visit in Haridwar.
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3. Mata Chandi Devi Temple: A Serene Spot For Devotion
Mata Chandi Devi Temple is another one of the revered shrines in Haridwar, which is dedicated to Maa Chandi, another form of Maa Durga. This beautiful temple is located at an elevation of 2,900 feet, and one can reach here through a 30- 45 mins long steep trek or a thrilling cable car ride, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Once you reach the temple, you will experience the spiritual energy and diverse attractions that captivate your heart. The temple surroundings are so beautiful that you will be mesmerised. The temple attracts many devotees and tourists, especially during Navratri and other auspicious days when the temple is heavily crowded.
The glory of Maa Chandi is immense, which is evident from the number of devotees coming to the temple every day. As you climb up the temple, the air is filled with devotion, and rhythmic chants echo through the wooded hills. On reaching the temple, devotees are greeted by the serene idol of Chandi Devi, adorned with bright flowers and the flickering glow of oil lamps. The serene aura of the temple complex makes it one of the ideal tourist attractions in Haridwar for meditation and introspection.
4. Vaishno Devi Mandir: Tranquil Pilgrimage
Dedicated to the Mother Goddess, Maa Vaishno Devi Ji, this temple replicates the original temple in Jammu. A large number of people come to this temple. It is believed that if one is somehow unable to reach the abode of Mata Rani, one can see her glory here and experience the atmosphere of the original temple. Three Pindis of Maa Vaishno are present in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, which is reached through artificially made tunnels. A visit to the temple becomes a transformative experience, leaving visitors with a deep sense of inner peace and connection with the divine.
Vaishno Devi Mandir is a sacred temple and one of its most revered places to visit in Haridwar that draws pilgrims and travelers alike. This temple is a perfect blend of natural beauty and religious fervor. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, surrounded by lush greenery and the sacred waters of the Ganga, this temple creates an environment conducive to introspection and prayer. If you are in Haridwar, you must visit this temple as it is one of Haridwar’s most famous places.
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5. Bharat Mata Temple: Unique Tribute To Mother India
Dedicated to our motherland, Bharat Mata is depicted as a four-armed warrior goddess seated magnificently on a Lion, holding a book, sheaves of rice, Japmala, and white cloth, dressed in saffron saree. Rather than traditional deities, the temple showcases a map of undivided India, symbolizing the country’s unity in diversity. The whole map of India is made on the ground, which is the main attraction of this temple. The temple in itself is one of a kind, where Mother India is personified as a Goddess resembling Maa Durga, which signifies that Motherland is equal to God.
This beautiful and unique temple was built in 1983 and was inaugurated by the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Each floor of the Bharat Mata Temple is dedicated to a specific theme, symbolizing different aspects of India’s cultural and historical heritage. Tourists can tour different floors and see the diversity that defines the nation. Situated near Sapt Rishi Ashram, the Bharat Mata Mandir is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar. This is the place where visitors from all faiths come together and pay their respect to the idea of a developed, prosperous, and unified India.
6. Saptarishi Ashram: A Meditative Retreat
Another famous place in Haridwar, Saptarishi Ashram, is known for its peace and tranquility, attracting truth seekers and meditators. It is believed that this ashram was the abode of the Saptarishis, the seven great sages of all time, namely Kashyap, Vashishtha, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamdagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam. It is also where the Ganges is believed to have divided into its seven tributaries. Surrounded by lush greenery, towering Himalayan peaks, and pristine rivers, Saptrishi Ashram is one of the most famous places to visit near Haridwar.
Located a short distance from Haridwar, Sapt Rishi Ashram offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sweet gurgling sound of the Ganga, this ashram is an ideal place for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. Whether you are searching for peace or want to escape from the bustling daily life, you should indulge in the tranquility of Sapta Rishi Ashram, where echoes of the ancient sages lead you on a path to inner peace and profound transformation.
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7. Daksh Mahadev Temple: Mythical Legends
Daksh Mahadev Temple, or Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, is a famous hindu temple located in Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar. This temple is named after the Daksh Prajapati, father of Devi Sati (Incarnation of Goddess Durga). This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been the yajna site of Daksha. A famous mythological legend associated with Daksh Mahadev Temple dates back thousands of years. This sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva invites pilgrims and travelers to embark on a spiritual journey beyond time.
Daksh Mahadev Temple is not just a temple; due to its historical and mythological significance, it is also one of the most famous places to visit in Haridwar. The temple has impressive architecture, including intricate carvings and ancient designs that catch your attraction. The main sanctum houses the Shivling, the divine symbol of Lord Shiva, surrounded by idols of other deities. The Yajna Kund, where Devi Sati immolated herself in the fire due to disrespect of her Husband, Lord Shiva, is still here. In Haridwar, it is a must-visit place for meditation and introspection.
8. Patanjali Yog Peeth: Hub of Yoga and Ayurvedic science
Spread over several acres of lush greenery, the campus is a harmonious blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Being one of the largest yoga centres in India and the world, Patanjali Yogapeeth is a hub of Yoga and Ayurvedic science. Patanjali Yog Peeth is divided into two sections Yog Peeth 1 and Yog Peeth 2. Patanjali is the only Indian company that has returned the yoga culture and developed naturally made products, especially for modern use.
The place is a research and medical center featuring Ayurveda and Ayurvedic practices. If you are into Ayurvedic or seeking information regarding the same, it is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar. Patanjali Yoga Peeth organizes cultural programs, spiritual discourses, and festivals, promoting community and unity among its diverse visitors. Tourists who visit here gain physical strength, mental resilience, and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection between the natural environment.
9. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: A Paradise For Bird Enthusiasts
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar a hidden gem awaits nature enthusiasts and bird watchers along the banks of the Ganges River. Located 3.5 km from Haridwar at the Bhimgoda Barrage, it is a paradise and a famous point for nature lovers and bird watchers. This beautiful place is home to various species of flora, and fauna, animals, and birds. Surrounded by lush green valleys and adventurous wildlife, this place is breathtakingly beautiful, making it one of the best places to visit in Haridwar.
Situated along the snowy Shivalik Hills, this place is also a favorite among trekkers and adventure lovers as it is close to some adventurous trekking treks in Haridwar. Visitors can observe rare birds and enjoy a panoramic view of the Shivaliks from the site. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a popular Haridwar tourist spot. If you are in the area, you must visit this place, as it is known for its unrealistically beautiful locales.
10. Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple: A Tranquil Haven Amidst the Divine
Located in the valley of Billa Parvat, Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the idol destinations for spiritual wanderers. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya. It is believed to be where Lord Shiva finally accepted Mata Parvati as his wife after her extremely formidable and prolonged penance. Lush green woods surround it and offer a quick respite from the fast-paced life. It is one of the most admired tourist attractions in Haridwar by the local people. People from all over the world visit this temple because of its mystical charm and divine atmosphere.