10 Best Things To Do In Haridwar, India

1. Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti is popular for Hindu people to come to watch, and this festival is conducted with tiny flickering lamps on the steps of the Ganga River. Here, people gather in the evening during sunset to watch the Aarti ceremony. Nearby, there are two temples for the God Gangaji, one is old and one is new. The old temple is very popular and people gather here one hour before to watch Aarti and occupy the seats on the steps of the ghat. Hindu people come to enjoy the Aarti. During the Aarti, religious mantra are spoken loudly and at that time, everyone is focused only on God. This is definitely a festival worth visiting!

Ganga Aarti

Address: Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401

2. Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri is located on the bank of the River Ganga. This place is popular for bathing for luck and fortune. Hindu people believe that this river begins from Shiva’s hair. It is popularly believed that the river starts from heaven and whoever bathes here will wash off his or her evils. Hindu people believe that once in their lifetime they should bathe in this river. This river has a small pond named Brahmakund. In Hinduism, it is believed that the holy bath should be done early in the morning between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM. According to Hindu mythology, the gates of heaven are open during this time.

Har Ki Pauri

Address: Near City Control Room, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401

3. Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple is situated on the top of a hill. There is a ropeway that visitors can take to reach the temple. This ropeway is also called Udan Khatola and it is maintained by a private company. This ropeway is often very crowded, so visitors will likely need to wait in long queue. Therefore, I suggest you visit this place in the early morning. Once you reach Mansa Devi Temple, you’ll feel a religious aura emanating from the temple.

Mansa Devi Temple

Address: Rajaji National Park, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401

4. Rajaji Tiger Reserve

The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is 22 kilometers (13.7 mi) away from Haridwar and will take approximately 40 minutes to reach from Haridwar. People who love safaris should visit the Tiger Reserve and it is best to book a jeep or package online before coming. A local guide can help you spot bird species, tigers, leopards, deer, beautiful flowers, and old trees. The visiting hours of the safari are 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve

Address: 5/1, Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Website: Rajaji Tiger Reserve

5. Moti Bazaar

The Moti Bazaar is the main market of Haridwar and is popular for shopping. Household items, handicrafts, blankets, winter garments, and religious items like brass idols of Hindu gods are sold here. There are also many restaurants at the Moti Bazaar, you can find famous foods here such as jalebis, rasgullas, samosa, vegetable pakora, chola bathura, and many more mouthwatering meals. I recommend visiting the Moti Bazaar to enjoy shopping and delicious Indian food.

Moti Bazaar

Address: Moti Bazar Rd, Ram Ghat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401

6. Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple is situated on a tall mountain, and visitors will also find a ropeway to take you to the temple. This temple is rather high up on the mountain and visitors will be required to climb steps after riding the ropeway to reach the temple. Once you reach Chandi Devi Temple, you will love to see the scenic views. There are small shops for purchasing souvenirs and food. Jewelry, tea, and herb rock salt are sold here.

Chandi Devi Temple

Address: Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249408

7. Daksh Mahadev Temple

Daksh Mahadev Temple is located in in Kankhal, which is 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) away from Haridwar. According to Hindu mythology, the father of Sati held an infamous ceremony (yagna) here without inviting Lord Shiva. This is the birthplace of Sati, who was the first wife of Lord Shiva. This temple is located next to the Ganges, and a person can sit on the steps and take a holy dip. Here, Hindu devotees comes to do Pind Puja. Many pandits are available to help devotees complete the puja. There are various divinities to see inside the temple complex.

Daksh Mahadev Temple

Address: Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249407

8. Shantikunj

Shantikunj is a well maintained and spiritual place to visit. When you visit Shantikunj, a pandit will explain to you the truth of life (Karma and Shram). Here, free food is provided to devotees and you can make your donations. You can spend the whole day here, which is called Dincharya.

Shantikunj

Address: Gayatrikunj-Shantikunj, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249411

Website: Shantikunj

9. Neeldhara Bird Sanctuary

Neeldhara Bird Sanctuary is a very beautiful place that is perfect for ornithologists or birdwatchers to visit. Numerous bird species, such as the Siberian Crane, can be observed through binoculars at the Neeldhara Bird Sanctuary. The scenery is also very awesome.

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar

Address: Haridwar, India

10. River rafting in Haridwar

After visiting the beautiful religious sites in Haridwar, visitors can go river rafting. The 18 km (11.1 mi) ride is thrilling and one should not miss it.

River rafting in Haridwar

Address: No. 137, H Block, Shivalik Nagar, BHEL, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249403

Final recommendations

Haridwar is very beautiful and perfect for those seeking both an active and spiritual destination. The weather here is appropriate for year round visits. I recommend taking care of your cash and luggage in crowded areas. Additionally, for your convenience, private taxis and hotels should be booked online.