If you’re in search of a place where you can be spiritually enlightened on your tour, then Haridwar is the right tourist destination to be. If you’re looking for a place where you can meet the new you, then Haridwar is the right tourist destination to be. If you’re seeking to be at a place that boasts a mystical aura to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, then Haridwar is the right tourist destination to be.
Also referred to as the Getaway to God, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism that is frequented by a huge crowd of tourists and pilgrims annually who come to seek spiritual solace and take part in various religious rituals. Here you can immerse yourself in spiritual practices and connect on a deeper level with your soul. The tranquil atmosphere complimenting the serene surroundings adds to its overall charm. All this can be done interestingly with our Haridwar darshan packages.
Haridwar provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of India. Visitors can witness various cultural events, dance performances, and music concerts that showcase the region's traditional arts and cultural practices. The city also hosts festivals like Kanwar Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela, where one can witness vibrant processions, folk dances, and religious rituals.
Not to forget about its lip-smacking vegetarian cuisine. You can relish popular dishes like kachoris, samosas, chaat, pakoras, and sweets like jalebi and rabri. The local flavors and aromas of Haridwar's street food are sure to tantalize taste buds.
For shopaholics, the city offers a delightful shopping experience with its bustling bazaars and markets. You can explore the famous Har Ki Pauri Market, Moti Bazaar, and Kankhal Market to find a variety of religious items, handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional clothing. The markets are known for items like Rudraksha beads, religious idols, brassware, incense, and spiritual books.
Here are the top 4 sightseeing places in Haridwar that you should consider adding to your itinerary list no matter what. These are as follows:
1. Har Ki Pauri
The most popular tourist attraction in Haridwar that attracts millions of people every year, Har Ki Pauri is a revered and significant landmark that holds immense religious and cultural significance.
It is a sacred ghat along the banks of the sacred River Ganga that is believed to be the spot where Lord Vishnu left his footprint on a stone during the mythical churning of the cosmic ocean. According to Hindu mythology, the ghat is also associated with Lord Shiva as it is considered to be the place where he released the celestial river Ganges from his matted locks to bless the Earth and its inhabitants.
Visitors visiting Har Ki Pauri make sure to take a refreshing dip in its holy water. Not only is it great for spiritual purification but also helps you get rid of all the sins. The experience of witnessing others doing this ritual during the Ganga Aarti is truly awe-inspiring.
In the evening, you can also see a beautifully choreographed performance by priests who wave large oil lamps in a synchronized manner while chanting Vedic hymns and prayers dedicated to the river. The mesmerizing sight of hundreds of flickering lamps, the sound of bells and chanting, and the fragrance of incense create an atmosphere charged with divinity, attracting devotees and tourists from far and wide.
2. Mansa Devi Temple
Another place that deserves your attention in Haridwar with our Haridwar darshan packages is the Mansa Devi Temple. Perched atop the Bilwa Parvat, the Mansa Devi Temple is a famous pilgrimage site that is dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi who is also an incarnation of goddess Shakti – the divine feminine energy.
To reach the Mansa Devi Temple, pilgrims have the option to trek uphill or take the convenient cable car (also known as a ropeway). The ropeway offers a breathtaking aerial view of the surrounding landscape with the majestic Ganga River flowing below and the city of Haridwar stretching into the horizon. The journey itself is an experience that adds to the overall spiritual ambiance.
A visit to the Mansa Devi Temple is not only an opportunity for spiritual contemplation and seeking divine blessings but also a chance to experience the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. The temple's tranquil ambiance, awe-inspiring views, and profound sense of devotion make it a cherished destination for devotees, pilgrims, and tourists alike.
The best time to head to the Mansa Devi Temple is during the Navratri festival, a nine-night celebration dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine. Devotees observe fasts and participate in special prayers and rituals during this period.
3. Rajaji National Park
Named after C. Rajagopalachari, the Rajaji National Park is widely renowned for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. It is home to several wildlife species including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, Himalayan black bears, sloth bears, and a wide variety of bird species.
Here you can also spot a significant population of elephants, which is one of the key attractions for visitors. The vegetation in Rajaji National Park is equally diverse, ranging from dense forests of sal, Sheesham, and teak trees to mixed deciduous forests and grasslands.
Exploring Rajaji National Park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Himalayan foothills. The park provides various opportunities for wildlife safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching. Elephant safaris are particularly popular, allowing visitors to observe and appreciate the gentle giants up close.
For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Rajaji National Park offers trekking and camping options in designated areas. The tranquil surroundings, gurgling streams, and serene forested trails create a perfect setting for outdoor activities and a chance to connect with nature profoundly.
4. Fun Valley Water Park
Take a respite from the harsh sunny heat by splashing in the water of the Fun Valley Water Park. It is among the best sightseeing places in Haridwar that offers the best of the recreational world to adventure buffs and thrill seekers.
There are plenty of rides and slides to cater to all age groups. Depending on your overall strength, patience, and endurance, you can choose to engage yourself in the attractions or activities that you like the most. All the rides have been designed to meet internationally-approved safety standards and offer the utmost safety. That simply means that you need not to worry about anything.
One can also visit the multicuisine restaurant to serve their appetite with quick refreshments. Accommodation is also available at the Fun Valley Water Park for all those who wish to enjoy a staycation for a night or two. Please note that the entry fee is INR 700 per person for adults and INR 600 per person for children. Also, it is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days.
In addition to the aforementioned places, there are several other points of interest in Haridwar that are yet to be explored. So, if time permits, you can add a few more attractions to your itinerary list to make the most of your time. These include Chandi Devi Temple, Shanti Kunj, Vishnu Ghat, Swami Vivekanand Water, Gauri Shankar Mahadev Temple, Pawan Dham, Prem Nagar Ashram, Maya Devi Temple, Doodhadhari Barfani Temple, and Sureshwari Devi Temple.
Book an all-inclusive Haridwar tour package with us to enjoy your Haridwar tour to the fullest. We at Haridwar Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, have designed a variety of travel packages to cater to everyone’s holiday needs. Our all-inclusive packages can also be customized as per your requirements. At Holidays DNA, our agenda is to make your travel experience as smooth and flawless as it can be and we leave no stone unturned to achieve that. Please fill out the Contact Us form to learn more about our offerings.
How to Reach Haridwar?
There are 3 modes of transportation available for people to be there in Haridwar. Among them, you can choose the one that suits your holiday style the most.
All those who like train journeys can catch a train to Haridwar Railway Station. From Delhi, it takes around 4-5 hours to cover the required distance. The time taken from Dehradun and Rishikesh to Haridwar via train is around 1 hour.
The second way is to enjoy traveling in a private or a state-owned bus that connects Haridwar with metro cities and states of India like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, etc. Once you’re there in Haridwar, you can book a taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Haridwar to commute to your desired location in your utmost comfort.
Please note that Haridwar doesn’t have an airport. So, if you’re planning to fly by air, you need to board a flight to Jolly Grant Airport. It is a domestic airport and is nearly 20 km away. For overseas travelers, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the most feasible option available.
