Plan a getaway to the sacred city of Haridwar with our Haridwar local sightseeing tour packages to enjoy a rich tapestry of experiences that encompass spirituality, tradition, and the essence of Indian heritage. It is counted among the holiest places in Hinduism that hold immense cultural, religious, and historical significance in India.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, Haridwar offers a wealth of ashrams and spiritual centers. These institutions provide an opportunity for introspection, meditation, and learning under the guidance of revered gurus and spiritual teachers. The serene environment of these ashrams fosters personal growth, self-reflection, and the exploration of ancient wisdom.
Another hidden gem of Haridwar is its delectable cuisine. The city boasts a range of vegetarian delights that tantalize the taste buds. The famous Haridwar street food such as kachoris, jalebis, and chaats is a gastronomic delight that showcases the culinary diversity of India. Trying the local delicacies is a must for any food lover visiting Haridwar.
Haridwar's bustling markets are a delight for shopaholics and culture enthusiasts. The city is famous for its handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and Ayurvedic products. Exploring the vibrant bazaars, one can immerse in the kaleidoscope of colors, fragrances, and flavors that define the Indian market experience. From intricate wooden carvings to exquisite silk sarees, the markets of Haridwar offer a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the region.
Not to forget that this city is a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding region. It serves as a base for exploring the Himalayan foothills where one can embark on treks, nature walks, and wildlife encounters. The verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas provide a serene and rejuvenating retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Regardless of your duration, you need to explore the popular attractions in Haridwar that help you capture its real essence. So, for your ease, we have curated the following list of tourist places to visit with our Haridwar local sightseeing tour packages. Explore them at your ease to enjoy them to the fullest.
1. Har Ki Pauri
The iconic landmark of the city, Har Ki Pauri is one of the most frequented sightseeing places in Haridwar that boasts immense spiritual and cultural significance, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
The highlight of Har Ki Pauri is the daily evening Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual performed at dusk. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the surroundings, the ghat comes alive with the rhythmic chants of Vedic hymns, the resonating sounds of conch shells, and the mesmerizing sight of countless oil lamps being floated in the river. Devotees and spectators gather on the steps or in boats to witness this awe-inspiring ceremony, offering prayers and seeking blessings from the divine.
Apart from its spiritual significance, Har Ki Pauri also serves as a hub for various cultural and religious festivals. The most prominent among them is the Kumbh Mela, a massive pilgrimage gathering that takes place once every twelve years. During this time, Har Ki Pauri becomes the epicenter of devotion, spirituality, and cultural celebrations, with people coming together to partake in sacred rituals and take a dip in the holy river.
Visiting Har Ki Pauri is an experience that goes beyond religion and faith. The tranquil ambiance, the gentle flow of the Ganges, and the profound sense of spirituality create an atmosphere of serenity and introspection. It is a place where one can seek solace, find inner peace, and reconnect with their spiritual self.
2. Mansa Devi Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, the Mansa Devi Temple is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site that offers breathtaking views of the city of Haridwar and the sacred Ganga River flowing nearby.
It is believed that Goddess Mansa Devi has the power to fulfill the heartfelt wishes of her devotees. People from all walks of life visit the temple to offer prayers, express their desires, and seek the goddess's divine intervention in their lives.
The temple’s architecture showcases the traditional North Indian style, characterized by intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and ornate decorations. Here you can find the main deity adorned with sacred threads, jewels, and garlands along with various other deities including Lord Shiva, Goddess Kali, and Lord Hanuman within the complex. The ambiance of the temple is charged with spiritual energy, creating a sense of devotion and awe among visitors.
Please note that to reach the Mansa Devi Temple, visitors can undertake a short but scenic cable car ride that takes them from the base of the hill to the temple complex. The cable car, also known as the Mansa Devi Udankhatola, adds an element of adventure and excitement to the pilgrimage. Alternatively, one can choose to climb the steps leading to the temple, which is considered an act of devotion and penance.
3. Shanti Kunj
A prominent center for spiritual and moral upliftment, Shanti Kunj offers a peaceful sanctuary for individuals seeking inner transformation and spiritual growth.
It is a renowned ashram that follows the principles and teachings of the Gayatri Pariwar, a socio-spiritual organization that aims to awaken human potential and foster universal brotherhood. The ashram emphasizes the practice of Gayatri Sadhana, which involves the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra, a powerful Vedic hymn believed to bestow divine blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
One of the primary objectives of Shanti Kunj is to inspire and empower individuals to lead a holistic lifestyle. The ashram conducts various spiritual and moral education programs, workshops, and seminars on topics such as meditation, yoga, self-discipline, and character-building to instill moral values, promote social welfare, and create responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
Shanti Kunj also focuses on environmental conservation and advocates sustainable living practices. The ashram encourages the plantation of trees, the use of eco-friendly technologies, and the preservation of natural resources. It actively participates in initiatives to raise awareness about ecological issues and promotes a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
4. Rajaji National Park
Visit Rajaji National Park in Haridwar to see a diverse range of flora and fauna. Sprawling over an area of 820 square km, the Rajaji National Park is a renowned national park that provides shelter to a varied species of wildlife creatures like birds, animals, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Here you can spot Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs, sambar, spotted deer, and barking deer along with langurs, macaques, jackals, hyenas, and wild boars. The avian diversity of Rajaji National Park is equally impressive with over 315 species of birds documented.
As a visitor, you can engage yourself in various activities to explore its natural wonders. Wildlife safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and trekking are popular pursuits. The park also provides designated safari routes for all those interested in traversing and admiring stunning landscapes and wildlife.
The best time to visit Rajaji National Park is during the winter months, from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife sightings are more frequent. It remains closed during the monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rainfall.
Overall, we can say that the experience of visiting Haridwar is a lot more than just its tourist places. To make the most of your trip, we recommend you book an all-inclusive Haridwar local sightseeing tour package with us.
At Haridwar Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, our team takes care of everyone’s varied holiday needs and this is the major reason why we believe in personalization. We don’t mind altering the travel package as per your prerequisites. In case you’re not happy with any of our services, just tell us and we would be happy to make the changes for you. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with us.
How to Reach Haridwar?
To reach Haridwar, you have several transportation options available depending on your starting location and preferences. Here are the common ways to reach Haridwar:
By Air: The nearest airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 38 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Haridwar. In case you’re an overseas traveler, you’ll need to fly to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
By Train: Haridwar has good connectivity with major cities in India through the railway network. There are frequent trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and others. Once you’re there in Haridwar, you can take a private cab from top car rental companies in Haridwar to commute further to your desired location.
By Bus: Several state-run and private bus services operate to and from Haridwar. You can find regular bus services from nearby cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and other towns in Uttarakhand. If you like road trips, you can drive your vehicle by yourself as well.
