Nestled close to the Himalayas, the ancient city of Haridwar is considered one of the holiest places in India. It’s located along the banks of the River Ganga and it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Uttarakhand. This holy city attracts domestic and international travellers seeking their inner selves.
As the gateway to the gods, Haridwar’s religious significance is unimaginable. You’ll find several temples, ashrams and other tourist places to visit in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It’s a haven for those who want to build a spiritual connection.
This list of places to visit in Haridwar provides a glimpse into what this city has. Listen to the melodious chimes of temple bells and the rhythmic chants of priests as you enter the holy city of Haridwar.
The city isn’t just about religion and spirituality. It offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. And it seamlessly merges holiness with nature's beauty.
1. Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is synonymous with Haridwar. It’s a famous ghat on the banks of the River Ganga. It's one of the most popular places to visit in Haridwar. The evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is a must-see spectacle.
It’s regarded as one of the most sacred ghats in Haridwar. It’s believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprint here. Har Ki Pauri is also believed to be one of the four places where the drops of Amrit (holy nectar) accidentally fell.
The place is visited by thousands of devotees, especially during the evening aarti. At this time, priests perform aarti holding large fire bowls, and devotees float their diyas in the river.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Haridwar: Close to city centre
2. Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is among the most popular temples to visit in Haridwar. It’s considered one of the five pilgrimages in Haridwar, and thousands of Hindus flock to the temple every year. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa, who’s believed to fulfill all your wishes.
The temple is located atop a hill called Bilwa Parvat. From here, you can get a panoramic view of Haridwar. To reach the temple, you need to trek your way up or use the cable car.
Mansa Devi Temple is also one of the top places to visit in Haridwar for couples. Many newly married couples come here to pray for the longevity of their relationship.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 3 km from city centre
3. Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is another temple built on a hill near Haridwar. The temple is built on Neel Parvat, and it’s dedicated to Goddess Chandi. It’s said to be built on the place where Goddess Chandi killed Chanda and Munda, two asuras (demons) who were in the service of two other demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha.
It’s believed that the main idol was established by the great saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The shrine was built later by the king of Kashmir in 1929. Devotees come here from around the world to seek the blessings of the goddess.
The temple complex is also a scenic treat for nature lovers. The top of the hill provides a good view of Haridwar.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 4 km from city centre
4. Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is one of the ancient temples in Haridwar. Many consider Maya Devi to be the chief Goddess of Haridwar. Thus, no pilgrimage is complete without visiting this temple. It’s considered a part of the holy temple trio of Haridwar, along with Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple.
The presiding goddess of Maya Devi Temple is believed to have the power to fulfill any wish. She’s considered a form of Adi Shakti, the Goddess of divine power. Thus, the temple attracts many tourists and devotees, making it one of the top 5 places to visit in Haridwar.
This temple is also considered to be a Shakti Peeth. It’s the place where Goddess Sati’s heart and navel fell.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6.30 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: Close to city centre
5. Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. The temple doesn’t worship any god or goddess. Instead, it worships the idea of India as a nation and the sacrifices that have been made for it. The primary idea behind its construction is to celebrate the oneness and diversity of India.
As the temple stands as a symbol of India, it’s one of the important places to visit in Haridwar. It’s an eight-storey structure built on the bank of River Ganga, with each storey dedicated to a different theme related to our country. Swami Satyamitranand Giri laid its foundation.
A statue of Bharat Mata (Mother India) adorns the hall on the first floor. It also has a large map of India on a raised platform. Other floors are dedicated to freedom fighters, legendary women and representations of different religions.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 7 km from city centre
6. Shanti Kunj Ashram
Shanti Kunj Ashram is the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar. It’s a centre for social and spiritual awakening founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. This spiritual place helps people find a path to their happiness through divine spiritual principles.
Many spiritual camps and classes are organized by Shanti Kunj Ashram. It welcomes people of all religions. Tourists come from around the world to find inner peace and solace.
Apart from attending the spiritual sessions, you can also participate in the daily activities of the ashram. The Gayatri Yajna is a notable ritual here that’s performed every morning.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 3.30 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 7 km from city centre
7. Saptrishi Ashram
Saptrishi Ashram is one of the serene places to visit near Shanti Kunj Haridwar. It’s one of the best places to visit when it comes to relaxation and rejuvenation. It acts as a retreat for many sages and saints who want to meditate in peace.
It’s said that Saptrishi Ashram was built at a place where seven great sages once meditated. As per the legends, the River Ganga split into seven streams here so as not to disturb the sages with its gurgling. Thus, this place is also called Sapt Sarovar.
The ashram was established by Goswami Guru Dutt in 1943, and it still maintains an old-world charm. It’s a well-maintained complex with a residential hostel and a Sanskrit school.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 6 km from city centre
8. Vishnu Ghat
Vishnu Ghat is a bathing ghat on the bank of River Ganga. It’s one of the most serene ghats in the city. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Haridwar near Har Ki Pauri. The ghat is within walking distance from this popular tourist destination.
It’s named after Lord Vishnu, and it’s visited by many Vaishnavites. They come here to take a dip in the holy river and absolve their sins. It has properly built steps leading into the water. Vishnu Ghat is one of the cleanest ghats in Haridwar.
You can also visit the place just to soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Visit in the evening and enjoy the spiritual vibe with some local snacks.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Haridwar: Close to city centre
9. Birla Ghat
Birla Ghat is a quaint and solitary ghat near Vishnu Ghat. It’s among the oldest ghats in the area, making it one of the main places to visit in Haridwar.
You have a flight of stairs to walk into the River Ganga and take a dip in the holy water. Barriers are created to protect anyone from drowning in the strong water current. You can also sit by the river bank and enjoy its serenity if you don’t want to bathe.
Birla Ghat is within walking distance from Vishnu Ghat and the railway station. And it’s one of the most serene places to visit near Haridwar railway station.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Haridwar: Close to city centre
10. Pawan Dham
Pawan Dham is an ancient temple known for its divine and spiritual environment, as well as its aesthetics. It’s an artistic place with elaborate glasswork and colourful patterns on the walls. Several stories from Hindu mythology are displayed on the temple walls.
The temple was founded by Swami Vedantanandji Maharaj. And it’s also known for the ornamental idols in the shrine. You’ll find beautifully decorated marble idols of Hindu gods and goddesses such as Lord Hanuman, Lord Vishnu, Maa Durga and others.
A model of Lord Krishna preaching the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna is the most spectacular artwork here.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 5 km from city centre
11. Doodhadhari Barfani Temple
Doodhadhari Barfani Temple is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Haridwar with family. It’s not one temple but a cluster of many small shrines dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. And all the shrines are built entirely of white marble.
This temple complex has shrines dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and Lord Hanuman. With its elaborately carved exteriors and attractive interiors, Doodhadhari Barfani Temple is a popular tourist attraction in Haridwar. It’s a centre of divine peace.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 5 km from city centre
12. Vaishno Devi Temple
Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar is built as a replica of the famous Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu. It’s dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi.
The temple has man-made tunnels and caves that lead to the inner sanctum. And it’s one of the popular places to visit in Jwalapur Haridwar, even though it’s smaller in scale compared to the original temple.
Apart from the shrine of Vaishno Devi, it houses the idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. You can also see the replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in this temple.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 6 km from city centre
13. Bhuma Niketan Ashram
Bhuma Niketan Ashram is both a sacred place and a shelter home for the needy. The highlight, though, is lifelike figurines of Hindu gods and goddesses. A sculpture of Lord Shiva and Parvati at the entrance is a sight to behold.
The ashram is surrounded by water fountains and green lawns. It’s also close to the banks of the River Ganga, making it one of the most serene places in the region. It was founded by Swami Bhumananda Teerth Ji, and it follows the ideologies of Adi Shankaracharya. It conducts various spiritual and cultural activities.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 5 km from city centre
14. Patanjali Yogpeeth
Patanjali Yogpeeth is a yoga and Ayurveda centre established by Baba Ramdev. It’s named after Rishi Patanjali, a sage known for founding classical yoga practices. It's one of the most popular yoga centres in India and the world.
While many people visit the place to attend its residential yoga camps, the campus also has an Ayurveda college with a vast library. It’s one of the best nearby places to visit in Haridwar to learn more about Ayurveda and Yoga.
It has a large campus with facilities for yoga practice and Ayurvedic treatment. The hospital here is the go-to treatment place for everyone who is seeking natural treatment.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 18 km from city centre
15. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a small town near Haridwar, nestled in the Himalayan foothills. It’s also a Hindu pilgrimage spot like Haridwar, known for its spiritual significance. It’s a vibrant tourist place that attracts seekers of inner peace and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Camping and adventure sports are the major attractions for travellers here. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are among the best places to visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are also must-visits.
The tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty of Rishikesh make it one of the top places to visit from Haridwar. It’s only a short drive away, along the banks of River Ganga.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 20 km from city centre
16. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is another of the famous places to visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh. It’s famed as a tiger reserve, and it’s an absolute treat for wildlife enthusiasts. The national park area consists of Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries.
Jeep safari is the main attraction inside Rajaji National Park. It allows you to explore the variety of flora and fauna the park has, including elephants, tigers and bird species. During your ride, you can also see barking deer and monitor lizards and pythons.
The forest has dense trees and shrubs, creating a green landscape. It’s a must-visit place during the rainy season in Haridwar.
- Entry Fee: ₹150 per person
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: 12 km from city centre
17. Bara Bazaar
Bara Bazaar is a bustling market of local handicrafts and religious items. Walking through the bustling lanes, you can check out the items on display and buy anything you like.
The market has some of the famous things to buy in Haridwar. It’s popular among tourists who want cute souvenirs as a memory of their visit. Religious trinkets, herbal products and ganga jal are among the most popular here. You can buy spiritual books and wall hangings, too.
If you visit Bara Bazaar in the evening, you can also find several food stalls selling local sweets and snacks. It’s one of the best places to visit in Haridwar at night.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Distance from Haridwar: Close to city centre
The holy city of Haridwar is gifted with serene mountains, stunning views and a calm spiritual atmosphere. Temples are the main attractions in Haridwar. The temple of Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi and Maya Temple are the most important places to visit in and around Haridwar.
Next are the serene ghats of Haridwar. Although Har ki Pauri is the most popular, other places like Vishnu Ghat and Birla Ghat shouldn’t be missed.
Plan your trip in the winter season, between November and February, when you can explore all the tourist spots comfortably.
