Known to be one of the most revered pilgrimage centers of India, people from all over the world want to visit Haridwar so that they can offer their prayers to the holy river of Ganga and spend some time in peace and tranquillity. Though Haridwar remains busiest during Kumbh Mela one can make the trip there any time of the year if they want to avoid that crowd. This can be an enlightening experience for them.
One can look for accommodation in a hotel near Har ki Pauri Haridwar, which is a very popular tourist place there, and spend some time with the mountains, and the lush greenery around by taking a dip in the holy Ganga water.
Places worth visiting in and near Haridwar
Har ki Pauri
This is one of the major tourist places in the city and the name means ‘footsteps of the Lord. This is the holy ghat where the River Ganga touches the plains after winding through the way of Himalayan ranges. Visitors from all over the world, flock here throughout the year and their main motto is to take a dip in the holy Ganga water. Not only that, the entire ghat looks mesmerizing as it gets illuminated by the lights of lamps during the evening Ganga Arati. Devotees also float diyas on the surface of the water which makes the river look lit.
Chandi Devi Temple – An Important Shrine
Among the many tourist places near Haridwar, Chandi Devi Temple is the most famous one. To reach this temple one has to either trek for 3 km from Chandighat or take the ropeway service which has been recently introduced. Many devotees visit this temple; mostly during the visit of ChandiCahudas, Kumbh Mela, and Navratri. The view surrounding the temple is so beautiful that one cannot miss that.
Kankhal – A Famed Temple
There is a small colony name Kankhal in Haridwar and it is one of the many places to visit. This place is quite popular for Daksheshwara Mahadev Temple, MaaAnandamoyi Ashram, and Patanjali Yogipeeth. This place is also known as the point of 5 popular pilgrimage centers in Haridwar. Hence, one of the most sought tourist attractions lies here.
Pawan Dham – Reflects Fine Artistry
This place is near Haridwar and is quite popular among visitors. This is because; Pawan Dham reflects the craftsmanship and artistry of the ancient era and they make things with glass pieces. The temple here was built by the attempt of Swami Vedantananda Ji Maharaj and one can get to see some splendid glasswork along with intricately designed walls. All these walls have stories of Hindu mythology engraved on them and this makes the temple a special attraction. The temple has marble idols of Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Shiva, Durga, and Santoshi Mata.
Rishikesh
Located at just a distance of 26 km from Haridwar, this is one of the best places to visit. For peace seekers and adventure enthusiasts – this place caters to both. Rishikesh is known as the ‘yoga capital of the world. This place is also very popular for various adventure trails like river rafting, yoga retreats, and ropeways. One should not miss the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati here. Many people also visit Rishikesh to take a holy dip in the water.
DoodhadhariBarfani Temple
This place is a perfect balance of serene nature and spirituality. If one wants peace and tranquillity, then this is the perfect place to be. As usual, temples are the major tourist attractions in and near Haridwar and this temple is one of them. It is considered to be one of the most elegant temples in this place and once one enters the complex they can find idols of Rama, Sita, and Hanuman made of white marble. One can easily visit this place on a one-day trip from Haridwar.
Triveni Ghat
Of all the major tourist attractions – Triveni Ghat is one of the best places to visit near Haridwar and Rishikesh. This ghat is located at the confluence of 3 religious rivers the Ganga, the Yamuna, and Saraswati. Most pilgrims visit this place only to take a holy dip in Triveni Ghat and then visit the famous temple of Rishikesh. During the evening aarti, they become more enchanting because the entire ghat glows with lamps.
Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh
Being one of the most famous attractions of Rishikesh, LashmanJhula is a bridge made of iron suspension. This has been erected over the River Ganga and previously it was just a jute rope bridge. 70 feet above the river and 450 feet in length, this bridge offers a breath-taking view of the river, temples, ashrams, and others. There is also a market nearby from where one can buy local jewellery, gems, and wooden souvenirs.
Mansa Devi Temple
This temple is located atop the BilwaParvat on the Shivalik Hills range in Haridwar. As the name says, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi. Travelers need to either walk for 2 km from the foothill or take a ropeway to Manas Devi Road so that they can reach the temple. While taking the route, one can get to see a panoramic view of Haridwar city.
Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary
Haridwar is not only about temples, ghats, and scenic views of mountains. Other than its religious culture, this place also provides a breath of fresh air and makes things exciting for travellers. If one is a wildlife enthusiast, then one must visit this sanctuary because it homes an impressive range of animals and birds. If one can visit from November to February – then they can get to see at least 80 different species of migrant and Indian birds. The other wildlife species one can expect to see are elephants, bears, and leopards.
If one wants to travel to Haridwar with family – then they can try to find a hotel near Har ki Pauri, Haridwar as this place is the most bustling side of the city and one should never miss the kulfis available near the market as they are the best. Book a stay at hotel near Har ki Pauri Haridwar and have a wonderful experience in Haridwar.
