Best 12 Places to Visit in Haridwar

It is the Prime location of Haridwar and main ghat where river Ganga is prayed daily with thousands of devotees taking a dip in its water. Har Ki Pauri is also one of the four locations of Kumbh Mela where the largest human congregation is seen being held every 12 years along with Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain. As per the Hindu mythology, this was the location where the drops of Amrit (the drink of immortality) was spilled by Lord Vishnu. Especially is the evening every day special aarti is done with thousands of devotees offering their prayers to river goddess Ganga. The whole spiritual atmosphere will enthral you with religious experience to be remembered for a lifetime.

Situated on the top of the Bilwa Parwat is the adobe for Goddess Mansa highly revered to the locals. As per Hindu mythology, She is a form of Shakti that emerged from the mind of the great Sage Kashyap. Manual trek and ropeway both are available to the devotees who pray with their whole heart to get their wishes completed with her blessings. This site offers spectacular panoramic views of the whole city for wondrous photographers.

Sitting opposite side of the Mansa Devi and river Ganga at the majestic location of the hilltop is the temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi. The great Saint Adi Shankaracharya built this temple by placing the idol in the 8th AD. Manual trek to reach the top is quite steep but ropeway is three to reach within walking distance of the temple in no-time. Both Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi collective budget pricing is also available for tourist to enjoy breathtaking views of the whole surroundings.

One of the 52 Shaktipeeth in the county where goddess Shakti is revered with huge followers paying their respect every day. As per the Hindu mythology, naval and heart of the Goddess Sati dropped here making this pious location the hub for religious activities. At Navaratri and during the Kumbh Mela one can see thousands of visitors in Mayadevi Temple. Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi are three most holy temples in the Haridwar vicinity.

Named after one of the Pandavas, Bhimgoda tank is a sacred tank with near distance from Har Ki Pauri. As per the legend the tank came into existence when the powerful Bhima thrust his knee into the ground and the water poured out like a fountain.

Shanti Kunj is the ashram and home to the World Gayatri Pariwar (WGP) and has garnered attraction as a centre for spiritual activities. Studies of important ancient Hindu literature of Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads is given in Hindi as well as Sanskrit. Free of cost accommodations, highly nutritious vegetarian meals, daily bhajan and aarti are part of this community.

A Spiritual ashram dedicated to Bengali mystic Ma Anandamayi with her mortal remains buried at this place. People from al faith are welcome to this centre with Ashram housing multiple buildings Gayatri Yaganshala, Rudraksha Tree, Shankaracharya Hall, Ati Rudra Yaganshala, and many more. The ashram is easy to reach with just 6 km from the main city Haridwar at Kankhal.

Built-in 2006 as one of the main institutes for Yoga and Ayurveda teachings Patanjali, act as a hub for treatments, medication and mediation centre for tourists. Named after Maharishi Patanjali this centre is run by present Baba Ram Dev who has gained international fame for his Yoga practices. Numerous international tourists can be seen on the premises who come here to learn Yoga ancient teaching and Ayurveda benefits in Haridwar.

• Gau Ghat: One of the most revered ghats in the Haridwar with people offering their penance for their sin to killing the Cow who has a special value in Hindu tradition as ‘Kamadhenu’ the one who fulfils the desires and wishes for everyone. Some of the great personalities in India with Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi ashes were scattered from this ghat only.

• Vishnu Ghat: Named after the supreme lord Vishnu this ghat is more serene, less crowded and offers a peaceful atmosphere to take a dip in the holy water of river Ganga. Being quite a distance away from the Har Ki Pauri, Vishnu ghat also has a lot of top accommodations nearby.

• Birla Ghat: One of the oldest ghats in the vicinity with security barrier guarding devotees against slipping as the fast flow of Ganga passes through. Less crowded, lots of nearby shop and markets makes it the best places in the Haridwar to dip in the river at any time of the day.

• Kushavarta ghat: At this ghat, last ritual rites are performed and devotees pray for their ancestors every day. As per the Hindu mythology, where great sage Dattatreya did his penance on one leg for thousands of years to get blessings of the almighty.

Near the Chandi Devi temple, this exotic location is famous for bird watching with spectacular views of the Shivalik mountains. You can reach at Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar easily or can hike to the location for a short family picnic. In winters one can enjoy numerous migratory birds with Siberian Crane among the favourites with bird lovers thronging the area for impeccable backgrounds.

One of the foremost locations for animal lovers is the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Located in the Shivalik range and spread in 820Kms covering three districts of Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. The place is full of natural flora and fauna along with more than 300+ bird species sighted in the area. Jungle Safari is available for tourist to enjoy the vicinity with stays available with permission from the authority.

A sublime park dedicated to the great Swami Vivekanand for his teachings and experience on Indian culture. A large statue of Swami Vivekanand is built along with lush green environment but the main attraction is the humungous statue of Lord which is visible from far away. There are no entry fees and is a perfect place for family picnics.