Best Places to Visit in Haridwar | Temples & Ganga Ghats Guide

Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism, situated where the Ganges river descends from the Himalayas onto the plains of Uttarakhand. The city is a major pilgrimage and yoga destination, famous for the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri every evening. It is also the starting point for the Char Dham Yatra (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath).
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1. Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri (Footstep of the Lord) is the most sacred ghat in Haridwar. Every evening, hundreds of priests perform the Ganga Aarti here — a breathtaking ritual of fire, flowers, and devotional music as diyas (lamps) float down the river. Bathing in the Ganga here is believed to wash away sins.

Things to Do

  • Attend the evening Ganga Aarti (daily at sunset).
  • Take a holy dip in the Ganges.
  • Release diyas (earthen lamps) on the river.

Nearest Attractions

  • Moti Bazaar – ~0.2 km
  • Daksha Mahadev Temple – ~2 km

2. Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple is perched atop Bilwa Parvat (Sivalik Hills) and dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to grant wishes. It is accessible by a ropeway (cable car) from Haridwar town, offering panoramic views of the city and the Ganges below.

Things to Do

  • Ropeway ride with views of Haridwar and the Ganges.
  • Tie a sacred thread (wish thread) on the wish tree.
  • Attend morning and evening aarti.

Nearest Attractions

  • Har Ki Pauri – ~3 km
  • Chandi Devi Temple – ~4 km

3. Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple sits atop Neel Parvat on the opposite bank of the Ganges and is accessible by ropeway or a 3-km trek through forested hills. Dedicated to Goddess Chandi, the temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Things to Do

  • Ropeway ride over the Ganges and forest canopy.
  • Trek through the forest to the temple.
  • Darshan and the morning/evening aarti.

Nearest Attractions

  • Mansa Devi Temple – ~4 km
  • Har Ki Pauri – ~4 km

4. Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park spans over 820 sq km across Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts. It is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, over 400 bird species, and is one of the most accessible wildlife reserves from Delhi. Jeep safaris and elephant safaris are available.

Things to Do

  • Jeep safari through Chilla and Motichur ranges.
  • Elephant safari (seasonal availability).
  • Bird watching — over 400 species recorded.

Nearest Attractions

  • Chilla Barrage – ~5 km from Haridwar
  • Rishikesh – ~25 km

5. Daksha Mahadev Temple

Daksha Mahadev Temple in Kankhal (~4 km from Haridwar) is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the region. According to mythology, this is where King Daksha performed the Yagna (sacred fire ritual) that led to the death of Goddess Sati — an event central to many Puranic stories.

Things to Do

  • Darshan at this ancient Shiva temple.
  • Explore the temple complex and its mythology.
  • Attend morning aarti for a peaceful experience.

Nearest Attractions

  • Kankhal Bazaar – ~0.2 km
  • Har Ki Pauri – ~4 km

How to Reach Haridwar

Haridwar is ~200 km from Delhi (4–5 hours) via NH-58. Regular Volvo and deluxe buses operate from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate. Rishikesh is just 20 km away — ideal to combine both in one trip. Find hotels in Haridwar for your stay.
Haridwar Junction is a major railway station connected to Delhi (Shatabdi Express, ~4 hours), Mumbai, Lucknow, and most major cities.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (~35 km, ~45 minutes). Delhi's IGI Airport is ~250 km away with road/rail options.