A place where devotion sparkles, the holy Ganga river rejoices and temples narrate unbelievable tales. Yes, we are talking about the Gateway to the Gods – Haridwar! Being one of the seven holiest cities in India, it is located along the banks of the sacred Ganga.
The city surprises you with a beautiful blend of temples, ghats and religious ceremonies. You can enjoy the tranquillity at ashrams, participate in yoga at retreats or simply explore the buzzing everyday life by visiting markets. If this sounds like something you love, check out the best places for your trip!
10 Divine Places To Visit in Haridwar Are –
1. Shri Maa Chandi Devi Temple
Situated in the heart of the Neel Parvat, Shri Maa Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines. It is dedicated to Goddess Chandi and attracts hundreds of devotees. Built by King Suchat Singh of Kashmir, it is one of the divine places to visit in Haridwar.
It is also believed that the goddess killed demons Shumbh and Nishumbh here. You can either reach it by trekking up the hill or take a ropeway ride. Seek blessings and soak in the panoramic views. It is best to book affordable hotels in Haridwar nearby for a comfortable stay.
2. Maa Mansa Devi Temple
Your journey remains incomplete without visiting the famous. Maa Mansa Devi Temple. Situated on the Bilwa Parvat, it is a revered place to worship. You can seek blessings from Goddess Mansa and enjoy the peaceful aura.
Did you know it is believed that the goddess fulfils wishes of devotees? That’s exactly why the temple remains crowded. Even here, you have the option to either trek or take the ropeway ride. You can tie sacred threads on a tree to symbolise your wishes. Reserve budget-friendly hotels in Haridwar for a comfortable time.
3. Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar
Shantikunj is the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar. It is a renowned spiritual and cultural hub in the city. Being one of the famous places to visit in Haridwar, it was founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. You get to witness the essence of Indian culture, spirituality and holistic living.
You can also participate in meditation, yoga sessions or spiritual discourses. The ashram is famous for organising training programmes in moral values. The serene ambiance is perfect to unwind and relax for a while. You can easily find many budget hotels in Haridwar for a lovely stay.
4. Bharat Mata Temple
You must have seen many temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses. As the name suggests, Bharat Mata temple is dedicated to Mother India. It was inaugurated by Indira Gandhi to showcase India’s unity in diversity.
Interestingly, the temple highlights various aspects of Indian heritage. You can see stories of freedom fighters, saints and even different cultural symbols. As it is one of the famous places to visit in Haridwar, it attracts devotees, tourists and history enthusiasts.
5. Rajaji National Park
Located close to Haridwar, Rajaji National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Spread across 820 square kilometres, it invites you to witness elephants, leopards, tigers and deer. It is also home to more than 300 bird species.
If you love adventure, go for a jeep safari to explore the dense forests and grasslands. While the city offers a spiritual environment, a park offers a refreshing break filled with excitement and serenity. It is best to reserve Treebo hotels in Haridwar to rest well after exploring.
6. Saptrishi Ashram
On the banks of the Ganga is a soothing place known as Saptrishi. Known for its spiritual significance, it is an unmissable spot during your Haridwar trip. You can learn yoga or practise meditation here.
According to legends, all seven sages meditated here. After knowing this, the holy river Ganga split into seven streams to avoid disturbing their penance. The mythology truly makes it a significant place to see in Haridwar.
7. Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is one of the top-rated places to visit in Haridwar. Also known as the Ganga Aarti Sthal, this place mesmerises you like never before! You can attend the iconic Ganga Aarti right here. Every evening, priests perform a grand ritual with lamps and chanting. The atmosphere is filled with devotional hymns.
Thousands of devotees gather to witness this ceremony. Watching diyas floating on the river truly makes you feel blissful. The aarti is performed to showcase gratitude to the Ganga River. This is exactly the place where you can see the spiritual heritage of Haridwar.
8. Maya Devi Temple
It is one of the oldest temples of Haridwar. Dating back to the 11th century, Maya Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya. She is known to be the presiding deity of the city. According to legends, the heart of Goddess Sati fell here, making it one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
While some also believe that her navel fell here, the topic remains debated. You can visit the temple to seek blessings for prosperity and well-being. It is best to book budget-friendly hotels in Haridwar well in advance to enjoy a hassle-free stay.
9. Kaliyar Sharif Sabir Piya
India’s unity in diversity can be seen in Haridwar. Kaliyar Sharif is a revered Sufi shrine located near the city. Dedicated to Hazrat Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir, it is a famous dargah for people of all religions.
It is believed that your wishes can be fulfilled if made with pure faith and heart. You can visit the place for the annual festival named Urs. It commemorates the saint with grand celebrations and prayers. It is best to reserve Treebo hotels for a comfortable stay.
10. Bhimgoda Barrage
Every place in Haridwar is somehow connected to spirituality and mythology. Located near Har Ki Pauri, Bhimgoda Barrage is a popular tourist attraction. While it is an important irrigation project, you must know the legend.
According to the old sayings, the site is named after Bhima from the Mahabharata. It is believed that he had struck the ground to release water here. The barrage regulates the flow of the Ganga River. You can enjoy peaceful walks around the barrage, watch birds and admire the scenic views.
Your Ticket to Haridwar!
Haridwar is home to multiple small temples and ashrams which might not be listed on the map. You can also visit Rishikesh, another popular pilgrimage site. There, you will find many hotels in Rishikesh for a convenient stay. These hidden gems can only be explored and discovered once you visit here. The destination is indeed for the ones who love to unveil the essence of spirituality and religious heritage. With the availability of Treebo hotels, you can easily book a stay and explore around.