Haridwar Tour Packages

Why Visit Haridwar?

 Spiritual significance:

Haridwar is rightly said as the “Gateway to God”, as it is one of the holiest cities of India and is the gateway from where the pilgrimage Yatra of Chardham starts. Also lack of devotees visit Haridwar to take a Dip in the holy water of the river Ganga at Har-Ki-Pauri to clean their sins and calm their mind. Haridwar also has various ancient temples like Mansa Devi Mandir, Chandi Devi Mandir, and Maya Devi Mandir that hold a deep spiritual influence and provide a soulful experience to all the devotees. You can also attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Har-Ki-Pauri, which creates a mesmerizing atmosphere as the earthen lamps float on the water of the holy river Ganga. It is one of the best things that you can't miss after being in Haridwar.

Cultural richness:

The Haridwar City reflects India's rich traditions and cultural lifestyle, whether it's a bustling market where you can get Rudraksh malas and ayurvedic products along with different items. You can also have a taste of the local cuisine of Haridwar, which will surely make your taste buds happy. The sound of bells and mantra chanting, along with devotional music, truly makes Haridwar a culturally rich place. The daily lifestyle and ritual of the local people of Haridwar make it a living museum of Indian culture.

Festivals:

Haridwar, being a spiritual City, hosts different fairs and festivals like Kumbh Mela, Ardhakumbh Mela, and Kavad Yatra, which attract millions of devotees. Other than this, there are several festivals like Ganga Dussehra, Diwali, and Holi, where travellers and devotees get a chance to witness the devotional aspect of Haridwar and take in the holy water of the river Ganga. Also, you can be a part of different rituals and vibrant celebrations during the festival time in Haridwar.

Gateway to adventure:

Haridwar is not only a spiritual city, but one can also enjoy some adventure activities in Haridwar, as it is a base for adventure, wildlife Safari, and nature retreat. Here you can enjoy river rafting, which happens in Rishikesh, and can also explore the wildlife of Uttarakhand in the wildlife Safari at Rajaji National Park. Also, Haridwar is the starting point of all different tracks in Uttarakhand, which makes this place a perfect place for spiritual seekers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts.

Top Attractions in Haridwar

1. Har Ki Pauri

Har ki Pauri is the most famous heart of Haridwar, which was constructed by King Vikramaditya. This famous Ghat is visited by multiple devotees, especially during the evening Ganga Aarti, when the atmosphere completely becomes spiritual. The evening Ganga aarti is must must-attend activity for every tourist because the site is truly divine and magical as thousands of earthen lamps float over the holy Ganga river which creating a divine spectacle. It is believed by pilgrims that this is the place where lord Vishnu left his footprints.

Timing: 24-hour open

Entry Fee: Free

Best time to visit: October to March (Avoid Summers & Monsoon)

2. Mansa Devi Temple

The Mansa Devi temple is located on Bilwa Parvat or a hill, and is dedicated to the goddess Mansa. The meaning of Mansa is desire or a wish, and it is believed that if anybody makes a wish at this Temple, then their wish will come true. To visit this Temple, you need to trek uphill, or you can also take a ropeway ride, which will offer you the best panoramic view.

Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free (Ropeway charge may apply)

Best time to visit: February to April and September to November.

3. Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi temple is situated on the Neel Parvat and is also a Shakti peeth just like Mansa Devi. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Chandi. If you want to see the blessing of goddess Chandi and want to visit this Temple, then you need to climb upwards to reach this temple, or you can also use the ropeway facility that offers a panoramic view of Haridwar.

Timing: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free (ropeway INR 210 PP)

Best time to visit: April to August for pleasant weather.

4. Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi temple is one of the oldest temples of Haridwar, which is dedicated to the goddess Maya, who was the preceding deity of Haridwar. The Maya temple is also considered one of the Shakti peeths, where the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell on the ground. This is a temple that attracts a number of devotees all year round.

Timing: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Best time to visit: September to April.

5. Bharat Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple that is dedicated to Mother India. This temple of Haridwar has 8 floors, which represent the freedom fighters, deities, and saints. The ground floor of the temple has a huge map of undivided India, which showcases the Indian unity and its heritage.

Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Best time to visit: October to March for pleasant weather.

6. Daksha Mahadev Temple

Daksh Mahadev temple is located in Kankhal, and this temple is associated with a mythological story that says it was the home of goddess Sati and her father, King Daksh. It is one of the most visited temples of Haridwar, which is dedicated to lord Shiva.

Timing: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Best time to visit: During Shivratri and winters

7. Shantikunj Ashram

The Shantikunj Ashram is the prime headquarters of the All-World Gayatri Parivar (AWGP) and is a centre of spiritual education and divinity. This ashram is visited by multiple devotees and tourists who can also attend the meditation classes and opt for spiritual workshops and courses that are organised here.

Timing: 24-hour open

Entry Fee: Free

Best time to visit: October to March

8. Patanjali Yogpeeth

Patanjali Yogpeeth was founded by Baba Ramdev and is one of the largest yoga institutes in the world. This place is open for tourists and devotees who want to visit this place and learn about the ayurvedic treatment, or want to buy some herbal products. You can also visit this place if you want to practice yoga or learn yoga techniques.

Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free ( Yoga classes are chargeable)

Best time to visit: October to March.

9. Rajaji National Park

The Rajaji National Park is located just on the border of Haridwar and is one of the best places for nature lovers. This National Park is spread over an area of 820 square kilometres. Rajaji National Park is home to different species of birds, wild leopard, tiger, and elephants. This is a perfect place for bird watching and wildlife Safari, where you can spot some wild animals relaxing in their natural environment.

Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: Approx. INR 500 - INR 1000 Per person

Best time to visit: November to March for better wildlife sighting.

Things to Do in Haridwar

 Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

The evening Ganga Aarti of Haridwar at Har Ki Paudi is a spiritual event that attracts 1000 devotees and tourists each day. During the Ganga Aarti, eliminate lamps and pray to the goddess Ganga. The whole atmosphere gets magical as the Ganga glows with floating Diya with create a divine and serene atmosphere. Attending the Ganga aarti in Haridwar is a must-do experience.

Take a holy dip in the Ganga

Haridwar is famous for its holy river Ganga and its rituals. Many devotees take a bath in the river Ganga at Har ki Pauri, and it is believed by them that after taking a DIP in this Holi water, all their sins will be cleared and they will get the divine blessing. Many pilgrims also perform some rituals and offerings at the different ghats of the holy river Ganga for their ancestors.

Go on a temple tour

There are different ancient and secret temples in Haridwar, which make it a devotional city. Some of the important temples of Haridwar are Mansa Devi Mandir, Chandi Devi temple, Maya Devi Daksh Prajapati temple, and Bharat Mata Mandir. These temples are visited by several devotees and tourists. You can also get the best panoramic view of Haridwar from hilltop shrines like Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi, which will let you immerse yourself in the city's spiritual heritage.

Experience yoga and meditation

Haridwar is also a hub for yoga and wellness, as there are different ashrams in Haridwar, like Shantikunj and Patanjali Yogpeeth, where you can learn yoga meditation, and they also organise various spiritual workshops which you can be a part of. You can also participate in the different sessions of yoga and meditation at these ashrams, which are ideal activities to be done by a traveller or the one who wants to see inner peace and wants to rejuvenate themselves.

Shop in Haridwar

There are various local markets in Haridwar, like Moti bazar, Bada bazar, which are perfect to buy some spiritual items and others so many other things. Some of the best thing to purchase from Haridwar includes Rudraksh Mala idols, ayurvedic product, and also some traditional handicraft items. While shopping, you must also try the local street food and other delicious foods, which will truly enhance the flavour of your taste but while shopping.

Enjoy wildlife safaris

Furniture lover Haridwar is like a retreat where you can visit Rajaji National Park, which is located in the proximity and spread across an area of 820 square kilometres. Here you can witness elephants, tigers, leopards, and other exotic bird species during your wildlife Safari in their natural habitat. The wildlife Safari offers a thrilling experience that combines adventure with natural exploration in Haridwar.

Festivals of Haridwar

Kumbh Mela

Haridwar is one of the four holy cities is where the Kumbh Mela is organised every 12 years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which is organised at an interval of 6 years, is the prime attraction of Haridwar. On the occasion of Kumbh Mela or Earth Kumbh Mela, millions of devotees get attracted to Haridwar and wish to have a holy dip in the water of the river Ganga during this time period. During Kumbh Mela, it is advised to pre-book your hotel in advance, as during this time, a lot of people flock to this place.

Kanwar Yatra

The Kanwar Yatra of Haridwar is generally held in July or August. This is a famous festival of Haridwar, which sees lakhs of devotees of lord Shiva, who are also known as kanwariyas, pukare the holy water of Ganga on their shoulders and walk barefoot to offer it at the Shiva temple across the northern part of India.

Diwali and Holi

Diwali and Holi are the two prime festivals of India, but in Haridwar, these festivals are celebrated with grandeur, and the ghats and temples of Haridwar are also illuminated with earthen lamps and candles. On the occasion of Holi, the streets of Haridwar get filled with vibrant colors and devotional music.

Ganga Dussehra

Ganga Dashara is also one of the most prime festivals of Haridwar, which is generally celebrated in June. It is celebrated with gratitude on the day that is marked as the day on which the goddess Ganga descended on earth. This festival in Haridwar is celebrated with all the rituals, and the devotees take a dip in the holy water of the river Ganga.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Summer: The summer months in Haridwar are from March to June, and the ideal time for exploring the different sightseeing of Haridwar, as the weather remains really pleasant.

Monsoon: The monsoon months from July to September in Haridwar experience heavy rainfall, and you can witness the lush greenery of Haridwar at this time, but be causes and do not go near any water bodies in Haridwar.

Winter: The winter month from October to February generally remains school and are great for doing outdoor exploration and visiting different temples as well as attending different festivals in Haridwar.

Tip: If you want to experience Haridwar’s true essence, visit during Ganga Aarti, Kumbh Mela, or Kanwar Yatra.

How to Reach Haridwar

By Air:

If you are short on time, then you can explore Haridwar through flight, and the nearest airport is located in Dehradun, which is Jolly Grant Airport, which is approximately 35 km from Haridwar.

By Rail:

Haridwar is well connected to major cities of India through a railway line, and the main railway station of Haridwar is Haridwar Junction. You can easily reach here from any major city of India, like Delhi, Varanasi, and Mumbai. You can also get care and taxi service outside the railway premises.

By Road:

Haridwar has a well-connected National Highway 58, which connects it to Delhi and is a 220 km-long highway. This Highway is also connected to other major cities of India. So you can reach Haridwar directly through bus, taxi, or your personal vehicle using this National Highway connectivity.

Where to Stay in Haridwar

Haridwar offers a range of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury resorts and spiritual ashrams.

Budget Stays: Dharamshalas, guesthouses, and small hotels near Har Ki Pauri.

Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable stays with modern amenities close to major attractions.

Luxury Resorts: Resorts along the Ganga with spa, yoga, and wellness programs.

Ashrams: Perfect for spiritual seekers looking for yoga, meditation, and vegetarian meals.

Food in Haridwar

Haridwar, being a spiritual city, is a vegetarian Paradise where you can try out some local delicacies like aloo puri, which is generally served with a chutney, and this is the best breakfast in the city. You can also try out kachori and jalebi that are available at various corners in Haridwar, also chole bhature are quite famous in Haridwar. If you are a sweet lover, then you can also try out Rasmalai and Rabdi of Haridwar. Other than these Indian snacks, you can also get some ayurvedic and satvik food in different ashrams and spiritual centres of Haridwar.

Shopping in Haridwar

If you want to enjoy shopping in Haridwar, then you can explore some of the famous markets like Moti Bazar, Bada Bazar, and Kankhal market, where you can get some Rudraksh Mala and spiritual items. If you want to buy some Ayurvedic medicine and Patanjali products, then Haridwar markets are the best option for you. Other than this, you can also get all Pooja essential items and idols of God and goddesses in the market of Haridwa,r also you can also buy some handicrafts and traditional clothes as a souvenir for your loved one.

Travel Tips for Haridwar

1. You should always wear a modest dress while exploring the temples and ghats of Haridwar.

2. Since exploring Haridwar generally involves walking, you should carry a comfortable pair of footwear while visiting different temples.

3. You should always respect the local traditions and rituals, and also follow all the photography rules at the particular site.

4. You should not carry or throw any plastic waste in Haridwar as it is a plastic-free zone.

5. You should always book your hotels in advance, especially during the festival season and fairs like Kumbh Mela and Kanwar Yatra.