Location: Haridwar
Top Things to do in Haridwar
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10 Things to Do in Haridwar That You Shouldn't Miss
The holy city of Haridwar translates to "Gateway to God," and the breathtaking city, replete with temples, is a magnet for religious pilgrims from all over the globe. Religious festivals hold even further draw, and tourists can’t helped but be compelled by the city’s aura of intense spirituality. Don’t miss the Har ki Pauri and the Chandi Devi Temple.
Restaurants in Haridwar
1. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Ganga Aarti Means Prayer for the River Ganges. The Ganga is holy river in India. It is worshiped as a goddess. It is providing life in the form of water to India. Every day Morning and Evening Ganga Aarti is organized at Har Ki Pauri. Morning time is approximately 05:30 AM in winter and 06:30 AM in Summer according to Sunrise. Evening time for Ganga Aarti is approximately 05:30 PM in winter and 06:30 in summer. Evening Ganga aarti is widely visited by people in stead of morning. There is no entry fees or charges for the ceremony. Evening at sunset priests perform Ganga Aarti here, when lights are set on the water to drift downstream. This is the most amazing and soul touching spectacle. A large number of people gather on both the banks of river Ganges to sing its praises. The priest hold large fire bowls in their hands, the bells in the temples at the Ghat start ringing and the chants flowing out of lips fill the air. People float diyas (candle), with burning flickers and flowers in them as a symbol of hope and wishes .The golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganges present the most enchanting sight. Note: 01. Reach little early to get good place to view the ceremony. Best place to view the ceremony is little island type of place called Malviya Dwip. From there you can view the ceremony from front side. 02. If you do not want to sit on the floor (which is free) there are some wooden platform are there which is run by local families. They will charge you Rs.50 Per person. 03. Some fake people may come to you and ask for donations. You are not supposed to give any donation to any one. However the place and ceremony is maintained by Ganga Sabha so if you want you can donate them. 04. Try to avoid priests if you dont want to do any Pooja (prayers) because after little prayer they expect money from you.
Reviewed By FLworldwanderer - Florida
We were fortunate to experience the AARTI (03/11/17) during sunset, along the River Ganges, across the river from the priests (pujaris). The chanting begins before sunset, and you can view several worshipers bathing in the river, as well as many people placing floating lit candle offerings in the river. Expect to be there early, as large crowds will be there to compete for good Seating. We had a bit of rain during our stay, but was able to secure Seating under a vendors tarp (for a small fee, of course). Later, large bundles of stacked wood are put on fire, for further celebration and to ward off evil spirits. I always carry small currency denominations for offerings, tips, etc. I was able to fill bottles of water, directly from the Ganges, and give them to all my Indian friends, back in the USA.
2. Flying Fox Rishikesh
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
SOAR TWO HUNDRED FEET HIGH OVER THE RIVER GANGES Fly high over the River Ganges at Flying Fox Rishikesh, our latest high-adrenaline thrill trip in partnership with Snow Leopard Adventures. Two sensational zip lines up to 400m long catapult you across the white water rapids at Shivpuri, with unbelievable views of the Himalayan foothills, the mighty Ganga and the rafting crews 70 metres below. The tour takes 45-60 minutes, including safety brief, practice zip, zip tour and the (customary) short forest walk. It's an ideal adventure to add to a day to your white water rafting or trekking trip.
Reviewed By Ekta K
Experience is beyond any words !!! The staff is extremely professional and make you practice before you take the actual zip. I've been to Rishikesh many times but never did zipline, now I feel I missed so much. around 750m (combined 400+350)of to and fro across the river ganges is extremely breathtaking.
Must experience this !!!
3. Har ki Pauri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Har Ki Pauri Haridwar : Haridwar is one of the most ancient pilgrimage centers in India that has been reverence from times immemorial. Hari means (Lord/God) and Dwar means Gateway. Hence Haridwar means Gateway to the Lord. According to the India mythology, it is one of the four places where drops of elixir, Amrita accidentally spilled over from the pitcher or Kumbha, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. These four spots have today become places where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years in succession - Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar and Allahabad. Millions of devotees and tourist congregate from all over the world to celebrate this celestial event and perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges.
Reviewed By Kumar M - Bokaro Steel City, India
It is only 5 km far from Haridwar and about 50 km from Dehradun. It is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the Mountains and entry into the plains.It has a good market. An evening Aarti is performed by the priests on the banks of river Ganga is a highly enchanting and divine experience. Lamps are seen floating on the river, immersed after the ritual.Devotees can enjoy a holy dip in the Har ki Pauri Brahamakund.Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar . Literally, "Har" means "Lord Shiva" , "ki" means "of" and "pauri" means "steps". Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund .There is a large footprint said to belong to Lord Vishnu on a stone wall.
4. Shanti Kunj Gayatri Parivar Haridwar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Kumar M - Bokaro Steel City, India
Shantikunj is a major ashram with spiritual camps and many small temples and having many other visits worthy places in it. The Ashram is located on national highway no 58 between Rishikesh and Dehradun and lies 6 km far from Haridwar railway station. Shantikunj was founded by Pt. Shri ram Sharma Acharya in 1971 on a small basis but today it spread over the world level.Its work for spiritual awakening of cultural and moral. Every Day a large number of devotees and gayatri culture follower visit Shantikunj Ashram for spiritual knowledge and guidance. This is the perfect place for visit in Haridwar which provide you a peace of mind.
5. Chandi Devi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Reviewed By FLworldwanderer - Florida
Chandi Devi Temple is another attraction in Haridwar you should see. Easily accessible by cable car, the panoramic view during the ride up or down and from the temple itself, is wonderful. The main temple is Chandi Devi but there is one more temple that of Anjani Devi (Hanuman's mother). Beware of large crowds, and I recommend carrying small denominations of currency, for donations, etc.
6. Mansa Devi Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 651 reviews
Reviewed By FLworldwanderer - Florida
Mansa Devi Temple, an ancient temple providing views of the River Ganges and the plains of Haridwar. You can reach the shrine by either cable car ... or a long walk. Legend says the goddesses Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of goddess Parvati always reside close to each other. Followers believe Maa Mansa, fulfills the ‘manoutis’ and pilgrims make it a point not to miss offering prayers to the reigning deity in the form of Shakti. Carry small denominations of currency for donations, tips, etc.
7. Daksh Mahadev Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By FLworldwanderer - Florida
Daksha Mahadev temple located in the town of Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar, It is where Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati, held the infamous yagna without inviting Lord Shiva. Next to the main temple is the Dasha Mahavidya temple, dedicated to ten cosmic personalities of the universal Mother Goddess. I always carry small currency denominations for offerings, tips, and local transportation.
8. Vaishno Devi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By DrArunAgrawal - Noida, India
This temple is located on a street on the National Highway towards Rishikesh which houses several temples including Shiva temple in the beginning and Bharat Mata Temple at the end.
After going up the temple , you get to a narrow cave which appears to be a replica of the one at near Katra, Jammu with a similar looking idol towards the end of the cave . However, the experience is not the same as in Katra where you climb up the hills for close to 3 hours chanting " Jai Mata Di " in unison with other devotees tying a red band on the forehead.
Regardless, a visit to this temple during a stay in the holy city of Haridwar is well worth it .
9. Ma Anandamayee Ashram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By didi02453 - Boston MA
The temple in Kankhal includes the samadhi shrine for Sri Anandamayi Ma. We visited at mid-day, so we did not participate in any services... but we really appreciated the quiet of the temple.
Adjacent to the temple,,, a small bookstore with books about Ma (in many languages!), photos of Ma, CDs. And a friendly and knowledgeable shopwala who will happily ship your purchases back to your home country.
10. Pavan Dham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Amy D
Beautiful temple represent work of art made of glasses and artistically designed walls are the main attraction of dis place .
Followers can easily reach Pawan Dham from Haridwar. The distance between the temple and Haridwar is just 2 km & 3 kilometer from Har ki Pauri, amazing glass work - can't afford to miss dis place Idols , statues of glass is mindlowing .Our guide told us the temple is one of the oldest doms in the state of Uttarakhand. Swami Vedantanand ji Maharaj is the founder of the temple. photography allowed inside temple , guide is available , hire them as it helps u to understand the place better .
