Haridwar is a city of great religious and cultural significance in India. It is one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism, where millions of pilgrims and tourists visit every year to take a dip in the sacred Ganges river and witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony. Haridwar is also the gateway to the Char Dham, the four main pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, and the venue for the Kumbh Mela, the largest gathering of humans on Earth.
But Haridwar is not just a place of worship, it is also a place of wonder and delight. Haridwar has many attractions that can appeal to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for spirituality, history, culture, nature, or adventure, Haridwar has something for you.
Best Places to Visit in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri: This is the most famous ghat in Haridwar, where the Ganga Aarti is performed every evening. It is believed that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva visited this place in ancient times. The ghat is also known for its footprints of Lord Vishnu on a stone.
- Mansa Devi Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. The temple is located on a hilltop and can be reached by a cable car or a trek.
- Chandi Devi Temple: This is another temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, who is considered to be a form of Goddess Durga. The temple is located on another hilltop and can be reached by a cable car or a trek.
- Bharat Mata Mandir: This is a unique temple that honors India as a mother goddess. The temple has eight floors, each depicting a different aspect of Indian culture and history.
- Shantikunj: This is a spiritual and social organization that works for the welfare of humanity. It offers various courses and programs on yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, astrology, etc.
Best Food to Try in Haridwar
- Aloo Puri: This is a popular breakfast dish that consists of deep-fried bread (puri) and spicy potato curry (aloo).
- Chole Bhature: This is another popular breakfast dish that consists of fluffy bread (bhature) and chickpea curry (chole).
- Kachori Sabzi: This is a snack item that consists of crispy pastry (kachori) filled with lentils or potatoes and served with vegetable curry (sabzi).
- Dahi Vada: This is a sweet and sour dish that consists of fried dumplings (vada) soaked in yogurt (dahi) and topped with chutneys and spices.
- Halwa Puri: This is a dessert item that consists of semolina pudding (halwa) and deep-fried bread (puri).
Best Hotels to Stay in Haridwar
- Haveli Hari Ganga: This is a heritage hotel that offers a luxurious stay on the banks of the Ganges. The hotel has elegant rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and a private ghat.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Haridwar: This is a modern hotel that offers a comfortable stay with all the amenities. The hotel has spacious rooms, a pool, a gym, a spa, and multiple dining options.
- Hotel Ganga Lahari: This is a boutique hotel that offers a cozy stay with a view of the Ganges. The hotel has charming rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and a private ghat.
- Hotel Alpana: This is an affordable hotel that offers a decent stay near Har Ki Pauri. The hotel has clean rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel La Casa: This is an economical hotel that offers a budget-friendly stay near the railway station. The hotel has basic rooms, a cafe, and free Wi-Fi.
Haridwar is a city that will enchant you with its charm and grace, and make you feel closer to the divine. It is a city that you should not miss in your lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and plan your trip to Haridwar. You will not regret it!
