The Tailor-Made Guide to the 5 Best Tourist Places in Haridwar
- Barry Pickard
- Aug 8
- 10 min read
Updated: 50 minutes ago
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
Mansa Devi Temple
What's the first thing that hits you when you pull into Haridwar after hours on the road? For me, it was the intoxicating blend of marigold petals crushed underfoot, incense smoke curling from countless street-side shrines, and the distant sound of temple bells mixing with auto-rickshaw horns. I'd been planning this road trip to northern India for months, but nothing quite prepared me for the sensory overload of one of the country's holiest cities.
As someone who's spent the last few years exploring India's spiritual heartland – from the temple towns of Rajasthan to the mountain shrines of Uttarakhand – I can tell you that finding the best tourist places in Haridwar isn't just about ticking boxes on a pilgrimage checklist. It's about understanding which experiences will genuinely move you, practically speaking. During my stay in February, I discovered that this ancient city offers far more than most travel guides suggest, especially for independent travellers who want to dig deeper than the typical tourist trail.
You've probably landed on this article because you're planning your own journey to Haridwar and want honest, practical advice from someone who's actually been there. Well, you're in the right place. What I'm about to share isn't pulled from other websites or guidebooks – it's based on my own footsteps, my own mistakes, and my own discoveries. From the moment I watched my first Ganga Aarti ceremony to that perfect glass of lassi I stumbled upon in a tiny shop most tourists walk right past, every recommendation here comes from personal experience.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these tourist places in Haridwar appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the attractions of Haridwar, or indeed, a general tour of incredible India.
Best Tourist Places in Haridwar
Best Tourist Places in Haridwar
Har-ki-Pairi Ghat
Har-ki-Pairi Ghat is one of the most important spiritual landmarks in Haridwar and a must-visit for anyone exploring northern India. The name translates to “Steps of Lord Vishnu,” and the site is believed to be where the Ganges River enters the plains from the Himalayas. A footprint at the ghat is said to belong to Lord Vishnu, adding to its religious significance. The ghat also plays a central role in the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years.
One of the most memorable experiences at Har-ki-Pairi is attending the evening Ganga Aarti. Held daily at Brahmakund, the ceremony involves priests performing rituals with fire bowls while chanting mantras. Visitors can participate by lighting small diyas (lamps) and setting them afloat on the river. It’s a peaceful and visually striking event that draws both pilgrims and tourists making it one of the essential places to see in Haridwar. Aim to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and take in the atmosphere as the sun sets over the Ganges.
Mansa Devi Temple
Perched atop Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, the Mansa Devi Temple is one of the city’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Dedicated to Goddess Mansa, believed to fulfil the wishes of her devotees, the temple is part of the trio of Siddh Peeths in Haridwar, alongside Chandi Devi and Maya Devi temples. Traditionally, pilgrims would trek up the hill to reach the shrine, but today, the ropeway offers a much more convenient and scenic alternative.
The colourful cable cars provide panoramic views of Haridwar, the Ganges River, and the surrounding hills, making the journey itself a highlight. At the top, facilities include rest areas, food stalls, and drinking water stations, ensuring a comfortable visit.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
The ropeway operates daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the ride takes just a few minutes. It’s a great option for those who want to avoid the 3 km uphill walk!
Tickets can be booked on-site and combo passes are available if you also plan to visit the nearby Chandi Devi Temple via ropeway.
Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar
Located atop Neel Parvat in Haridwar, the Chandi Devi Temple is another major pilgrimage site in the city. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, a fierce form of Durga, and is believed to have been established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. The current structure was built in 1929 by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh.
To reach the temple, visitors can either hike a steep 3 km trail or opt for the Chandi Devi Ropeway, which takes about 5 minutes to reach the hilltop. Once at the top, the temple complex includes shaded rest areas, drinking water stations, and small shops selling prasad and souvenirs. There’s also a temple pond, believed to have medicinal properties, where many pilgrims take a symbolic dip. Also, the panoramic views of the Shivalik Hills and the city below are stunning, especially around sunrise or sunset.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The ropeway operates daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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Shiv Murti Statue
One of the most striking landmarks in Haridwar is the Shiv Murti, a massive statue of Lord Shiva that stands at an impressive 108 feet tall. Located near the banks of the Ganges, this statue is easily visible from Har-ki-Pairi and many other parts of the city. The statue depicts Lord Shiva in a standing posture, holding a trident (Trishul) and adorned with a snake around his neck—an iconic representation that draws both pilgrims and tourists alike.
The statue is situated on a small island-like area. While it’s not a temple in the traditional sense, the site is treated with reverence. It’s especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset, when the light casts a golden glow on the statue and the surrounding river.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The island that the statue stands on is a little difficult to access. There is little space to park a car nearby, and pavements along the busy motorway that crosses the island are almost non-existent. My driver dropped me at the side of the, just to the north of the island and I walked down, taking just less than 10 minutes.
Lassi at Prakash Lok
While exploring the bustling lanes of Moti Bazaar, I made a refreshing pit stop at Prakash Lok, a small but well-known shop famous for its traditional lassi. Located just a short walk from Har-ki-Pairi, this spot is easy to miss but well worth seeking out. Despite its modest size, the shop consistently draws a crowd thanks to its reputation for serving some of the best lassi in Haridwar.
I ordered a small glass of their standard lassi (which I believe was a classic Punjabi-style), which turned out to be anything but small. Served chilled and topped with a generous layer of malai (cream), the lassi was thick enough to require a spoon. It was rich, creamy, and perfectly sweetened—ideal for cooling off after a walk through the market.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Prakash Lok has another premises, which is on Upper Road, near the entrance to the Mansa Devi Ropeway, but it seems that this one is closed during the offseason (I visited Haridwar during February).
How to Get to Haridwar
By Air: The closest airport to Haridwar India is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 38 kilometres away. From the airport, you can take a taxi to Haridwar, which takes around an hour. As for international airports, the nearest one is the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
By Train: Haridwar Junction is located close to the city centre, about 2 km from Har-ki-Pairi, is served by numerous express and superfast trains from cities such as Delhi (frequent daily trains, around 4–5 hours travel time) and Mumbai (direct trains like the Mumbai-Bandra Express).
By Road: Haridwar is well-connected by road via National Highway 34. You can drive from nearby cities like Delhi and Dehradun. The drive from Delhi to Haridwar takes about 5 hours. Rishikesh, the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, is also close, taking around half an hour to get to by car. There are also regular bus services, including government and private buses, from cities like Delhi and Dehradun.
Accommodation at Haridwar
Haridwar offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and travel styles, from riverside heritage hotels to modern business-class stays and budget guesthouses.
For a luxury experience, Pilibhit House – IHCL SeleQtions stands out. Located near Har-ki-Pairi, this heritage property offers elegant rooms, yoga sessions, and river-facing views, all within walking distance of the main ghat, making it one of the best hotels in Haridwar. Another top-tier option is Bhagirathi by Atishay, a newly opened 5-star hotel offering modern amenities, a rooftop terrace, and proximity to both the railway station and Har-ki-Pair. Ganga Lahari by Leisure Hotels is another popular choice, known for its location near the sacred Brahma Kund Ghat, and excellent service.
Mid-range travellers might consider Hotel Krishna Ji or the Hotel Le ROI. For a more boutique feel, Sukoon by The Ganges and Arjun provide a blend of comfort and character, with riverfront locations. Meanwhile budget-conscious visitors will find plenty of clean and convenient guesthouses and dharamshalas in the Moti Bazaar and Upper Road areas.
Quick Questions Answered
What is the best season to visit Haridwar? Winter (October to February) is busy, with pleasant days and chilly nights, whereas Spring (March to April) is mild and comfortable, but with fewer crowds than winter. Meanwhile Summer (May to June) is hot and humid, and Monsoon season (July to September) unsurprisingly rainy.
What time is Ganga Aarti in Haridwar? The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is performed twice daily, with morning aarti occurring between 5:00 AM and 6:50 AM (during summer months) and evening aarti between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on sunrise and sunset, so it's best to arrive a bit early to secure a good spot and fully experience the ceremony.
Which God is Haridwar famous for? Haridwar is associated with two major deities: Lord Vishnu – The name Haridwar itself is derived from "Hari" (a name for Vishnu) and "Dwar" (meaning gateway), making it the "Gateway to Lord Vishnu." It is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprint at Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat in Haridwar. Lord Shiva – Haridwar is also revered as a gateway to Lord Shiva, especially for pilgrims heading toward Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham shrines dedicated to Shiva. During the Kanwar Yatra, millions of Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) visit Haridwar to collect holy Ganga water.
What is the main market in Haridwar? Moti Bazaar, located near Har Ki Pauri, is handy for spiritual souvenirs and traditional crafts. Bara Bazaar, located on Railway Road, is famous for Ayurvedic medicines and handcrafted items. There is also Jwalapur Market, Kankhal Market, Pentagon Mall, and the Tibetan Shopping Center in Haridwar.
How many days to stay in Haridwar? The attractions described in this post can all be visited within one day, however, if you are wanting to fully experience the spiritual vibe of this place, I would add a few more days to the Haridwar itinerary.
Can you cover Haridwar and Rishikesh in one day? Rishikesh is one of the essential tourist places near Haridwar. If you were driving through the area, the two cities are close enough that you could physically visit some of the attractions of both places, however, you wouldn’t get a chance to experience and enjoy their spiritual vibe, which is really what makes Haridwar and Rishikesh special.
Which is better, Rishikesh or Haridwar? Having visited both of these spiritual havens, which are just a half hour drive apart, I'd have to say that it depends on what kind of experience you are after. Rishikesh is more for the soulful adventurer, perfect for enjoying a laidback vibe or, alternatively, a more active sport. Haridwar, however, is more for the devout Hindu pilgrim. I thoroughly enjoyed both, but my preference would be to go back to Rishikesh.
Conclusion
Haridwar isn't just another stop on India's well-worn tourist circuit – it's a city that rewards those who venture beyond the obvious attractions and embrace its authentic rhythm. From the spiritual highs of witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Har-ki-Pairi to the simple pleasure of sipping thick lassi in Moti Bazaar's narrow lanes, my week here reminded me why independent travel in India continues to surprise and delight. The city's blend of ancient spirituality and practical accessibility makes it perfect for solo travellers who want to experience India's sacred traditions without the overwhelming chaos of larger pilgrimage centres. Whether you're seeking spiritual connection, cultural immersion, or simply want to tick off some incredible sights, Haridwar delivers on all fronts – just remember to arrive with an open mind and comfortable walking shoes.
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Which of these Haridwar attractions has made it to the top of your must-visit list?
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these tourist places in Haridwar appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the attractions of Haridwar, or indeed, a general tour of incredible India.
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Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
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