12 Best Places To Visit In Haridwar For a Perfect Vacay

In this travel guide, you will get to know about the 12 best places to visit in Haridwar that attract tourists not only from every part of India but also from all over the world.

Basic Information about Haridwar

LocationGarhwal Region of Uttrakhand
Area2,360 sq km (24 towns and 612 villages)
Elevation314 m
Population1,890,422 (2011)
Nearest Bus StandHaridwar Bus Stand (2.1 km from Har Ki Pauri)
Nearest Railway StationHaridwar
Nearest AirportJolly Grant Airport (36 km)
Famous ForPilgrimage, Kumbh Mela, Temples, Ganga Arti, Holy city

Uttarakhand which is a huge abundance of hill stations, temples, and monuments is also known for its tourist attractions. Among them, Haridwar is one of the most famous and holistic places where you should definitely visit.

Haridwar is situated in the north of Uttarakhand connected to the river Ganga that exits from the foothills of the Himalayas. It is one of the most visited places by tourists as well as one of the best tourist attractions in Uttarakhand.

This place is abundant with a vast number of temples, ghats, rivers, culture, and various monuments. This comes among the four most popular holy places where the famous and largest Kumbh Mela is held.

This place is known for its sacred ghats and temples which attract thousands of visitors every year. This place is a great splendid place that you should definitely explore.

Are you in a hurry? If you are, you can take a quick look at the best tourist sites in Haridwar in the below table.

Best Places To Visit In HaridwarFamous For
Gau GhatTemple, Kamadhenu
Mansa Devi TempleMaa Mansa Devi
Har ki PauriGanga Arti, ghats
Pentagon MallRetail outlets
Fun Valley Water ParkWater Park
Neel Dhara Pakshi ViharColorful birds which migrate to this place from other countries and states
Saptrishi AshramDivision of river Ganga into 7 streams
Patanjali Yog PeethYoga and Ayurvedic course
Swami Vivekanand ParkPicnic Spot
Vaishno Devi TempleMaa Vaishno Devi
Pawan Dhammirror temple
Brahma KundGanga Arti

Suggested Read: Want to explore Almora as a tourist? Read our travel guide on the best tourist spots in Almora.

Best Places To Visit In Haridwar: Haridwar Tourist Attractions

Here are the 12 most elegant and famous places you should visit when you arrive in Haridwar.

12. Gau Ghat – Scared Place

Haridwar is also known for its sacred holistic ghats and among these ghats, one is Gau Ghat which is known for its mythological story. In that story, it has been mentioned that a cow name Kamadhenu fulfills the wish of visitors and heals their problems.

Gau Ghat
Gau Ghat

This is a holistic place where people come to cleanse their sins through a holy bath in its pond. This is a place where it’s been said that after your death, you will attain Moksha or in other words, you will become free from the birth-dead cycle.

This is a place where the ashes of the greatest souls like Mahatma Gandhi, Indra Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru were scattered. It will be a great experience for you when you will visit this holistic ghat of Haridwar.

  • Location – Gau Ghat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401
  • Famous For- temple, Kamadhenu

Suggested Read: Want to explore Nainital as a tourist? Read our travel blog on the best tourist sites in Nainital to enjoy your journey perfectly.

11. Mansa Devi Temple – Panch Tirth

It is been said that before death, every person should go for a panch yatra to fill themselves with eternal happiness. Among the Panch Peeth, Mansa Devi Temple is one where you should visit to heal your stress, tension, and worries and to isolate yourself in this holistic place and should seek eternal happiness.

mansa devi temple
Mansa Devi Temple

This place is best known for Maa Mansa. It has been said that Maa Mansa is another form of Maa Parvati which is emerged from the mind of Bhole Baba also known as lord Shiva. This temple is located at the top of the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, covered with snow and lofty green grasses.

  • Location- Maa Mansa Devi Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249403
  • Famous For – Maa Mansha Devi

Suggested Read: Want to explore Mussoorie as a tourist? Read our travel guide on the best tourist sites in Mussoorie to explore it in a better way.

10. Har ki Pauri – Holy Ganga

Har ki Pauri is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar which is regarded as one of the most famous sacred ghats of Haridwar. This is surrounded by the holy Ganga which gives this ghat a grand splendid look.

It is known for the holistic river Ganga where every year thousands of people visit here just to take a dip bath in it and cleanse their sins.

Har ki Pauri
Har ki Pauri

Hari ki Pauri in a literal way known as “Steps to lord Shiva”. It is believed that it is one of the four places where the drops of elixir (‘Amrit’) were accidentally spilled by Garuda, the Vahana of Lord Vishnu.

The river is filled with a golden hue of countless candles offered by devotees floating along the river which gives it a shining colorful spectacular look at night.

  • Location- Har Ki Pauri Ghat,  Kharkhari, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401
  • Famous For – River Ganga, Ganga Arti

Suggested Read: Want to visit Chakrata as a tourist? Read our travel guide on the best things to do in Chakrata to explore it in a better way.

9. Pentagon Mall – Retail Outlets

Pentagon Mall is one of the best tourist sites in Haridwar. It is a famous crowded mall in Haridwar which is known for its retail outlets. This scenic mall does not only extend to specific things, but it is also abundant with a lot of different resources.

It is accommodated with a wide variety of continental food courts, and it is home to many international fashion brands and jewelry. Not only that, but this Mall also has a cinema hall where you can go and enjoy both national and international movies.

Pentagon Mall
Pentagon Mall

This is a great place where you should visit with your family and friends. Its splendid view and its amazing variety of outlets will make your journey more scenic and fascinating.

  • Location – Plot SIDCUL, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249403
  • Famous For – Retail outlets

Suggested Read: Are you a foodie? You should definitely taste these cuisines of Uttarakhand while visiting there.

8. Fun Valley Water Park – Amazing Water Park

This pilgrimage city Haridwar is not only extended to temples and ghats but also beautiful parks which keep your journey both soothing and exciting and make your journey more interesting and memorable.

Going to Fun Valley water park is one of the best things to do in Haridwar. You should visit this water park of Haridwar with your partner, children, or friends.

fun valley water park
Fun Valley Water Park

This place has a natural biosphere with imperial grasses around it and wide panoramic views of the ranges connected to it. This aquatic amusement park is known for its cold chilled weather, water slides, roller coaster, and sun droop pool.

If you are done with the ghats and other holistic temples and looking for something exciting and new then you should visit here and try out its fun rides.

  • Location – Mazari Grant, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
  • Famous For – Water Park

Suggested Read: Does Waterfall excite You? If it does, you must visit these waterfalls in Uttarakhand and experience jumping off the cliff with your friends.

7. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar – Wide variety of Birds

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is the next one of the best places to visit in Haridwar. If you are done with visiting the pilgrimage sites of Haridwar and want to try out something new to soothe your eyes and ease your soul, then you should visit this spectacular place for sure.

This Pakshi Vihar is abundant with a variety of rare colorful birds which are migrated to this place in wintertime. Here, you can capture the rarest pictures of amazing birds.

birds at neel dhara
Birds at Neel Dhara

It is a good place where you should visit for hiking. The aromatic vibrant of the flowers and the majestical view of the Himalayan ranges and the look of colorful migrated birds will fascinate your journey with graceful memories. So, you should definitely visit this place once you arrive in Haridwar.

  • Location – Haridwarat Bhimgoda barrage, Haridwar, Uttrakhand
  • Famous For – Colorful birds which migrate to this place from other countries and states

Suggested Read: Are you a religious person? If you are, you should definitely visit these sacred sites in Uttarakhand.

6. Saptrishi Ashram – Sapt Sarovar

This is another holistic sacred place of Haridwar. This is called Sapt Sarovar because here the sacred river Ganga dived into 7 streams and is mixed with other river streams which flow whole around the Haridwar. This beautiful division of this river stream gives an intense beautiful look to this holistic place.

saptrishi ashram
Saptrishi Ashram

You should visit this place with your family members and observe the beautiful division of this river. You can soothe yourself by watching the coalition of these streams merging with other rivers.

  • Location – Bhoopatwala, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249410
  • Famous For – Division of river Ganga into 7 streams

5. Patanjali Yog Peeth – Yoga and Ayurveda 

Visiting Patanjali Yog Peeth and learning about Yoga and Ayurveda is one of the best things to do in Haridwar. If you are tired of traveling and exploring the holistic places of Haridwar then you should visit this place to unite your mind and soul together and get out of anxiety and stress.

patanjali yog peeth
Patanjali Yog Peeth

This Peeth is known for its yogic powers and its magical ayurvedic solutions which help in removing body pain and cramps forever in its natural procedure and ways and through yogic posture and structure.

This is one of the most renowned yogic institutes in Asia which is known for its profoundly yogic and Ayurvedic courses. So, if you are passionate about it then you should definitely visit this place and gain some information about it.

  • Location – Bahadarabad, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
  • Famous For – Yoga and Ayurvedic course

4. Swami Vivekanand Park – Attractive Picnic Spot

Swami Vivekanand Park is another one of the best tourist sites in Haridwar that is connected to the Shivalik Himalayan ranges. This park is another glorified amusement park beside the Hari ki Pauri. Here, people visit in the morning to watch the beautiful sunrise, for jogging, and for exercise in its wide greenery landscape.

swami vivekanand park
Swami Vivekanand Park

It is known for the massive statue of Swami Vivekanand and lord shiva which can be seen from a large distance too. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden in a circulative way that gives the garden a panoramic view.

  • Location – Swami Vivekanand park, Haridwar, Uttrakhand 249407
  • Famous For – Picnic Spot

3. Vaishno Devi Temple – Famous Holistic Temple

This is another famous pilgrimage spot in Haridwar where it is believed that the Devi will heal your problems once you visit this place through its positive vibrant environment. People believed that if you will say your wish to Maa then she will definitely fulfill it.

vaishno devi temple
Vaishno Devi Temple

This sacred place is apparent in the colossal caves leading to the shrine of the temple, housing the pillar of Vaishno Devi. It is a good place to explore and make your life more colorful.

  • Location – Jagdish Nagar, Jwalapur, Uttarakhand 249407
  • Famous For – Maa Vaishno Devi

2. Pawan Dham – Famous Dharmsala

Haridwar is not only limited to temples, ghats, and historical monuments but it is also home to so many Ashrams and Dharmasalas and among them, Pawan Dham stands out. This is home to many orphanages and old-age persons.

Here, people donate money for the development and welfare of this place and its people. This is not only a Dharamsala but a panoramic splendid temple, a place full of mirror work than a temple.

pawan dham
Pawan Dham

We can see the mirror art of various incidents of Ramayana and Mahabharat a. It is a different experience to see the mirror work.

This place is comfortable for visitors. Its service will keep you free from all the problems and will keep your journey engaging.

  • Location – Bhagirathi Nagar,  Haridwar, Uttrakhand, 249407
  • Famous For – mirror temple

1. Brahma Kund – Devoted to River Ganga

Brahma Kund is another holistic place that is devoted to Ganga. Its prayer takes place at the bank of the sacred river Ganga near the Har Ki Pauri ghat of Haridwar.

ganga arti haridwar
Ganga Arti

Visitors, tourists, and devotees from all over the world come here to pray to this holistic river and take its blessing to cleanse their sins. There is a ritual of light and sound where the priests perform prayers with bowls of fire and the ringing of the temple bells. 

  • Location – Har ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttrakhand, 249407
  • Famous For – Ganga Arti

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Haridwar is an all-year-tourist destination that receives tourists in every season. However, winter is considered the best season to visit Haridwar. The month from October to February is the perfect time when you should visit Haridwar.

Best Accommodations in Haridwar

Since Haridwar is a top tourist destination in Uttarakhand, there are so many accommodation options available from very cheap to most luxurious for the visitors. Some of the best options are – 

  1. La Casa Hotel
  2. Hotel Kapoor Haridwar
  3. Haveli Hari Ganga
  4. Hotel Merriment
  5. Hotel Trishul

Best Restaurants in Haridwar

There are also a plethora of restaurants available in Haridwar where one can taste Pahadi cuisine as well as different kinds of food.

  1. Chotiwala Restaurant
  2. Raghuwanshi Gujarati Bhojnalay
  3. Dada Boudir Hotel
  4. Sardarji Restaurant
  5. Atithi Restaurant
  6. Next 2

Shopping Centers in Haridwar

Haridwar has some very popular shopping sites where one can buy authentic items to make their trip memorable. Some of the shopping centers are as follows – 

  1. Tibetan Shopping Centre
  2. Bada Bazar Vyapar Mandal
  3. Bhagirathi Handloom
  4. Multi Brand Hub
  5. Haridwar Achar Corner
  6. The Pentagon Mall

Temperature in Haridwar

Summer: 20 °C to 40 °C (March to June)

Winter: 6 °C to 16 °C (December to February)

How to Reach Haridwar

Haridwar can be reached by several modes of transport as it is well connected to the major towns of Uttrakhand and the major cities of the country.

1. By Road

The simplest and easiest way to get to Haridwar is by road as it is well connected with the major cities of the country. One can reach there by their own car, public bus, or cab. The Haridwar Bus Stand is at a distance of only 2 km from ‘Har Ki Pauri’. 

2. By Train

There is a railway station in Haridwar where many of the trains come from different parts of the country on a daily as well as weekly basis. So, you can reach Haridwar railway station by taking the train and after that, you can book a taxi or use public transport to explore Haridwar.

3. By Air

You can get to Haridwar by flight if you want to save time from the hustle and bustle of the traffic. However, there is no direct flight to Haridwar but you can reach Jolly Grant Airport, 36 km far from Haridwar, and then takes Cabs or taxis.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Dehradun – 51.2 Kms 
  • Almora – 303 Kms
  • Ramnagar – 182 Kms
  • Nainital – 263 Kms
  • Mussoorie – 85 Kms
  • Rishikesh – 25 Kms
  • Delhi – 241 Kms

Conclusion – Best Places To Visit In Haridwar

This is the all about best places to visit in Haridwar. Hope you have found this article helpful. Uttrakhand, the land of God and Goddess is the place for a vast number of pilgrimages and among them, Haridwar is one of the most splendid and beautiful places you should visit.

By getting out of your stressed-out routine, you should visit this isolated place and should spend some time devoted to this great place.