Haridwar

Where Faith Flows with the Ganga

A simple guide to explore Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the holiest places in India located in the state of Uttarakhand. There are many sacred ghats here, and just visiting them feels peaceful and satisfying to the soul. This place is known for its temples, which are full of spiritual energy. Every temple here has its own story to tell. Haridwar marks the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra. Devotees from all over the world come here to visit this holy city and take part in its spiritual journey. It is a place where faith, devotion, and peace come together.

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Why Visit Haridwar?

Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in India. A visit to Haridwar gives you peace, faith, and a deep spiritual experience. You can see the famous Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, explore ancient temples, and start your journey to the Char Dham from here. The city blends spirituality, culture, and serene river views.

Etymology: Meaning and Names of Haridwar

The term “Haridwar” is a compound of two Sanskrit words: “Hari” (meaning Lord Vishnu or God) and “Dwar” (meaning gate ). Thus, Haridwar translates to “Gateway to Lord Vishnu” or “Gateway to God”

Historical Background of Haridwar

Haridwar, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, has a rich historical legacy of mythological, ancient, and medieval. It is mentioned in the Vedas, Puranas, and the Mahabharata that Haridwar is one of the four sites where drops of Amrit (the nectar of immortality) fell during the mythological event of Samudra Mantha, making it a key location for the Kumbh Mela, a massive pilgrimage held every 12 years. It is described in the Skand Puran that Ganga, Haridwar, is the gateway to the god, and it is also believed that lord vishnu left his footprint at Har Ki Pauri.

Religious Importance in Hinduism

Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism and a major pilgrimage site. It is believed to be the place where the River Ganga enters the plains, and bathing in its waters is said to cleanse sins. The city hosts the Kumbh Mela every twelve years, attracting millions of devotees. Har Ki Pauri, its most sacred ghat, is famous for the daily Ganga Aarti. Haridwar is associated with Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Ganga. It remains a center of faith, spirituality, and religious rituals in Hinduism.

Why Haridwar is Famous

Haridwari as One of the Seven Sapta Puri (Holy Cities)

Haridwar is considered one of the Sapta Puri, the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism. These cities are believed to grant moksha (liberation) to those who visit them with devotion. The Sapta Puri includes Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi (Varanasi), Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka. Haridwar holds a special place because it is the city where the River Ganga, considered the holiest river in Hinduism, enters the plains from the Himalayas.

Kumbh Mela in Haridwar

The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is one of the purest religious gatherings with a large number of devotees not only from Indian they came for, this gathering from around the world, which is held every 12 years at the banks of the sacred Ganges River, During the Kumbh Mela, devotees take a holy dip in the River Ganga at Har Ki Pauri, believing it will cleanse their sins and help attain moksha. According to Hindu mythology, Ganga is one of the sapta puri where drops of Amrita (nectar of immortality) fell from the Kumbh (pot) during the celestial battle between gods and demons after the Samudra Manthan.

Explore Haridwar: Best Places to Go

Har Ki Pauri

Har ki pauri is the holiest ghat; it is famous for Ganga aarti and sacred Ganga water. It is believed that if devotees bathe at Harki Pouri, it cleanses sins and attains moksha. Ganga Aarti is the daily ritual of chants, lamps, and prayers. Devotees also float lit diyas (lamps) and flowers in the river as offerings.

Morning Aarti

Evening Aarti

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple is a popular temple in Haridwar dedicated to Goddess Mansa, believed to fulfill wishes. It is located on a hill and can be reached by ropeway or a short trek. Devotees tie threads to a tree, pray, and offer flowers and coconuts.

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple is a holy temple in Haridwar, located on a hill called Neel Parvat. It is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, a form of Durga. Many people visit to pray and make wishes. You can reach the temple by walking up or taking a ropeway. The temple gives a beautiful view of the city and the river Ganga. It is peaceful and sacred for Hindu devotees.

Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple is a sacred temple in Haridwar dedicated to Goddess Maya, an incarnation of Shakti. It is one of the Shakti peeths, believed to be the spot where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is located close to Haridwar Railway Station and is easily accessible. It holds great spiritual importance and is visited by many devotees throughout the year.

Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple is a sacred temple in Haridwar dedicated to Goddess Maya, an incarnation of Shakti. It is one of the Shakti peeths, believed to be the spot where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is located close to Haridwar Railway Station and is easily accessible. It holds great spiritual importance and is visited by many devotees throughout the year.

BHARAT MATA MANDIR

Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple in Haridwar dedicated to Mother India. It has 8 floors, each showing India’s culture, freedom fighters, gods, and great people. The temple is a symbol of unity and pride.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

Daksha Mahadev Temple is a holy temple in Haridwar dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is linked to the story of Goddess Sati and her father King Daksha. People believe it is a very sacred place.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar

Sapt Rishi Ashram is a peaceful place where seven great sages meditated near the Ganga River. The river splits into seven streams here, known as Sapta Sarovar. It’s a quiet spot for meditation, yoga, and learning.

Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a peaceful Shiva temple surrounded by trees and hills this temple is mainly dedicated to lord shiva it is state that Parvati worshipped Shiva under a sacred Bilva tree at this site, seeking to become his wife.

Lal mata mandir (Vaishno Devi Temple Haridwar replica)

The Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar, also known as Laal Mata Temple, is a replica of the renowned Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.The temple features man-made caves and tunnels leading to the sanctum, mimicking the spiritual journey of the original shrine.

Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is a big forest located near Haridwar where you can see animals like elephants, deer, and many birds.

Anandamayi Ma Ashram

Anandamayi Ma Ashram is a peaceful spiritual place dedicated to the saint Anandamayi Ma. It offers a calm environment for meditation and prayer. The ashram has a beautiful samadhi shrine where devotees come to pay their respects

Festivals Celebrated in Haridwar

During these times, the city comes alive with rituals, colourful processions, devotional songs, and special prayers along the Ganga ghats. Thousands of devotees gather to take a holy dip in the river, believing it purifies the soul.

Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is one of the largest and most sacred religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees from India and across the globe. Held every 12 years on the banks of the holy Ganges River, it is believed that it washes away sins and leads to moksha. The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years and the Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place every 6 years.

Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is one of the largest and most sacred religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees from India and across the globe. Held every 12 years on the banks of the holy Ganges River, it is believed that it washes away sins and leads to moksha. The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years and the Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place every 6 years.

Kanwar Yatra

Kanwar Yatra is an important annual pilgrimage in Haridwar that takes place during the Hindu month of Shravan (July–August), where millions of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travel to Haridwar to collect holy Ganga water. Carrying bamboo poles (kanwars) with water pots balanced on their shoulders, they walk barefoot, chanting “Bol Bam” and “Har Har Mahadev,” to offer the water at Shiva temples, including Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple of Haridwar.

Ganga Dussehra

The festival commemorates the day Goddess Ganga descended to earth, as per Hindu mythology. Devotees gather at ghats like Har Ki Pauri in the morning to take a holy dip in the Ganga. According to legends, King Bhagiratha prayed for centuries to bring Ganga down to purify the souls of his ancestors. On this sacred day.

Nearest connectivity to Haridwar

Airport Connectivity

Railway Connectivity

Local Markets and Shopping in Haridwar

Haridwar has many small markets where you can buy religious items, bangles, idols, Rudraksha, and Ganga water bottles. You will also find handmade crafts, toys, and souvenirs. Popular shopping areas include Moti Bazaar is near Har Ki Pauri Bara Bazaar is near railway station sells local sweets like pedas. These markets are near the ghats and temples, and prices are usually affordable.

Why Visit Haridwar?

Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in India. A visit to Haridwar gives you peace, faith, and a deep spiritual experience. You can see the famous Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, explore ancient temples, and start your journey to the Char Dham from here. The city blends spirituality, culture, and serene river views.

Your Monthly Guide to Haridwar's Best Moments

Your Stay, Your Way in Haridwar

When planning your stay in Haridwar, you’ll find options for every type of travellers.

Top-Selling Haridwar Tour Packages

Hotel in Haridwar

MJ Sarovar Portico Haridwar

MJ Sarovar Portico Haridwar is a 4-star property located just about 1 km from Haridwar Railway Station and around 5 km from Har Ki Pauri. The hotel features 75 modern rooms across Deluxe, Superior, Executive, and Suite categories, equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and comfortable interiors. Facilities include a vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant, fitness center, banquet halls, 24-hour room service, and free parking, making it ideal for both pilgrims and business travelers.

Deluxe Room ₹6,800

Fortune Park, Haridwar

Fortune Park, Haridwar is a 4-star property located on NH-58 in Bahadrabad, about 12 km from Har Ki Pauri and 11 km from Haridwar Railway Station. The hotel offers 48 modern rooms across Deluxe, Premium, Club, and Suite categories, featuring free Wi-Fi, work desks, mini-bars, and tea/coffee makers. Guests can enjoy an all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, a deli, a bar and lounge, fitness center, banquet and meeting spaces, and free private parking.

Deluxe Room ₹5,800

Hyatt Place Haridwar

Hyatt Place Haridwar is a contemporary 4-star hotel located on the bustling NH-58 in Bahadrabad. It’s about 15 km from Har Ki Pauri, 15 km from Haridwar Railway Station, and roughly 48 km from Dehradun (Jolly Grant) Airport. The property features around 105 modern air-conditioned rooms, from King Suites to Twin Beds, all equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, work desks, bathrobes, in-room safes, tea/coffee makers, and mini-fridges. Dining is easy with an all-day restaurant, café, and bar/lounge.

Deluxe Room ₹11,200

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Uttarakhand is a state full of nature, spirituality, and culture. From the holy banks of the Ganga to snow-covered peaks and quiet mountain towns, there are many beautiful places to see in Uttarakhand. Whether you want a peaceful holiday, a spiritual journey, or a mountain adventure, this guide will help you choose the best places for your next trip.

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Mayank Upadhyay
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Hello travellers! I’m Mayank Upadhyay, the person behind Clan Stays. Born and brought up in Nainital, Uttarakhand, I completed my graduation (B.Tech from UIT, Dehradun) and post-graduation (MBA from IMS Unison, Dehradun), which gave me the opportunity to explore both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions on my own. This is why I know Uttarakhand deeply not just the main routes, but also every hidden corner and secret spot.

With over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, including working as a Business Development Manager at MakeMyTrip, I combined my professional expertise with local knowledge to create Clan Stays.
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No filters, no confusion, only real advice based on the best time and season to explore each place.
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For the past 5 years, of on-ground experience, Clan Stays helps you see Uttarakhand the way locals do. Our team is based right here, so we know the local roads, weather, and real travel challenges.

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