Haridwar, one of the holiest cities of India, is famous for its sacred Ghats, morning and evening Arti, never ending crowd of pilgrims and a land full of Saints. Har ki Pauri, the place where Brahma Kund is located which considered to be the place where Amrit fell while Samudramanthan, is the most sacred Ghat of Haridwar. This place holds a lot of religious importance. The lanes, old buildings and holy river Ganga has witnessed here the most ancient of religious historical events.
From May to October, this gateway to God city is crowded most since Shiva devotees or the Kanwaris visit here for the famous Yatra.
Some of the best places to visit to visit while staying in Haridwar are
1. HAR KI PAURI
Considered one of the holiest spot of Haridwar, this Ghat is famous for morning and evening Arti, Ganga bath and scenic beauty. It is a very clean and organized Ghat where local markets, eating joints, bathing spots, and sitting area by the Ghat is located. Taking a dip in the river near this Ghat is a blissful experience.
Har ki Pauri is located near City control Room and is open 24 hours.
Timings : 5 AM to 9 PM
Entry Fee : Free
2. MANSA DEVI TEMPLE
Located on Bilwa Parvat of Haridwar, Mansa Devi is considered one of the most esteemed temples of Haridwar. This place is of immense importance because it is said that if a devotee comes with sincere wishes, they are surely fulfilled here. The temple is located at a very beautiful location where you can either trek or enjoy a ropeway ride available at very reasonable and minimal price. This ropeway ride gives a beautiful view of Haridwar and the way in the ride has also been made very manifesting. Mansa Devi temple is open from morning 6 AM to evening 9 PM.
Timings : Morning 6 AM to evening 9 PM.
Entry Fee : Free
3. CHANDI DEVI TEMPLE
Located on top of Neel Parvat in Haridwar, it is a very ancient temple built in year 1929. Chandi Devi Temple gives a closer view of Hindu Culture and is considered to be a Siddh Peeth temple. Folklores suggest Goddess Chandi came here to kill demons and further rested here at the very spot. You can reach this temple either by trekking a distance of 3 kms which is very picturesque and charming or take a ropeway available at reasonable price.
Timings : Chandi Devi temple is open from 7 AM in the morning to 7 in the evening.
Entry Fee : Free
4. PATANJALI YOGA PEETH
Backers of Yoga will surely love to visit this place when in Haridwar. Patanjali Yoga Peeth, founded by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, is one the largest yoga institutes of India. Not only yoga is practiced and taught here, but a lot of ayurvedic medicines and products are also researched and manufactured. The place has been constructed very beautifully and has a lot of greenery and gardens inside the area. You can also visit the herbal museum and the herbal garden here.
Timings : Patanjali Yoga Peeth is open from 9 in the morning and closes at 9 in the evening.
Entry Fee : Free
5. MAA ANANDMAYI ASHRAM
Situated in Kankhal, Haridwar, this place can be easily visited as it is a 10 min way by car from Har ki Pauri. The place is very calm, serene and sacred. Staffs there are great hosts and is a perfect place to meditate fronting MA’s Samadhi. Also, there is an original rudraksh tree in the complex.
Timings : 09 AM TO 6 PM
Entry Fee : Free
6. BHARAT MATA MANDIR
A unique and famous temple located in Motichur, Haridwar, this place is known for worshipping India as goddess in this temple. This temple is very different from other temples architecturally as well as nationally. This eight storied building, located near river Ganga, was inaugurated by Late Indira Gandhi in 1983. Besides temple, this place also has diagnostic medical camps, old age home, animal shelter for cows and a dispensary.
Timings : Bharat Mata Mandir is open from 7.30 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
Entry Fee : Free
7. NEEL DHARA PAKSHI VIHAR
A bird watching spot located in Bhimgoda Barrage, 3 kms from Haridwar, this place is a favorite spot for nature lovers. Neel Dhara is famous for exquisite range of birds from all over the place. This place is so beautiful and enchanting, you can sit all day and watch them chirp and fly freely and feel the nature. Don’t forget to bring camera with you and capture all these stupefying beauty to keep it for a lifetime! This place is open from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Timings : Open 7 AM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee : Free
8. PAWAN DHAM
Also known as Glass Temple, it is one of the most famous temples of Haridwar among all the pilgrims. Pawan Dham is known as Glass temple because of the figurines worshipped here are made with astonishing mirror work and glass cravings. These architectural beauty is surely going to stupefy you. Pawan Dham has a peaceful atmosphere and very relaxing environment.
Timings : This place is open from from 6 AM to 8 PM.
Entry Fee : Free
9. MAYA DEVI TEMPLE
Situated on Birla Ghat, Haridwar, this temple is known for being the same place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell. Maya Devi temple is considered to be a very prestigious temple in Haridwar. This temple evinces an architectural marvel of modern era and religious and cultural beauty as well. Altogether, this place is a must visit place.
Timings : This place is open from from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee : Free
10. SAPT RISHI ASHRAM
Situated in Motichur, 5 kms from Haridwar, this place is known for its peaceful, pristine and serene location. The flowing sparkling Ganga, relaxing nature and calm environment makes it a perfect spot for meditation. Folklores are once upon a time, seven saints used to worship here. But the noisy river disturbed their meditation and thus they split the river into seven streams. Thus, Sapt Sarovar where this ashram is located. This Ashram is open 24 hours.
Timings : This Ashram is open 24 hours.
Entry Fee : Free
