Indroduction
Whether you’re a pilgrim, a culture enthusiast, or a traveler seeking peace, Haridwar – Gateway to the God offers a timeless experience of India’s spiritual core. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best of Haridwar – Gateway to the God: how to get there, what to see, where to stay, and tips to make the most of your time and budget in this sacred city.
🕉️ Why Visit Haridwar?
Haridwar isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience of faith, tradition, and spirituality.
1. Spiritual Significance
2. Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Every evening, priests line the ghats to perform the Ganga Aarti, lighting lamps and chanting mantras. The ritual is mesmerizing, deeply moving, and a must-see.
3. Temples and Ashrams
4. Gateway to the Char Dham
🚗 How to Reach Haridwar
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~40 km)
- Taxis available (₹1,000–₹1,500) to Haridwar city
By Train
- Haridwar Junction (HW) is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities.
- Ideal and affordable choice for travelers. Trains like Jan Shatabdi, Dehradun Express run daily.
By Road
- Haridwar is 220 km from Delhi.
- Buses (AC/non-AC) run regularly from Delhi ISBT (Kashmiri Gate). Fare: ₹300–₹800
- Driving time: 5–6 hours
📅 Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Pleasant, ideal for sightseeing
- April to June: Warm but manageable; good for spiritual visits
- July–September: Monsoon season; fewer crowds, but rain may disrupt plans
- Special time:
- Kumbh Mela (every 12 years) and Ardh Kumbh (every 6 years)
- Kanwar Yatra (July): Massive influx of pilgrims
🛏️ Where to Stay in Haridwar
Budget Accommodations (₹300–800)
- Hotel Alpana – Walking distance from Har Ki Pauri
- Bhaj Govindam Ashram – Clean rooms, peaceful atmosphere
- Zostel Haridwar – Ideal for solo and young travelers
Mid-Range Hotels (₹1,000–3,000)
- La Casa Hotel – Stylish rooms, near ghats
- Hotel Ganga Lahari – Great views and family-friendly
- Le Roi Haridwar – Right next to the railway station
Luxury Stays (₹4,000–10,000+)
- Haveli Hari Ganga – Heritage-style hotel by the river
- Amatra by the Ganges – 5-star luxury 10 km from city center
- Radisson Blu Haridwar – Ideal for business travelers
🍲 What to Eat in Haridwar
Haridwar is a strictly vegetarian city with a deep focus on sattvic (pure) food. Alcohol and meat dishes are prohibited within city boundaries.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Aloo Puri – Available widely near Har Ki Pauri (₹30–₹50)
- Kachori Sabzi – Crisp and spicy, served with tangy chutney
- Lassi & Rabri – Sweet treats perfect after temple visits
- Kumbh Chaat – Local specialty, spicy and flavorful
Popular Eateries:
- Mohan Ji Puri Wale – Best for breakfast
- Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant – Clean and family-friendly
- Chotiwala Restaurant – Famous landmark eatery
- Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukan – Ideal for sweets
🛍️ What to Buy (Souvenirs)
- Rudraksha beads, incense sticks, and spiritual books
- Brass diyas and puja thalis
- Ayurvedic oils, herbs, and Ganga Jal (holy water)
- Handcrafted woolens and shawls from the Himalayan region
💸 Budget Planning
Category | Budget Traveler (₹) | Mid-Range (₹) | Luxury (₹) |
Accommodation | ₹300–800 | ₹1,500–3,000 | ₹5,000+ |
Food | ₹100–300 | ₹400–600 | ₹1,000+ |
Transport (local) | ₹50–100 | ₹300 (cab/scooter) | ₹800+ |
Sightseeing | Mostly free or ₹10–100 per temple/ropeway |
Daily Total:
- Budget: ₹600–1,200
- Mid-Range: ₹2,000–3,500
- Luxury: ₹6,000+
📍 Top Attractions in Haridwar
1. Har KI Puri
The spiritual heart of the city. Come here at sunrise or sunset. Don’t miss the evening Ganga Aarti — it’s one of India’s most divine experiences.
2. Mansa Devi Temple
Located atop Bilwa Parvat; reachable by ropeway or trek (~1 km uphill). Devotees tie threads for wishes.
3. Chandi Devi Temple
Another hilltop temple, accessible by cable car (or 3 km trek). Both Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi ropeways can be combined in one ticket.
4. Daksha Mahadev Temple
5. Bharat Mata Mandir
Seven-story temple representing India as a goddess; each floor honors different deities and saints.
6. Shanti Kunj
Ashram and spiritual research center of the Gayatri Parivar movement. Offers workshops, meditation camps, and Ayurvedic health care.
🗓️ 3-Day Itinerary for Haridwar
Day 1: Spiritual Immersion
- Arrive and check-in
- Walk along Har Ki Pauri
- Attend Ganga Aarti in the evening
- Dinner at Mohan Ji Puri Wale
Day 2: Temple Trail
- Ropeway to Mansa Devi Temple
- Visit Chandi Devi Temple
- Explore Daksha Mahadev Temple
- Shop in Moti Bazaar
Day 3: Culture + Departure
- Visit Bharat Mata Mandir
- Tour Shanti Kunj Ashram
- Enjoy sweets, buy souvenirs, and depart
✅ Travel Tips for Haridwar
- Footwear is not allowed in many places. Carry a bag or wear slip-ons.
- Modest clothing is advisable; especially in temples and ghats.
- Avoid plastic — the city is part of the Ganga clean-up initiative.
- Beware of touts or unsolicited guides; use authorized services.
- Secure belongings in crowded areas like Har Ki Pauri.
🌼 Final Thoughts
Haridwar is not just a travel destination, it’s a journey into India’s soul. Whether you’re here to cleanse your spirit in the Ganges, witness living traditions, or simply disconnect from the noise of modern life, Haridwar offers peace, devotion, and depth like few places on Earth.
With a budget of ₹1,000–1,500 a day, you can easily explore the ghats, enjoy local food, and find a clean stay. And if you’re seeking a luxury or wellness break, Haridwar caters to that too