Haridwar is a colourful and religious place to visit in Uttarakhand. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage centres of India, where tourist come from all across the world to get some spirituality and peace. Further, it is also considered as one of the 7 holiest places to visit in India.
There are many ancient temples and ashrams in Haridwar which are frequently visited by lots of tourists. The holy place also famous for Kumbh Mela which is held here once in after 12 years. Being a religious destination, there are any religious sightseeing to visit in Haridwar. It is also believed that by taking a dip into the water of river Ganga will rinse all their sins. So now here we are going to mention the best places to visit in Haridwar to explore this holy city. Here is the list of major tourist attraction and sightseeing in Haridwar with detailed information.
Har ki Pauri
Situated at a distance of 2 km from Haridwar Junction Railway Station, Har ki Pauri is one of the famous Ghat and places to visit in Haridwar. Being a famous landmark it is frequently visited by lots of tourists every year. Har Ki Pauri literally means the ‘Steps to Lord Shiva’ and it is believed that the Ghat has a footprint of Lord Vishnu.
Further, Ganga Aarti also takes place here at every evening that is most cherished by its visitors. Be a part of this Ganga Aarti and get some spirituality, which gives you an amazing experience for the lifetime. Legend believed that the Lord Vishnu visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the Vedic times. So it is a holy sight which has the high religious value that should not be missed.
Things To Do At Har Ki Pauri – Visit Nearby Temples and Be a part of Ganga Aarti
Mansa Devi Temple
Dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi, Mansa Devi Temple is one of the famous places to visit in Haridwar. Located on a top of the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, it can be accessible by a cable car. The temple is popularly known as Bilwa Tirth, which is considered as one of the ‘Panch Tirths’ in Haridwar.
Further, the temple is very famous for its two idols of Goddess Mansa Devi, where one has three mouths and five arms and other one has eight arms. One can also take panoramic views of the entire city from the top of the temple. It is also believed that the Goddess fulfils all the wishes of its devotees, who tie threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple. So being a famous tourist attraction in Haridwar, the site attracts thousands of tourist every year.
Things To Do At Mansa Devi Temple – Ride the ropeway, take the breathtaking view of surrounding Nature, Click Photographs
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Located in Kankhal, Kankhal, Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is just 3.5 km away from Haridwar Railway Station. Dedicated to Lord Shiva it is an important pilgrimage site to visit in Haridwar for Shiva devotees. The temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 and further rebuilt in 1962. It is also believed that the temple constructed on the same site where Sati sacrificed her life. Further, two major events also held her on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri and Navratri festivals, when a large number of devotees witness this temple.
Things To Do At Daksha Mahadev Temple – Be a part of Maha Shivaratri Festival and Sightseeing
Chandi Devi Temple
Located at an altitude of 2900 m above sea level, Chandi Devi Temple is another famous tourist places to visit in Haridwar. The temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, which is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. As it is located atop of Neel Parvat, so one has to take a 3 km long trek from Chandighat. One can also access this location by taking a cable car.
It was built by Raja Suchat Singh in 1929 and now it is one of the Panch Tirth located in Haridwar. The temple frequently visited by lots of tourists at the time of Chandi Chaudas, Navratri and on the occasion of Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. According to Legend, Goddess Chandi Devi killed two demons Chanda and Munda at the same place, hence the location has important religious value among the local people. Overall a must visit place in Haridwar that you can’t miss.
Things To Do At Chandi Devi Temple – Trekking to reach this temple, Enjoy a ropeway ride and Take a magnificent view of surrounding nature
Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary
For wildlife enthusiast, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the major tourist attraction in Haridwar. Located at a distance of 8 km from Haridwar, the sanctuary very well-known for its rich flora and fauna. It is popularly known as the Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot many wildlife animals like Elephants, Tigers, Bears, leopard, chital, Nilgai, Jackal and jungle cat etc.
Further, the sanctuary spread across 249 sq km which offer many breathtaking views, hence it is one of the desired locations for the wildlife photographer. So if you want to explore a unique site in this region, then it is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar.
Things To Do At Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary – Spot Wild Animals, Nature Walk and Wildlife Photography
Sapt Rishi Ashram
Located at a distance of 5 km from Har Ki Pauri, Sapt Rishi Ashram is one of the famous tourist spots in Haridwar, which you have to visit at least once. Situated on the bank of River Ganga, the ashram is very famous for its tranquil atmosphere. Further, it is an ideal location for meditation. It is also believed that there were seven sages namely Kashyap, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam used this location to meditate, hence it gets the name as Sapt Rishi Ashram. At this point, seven streams of river Ganga merge each other known as Sapt Sarovar. The tourist spot is also known as the biggest learning centre of Yoga and Sanskrit.
Things To Do At Sapt Rishi Ashram – Yoga and Meditation
Vaishno Devi Temple
Located at a distance of 5 km from Haridwar Railway Station, Vaishno Devi Temple is a replica of the Vaishno Devi temple in Kashmir. The temple complex as same as the original temple and the path leading to tunnels and caves to reach worship spot. There are three main deities in the temple which are Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Kali and Goddess Saraswati. Further, the temple celebrates many festivals like Basant Panchami, Makar Sankranti and Ganga Dussehra that attracts lots of devotees. So being a famous tourist spot we placed it in the list of places to visit in Haridwar.
Vishnu Ghat
Vishnu Ghat is one of the most visited Ghats in Haridwar and remains crowded all the time. Named after Lord Vishnu, it is an important Hindu pilgrimage site to visit in Haridwar. Legend believed that a dip in the holy water of this Ghat washes away all the sins. You will get some spirituality and peace by exploring this site. Further, you can find many temples, hotels and restaurant alongside the Ghat.
Things To Do At Vishnu Ghat – Take a dip in the holy water, Spend some time on Ghat
So these are some major tourist attraction and places to visit in Haridwar to explore this religious site in the desired way. It is a holy place where you found some spirituality and inner peace that can’t be found anywhere else in India.
