Located near to Delhi, Haridwar is an ancient town where the Ganges enters the plain. It can be the perfect destination for all those who wish to embark upon a spiritual and cultural journey. The place is known for trekking, peaceful ashrams, laid-back life, and rafting in the wild waters. Below is a list of different things to do, adventure activities, best shopping places, etc. that will help you make your journey memorable.
Adventure Activities in Haridwar
In Uttarakhand, Haridwar is a beautiful city that is known as the gateway of God. However, you will feel here very spiritual and religious. But you can enjoy a lot of fun-filled adventures such as river rafting, giant swing, kayaking, flying fox, and bungee jumping. For those who are looking for the perfect place for adventurous sports, visiting this city can be a great decision.
Attend Ganga Aarti
On the bank of river Ganga, the aarti takes place which is attended by a large number of devotees. The evening aarti starts from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM on the ghat. For watching aarti, you should reach the other bank by 4:30 PM. The bridge gate leading to the opposite bank usually closes by 4.30 – 5.00 PM. If you want to participate in aarti, then you have to pay some fees to priests.
Temple Tour in Haridwar
In Haridwar, there are so many temples and holy shrines that draw the attention of a large number of travellers and pilgrims every year. If you are planning a trip to Haridwar, then you should visit temples like Chandi devi, Mansa devi, maya devi temple, bharat mata temple, daksha mahadev temple, and more.
Rajaji National Park Safari
Rajaji National Park Safari in Haridwar is most popular for wildlife, mainly for tigers and elephants. This tiger reserve spreads over three districts of Uttarakhand – Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. It is famous for teak, sal and other shrubs. Here, you can get a chance to spot bear, panther, Asian elephants, wild cats, python, kakar, wild boar and sambar. Many bird species can also be spot after monsoons.
Yoga and Meditation
If you are interested in yoga and meditation, then you don’t miss out to visit Patanjali Yogpeeth which is a medical and research institute. Established in 2006, this institute was visited by most people for Ayurvedic treatments and medications. Here, you can also look around for ancient books which have been digitized and restored.
Visit Shantikunj Ashram
Located just 6 Km away from city center, Shantikunj Ashram is famous for its great atmosphere for meditation. This ashram is most popular for hosting seven sages – Atri, Vashishta, Kashyapa, Gautam, Bharadwaja, Jamadagi and Vishwamitra. If you are looking for happiness and spiritual solace, then you must visit Shantikunj Ashram.
Shopping in Bara Bazaar
The Bara Bazaar in Haridwar is a shopping paradise for both local people and foreign tourists. If you are interested to buy Rudraksha and Ayurvedic medicines, then you must visit this place. From here, you can also buy handicrafts, brass and copper items, clothing and wooden items for your loved ones as souvenirs. Book Haridwar Tour Packages and enjoy River Rafting in Rishikesh!
Attend Festival of Haridwar
If we talk about Haridwar, it hosts numerous religious festivals throughout the year. Some most popular ones are Ganga Dashara, Somvati Amavasya mela, Kavad mela, and Gughal mela. Besides, the city also hosts Kumbh mela in every 12 years. Enjoy the magical moments of the city by booking Haridwar Tourism package!
Famous Restaurants in Haridwar
Haridwar is a holy city in India that is a land of divinity and spirituality. Being a hub of Hindu culture and tradition, it is known for the entry point of Char Dham. It offers a true blend of history, culture, religion and also, natural beauty. Here, you can enjoy numerous mouthwatering dishes including local food as well as international cuisine. If you want to have fine dining experience, then you will find numerous options. Grab Uttarakhand Tour Packages and make your trip hassle-free!
Some most popular restaurants in Haridwar are
Chotiwala Restaurant - Famous for both North Indian and South Indian cuisine.
The Little Buddha Café – Try vegan and vegetarian food options
Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant – Enjoy the best, affordable and flavourful vegetarian food.
Haveli Hari Ganga Restaurant – Popular for trendy dishes like Vegetable spring rolls, Paneer tikka, Chikan Satay, and Murg Malai Tikka.
Book Uttarakhand Family Packages and enjoy your trip!
Har-Ki-Pauri: It is believed that King Vikramaditya constructed Har-Ki-Pauri ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. One of the most enchanting sights here is the evening Aarti when golden hues of floral diyas are reflected in the river Ganga. The imprint of Lord Hari’s footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded as the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga. A large pilgrimage festival is held every year in April at the beginning of the Hindu solar year. Every twelve years the great festival of Kumbha Mela is held and every six years an Ardh Kumbha takes place here. During these important festivals, millions of pilgrims throng to Haridwar from all over India.
Mansa Devi: For most of the devotees coming to Haridwar, visiting the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is a must. This temple is dedicated to the goddess who grants wishes of devotees. It is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. There is a rope-way here which takes devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi. However, taking the well-laid path on foot can give you an experience you will always remember.
Shiv Statue Haridwar Chandi Devi: This is another popular place with those visiting Haridwar. It used to get a smaller number of visitors earlier, however, since the construction of a ropeway this too has become an easily approachable temple. Situated at the top of Neel Parvat on river Ganga’s banks, the temple was built in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. It’s a three-kilometer trek from Chandighat. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD.
Saptarishis: This is another place that makes Haridwar a spiritually attractive place. Legend has it the Saptarishis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. River Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.
