Recommended Places to Visit in Haridwar

By Grand Aryash Team · Published 17 June 2026 · Updated 29 June 2026 · 8 min read · Reviewed by the Reservations Team

Haridwar rewards visitors who plan a little. Beyond the famous sunset Aarti at Har Ki Pauri lie hilltop temples reached by ropeway, serene ashrams, river ghats and quiet forest edges. This guide walks through the places most worth your time, with honest, practical tips on timings, crowds, footwear and how to combine stops without rushing.

Har Ki Pauri and the Ganga Aarti

Har Ki Pauri is the spiritual heart of Haridwar and the place almost every visitor begins. The riverside steps come alive at dusk for the Ganga Aarti, when rows of lamps are offered to the river amid bells and chanting. It is a genuinely moving experience, and it is also the busiest moment of the day.

• Timing: the Aarti is held at sunset, roughly 6 to 7 pm depending on the season. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early to find a good viewing spot, particularly at weekends and on festival days.
• Footwear: you will need to remove shoes near the ghats, so wear something easy to slip off and keep an eye on valuables in crowds.
• Etiquette: dress modestly, avoid blocking walkways, and be mindful when taking photographs during prayers.
• Crowds: the area is vehicle-restricted, so plan to walk the final stretch. Our detailed Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti guide covers seating, timing and etiquette in depth.

A morning visit is calmer if you want to sit by the water without the evening crush. If you are arriving by train, our station-to-ghats route guide shows the simple 1.5 to 2 km hop from the station.

Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi ropeways

Two hilltop temples frame the town, and reaching them is part of the fun. Both can be approached on foot for those who enjoy a climb, or by cable car, locally called the Udan Khatola.

• Mansa Devi: perched on Bilwa Parvat above the centre, this is the more visited of the two and offers fine views over the river and town. The ropeway saves a steep walk; queues build through the morning.
• Chandi Devi: across the river on Neel Parvat, quieter and with a slightly longer ropeway ride. Pair it with Mansa Devi for a half-day temple circuit.
• Practical tips: go early to beat queues and heat, carry water, and keep ropeway tickets handy. On busy days, allow generous queue time rather than packing too many stops into one morning.
• Comfort: the ropeways make these temples accessible to many senior travellers who would find the trek difficult, though there are still some steps at the top.

Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi is one of Haridwar's oldest temples and is considered a Shakti Peeth, giving the town its older name, Mayapuri. It sits within easy reach of Har Ki Pauri and makes a natural addition to a ghat-area walk.

• Combine it with your Har Ki Pauri visit since both are central and close together.
• It is generally less crowded than the hilltop temples, making for a calmer darshan.
• As with all temples here, dress modestly and be prepared to remove footwear.

Shanti Kunj and the ashrams

For travellers who want a gentler, reflective side of Haridwar, the ashrams deliver. Shanti Kunj, on the Rishikesh side of town, is a large, well-kept spiritual campus known for its calm gardens and orderly atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the bustle of the core.

• It suits a slower morning or a peaceful stop between busier sights.
• Observe quiet, respectful conduct and any posted guidance on photography and dress.
• The wider Bhupatwala and Sapt Sarovar stretch north of the centre is lined with further ashrams for those who want more.

Grand Aryash sits near Shanti Kunj, making this calmer area a practical and serene base. You can see the surroundings on our location page.

Bharat Mata Mandir and Daksha Mahadev

Two contrasting temples reward a short drive from the centre.

• Bharat Mata Mandir: a tall, multi-storey temple dedicated to Mother India, with each floor honouring saints, heroes and deities. The upper levels give pleasant views, and a lift eases the climb on busier days.
• Daksha Mahadev: located in Kankhal, a short distance south, this ancient Shiva temple carries deep mythological significance tied to the story of Daksha's yajna. It is usually calmer than the central ghats and worth pairing with a Kankhal visit.

Both are easiest to reach by car or auto, so factor a little travel time into your plan.

Sapt Rishi and the quieter ghats

If the central ghats feel overwhelming, head a little upstream. The Sapt Rishi area, where tradition holds the Ganga split into seven streams for the seven sages, offers a more tranquil riverside experience.

• Early mornings here are peaceful and good for a gentle riverside stroll.
• The water can be fast and cold, so take care near the edges, especially with children, and respect any safety chains or signage.
• These ghats suit families and seniors who want the Ganga's atmosphere without the densest crowds.

Rajaji area and nature

Haridwar sits beside Rajaji National Park, so a touch of wilderness is never far. The Chilla range, across the river towards the forest, is the usual gateway for those seeking elephants, deer and birdlife.

• Safari access depends on the season, as the park typically closes during the monsoon months; always check current opening before planning.
• Even without a full safari, the green fringes around town offer a refreshing change of pace from temples and markets.
• Carry water, modest sun protection and sensible footwear for any nature outing.

For a balanced mix of spiritual and relaxed sightseeing across a short trip, see our two-day Haridwar itinerary.

Local bazaars and what to buy

The lanes around Har Ki Pauri, especially Bara Bazaar and Moti Bazaar, are a sensory experience in themselves. They are best explored on foot and at a relaxed pace.

• Typical finds: brass and copper puja items, rudraksha and prayer beads, Ayurvedic products, woollens, and small souvenirs.
• Food: as a pilgrimage town, everything here is vegetarian; sample options at local stalls may include chaat, kachori and seasonal sweets, though offerings vary.
• Tips: keep belongings secure in the crush, carry small change, and shop earlier in the day before the evening Aarti rush fills the lanes.

For a fuller picture of eating well in town, our vegetarian food guide for Haridwar is a helpful companion.

Planning your days and where to stay

A little sequencing prevents a rushed, tiring trip. Here is a sensible rhythm for the main sights:

Where you stay shapes how relaxed the whole trip feels. A calmer base near Shanti Kunj keeps the ghats and temples within a comfortable drive while sparing you the late-night congestion of the core. Our guide on where to stay near the Ganga compares the neighbourhoods in detail, and families can find gentle outing ideas in our family-friendly places guide.

Grand Aryash is an elegant, pure-vegetarian hotel at Gali No. 3, Haripur Kalan, near Shanti Kunj, with 28 rooms across Deluxe, Premium, Family Twin and Grand Suite categories. There is on-site pure-vegetarian dining, a banquet hall for gatherings, and transfer assistance on request. Browse the full rooms overview when you are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important place to see in Haridwar?

Har Ki Pauri, especially at the sunset Ganga Aarti held around 6 to 7 pm depending on the season, is the centrepiece for most visitors. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for a good spot, particularly at weekends and during festivals.

How do I reach Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples?

Both hilltop temples can be reached by ropeway, locally called the Udan Khatola, or on foot for those who prefer to trek. The ropeways make them accessible to many senior travellers, though queues build through the morning, so go early.

How many days do I need for Haridwar?

Two days is comfortable for the main ghats, temples and an ashram, without rushing. A single day can cover Har Ki Pauri and one or two nearby temples, but you will see more, and feel calmer, with a second day.

Is Haridwar suitable for senior travellers and families?

Yes. Ropeways ease access to hilltop temples, the quieter ghats and ashrams suit a gentle pace, and vegetarian food is widely available. Choosing a calmer base for restful nights makes the trip far more comfortable for elders and children.

Can I see wildlife near Haridwar?

The Rajaji National Park area, usually accessed via Chilla, offers safaris when the park is open, typically outside the monsoon months. Always check current opening before planning, as access is seasonal.

What should I carry when visiting temples and ghats?

Wear easy-to-remove footwear since shoes come off near the ghats and temples, dress modestly, and carry water and small change. Keep valuables secure in crowds, especially during the evening Aarti.